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From all the albums tasked to end 2022 on the high note it so deserves, not many were as eagerly anticipared as Fit For A King's latest effort The Hell We Create. Seventh release in their short but restless career as an active band, the record was charged with the difficult task of righting old wrongs and reclaiming their place at the top of the metalcore scene. A quick and welcome comeback, the Texas powerhouse are revisitting the genre's most loved tropes and their early roots for what might be the most complete record of the year.
Fit For A King's The Path came out two years ago to an almost universal outrage. To this day, I see it as an excellent album and one of its year's highest points but the herd followed the dominant voice of some "tastemakers" and immediately ruled it out as souless. Regardless of my opinion, the band actually did listen to their fans (an admirable act), and quickly fired back with the thunderous 'Reaper' an exemplary instant classis 'End (The Other Side)' as a bold statement that Fit For A King were not to be ruled out just yet.
Looking at their past discography, although undoubtedly a stellar output so far, The Path does seem like the odd one out. Trying new things might not have been something they are comfortable with, and clearly not something their fans are open to (metal fans rarely are). Whether delving into new teritorries or remaining somewhat conservative, bands should always play to their strenghts and The Hell We Create is precisely the result Fit For A King's well-timed inner reflection, regrouping and unleashing their honest and authentic best.
Comparing The Hell We Create with its controversial predecessor, it immediately shines with a more traditional, patient and balanced approach. The slightly more modern sound and risky experimentations are replaced with an almost conservative but meticulous writing that gives birth to some of 2022's finest riffs, relentless breakdowns and most memorable choruses. Not just a record, but an exemplary collection of the Christian metalcore's real potential, as revealed with the appropriate backing of Solid State Records who have supported the band since the very beginning.
Music aside, The Hell We Create's strongest side is its personality. Easily their most intimate album to date, Fit For A King poured their hearts into every single detail. You can delve deeper into the story behind the record here, but this is what their frontman Ryan Kirby shares in brief: “The Hell We Create is by far the deepest and most personal record we’ve ever written. (...) It’s not just important to fight for ourselves, but we’re fighting for others. You can reach out for help even if you’re scared. I know I was. I hope we can all reflect on not only what we put ourselves through, but what we put others through".
The Hell We Create jumps right into the metalcore masterclass with its self-titled opener that pretty much sums up everything that is great about the record. An exemplary intro, building on war drums and ralying cries, moving towards a relentless riff parade before a signature melodic and anthemic chorus, and finally another build-up to set the stage for a crushing breakdown. In other words, 'Metalcore: 101' as it is meant to be, after which you either love the entire album or there is no point even going further.
However, I do recommend that you do, as Fit For A King fires the proven bangers 'End (The Other Side)' and 'Falling Through The Sky' in a very quick succession before the new entry 'Sink Below' follows suit. Then there is 'Reaper' with its frenzied deathcore outro jumping right into 'Times Like This' and the brilliant team-up with the legends that are The Ghost Inside. From there we venture into completely unknown territories where Fit For A King truly raise the bar and keep the record consistent until its great end in 'What You Left Behind'.
The Hell We Create is one of those perfectly composed collections that shines just as bright as a whole as through its individual parts. The singles have been close to perfection and will remain an example of classic metalcore for the modern age for years to come. Hitting just as strong, the album track not just complement them brilliantly, but develop Fit For A King's lyrical and musical ideas to their glorious entirety. Easily a must-listen.
The Hell We Create does not offer anything new, risky or experimental, but excells in everything that makes metalcore great. It is a somewhat conservative look at the genre, dusting off its overused tropes and polishing them to perfection at a 2022 standard. For better or for worse, there aren't many "true" metalcore bands left in our time, and Fit For A King appear determined to keep the legacy alive for as long as they can. This record is a redemption as much as a homage, immediately becoming a modern classic and claiming its rightful place among this year's finest.
And after all of this, I just had to go and listen to The Path again and couldn't help but wonder how different and opposing these two really are. Isn't 'Reaper' just a modern 'God of War'; 'Eyes Roll Back' a more punching 'Vendetta'; 'End (The Other Side)' an improved 'Prophet', 'Falling Through the Sky' a reimagined 'Louder Voice', 'The Hell We Create' a slightly more epic 'The Face of Hate'? Isn't The Hell We Create the only logical successor to The Path, and why is one seen as a disappointment and the other as masterpiece?...
Fit For A King - 'The Hell We Create'
Country: USA (TX)
Released: 28 October 2022
Label: Solid State Records
Tracklisting:
1. 'The Hell We Create'
2. 'End (The Other Side)'
3. 'Falling Through The Sky'
4. 'Sink Below'
5. 'Reaper'
6. 'Times Like This' (ft. Jonathan Vigil from The Ghost Inside)
7. 'Eyes Roll Back'
8. 'Fracture'
9. 'Reaching Out'
10. 'What You Left Behind'
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