9 / 10
➤ "... twenty runs through and still discover something new … an outstanding performance. Anyone who records such a catchy and yet varied album knows what they are doing and where they want to go ... unusual and very good ..."
(Moshpit Passion)
4 / 5
➤ "… surprised by the clean, catchy sound … definitely a mix of the classic US Metal sound of the early '80s like Riot or Metal Church with the more glossy Euro sounds of bands like Sortilege or Helloween … a lot of sharp riffs and playing … charmingly unpolished and has a rough-and-ready sound to it … they nailed it."
(The Metal Crypt)
8,6 / 10
➤ "... beautiful heaviness, powerful riffing, intoxicatingly beautiful vocals, which also shine in the sharp tones ... indulge in classic Heavy Metal with reference to the earthy Hard Rock of days gone by ..."
(Zephyr's Odem)
8,5 / 10
➤ "... surprisingly clear line ... very impressive how the guys manage to mix elements of Hard Rock with Metal elements without it sounding abrupt ... varied tracks provide an entertaining atmosphere ..."
(Hellfire)
8,5 / 10
➤ "If you like it very melodic and don't want to do without crunchy riffs, KILL CITY is the right choice ... it goes straight into my ears and stays there ... the mixture of classic Hard Rock and moderate US Metal sounds very mature and especially the vocals of Chemel Neme are outstanding ... fans of bands like Queensrÿche, Fifth Angel or Dokken should definitely risk an ear."
(Neckbreaker)
8 / 10
➤ "... really catchy and melodic ... great riffs and catchy guitar runs ... but what impresses me the most is the vocal direction of frontman Chemel Neme, who actually sounds like a really good US Metal singer ... fans of Heir Apparent, Queensrÿche, Hittman or Fifth Angel should definitely give this one a listen ..."
(Crossfire)
7,5 / 10
➤ "... excellent mixture of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal ... never become so metallic that they could compete with groups like Hittman and Titan Force ... slight echoes of Helloween and Riot (‘See Them Burn’) cannot be denied ... unpolished rough diamond ..."
(Saitenkult)
7,5 / 10
➤ "… high energy, fluid, crisp, melodic and memorable … throughout this opus there is such a warm presence … 'Darker Days' is a gem I’d recommend to anyone whose penchant is for Heavy Metal of varying shades."
(Metal Forces)
➤ "… I must immediately apologize for not knowing the band beforehand, because what they do is really good … the album is first-class craftsmanship … everything melts together into a true unit … have their own unique sound …"
(Rancor Metalzine)
➤ "... is worth every written and spoken word ... her strongest and most mature work to date ... independence has finally won ..."
(Breakout)
➤ "… a strong album that captures the essence of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal while adding their own touch … versatility and infectious energy … KILL CITY are not only an asset in their native Ecuador, but also in the international music world … a must for every Rock and Metal fan."
(BlattTurbo)
➤ "… Chemel Neme, a singer of international stature, who could easily find a place in one of the many similar bands from Switzerland or Sweden … could easily be played on mainstream radio … slight Queensrÿche flavor … don't convince with big experiments, but instead conjure up many beautiful melodies … although they can rock hard, they usually take a relaxed approach … a great Hard Rock/Melodic Metal album that you certainly wouldn't have expected from a band from Ecuador in this form."
(Totentanz)
➤ "They embody the well-known groups such as Riot but they have a point about more European groups from the beginnings of the Power Metal movement like Helloween … I love how they use keyboards especially in 'Scream In Silence' which are testimonial but leave a very elegant differentiating stamp … the 11 songs and almost 40 minutes leave you wanting more and more …"
(Nada Hay Bajo El Sol)
➤ "… pretty cool … well done guys … deliver in a big way, which fans of old school Metal are gonna love … solid melodies that make you want to sing along … great …"
(Wanna Hear A Great Song Today?)
Action: | KILL CITY |
Title: | Darker Days |
Base: | Guayaquil • Ecuador |
Style: | Melodic Heavy Metal |
Genre: | Melodic Hard Rock, Heavy Rock, Heavy Metal, NWOBHM |
FFO: | Queensrÿche, Hittman, Crimson Glory |
Type: | Full-length |
Format: | CD + Vinyl |
Label: | Doc Gator Records |
Release: | April 26, 2024 |
One of the hallmarks of KILL CITY's creative process is their focused collaborative approach to songwriting. In this way, each band member contributes to all aspects of a song, including music, melodies, lyrics and production. This organic and collaborative method ensures that each composition reflects the collective musicianship and artistic synergy within the band.
KILL CITY's music explores a variety of themes, creating a captivating tapestry of emotions and experiences. From the introspective exploration of relationships in "House In The Sky" to the powerful anthem of perseverance in "See Them Burn", those involved cover the spectrum of human emotion.
With "Darker Days", the band continues their sonic journey and offers a raw and dynamic experience. The lyrics touch on themes of distance, sacrifice, self-empowerment, existential disillusionment and the unpredictability of life. Whether it's the haunting introspection of "Scream In Silence", the defiant attitude of "Fear No One" or the fatalistic perspective of "Lords Of Demise", KILL CITY weave narratives that reflect the complexity of the human condition.
The cover artwork of the new album reflects the current social decay of our society in KILL CITY's "Darker Days" exploration. The depiction of the grotesque dance in a cramped and dark tavern is an excellent metaphor for the main theme of the album. The painting used is a masterpiece by the renowned Ecuadorian painter Luigi Stornaiolo.
FLASHBACK:
KILL CITY was founded in Ecuador in 2019 by Andres Miranda, Xavier Diab, Luis Neme, Juan Miguel Iturralde and Chemel Neme. United by a long-standing friendship and a shared passion for Hard Rock and Heavy Metal, the band quickly turned their idea into musical reality. Remarkably, the Neme brothers and other members have been friends outside of the band in the past, which has contributed to the unique chemistry that defines the sound of KILL CITY.
Musical style:
Influenced by the raw energy of Hard Rock and the power of Heavy Metal, KILL CITY break genre boundaries with individual compositions that cover a wide spectrum of styles and elements of Rock music. Their dynamic and versatile approach can make them stand out in the competitive world of Rock music.
Album releases:
KILL CITY released their debut album "Last Man Standing" in 2020, making a strong statement in the industry. Building on this success, the second album "Civilized To Death" followed in 2022. Both works show the band's ambition to create their very own sound, which goes down well with fans of hard-hitting, authentic Rock.
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