KITTIE – In the Black (2009)
KITTIE – “IN THE BLACK” SCREAMS KITTIE IS BACK! KITTIE – In The Black marks the fifth studio release from a Metal Band that epitomizes perseverance and a blue collar, Metal work ethic. Since 1999’s album Spit, Kittie has certainly come a long way… both in song writing and evolving as musicians. The proof is in listening to 2007’s Funeral For Yesterday and now, without a Metal doubt in my mind, In The Black. Can In The Black be considered THE breakout album of Kitties Metal career? Absolutely it can. With experience comes identity and Kittie has seemed to nestle right into their very own Metal comfort zone… still with many reminders of the vengeful lyrics, extreme vocals and Metal Music being played as fast as a ballistic missile out of control. That is the Kittie that us die-hard fans don’t ever want to see go away… while simultaneously embracing the Melodic Metal moments of Kittie that is now. The blend of extreme and melodic is reality in Metal Music, Kittie knows this and encapsulates it on In The Black better than I could have ever imagined.
The minute and a half intro of Kingdom Come is as delicate of a Heavy Metal instrumental as one can wish for. Do not be fooled by the sweetness Kingdom Come breathes however, the remaining 11 songs are greatly Metal vicious as they are sinister sweet… please Kittie, give me more! The Truth at almost 7 minutes long is a showcase of Morgan Lander’s vocal talents, she can offer up to you a freshly baked cupcake and then hand over your heart on a Metal platter. Morgan Lander can be trusted though… vocally she has elevated herself to near icon status among her female AND male peers within the Extreme and Metal community.
Die My Darling and Sorrow I Know are two songs that have their slivers of commercial appeal, the heavy, melodic and unforgettable guitar leads and riffs are complimented by once again… Morgan Lander’s Metal harmony. Morgan’s enticing vocals should not shroud the fact that she can play a credible note or two on guitar as well. Each time I listen to Sleepwalking, I need to remind myself that Metal Bands sometimes DO evolve into something special. Evolving from the stigma of Metal brutality to Metal exquisiteness like Kittie has done needs to be commended and exalted in the highest of praise. If I had to choose THE standout song on In The Black, without deliberation it is Now or Never. Every Metal quality that Kittie has in their Metal box of tricks is featured in Now or Never, from melodic and extreme vocals to a super catchy guitar solo.
Tara McLeod is now the guitar veteran of the Funeral For Yesterday and In The Black albums, solidifying her Metal legacy alongside fellow guitarist Morgan Lander, both with too numerous and solid guitar licks to mention. Kittie also empowered their unit to even greater Metal heights two years ago, by recruiting Ivy Vujic on bass guitar. What I hear on In The Black, is an asset to the rhythm section from Ivy. To be playing along with the beyond astute drummer Mercedes Lander is quite a professional achievement.
If anything can be learned from listening to In The Black, is that the Metal world has a sister duo in Morgan and Mercedes Lander that are as gifted musically as they are resilient. In The Black can easily be considered the bridge into Kittie’s second Metal chapter. The Lander sisters know and give more than a nod to their Metal roots and influences, while demonstrating they can recruit and mold new young talent within their Metal family they call Kittie… take a bow Kittie, you deserve it.
In The Black was released via E1 Music on September 29th, 2009. You can pick up a copy at this link. For more information on Kittie, check out their myspace page.
Rating: Out of 10
Track Listing:
1. Kingdom Come
2. My Plauge
3. Cut Throat
4. Die My Darling
5. Sorrow I Know
6. Forgive and Forget
7. Now or Never
8. Falling Down
9. Sleepwalking
10. Whiskey Love Song
11. Ready Aim Riot
12. The Truth
KITTIE is:
Morgan Lander – Vocals & Guitar
Mercedes Lander – Drums
Tara McLeod – Lead Guitar
Ivy Vujic – Bass
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