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Killer Kings: Burn For Love

Melodic Hard Rock/AOR

4.0/5.0

Internet (Label)
Frontiers Music
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 10.10.2022 | Released: 14.10.2022

First, some background information. Killer Kings is a new Frontier Music project featuring the collaboration of vocalist Gregory Lynn Hall (ex- 101 South) and guitarist Tristan Avakian (ex-Red Dawn, Queen Extravaganza). While I did not recognize either musician, both have significant pedigrees in the business. A music vet, Hall's most prominent gig was with 101 South, but he has also given his talent to session work, often with Christian artists. Avakian, also a veteran of the industry, worked with Red Dawn, but also has experience in theater, song writing, and production. His contributions include work with some electic talent: Cirque du Soleil, Lauryn Hill, Mariah Carey, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Rob Thomas, and Biohazard.

Gregory Lynn Hall

Burn For Love is the duo's debut album, featuring contributions from Frontiers' artist in residence Alessandro Del Vecchio, significant guitarist and producer Tommy Denander (keyboards on Burn For Love), and Whitesnake guitarist Joel Hoekstra (I Will Be Stronger). Speaking to the principals involved, Hall has an interesting vocal style.

His voice can be gritty and raspy quite often (I Will Be Stronger, Higher, Another Night Another Fight) and then soulful, emotional, and perhaps bluesy at other times (Losing Me, The Pains Of Yesterday, No End In Sight). I found Hall's vocals an acquired taste, not exactly my cup of tea. His vocal style is also an indication of the song style across the album: melodic hard rock with obvious AOR nuances, yet sometimes heavy, tougher, even slow grooving. (I'm not sure who was involved in the song writing.)

Speaking to the second principal, Avakian has a strong and solid guitar presence with vigorous and creative solos throughout the album. Which, in tandem with some strong song arrangements, made this the two best highlights of the album. In other words, more simply, the guitar work is killer and may be the strength of this project.

All in all, I found Killer Kings' Burn For Love a significant debut album, thanks to some strong song writing and terrific guitar work from collaborator Tristan Avakian. Check out the videos and support the band.

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I found Killer Kings' Burn For Love a significant debut album, thanks to some strong song writing and terrific guitar work from collaborator Tristan Avakian. Check out the videos and support the band.

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