“I have it on good faith, we’re living our last days.“
Michigan firebrands King 810 since their debut release in 2012 with Midwest Monster have always divided opinion with their eccentric nu-metal sound, with it often being criticised for its on the nose nature. The flipside of this has drawn in a loyal fanbase who seek the authenticity in their stories and revel in their chaotic sound that the now duo offer up. With their latest effort, follow my tears, this might just be the record that turns previous doubters into believers of the 810 project.
Given how intensely good opener “brains on the asphalt” is, it is really no surprise why it was chosen as the lone single for the EPs recycle. With it’s huge moment as vocalist Gunn screams “I watched the bodies high on the barbed wire“, the jarring nature of it adding a layer of intensity that has a luring effect. In its bridge “The holes in his face that’s what the worms did“, 810 digs into their emotive side before unloading a shotgun of an explosive closing stretch.
During the ebb and flow between follow my tears’ opener and closer is where it perhaps suffers the most. “widdershins” lack a moment of assertion that it feels a step down from the sheer intensity of the opening moments, while its breakdown might be an unbridled rager, it feels slightly too out of leftfield to hit the spot a breakdown should. “isobel” is the standout of the three mid-point tracks, with “holy war” being a serviceable track but lacking any moments of note. The orchestral manner of “isobel” with the strings and backing choir gives it a grandiose that lifts it, it is a combination on paper that shouldn’t work but it somehow does. 810 reign themselves in slightly and allow the strings to do the work of elevating the track with Gunn delivering his fierce bars.
“say cheese and die” is a sermon that will be the one that converts people to 810, while aforementioned “brains on the asphalt” and “isobel” steal the show, the closer ties the record together with its authentic bars and catchy beat. With its deep commentary on individualism and consumerism, “Just look at the poverty, it’s all me me me, capital greed“. The way the grooves on the guitars and beats merge together to make something incredibly catchy too, leaving the record to exit on a strange high given the subject matter.
There is an allure to follow my tears that will have listeners returning and draw in new ones, “brains on the asphalt” is potentially one of their best songs to date. While it’s following tracks might not fully reach its levels, “isobel” and fitting closer “say cheese and die” give more than enough to make for a satisfactory listen. This alongside the unique and rough around the edges nature of 810 that add some chemistry, their latest effort is worth spending time diving into.
7/10
follow my tears is out January 23rd via self-release, and can be pre-ordered here.