KingCrown – Nova Atlantis

KingCrown
Nova Atlantis
Label: Rockshots Records
Out: 22. November 2024
Playing Time: 47:42

The Power Metal band KingCrown hails from Nice (Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, France). Founded in 2015 as Öblivïon, they changed their name in 2018 after the release of their debut album ‘Resilience’. Two further albums and various singles followed as KingCrown. ‘Nova Atlantis’ followed in November of this year. There is a common thread running through the songs on this album. Many of the songs are inspired by traditional myths and legends. Musically, KingCrown were influenced by Metal giants such as Iron Maiden, Gamma Ray and Helloween, according to the info text.

Right from the opener ‘The Magic Stone’, you can clearly hear that the French are poaching in the realms of Primal Fear or Hammerfall. This may not be particularly innovative, but it is certainly well realised. The title track ‘Nova Atlantis’ is more in the mid-tempo range, with heavy riffs. However, it speeds up a little during the catchy chorus. Beautiful guitar melodies can be heard. ‘Real Or Fantasy’ starts with a bass line and heavy riffs. Later, it rocks along cheerfully. Fast hook lines and riffs are once again reminiscent of the aforementioned role models. ‘Guardian Angels’ then tends towards Speed Metal. The aggressive vocals go well with this. Catchy melodies and slightly scratchy vocals are also found on ‘Letter To Myself’. The melodic chorus is easy to sing along to and almost mainstream. There is also a good guitar solo. It could have been a bit longer. ‘Judgement Day’ starts quietly with clean guitars. But the song soon turns into a mid-tempo rocker. Epic choruses provide an anthemic impact. ‘A Long Way To Valhalla’ is the ballad of the album. At the beginning, the vocals are accompanied by acoustic guitars. About in the middle, the electrically amplified instruments kick in. Then it’s a strong power ballad. With a great guitar solo. ‘Souls Of Travellers’ puts an end to the contemplation. It’s rocking again. Once again there is a catchy sing-along chorus. This doesn’t change until the end. ‘Utopia Metropolis’ is a mid-tempo rocker with catchy guitar hooks and polyphonic choruses. ‘When Stars Are Aligned’ takes a turn towards melodic Speed Metal. The industrial sounds at the beginning of ‘Endless Journey’ don’t really fit into the sound. Especially as the drums kick in a little later. The band alternates between mid-tempo and up-tempo.

Well, KingCrown certainly don’t get a prize for creativity for ‘Nova Atlantis’. You feel like you’ve somehow heard it all before. Despite everything, it is musically well done. There are many good guitar solos. The sound is clear and powerful. My favourite thing is the cover artwork. It fits the album title very well. However, the band still has room for improvement in terms of independent, innovative songwriting.

KingCrown – Real Or Fantasy: https://youtu.be/dbt9BPiK5Ug?si=enQDXAygrp-1Qu44

Lineup:

Jo Amore – Lead Vocals
Bob Saliba – Lead, Rhythm Guitars, Mandolin, Bouzouki, Saz, Vocals
Ced Legger – Lead and Rhythm Guitars
David Amore – Drums and Machines
Seb Chabot – Bass

Tracklist:

• The Magic Stone
• Nova Atlantis
• Real Of Fantasy
• Guardian Angels
• Letter To Myself
• Judgement Day
• A Long Way To Valhalla
• Soul Of Travele
• Utopia Metropolis
• When Stars Are Aligned
• Endless Journey