Dallas, TX metalcore vets Fit For A King released their fifth studio album Dark Skies on September 14th through Solid State Records. The highly anticipated album was produced by Drew Fulk (I Prevail, Motionless In White, Memphis May Fire) and follows the 2016 release of Deathgrip which reached number 5 on the hard rock album charts. Now, with the band’s newest release, Dark Skies, Fit For A King is looking to, once again, dominate the hard rock/metalcore scene.

Dark Skies is a much more matured release from FFAK, with noticeable influences throughout and much more synth intertwined into the choruses and breakdowns. However, it the constant heavy punch that FFAK is known for. But even without, Dark Skies should be well received within their fan base. But may grab the attention of others with bigger sounding songs like ‘The Price of Agony’ and also ‘Anthem of the Defeated’, which is a song that has clear influences from Slipknot; both invite headbangers to go wild.

Where the album lacks in heaviness, there are still very good and mature songs. ‘When Everything Means Nothing’, ‘Youth | Division’, and ‘Debts of the Soul’ are definitely the tamer outliers but show emotion and push the core meaning on this album. Then ‘Shattered Glass’ and the lead single ‘Tower of Pain’ make-up for lacking heaviness, as back-to-back crushing tracks, before the album takes a much calmer ending tone. This duo of songs should become regulars on the touring setlist and will really get huge reactions from the fans.

Lyrically, there is a clear path through the album from struggle and feeling lost, reaching the breaking point, reflecting on the past, and overcoming the struggle. There’s a concept to this album, without it being a straightforward concept album.

Overall, I do not believe this is the strongest release from Fit For A King. Current fans will enjoy Dark Skies as it offers everything that the Dallas band does right. Catchy choruses, meaningful lyrics, and crushing breakdowns; but it is all done in a way that just seems a little stale. This band has set an unprecedented bar for themselves though, with four albums that were just great albums one after the other, and it’s surprising that they’ve gone this long to get to the one album that just may not stick. All bands have that album that isn’t received as well, and for Fit For A King, unfortunately I think Dark Skies will be that album.

I would still recommend picking up this album and giving it a listen. Not only will you be supporting a band that has huge proven talent, but there are real high points of this album.
http://solidstate.lnk.to/DarkSkiesFA

Also, if you’ve never seen Fit For A King live, they have a huge live sound with incredible stage presence. Just watching bassist Ryan ‘Tuck’ O’Leary jump, kick, and punch the air will make you feel exhausted.

 

Have a listen to a couple of the singles off of Dark Skies
 

Fit For A King is Ryan Kirby (Lead Vocals), Jared Easterling (Drums), Bobby Lynge (Vocals, Guitars), Ryan "Tuck" O'Leary (Bass, Clean Vocals)