Killinger: Killinger

Killinger is a hard rock/metal band from Edmonton, Alberta that was formed in 2008. Vocalist Dave Williams (ex-Rattpoison) and guitarist Kevin Morin (ex-Bonafide and Face First) joined forces with R.J. Killinger (bass, background vocals) and Chris Challice (drums) with the intent on making music with a decided '80s metal influence. Their debut self-titled CD was released in 2010.

Killinger has clearly made an album with '80s hair metal as a guide, basing their music on the likes of Ratt, Poison, Skid Row, Warrant and probably many more too numerous to mention. If you are thinking this is not the most original music made in 2010 you would be correct. That does not make it a bad album, however, it is not that memorable either. I will say it is a fun enough listen but I am not sure how much staying power this one will have.

The songs follow the basic verse/chorus/verse structure with heavy guitar riffs and anthemic choruses. The band produces a big sound and there are some pretty good melodies scattered throughout. Lyrically speaking the band sings about relationships and sex and at times they do get a little pedestrian. A case in point is the catchy metal of "Crazy Things" where Williams sings "Hey dirty girl do you wanna come play, what you say?/I got your lollipop and it lasts all day/I'll take you on a trip and on my face your gonna sit." Not overly inspiring but I suppose this is rock and roll.

Another drawback is the similarity between the songs. After listening to the album a couple of times no one song stood out as the best although "Listen" is a pretty good power ballad and the anthemic "Got To Have You" would be good live with big catchy riffs and strong vocals.

This is not a great album but not a terrible one either. It's not complicated music but if you are looking for something a little more fun that doesn't make you think too much and brings you back to the hair metal scene of the '80s you may want to check this out. Killinger has made a pretty good party disc, nothing more, nothing less.

Track Listing:
1. We Are Here
2. Never Change
3. Holding On
4. The Gun
5. Crazy Things
6. I Don't Care
7. King Of The Kill
8. The Sky
9. You Still Love Me
10. Listen
11. Got To Have You
12. Illuminati

Added: February 6th 2011
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band's Official Site
Hits: 2399
Language: english

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