Rising from the depths of metal’s underworld, Kerry King makes a thunderous return with his long-awaited solo debut, and he doesn’t miss a beat. After the breakup of one of thrash metal’s most legendary acts, Kerry King steps out on his own, unleashing his unique brand of thrash for the modern era—and he’s absolutely killing it. From start to finish, the album bursts with sharp, blistering riffs, powerful drumming, rumbling bass, and pissed-off vocals, creating an aggressive yet polished sound that hits hard.

Despite it being a Kerry King project, it’s the drumming that steals the spotlight. King’s percussion work is nothing short of jaw-dropping—precise, dynamic, and filled with energy that drives each track forward. His drumming, packed with intricate fills and blistering speed, takes center stage and serves as the backbone for the entire album. Everything sounds fresh and alive, with a level of technicality that’s bound to impress fans and fellow musicians alike.

But don’t be fooled—while King’s drumming might dominate, he’s no slouch on guitar. His riffs are razor-sharp, intense, and downright menacing. These are riffs that most guitarists would struggle to keep up with, showcasing his undeniable skill and mastery of the instrument. That said, there are moments where the riffing can feel slightly repetitive, and while they still pack a punch, a bit more variation could have added more depth to the overall composition.

The vocals are solid, adding some much-needed flair to the mix. There’s an engaging rawness to the delivery, with some fun, choppy vocal patterns that help elevate the material. However, there are moments where the vocals feel a little too reminiscent of the old Slayer style, which can come across as a bit forced or out of place. It’s clear he’s paying homage, but at times, it might feel a bit odd.

The bass, while not always the star of the show, certainly holds its own. It provides a solid, thunderous foundation, complementing the guitars and drums to add depth and weight to the overall sound. The bass lines do their job without drawing too much attention but still manage to punch through when needed, giving the tracks an added sense of heaviness.

The album, for the most part, sticks to its thrash roots, delivering plenty of headbanging moments and furious energy. However, there are a few tracks that veer into more hard rock and hardcore territories, which is a pleasant surprise. These moments offer a refreshing break from the relentless thrash and showcase King’s versatility as a musician. They don’t feel out of place, either—just another facet of his musical range.

And let’s not forget about the production—this album sounds incredible. The production is crisp and polished, allowing every instrument to shine through with clarity and power. The mix breathes new life into the thrash genre, making it feel fresh and vibrant while still maintaining the raw intensity that fans love.

In the end, Kerry King’s debut solo effort is a triumph. While his drumming may take center stage, the album is a testament to his skills as a guitarist and composer. With some minor room for improvement in areas like riff variation and vocal style, it’s still a killer album that shows King isn’t slowing down any time soon. Thrash may have evolved, but Kerry King is here to prove it can still be as ferocious as ever.