Review by Rachel Jablonski
We live in a world very slow to adapt to change. Needless wars are still being fought between countries due only to historical feuding. A country overwhelmingly unhappy statistically with the state of the nation, for some reason, reelects the same American leader for a second term. And after a long history of inequality we are now an unbiased, accepting, and encouraging society, or so they say as forms of discrimination persist around the world.
Let’s talk about a four-piece metal band that surely is tired of having gender difference made an issue in their choice of career. Despite a lapse between their last two releases, frequent touring has more than likely prevented anyone from forgetting Kittie, a band composed of four talented musicians who happen to be female. A hard, heavy, exuberant group, the band is leaving their mark on heavy music despite having endured line-up changes and many other obstacles throughout their years of experience. Their new album Until the End is a prodigious contrast of fierce and melodic music that raises the band to a new level in the grand metal scheme.
After a long bout of touring in promotion of prior albums, Until the End is a refreshing release that sets itself apart from the Kittie of old and exploits even more ruthless and well put together riffs, beats, brutal baselines, and severe vocals. Vocalist Morgan Lander successfully contends with the eclectic mix of metal vocalists by accomplishing effective screams and melodies, while playing a valiant guitar nonetheless. This third full length album is a gutsy outpouring sure to clear up any doubt of the band’s place in metal.
A heavy backdrop is the established core of the album highlighting an overlay of catchy guitar riffs. “Daughters Down” has this note progression that winds the listener up as the notes weave and skip around up the musical scale. Solidifying the core is more pronounced drumming, as compared to previous Kittie albums, complimenting the stringed instrument’s combative tones. Though the setting of each song stays comprised of weighty substance, vocal offerings vary in tone from track to track. Morgan ranges far and wide from defiant growls to thick melodies, a consistency of which varies among songs.
One vocal piece in “Into the Darkness” is in your face and aggressive as, simultaneously, the innocence of melody leaves the listener feeling conflicted. The song is an interesting choice as the album’s first single as it doesn’t seem to represent the album at its best. However, the song does flaunt the entire vocal spectrum of Ms. Lander. The softer, more melodic vocal aspect of the song is fully demonstrated on the vocal remix of “Into the Darkness,” the last track on the album. This version is simply the subtraction of the roars within the original song. A softer vocal tone overtop the heaviness exists on a few other tracks as well. The title track is a great song with lulling musical harmony and vocal melody. It is a catchy piece that is one of my favorite tracks. But not all of the solely sung songs are quite as effective as the title track. And these songs in turn are not nearly as effective as the completely hardcore vocal songs.
“Sugar” is anything but sweet. Rapid guitar riffs, quick beats, and a rough sounding scream begins this track creating a massive and uncontained sound. This is metal! Tempo changes are welcomed by intent ears and the crunchy guitar work should fall close to a metal lover’s heart. The constant vocal toughness shows Morgan at her best.
Kittie has proven their ability to contend in the world of metal. But still it seems a stigma follows the band in some ways. Being a woman in engineering I can relate somewhat, though I never expected gender or race or political beliefs or religious preferences to be issues in 2004, particularly at work. Though slowly discrimination, narrow-mindedness, and notions of superiority are becoming less prevalent, these things still exist at times. Even in the world of heavy, defiant, and eye opening metal music. Luckily, metal heads seem to be realizing the power and unique elements that can be added by women in the genre. With this due respect should be shown Until the End.