Lenny Wolf is almost
synonymous with the band Kingdom Come today. Lenny
is the only remaining original member and he is the
natural front man and vocalist. Kingdom Come is
releasing their new album "Outlier" and it's their
14th album since the debut disc in 1988. Kingdom
Come was at the beginning of their career accused
of being a Led Zeppelin copy, which mostly was due to
Wolf's Robert Plant-inspired songs. Lenny writes all
of the band's songs that have fluctuated from strong
blues riff heavy rock to more introverted grunge
rock.
"Outlier" is another epic album with a interesting mix
of songs between heavy electro-industrial rock like in
'Rough Ride Rallye' and melodic rock tunes like in the
great opening song 'God Does Not Sing Our Song' and
the heavier metal track 'Running High Distortion'. Lenny's voice isn't that alert and clear in the tones
anymore like in the glory days in the 80's. The
guitars aren't as stiff and hard either, if I compare
it with the self titled debut album. Songs like 'Living
Out of Touch', 'Get It On' and 'Do I Like It'
from the debut album and 'In Your Face' the year
after are some true rock n' roll gems. On this album
I don't hear any hit songs. No, this is a mature
musical journey somehow. Strong lyrics and well
written adult songs throughout the entire album.
Lenny's epic, high vocals fits better to the slower
songs like 'Holy Curtain' and the nice ballad 'Don't
Want You To Wait'. The best song in my view is the
bluesy track 'Skip the Cover and Feel'. Another top
track on the list is the classic rock song 'The Trap
Is Alive' with bounce and joie de vivre. 'Such A
Shame' is maybe the song, which is closest to the Led
sound and is also one of the best songs on the disc.
The closing track 'When Colors Break the Grey' is
solid rock song without any technical frills or so,
but with strong riffs, big vocals and nice harmonies that
makes this track better with each spin.
'Outlier' is not far from the Zeppelin similar sound
from the elder, more easy digestible discs, but is
an album, which demands a wide musical taste. I'm not
sure what musical base they are prioritizing.
Hard rockers mightl find it too melancholic
and the melancholic rockers maybe find it too light
and shiny. I found a heap of songs that made me
happy anyway. Lenny's voice is still similar to
Robert Plant's and the sound is special and unique.
Not the hottest release this year, but if you is a
fan of Kingdom Come and Lenny Wolf's voice, you will
probably find it tasteful.
Kingdom Come Line-up:
Lenny Wolf - Vocals and rhythm guitar
Eric Foerster - Lead guitar
Frank Binke - Bass
Nader Rahy - Drums
