It is always a Nordic country that is in the spotlight with the Finns of 'King Company' who release their third album after 'One for the Road' in 2016 and 'Queen of Hearts' in 2018. Formed in 2014 by the drummer of 'Thunderstone', 'Mirka Rantanen', after two changes of singers in the last few years, it is now 'Ilkka Keskitalo' who provides vocals on this last album. 'I Will Be There' begins the album with an energetic title and a catchy chorus which is a good example of what to expect on this opus in a direct and effective style, then, 'Trapped in Heart' continues in a melodic atmosphere with less supported verses bringing a chorus with choirs that we want to accompany. In the same style, we can cite 'Stephanie' with its memorable chorus, the muscular hit 'Dangerous Tonight' which should run in a loop with a lot of melodic hard-rock fans, the energetic and fast 'Screen Is Your Life' with a heavy metal rhythm section or even the melodic jewel 'Fair Winds' in an enthusiastic AOR or even 'Nobodys Fool', certainly the most muscular track that comes close to heavy metal. And when the tempo is more measured, the Finns show other equally effective compositions with the magnificent power ballad 'Death of Soul', the mid-tempo 'Nothing for Free' with a chorus which should be taken in chorus in concert or even 'Stars Will Lead the Way', between power ballad and mid-tempo ending the album in style.
In summary, even if they will not revolutionize melodic hard-rock, the Finns of 'King Company' show that they have a talent to offer us melodic and effective compositions which are appreciated from the first listening which should destine 'Trapped' to a large audience loving an accessible melodic hard-rock... | |
