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Zeroking: Kings of Self Destruction
Zeroking: Kings of Self Destruction
Hard Rock/Heavy Metal
4.5/5.0
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ReverbNation
Independent/Unsigned
review by Craig Hartranft, 01.30.2012
If you think the spit and swagger of classic American hard rock has been lost to the trends of emo, screamo, post-grunge, or hipsters wearing scarves and Clark Kent glasses, here's West Virginia's Zeroking. Kings of Self Destruction is hard rock as it was meant to be: below the belt and whiskey drenched, driven by a rock groove, powerful vocals and stinging guitars. Zeroking is the real deal. Think the best melodic hard rock of the late Eighties invigorated by a GnR strut.
For the 'dead on' hard rock tunes Dead Rock Star, Stone Cold Bitch, Black Friday, and Showtime deliver with fist-pumping inspiration. A rock groove and catchy hook propels most songs, making The Party's Over another 'spot on' rockin song. A southern flair inhabits the acoustic and piano bits of Southern Lady, a very nice touch and compliment to the Zeroking sound.
But it's not all kick-ass grit. Zeroking surprises with the inspired and epic rock ballads, Valentine and Leaving California, which closes the album. Zeroking teams up with fellow Huntington native Stacee Lawson for the fine rock duet Love is Dead.
The album is also well-produced, the musicianship skilled, and Andy Haught one of the best new pure rock vocalists to emerge on the scene.
Zeroking's Kings of Self Destruction is a well-executed and well-played platter of classic American hard rock. The vigor and adrenaline in their music is infectious and entertaining. The next big thing in American hard rock? I could live with that. Strongly recommended.
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In Short
Zeroking's Kings of Self Destruction is a well-executed and well-played platter of classic American hard rock. The next big thing in American hard rock? I could live with that.
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