Kingscrossing
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Kingscrossing

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"Metal CD Ratings"

Reviewed: 2-8-08 by KIT

It warms the cockles of my heart to see that the 80s traditional U.S. heavy metal sound is alive and well today. I'm not talking power metal, progressive metal, speed metal, symphonic Hollywood blackened theatrical operatic horror viking metal, or any of those other fractured sub-genres, just plain old-fashioned, true-as-steel American metal in the vein of Axehammer, Malice, Lizzy Borden, Breaker, Vicious Rumors, Obsession, Leatherwolf, 'Dungeons'-era Savatage, 'Warning'-era Queensryche, Armored Saint and the like. To my ears, the pride of Texas, Aska, are the leading purveyors of this style, but Nevada's Kingscrossing have enthusiastically thrown their hat in the ring with their 's/t', independently released debut CD.

From the outset, it is immediately clear that Kingscrossing ooze professionalism and class. The musicianship is proficient, to say the least, especially the searing 6-string work of Zack Grimm and Richie Pagan (love the stage names, guys). The production is sharp, clear and superior to that heard on many of today's bigger-budget recordings. And vocalist Michael Adams is a massive talent. He claims to be influenced by Geoff Tate and Ronnie James Dio, and I hear both of those. But I'd also toss in some Bobby Lucas (Overlorde), Mark Vanderbilt (early Kamelot), Jim Hamar (Breaker), and, for something a bit more obscure, Dale Anthony (Zaxas). His technical skills are superb, and he manages to be powerful, controlled and expressive all at the same time.

Of course, for a band like Kingscrossing to succeed, the songs must be excellent. Let's face it: This style of music has been around for more than a quarter century. If, like Kingscrossing, you are choosing to perform that sound in undiluted, pure form, without innovation or experimentation, then it is imperative that the songs be strong. (Don't get me wrong: I'm not criticizing the band for playing true, unabashed American metal. Far from it, I applaud the choice. But that narrow path isn't necessarily the easiest road to recognition given the conventions and inherent limitations in the style, so great songwriting is a must.) On this metric, 'Kingscrossing' is a winner. Sticking to the midtempo for the most part, Kingscrossing present a host of compelling riffs and cool vocal melodies, with memorable songs. The adrenaline-powered "Rapid fire" (no, not a Judas Priest cover) is an obvious highlight, as are the band's eponymous track (opening line: "Stand up and fight for the king and the queen") and the speedier bursts of "Powersource" and "L.I.F.E.". All 11 songs are effective, and there are no ballads, instrumentals, intros, outros or other pointless time-wasters on this lean 45-minute attack. The mantra "all killer, no filler" comes to mind.

What's frustrating is that a band of Kingscrossing's caliber continues to toil in obscurity. They're unsigned and have little word-of-mouth buzz, to my knowledge. However, late last year Kingscrossing crossed the pond for a short tour and an appearance at the famous Swordbrothers Festival in Andernach, Germany a few days before Christmas. Here's hoping that 2008 is kind to Kingscrossing, a band with the chops, talent and songs to turn, no, bang, many heads in the underground metal community.

Finally, a caveat: Confusingly, there are 2 versions of this debut CD floating around. The earlier edition (recorded in 2005) features a different singer, somewhat different tracklisting and weaker production. If you decide to check out Kingscrossing, make certain you pick up the 2006 pressing, which features re-recorded material, new material, better production, and Adams' stellar pipes. KIT
- by KIT


"Metal Covenant"

For the noble knights of Kingscrossing, Metal is Life. These battlescarred diligent warriors are true defenders of the faith. Struggling to enlighten young naive' minds about the true nature of Heavy Metal, these magnanimous souls fight to the death to remunerate the spirit of real mettle. With a rapid fire succession of crunchy, punchy riffs, solicitous soloing, and steadfast drumming, these chivalrous soldiers tap into the everlasting powersource of pure 80's brilliance.

These Metal Angels dwell in the "city that never sleeps"; thus, they are ever vigilant, ready to rule the night, and reign in glory. These kings of excellence crossed paths in 2000; united with a heartfelt desire to play classic arena rock rhythms. Kingscrossing is primarily the CD baby of Zach Grimm, who serves as main songwriter and lyricist. The debut album was released in 2005, but neither the band, nor fans were satisfied with the overall effort; so like Armory, Kingscrossing returned to the studio to rework the songs. They hired classically trained vocalist Michael Adams to replace Greg Williams, and added second guitarist Richie Pagan. The result is a revamped, well-worked second edition rendering.

Make no mistake, Kingscrossing are Traditional Metal, the epitome of the classic 80's style; elucidating all the characteristics of melody, majesty, and mayhem. They resonate the vibe of such Metal Blade heroes as Tyrant, Omen, Obsession, Liege Lord, Hades, Riot, Fates Warning, etc; who if still present today, are mere reflections of past glory. As if struck by lightning, the whole intention of Kingscrossing is to qualify the milieu of metal as not only relevant, but essential.

The CD commences with an eerie techno pulse which emanates and evolves into a medieval offering similar to Saxon's - Crusader. This track has a very infectious bite, and catchy riff, which echoes in my heart long after the song subsides. Powersource is raging steel, with a powersurge of energetic electro-violence and sonic aggression. L.I.F.E. expresses poignant emotion; contrasted by the harsh reality of everyday existence. Brainwashed delivers with its psychotherapeutic toxicity; while Nightmares will have you running to the hills, with no idea why. Reflections summons the sirens of Savatage, reverting the listener to the empire of the Queen of the Reich.

Stalker is a killer cut, with its Street Lethal Racer X riffage and guitar frenzy. Each strident strum endures with an indelible effect, which leaves one scarred for life. Richie Pagan & Zach Grimm meld strings to produce a chilling chord cadence, echoing Jack Frost, Paul Gilbert, and the Malice of Jay Reynolds. Rapid Fire is another ripping guitar assault triumphantly bowing to the battalions of Metal Church.

Kingscrossing remind me of the highly under appreciated war veterans Zaxas. These Christians signed with Noise Records in the mid 90's after serving their country in the Gulf War. Zaxas have a great deal in common with Kingscrossing. Musically the songs are very similar in structure and stlye, and vocalist Michael Adams has a pitch very similar to Dale Anthony. He also reminds me of Michael Tirelli from Holy Mother & Messiah's Kiss.

One may easily detect the band's fondness for Dio, Maiden, Manowar, & Queensrÿche.. All songs fervently flow very well, but Stuck In A Hole ends abruptly, and is not the appropriate song for concluding this album. Angels Of The Night would have been a better choice.

I admire the honesty and integrity of the lyrics as well. Some songs are very personal to Zach and his brothers; others are more fantasy, or reality based. Either way, each song guages with a specific message, not of anger or resentment, but of hope and promise. Kingscrossing think good things and move out of judgementalism, into an attitude of gratitude. I highly respect this personal power of creation.

Celebrate real metal and sojourn with Kingscrossing. I can see why they are a top seller at www.cdbaby.com/cd/kingscrossing. Their committement and determination will prove most beneficial. Like Lizzy Borden, Zandelle, Wild Dogs, or Aska, these knights defend the holy realm; so that someday soon, the expendable youth, and brainwashed masses may finally wake from their bedlam of hails and horns, only to realize that True Metal never dies!
7 chalices of 10
- by Michael the Mettle Angel


"Metal Forever Forever Metal"

Metal fans raise your swords, because the debut album of KINGSCROSSING is a true killer!!! Eleven songs with a total playing time of forty-five minutes, showing us that true metal is still very much alive. The band hails from Arizona, where they polished their best armour and sharpened their axes, before going to battle. The five warriors of metal can be proud of their album. No clichées, no GAMMA RAY or HELLOWEEN-like galloping beats, but powerful metal hymns is what you get, spiced up with some great twin axework. Just listen to a song like “Powersource” to get the idea what the two axemasters have in mind for you. “Brainwashed” starts off quite interesting and it will catch your attention right away. Get a load of riffage in this song, it’s great! “Nightmares” opens with a drum intro similar to “Run To The Hills” of IRON MAIDEN in 1982. The rest of the song could well be on any old SAVATAGE album. While “Reflections” sounds more like the old QUEENSRYCHE stuff in the early days. As you can see, there is plenty of variation in the sound of KINGSCROSSING, and they sounds like some of the best old school metal bands. In “Angels In The Night”, singer Michael Adams sounds like a Ronnie James Dio. The song shows some similarity with “Stars” of the short lived HEAR ‘N AID PROJECT. “Stalker” and “Bed Of Nails” can be categorised as great songs, but in my opinion “Rapid Fire” is one of the definite highlights on this CD. It’s not the JUDAS PRIEST cover, that goes by the same name, but it does have the same power as this metal anthem. ‘You live by the sword, die by the sword’, backed with an ultraheavy riff, yes that’s the shit I wanna hear. The CD closes with the short “Stuck In A Hole”. Just one last check. Was this album recorded in 1982 or in 2006? It was recorded in 2006 by a band called KINGSCROSSING, consisting of Michael Adams on vocals, Zack Grimm on lead guitar, Richie Pagan on lead guitar, Rob Shock on bass and D. Hying on drums. KINGSCROSSING, a name to remember, if old school heavy metal is your thing! (9/10- Toine van Poorten)
- Review by Toine van Poorten


"Hard Rock Haven"

Comments: With band members with names like Zack Grimm (guitar) and Richie Pagan (guitar), there is right around zero chance the band Kingscrossing won't succeed. It's called kismet, karma, luck … some things just make sense, just fit together. These guys HAD to be in a Metal band, you see? Oh yeah, the bass player's name is Rob Shock; go figure. Rounding out the band is lead singer Michael Adams and drummer Joe Maietta, and together, they have released one of the coolest independent releases in quite a while.

Kingscrossing has influences of Queensryche - mostly due to Adams' similar vocal style to Geoff Tate - and they also have a bit of Power Metal or NWOBHM in their music, like Saxon. Kind of a "can't fail formula," eh?

The CD opens with a song after the band's name, typically either a narcissistic or just bad move. It's not too bad, here, though. "Kingscrossing" has Lynch-like riffs and searing guitar leads, a triumphant and galloping rhythm section, and some impressive vocals from Adams. They admit their sound a bit like "medieval metal" in their MySpace page, and you'll get that here. Both Grimm and Pagan eschew normal rhythm playing for speedy and fast guitar passages.

"L.I.F.E." is one of the songs that should go far in making these guys well known. It's heavy, with more insane guitar leads, and Adams shines vocally. He's received classical training, much like Geoff Tate, and you'll hear it in his delivery. Everything is under control-there's no untimely or untoward screams, no reaching for notes he can't attain. His lower passages are just as good as his higher range, meaning he understands just because you can hit the high notes doesn't make you a great singer. He's got the whole package. Check out Grimm's solo on "L.I.F.E." It's fat and full, sort of like a Zakk Wylde solo.

Shock tears into things on "Nightmares," leading the way with a funky and grooving bass intro. This song is a bit more experimental than the others. It has quirky guitar sections, and Adams' voice is kind of pushed to the front, rhythmically jousting with the lead guitar. Cool.

Now, when they do slow things down, you are going to get a major Queensryche comparison. On "Reflections," the song begins slow, and has that same ominous feel of "Take Hold of the Flame." Adams uses his higher range, and the song picks after the opening to another straightforward metal anthem.

That's about as slow as the band decides to get, though. The next tracks are all high quality, like "Angels In the Night," "Stalker" and "Bed of Nails," but they don't really branch out and try new things. It would have been interesting to hear the band pull off a ballad or mid-tempo rocker, letting Adams show what he can really do. Maybe next time around.

Kingscrossing is a strong release. If you like guitars, they are your band. If you like high-quality singers, Adams won't leave you wanting. They know how to write great songs, even if they sometimes fall into similar styles.
- by Derric Miller


"Metal Rules"

This band from Las Vegas is hot as hell in the word's purest sense for this self-produced and self-titled CD is powerfood for every voracious Metalhead. The opener and title track inevitably reminds me of FIFTH ANGEL while the following "Powersource" is fast and heavy and makes me draw comparisons to POWERSURGE or LETHAL. Every single track feels like a journey back in time to the good old 80ies.And thus the band's variable sound cannot be compared to only one band but legends as WARRIOR, OMEN, ROUGH CUTT or AXEHAMMER could serve as a stylistical orientation for you. And, of course,vocalist Michael Adams' voice is 100% pure Metal. Senseless to point out any single song here for this album totally kills. You ought to check out there homepage www.kingscrossing.us as well to listen to several sound files which should finally convince you completely !!
- Review by IronIngo


"METAL TO INFINITY"

First of all i'd like to tell that when you're hooked on True US Heavy Metal music, you do not let go beyond a band like Kingscrossing. It all started back in 2001 when guitarist Zack Grimm disbanded his formation Steele Life, a band which played those days with numerous other greats such as Flotsam and Jetsam, Cessation Of Life, Anvil, Imagika, St. Madness and many. Zack left the Steele Life ranks for unknown reasons to me but kept on writing and composing new songs. Zack's a natural born eavy Metal maniac with the intention of delivering true sounds of steel to all those that feels attracted itself to this genre.

He went in search of the appropriate musicians whom he found at first by ex-Aftershock vocalist Greg Williams. Some other Aftershock members Rob Shock (bassist) and drummer D. Hying met up later on. With this lineup, Kingscrossing played a lot of shows in the LA until an accident struck. They were ready to record a debut album in 2004 but was delayed due to drummer D. Hying who touched seriously wounded broke his pelvis in three places. Spoken of a developement...Shit always happen at the most unsuitable moments but Kingscrossing picked up the wire seven months later to continuing making Metal music.

Singer Greg Williams decided to call it quits and was replaced by ex-Cyrus Zain frontman Michael Adams (check out the CZ review right HERE please). Also, a second axe shredder joined the Kingscrossing ranks by the name of Richie Pagan (ex-Avatar / Original Sin). Finally, the time was right entering the studio again for the recordings a debut album, actually a remake of the 2004 delayed one, plus a few new tracks added. That job is done and meanwhile, the album is unleashed to take the world by storm and surprise! This independent release has eleven tracks on board that incredibly sound so damn good, i must confess that this album is definitely one of my favourite ones of 2006!

A US Metal thrill, a revelation or whatever, i've really been impressed to the extreme. Musically wise, Classic, US Metal in the vein of Vicious Rumoprs, Aska, Seven Witches, Icarus Witch, Phantom X, Eidolon...superb from beginning till the bitter end. Top-notch vocals of Michael Adams reminds me of killer singers such as Bobby Lucas (Overlorde, Exhibition, ex- Seven Witches), Ray Alder (Fates Warning, Engine, Redemption) and the almighty Geoff Tate (Queensryche). After a short, electronic introduction hell breaks loose with the song "Kingscrossing". I knew right from the start, this band was amazing in every way. A first, perfect US Metal song the way it should be.

More awesome songs on the way with the up-tempo pearls like: "Powersource", "C.I.F.E." and "Rapid Fire". Besides the more faster songs, Kingscrossing knows damn well how the bring variation elements to their music. Kick-ass breaks, magnificent skilled guitar duties and devastating drum / bass lines. Taking me higher are songs such as: "Stuck In A Hole", "Stalker", "Reflection". Let me be straight while saying that the entire album has such a positive impact on me, i'd like to call this piece something very special, something that fuilfills all my US Metal desires! One thing left to say, ORDER immediately or get the hell outta here.

TrueHeavy Metal revelation of 2006? To me, definitely yes!!! MY POINTS: 98 / 100
- METAL TO INFINITY


"MAGIC STARLIGHT 'ZINE"

Kingscrossing is the brainchild of guitarist Zak Grimm and was formed in 2002, when he moved to Las Vegas, right after he disbanded his previous project "Steele Life". Ex-Aftershock members, including singer Greg Williams, bass player Rob Shock and drummer D. Hying completed the band's line-up. They recorded their debut CD in 2005, but there's a big difference with the copy I'm holding now in my hands. The band decided to re-record the CD, since vocalist Greg Williams left on March 2006 and this incident led the band to try a new approach on the already performed songs. New singer named Michael Adams (ex Cyrus Zain) and also second guitarist Rich Pagan (ex Avatar, Spend, Original Sin) joined the band, so and this line-up the "new version" came out. Kingscrossing perform solid and really powerful Heavy / Power Metal, the American Way! Don't expect keyboards or any other additional sounds here, it's only pure sounding Metal here that rules! The self-titled track that opens the CD is their most melodic and hymn-like moment, while the rest of it includes mostly powerful, mid-tempo songs, with precise vocals and combined guitar leads from the two guitarists. In songs like "Powersource" the double guitar leads prove my previous sentence! I also enjoyed "Angels In The Night" (short but great riff!), "Stalker" (melody returns here, while power is never absent!) and "Rapid Fire". Kingscrossing's intention was to create an album with an atmosphere that can travel anyone back to the glorious 80's and I think that they couldn't have done it better! Check their profile in order to buy their CD:
- Review by Dimitris Starakis


"Ice Vajal"

This is a very interesting release, for by looks alone one would expect galloping US metal along the lines of say GOTHIC KNIGHTS or RITUAL STEEL, with piering vocals and tales of yore, not so however. This band reminds me a lot of ICED EARTH musically, METAL CHURCH at Human Factor-era and underground LA metal band ARMED FORCES' No Guts No Glory. This is traditionally sound and stand outs are the title cut and Powersource the mighty pouning Angels Of Light and the shreder Stalker. There is a obvious dose of originality here as sonically they manage to maintain the warmth of 80's metal while managing to master an air of the contemporary. A worthwhile purchase and a band with a furture is definatley to be found here. I certainly look forward to seing and hearing more from these guys.

- Review by Eamon O'Connor


"Concert Review- Swordbrother Festival-Germany"

The first of three American bands today was KINGSCROSSING, a traditional heavy / power metal quintet hailing from Las Vegas, Nevada. Although the band has been around since 2002, it wasn’t until January 2007 that they released their selftitled debut CD. That was mainly due to replacing the original vocalist and adding a second guitarist in 2006. Apart from a gig in Berlin the day before, this was KINGSCROSSING’s maiden European gig. And they sure managed to convince quite a few people with their versatile form of medieval themed metal today. For all I know the band may well have played their debut CD in its entirety, and no new stuff at all. The songs that I remember for sure are Kingscrossing, Nightmares, Reflections, Angels In The Night, Stalker, Bed Of Nails and Rapid Fire. And whereas I had discovered a couple of ‘weaker’ songs on the CD, it all sounded so much better and heavier live. A very fine first encounter for sure, and I’m looking forward to more material and gigs in the future!
- DEN OF INIQUITY


"www.kingscrossing.us/reviews.cfm"

View the rest of Kingscrossings Reviews by visiting us on the web at www.kingscrossing.us/reviews.cfm - Kingscrossing Main Page


Discography

Kingscrossing self titled 2007 Release
Songs on Kingscrossing 2007 release.

1. Kingscrossing
2. Powersource
3. Life
4. Brainwashed
5. Nightmares
6. Reflections
7. Angels of the Knights
8. Bed of Nails
9. Stalker
10. Rapid Fire
11. Stuck in a Hole

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

Kingscrossing has accomplished the following in 2006 to Current.

CD’s -
Kingscrossing 2007 Release - Recieving top reviews worldwide and is one of the top selling Heavy Metal CDs at CD Baby.

Complilations-
HEAVY magazines compilation CD - Print of 30,000 distributed in all of Europe.

Video-
11 Videos all aired on UPN and several other TV stations across the Nation.
New videos for 2008 are currently in the works.

Radio-
KRWN 92.9 in New Mexico,
Howard 101 SIRIUS (Bubba the Love Sponge Show),
KWTF Worldwide,
KBER Utah
KLZX Utah

Distribution-
Kingsrossing is one of the top selling CDs at CD Baby.
Kingscrossing is distributed worldwide through distributors and digital downloads.
To view all distributors of the Kingscrossing CD please select from the menu buttons.

MAGAZINE REVIEWS

Kingscrossing has recieved top reviews worldwide in the following magazines and ezines. To view the full articles go to:
www.kingscrossing.us

Metal CD Ratings
Metal Covenant
Metal Forever, Forever Metal (Europe)
Hard Rock Haven (USA)
Metal Rules (Europe)
Sacred Metal (Europe)
Metal to Infinity (Europe)
Heavy Metal Resource (USA)
HEAVY Magazine (Europe) Hard copy available
Obliveon (Europe)
Magic Starlight'zine
CrossOver
Ice Vajal
Violent Moshground Magazine (Europe)

INTERVIEWS-

Metal To Infinity
Metal Forever-Forever Metal
Hard Rock Haven

To view the full articles go to:
www.kingscrossing.us

Photos

Bio

Kingscrossing
Review and Bio

Remember the old days when you went to a rock concert and came out with slight, temporary hearing loss from standing too close to the mammoth P.A. stack, but you were a changed person and it was all worth it, then you did it again the following week, and then... all summer long until the tours eventually ended? Kingscrossing has a mission to bring all that back.
KINGSCROSSING is a killer mix of shear HEAVY METAL with radial riff deliveries, crushing bottom end and fast paced drumbeats. It's hard to equate this band to something you've heard before. If you like metal in the vein of Manowar, Iron Maiden and Queensryche you will definitely like this band. There are definite similarities between these bands. The music is obviously power metal with only minor slowdowns in tempo on your journey. The band has been around for just a few years. Their songwriting has a confidence that comes through. It's nice to see some bands still out there that get it done with the four basic elements: vocals, guitars, drums and bass. They retain that “True Metal” type of sound and it works. It's metal with a medieval flavor.
Zack took his metal project to Las Vegas Nevada in 2002 searching for dedicated musicians with the same vision. That Vision was bringing great Heavy Metal to Metal fans through out the nation.
Vocalist Michael Adams, a vocalist formally trained in classical and opera, is known for his unique and powerful yet elegant vocal style. It is clear why his voice is nothing short of the elite class. His influences include Geoff Tate, Ronnie James Dio, and Paul McCartney.
Guitarist Zack Grimm, whose metal influences have helped mold his guitar styles, cuts to the chase. He is often quite laid back until show time, and then it’s down to business and frequent guitar changes. His heavy rhythms and searing melodic leads bring back memories of the way Heavy Metal was in the early days. His influences include Randy Rhoads, Zakk Wylde, George Lynch and Dave Mustaine.
Guitarist Richie Pagan rips it up as well, soaring over the fretboard creating the same heavy rhythms and adding harmonies. The two guitarists often trade off solos making an exciting live performance.
The Bass lines carry a mean bottom end which lends a driving force behind their music.
The Drums are thunderous solid playing style and years of professional experience is apparent, a real master of tempo, groove and is the foundation of Kingscrossing.