Album review: KINGS OF MERCIA – Battle Scars

Metal Blade Records [Release date 25.10.24]

One thing you can’t accuse Steve Overland of is being work shy. The revival of his first love, FM, is not enough for the industrious frontman. Since 2004 he’s also produced albums as Shadowman and under his “Overland” moniker whilst appearing on many a session. In 2022 he collaborated with Fates Warning guitarist Jim Matheos and produced the self-titled debut album as Kings Of Mercia.

Musically, in more recent times, there has been a slight toughening up of the Overland offering. So, with FM, his love of Bad Company/Paul Rodgers has been evident and then fully realised in the Lonerider configuration. Kings Of Mercia verges on metal at times, although in the main full-throttle melodic hard rock. A tad predictable and derivative, perhaps, but still highly listenable.

With anything Overland gets stuck into he evidently gives it his all and his fine judgment means that not much that’s naff – if anything – emerges.

I suppose on balance you could say this is the hard rock album that you always hoped FM would produce and whilst heavier than most of his usual activities the vocalist does carry it off.

Free of any perceived shackles, Overland is given free rein. Fates Warning are better known as a prog metal band but here it’s Overland’s gig, once again stamping his quality stamp throughout. Assistance comes from Joey Vera (Armored Saint, Fates Warning) and Simon Phillips (Toto) whilst Matheos supplies empathic guitar throughout and the co-writing.

Amongst the highlights ‘Legend’, ‘Hell ‘n’ Back’ and ‘Cold’ rattle along at pace whilst ‘Eye For An Eye’, ‘Between Two Worlds’ and ‘Don’t Ask’ demonstrate the quality of songwriting. ‘Aftermath’ is also something of a revelation with Overland’s processed vocal effects giving a more contemporary edge. The title track, by way of contrast, is quite insipid.

Lovers of late eighties/early nineties melodic hard rock need look no further. Time has stood still. ****

Review by David Randall

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

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