Band: Young Guns
Release: All Our Kings Are Dead (Gold Edition) (Album)
The last two years have seen Young Guns shoot in the rock and metal scene. Already, they’ve played huge festivals and supported massive acts including Bon Jovi and Lostprophets. HTF had a fantastic time seeing them at Download Festival earlier this year and are confident in saying how great the show was. Their album ‘All Our Kings Are Dead‘ was a huge hit and saw them soar and now they’ve just released a gold edition, including backstage footage, documentaries and live acoustic sessions.
The documentary, ‘Don’t Look Back, Just Keep Moving‘, shows the band at their barest. They explain their journey as a band and their thoughts from the very beginning. It’s like a bunch of home movies all added into one, showing a more personal side to Young Guns. Watching a documentary which dives into the members personal feelings really makes their efforts more meaningful; it shows the real people that they are.
The band have also includes a range of live performances on the DVD. The acoustic sessions show the band at their rawest. Huge hits including ‘Stitches’ and ‘Weight of the World‘ shine a completely new light. The music still reflects them but all seems more in depth and personal to them. The band has also included some live performances from shows at the Electric Ballroom. The bands live talent is spot on, and these videos do them justice.
Now to the music side of the album. First track on the album, ‘Sons of Apathy‘, is a great starter! It kicks in straight away with everything a good rock song could ask for. Fast paced guitars and drumming, gang vocals and a chorus that will stick in anyone’s head for days. It really reflects how the band stages their live shows as well; getting everyone involved and screaming along to every single song making it unbelievably fun.
‘Weight of the World‘ has been one of the group’s biggest hits from the moment they started. The way in which Young Guns entice you into their music and get you pumped up is truly amazing. Listen to them for five minutes are you’re sure to be jumping around and feeling on top of the world. Vocalist Gustav Wood has the perfect voice for doing this, as if he’s calling out to everyone and pulling them in.
Another released single from the album is ‘Winter Kiss‘, which again shares the similar traits of having a remarkably catchy chorus and powerful instrumental backing that perks up the ears of any listener. They played this at Download this year and it was as expected – amazing with the amount of people chanting along! The audience participation really built up a huge atmosphere, and listening to this just brings back fun memories.
‘Beneath the Waves‘ is the final song on the album, and hell yes it’s a good ending to an amazing story! It’s chirpy, lively and sure to get your feet moving within seconds. The verse is slightly more toned down, with only a slight bit of instrumental backing, but it all comes in full throttle for the chorus. The ending is so intense too, with heavy and powerful guitars fading out.
The only downfall to this album is that there isn’t really a slow track, but it’s not really a downfall as such. Maybe it’s a perk to some? The main thing is that this album is super fun and super catchy. As soon as the album stops, it’ll be straight back onto the first song for sure.
The live footage and documentation shows Young Guns at their most vulnerable; their personal thoughts and decisions. It makes you feel more connected with the band, not on a friend basis, but just the fact that you get them. It makes their music a lot more meaningful.
Reviewer: Jasmine Sevette
