Kalamity Kills New Album

The new band of Jamie Rowe has just released their debut album. Let me share a little review with you. 

Kalamity Kills is Jamie Rowe's new band, where he has been working this last year; in his own words, the debut album would be a return to his hard rock roots, and at the same time, there would be a bit of theatricality in this band. Both elements are true and can be seen on their debut album.
Musically, we find an album that returns to Jamie's roots in Hard Rock but at the same time teaches us about his influences with the alternative rock that he has been embracing for all these years and that combined with a gothic (dark) influence. and even New Wave in some songs, and this whole mix that to some may seem a bit strange works perfectly and is decorated with great guitar solos and Jamie's unmistakable voice.


“Anthem” and “Dearest Enemy” raise the bar very high; both are heavy songs with excellent guitar solos and two great guests, Luke Easter and Tony Palacios.


“What's in your Mind” (Pure Energy) is a cover of a band from the 90s that I didn't know called Information Society and that played New Wave, which is reflected in this song, but to which Jamie gives his “touch,” and it works very well.


“Dark Secrets” has a slightly dark and slow vibe that works very well and fits perfectly with the atmosphere of theatricality that Jamie wants to give to the album. And his obligatory guitar solo.


“The Chemistry of Meant to Be” feeds off the wave influence again while “Allen” has pop influences in a fun song.
“Hellfire Honey” is a short song, but it returns us to the hard rock of the first songs, very powerful and convincing.


“Burn” takes up the darkness of “Dark Secrets,” while “Sinners Welcome” is the perfect example of that mix between hard rock and alternative, in one of the best songs on the album.


I Still Believe may seem like a ballad, but I think it is closer to a pop song, which at the same time is a cover of The Call, and we close with the beautiful ballad “Amen”


Most songs start with a short interlude, which makes it new. The art of the CD book is simply beautiful and beautifully achieved, and the lyrical concept transports us to the problems and temptations we go through daily. Honest and realistic lyrics are needed these days, ending with a beautiful worship song.

Jamie Rowe has released an honest album where he has shown which side he is on musically, and although it is not a 100% hard rock album as many would like, it is a great work that, as we said, amalgamates diverse styles very well. For me is a solid candidate for album of the year. It hits all cylinders.

Is this a Christian album?

It is a Christian album and it’s quite good. Jamie sounds fantastic.

Pethead wrote:It is a Christian album and it’s quite good. Jamie sounds fantastic.

Actually, Jamie has said that it isn't meant to be a Christian album, but his faith in Christ would always shine through at times as that is who he is.  He doesn't want to really be in just the Christian scene anymore, and has done several releases with Adrian Gale since shelving Guardian.  He has worked as many years, if not more, outside the Christian bubble than inside it.  I believe he just wants to be able to express himself and not be worried about the Jesus per minute scale that a definite Christian artist is seemingly held to.

There are songs on here that definitely have a spiritual meaning, but there are songs that are just about life in general.  So, I'd consider this more of a Christian doing music without trying to be a full on metal evangelist.

Interesting. There seemed to be some explicitly Christian lyrics present, either way.

Good album.

I think this record is very "in your face" with the lyrics; there are many serious topics here, and for me, at least, it is a good thing that someone wants to write songs about everyday life. Life is not roses and Christian life either—just my opinion.

This is the best thing I've heard Jamie attached to in a long time. Do I like it? Not really but it is growing on me.

God how I miss his days with Tempest

I missed this thread and never heard of this band until Ammocas put them on his "Top 2023" list.  
I'm listening now and so far really like it.

It’s good stuff. Jamie sounds great.

I wasn't sure if I was going to like this project from Jamie, but after listening to the album a handful of times it is turning into one of my favorite releases for 2023.

I'm diggin' this album.

It’s interesting that this isn’t supposed to be an explicitly “Christian” album, but yet it’s more explicitly Christian than a lot of what goes under that label.

I am digging this one big time, thanks for posting.

This one is also a favorite of mine for the year.  I was hoping that the new Whitecross and Flames of Fire discs would be out by now and I could add them to this year's list.  Alas, it looks like this will be early 2024 before I get either of those.

Flames of Fire was released on December 1 or around that date.