Since their rare debut independent release ‘Anachronismr’ hit the rugged streets of Flint, Michigan. The urban decayed rust belt face-melters, known around the world as King 810, have always divided music critic opinion. Their eccentric nu-metal sound draws influence from a variety of sources; hip hop, metallic hardcore, and even industrial metal. The band’s unique style has cemented them as one of the most divisive acts in modern heavy music today. Despite the backlash they often receive for their controversial lyrical content, fans are passionate about their support for King 810 and often champion them as a breath of fresh air in an over-saturated modern metal genre. Founding members David Gunn and Eugene Gill have continually pushed boundaries since the start of their career, unafraid to take risks that could potentially alienate some listeners but reward others who enjoy the eccentricity they superbly bring forth within each release.

I’ve been a fan of KING 810 since the release of their debut album. I was captivated by the gut-wrenching, destructive energy in their music, but it felt like something may have been was missing. Recently, their latest EP ‘K5: follow my tears’ (produced by Josh Schroeder) has made me believe that King 810 have finally found what may have been lacking in the past – a sense of newfound purpose and a bold direction. It feels like they are back with a vengeance and stepping in the right direction. The lyrics embedded within this new EP still convey raw emotion, but with more conviction than before. There is still an underlying hint of darkness to many of their tracks that make them so compelling, but it feels different this time around; as it were made to be fully cathartic instead of becoming musically self-destructive.

The ‘K5: follow my tears’ EP wastes no time in instantaneously kicking your ass, as the EP brutally opens up with the spine crusher track “Brains on the Asphalt”. An astonishing heavy hitter of a song that’s bound to break necks upon first listening! The middle track, “Holy War”, featured on the EP is quite intriguing, As it skillfully pushes King 810 into more experimental territory than the band has achieved in the last decade. “Holy War’ still features David Gunn’s unruly psychotic ramblings, as its instrumentals fortuitously conquers the gloom reality of street life. The hard hitting drums and heavy guitar riffs that were used well in earlier tracks may be missing from this one. But Gunn is still able to express himself thoroughly with his poetry verbiage, as this approach will most likely have musical goosebumps forming across the listeners arms. The jazz induced, chaotic, fist pumping track “say cheese and die’ flawlessly closes out the EP with its sinister showcase. This powerhouse of a closer will indubitably leave die-hard King 810 fans immediately clamoring for new material from King 810 for many years to come!