Known for pushing the edges of modern metal music, this six-piece Symphonic Metalcore act is back stronger than ever with their sophomore album.

Mystery. Masks. Pure energy. That’s what Belgium and The Netherlands-based Symphonic Metalcore outfit No Kings Allowed is all about, and they’re back stronger than ever with a brand new album, titled A New Era, less than a year after the release of their debut effort Dethroned. Known for pushing the edges of modern metal music, this six-piece band currently formed of White and Gold on vocals, Red and Green on the guitars, Blue on bass, and Orange on drums isn’t just sticking to one style this time, uniting Metalcore, brutal Deathcore breakdowns, Hardcore energy, haunting opera-style vocals, and even a heartfelt ballad, creating something that’s way more than just a Metalcore album, drawing inspiration from bands like Slipknot, Sleep Token and Parkway Drive for both their enigmatic stage presence and artistic freedom.

The ominous intro Future’s Prelude sets the stage for this uncanny ensemble to shine in Prophecy, with Red and Green already slashing their axes furiously, inspiring us all to headbang nonstop, not to mention the vocal duo formed of White and Gold sounds in absolute sync. It’s then pedal to the metal in the rebellious Metalcore tune Stand Up, with all background symphonic elements adding an extra touch of insanity to their music; and investing in a more Avenged Sevenfold-inspired sound, the sextet offers us all Enemy Within, with the clean vocals by White overflowing passion and despair. In the title-track A New Era we have guest vocalist Valerie de Kempe of  Worlds Beyond, who makes an interesting vocal team with White and Gold by bringing her own touch of finesse to their music, whereas Lion Eyes lives up to the legacy of modern-day American Metalcore, with the striking guitar lines by Red and Green piercing our minds in great fashion.

After the futuristic interlude Extinct by Design, we’re treated to some Metalcore madness in the form of Laws of Extinction, Pt. 1, with the entire band hammering their sonic weapons nonstop led by the pounding drums by Orange. Their Metalcore feast continues in Laws of Extinction, Pt. 2, a bit too modern but still heavy-as-hell; whereas back to a more violent mode we have Violence, hence the name of the song, with Blue and Orange’s kitchen sounding beyond thunderous. Garden of Eden sounds darker and more symphonic than its predecessors, with its guttural parts giving it an extra kick; and let’s head into the battlefield together with No Kings Allowed in Rise Up, blending elements form Deathcore into their Metalcore essence while also displaying the always venomous roars by White and Gold. Despite its melodious guitar lines, I was expecting more from a song with such a powerful name like World War Now, but it’s still a decent composition by the band. On the other hand, in Scourge of the North they sound more Deathcore than ever, with their deep vociferations and hammering beats elevating the song’s aggression considerably; and Valerie de Kempe returns in At Every End, once again crafting a vocal paradox with White and Gold while Red and Green continue to deliver electrifying riffs until the very last second.

The entire A New Era is self-made, being produced, recorded, mixed, and mastered by the band itself, as they wanted the sound to be raw and real, capturing their vision within the music. Hence, go check what they’re up to on Facebook and on Instagram, as sooner than you can expect you’ll be able to see those guys live on stages all over the world, stream their unique music on YouTube and on Spotify, and grab a copy of A New Era from their own BandCamp page, or click HERE for all things No Kings Allowed. Those uncanny, masked musicians are definitely going places armed with their new album, and they’re waiting for you to join them as they keep reaching new heights in the world of heavy music.

Best moments of the album: Stand Up, Lion Eyes, Violence and Rise Up.

Worst moments of the album: Laws of Extinction, Pt. 2 and World War Now.

Released in 2024 Independent

Track listing
1. Future’s Prelude 1:10
2. Prophecy 4:09
3. Stand Up 3:18
4. Enemy Within 4:19
5. A New Era 3:52
6. Lion Eyes 3:22
7. Extinct by Design 1:20
8. Laws of Extinction, Pt. 1 3:47
9. Laws of Extinction, Pt. 2 3:34
10. Violence 3:41
11. Garden of Eden 3:42
12. Rise Up 5:05
13. World War Now 3:17
14. Scourge of the North 3:49
15. At Every End 4:28

Band members
White – harsh and clean vocals
Gold – harsh vocals
Red – guitar
Green – guitar
Blue – bass
Orange – drums

Guest musicians
Valerie de Kempe – vocals on “A New Era” and “At Every End”