Picture courtesy of Kalamity Kills
We spoke with Kalamity Kills‘ Jamie Rowe in regards to the venture’s self-titled, debut album, out now.
“This album is all the things I couldn’t say for years,” he explains in regards to the report. “I’ve been within the Christian music world, and there are belongings you simply can’t speak about … the actual struggles, the hypocrisy, the doubt. This report is me lastly being sincere about all of it. It’s nonetheless coming from a spot of religion, nevertheless it’s religion that’s been by hell and again.”
Anthem: This one’s about standing your floor when all the things round you is falling aside. I wrote it throughout a very darkish time once I felt just like the world was hostile to all the things I believed. It’s about discovering that internal energy when worry and temptation are pulling at you from each course. Ray Luzier got here in and simply destroyed the drums on this one—gave it this crushing depth that completely captures that feeling of refusing to again down.
Dearest Enemy (Strain): I used to be so sick of keyboard warriors and individuals who tear others down simply to construct themselves up. This music is me saying “get behind me” to all of the pretend strain to evolve and be one thing you’re not. It’s quick; it’s indignant, and it’s aimed instantly on the manipulators and critics who suppose they know higher. Ray killed it on drums once more—This music wanted that ferocious power.
What’s On Your Thoughts? (Pure Vitality): We took Data Society’s ’80s synth-pop hit and fully reimagined it as a tough rock anthem. Kiarely Castillo from Conquer Divide introduced this fierce power to it. We saved the spirit of the unique however gave it tooth. Typically you simply wish to take one thing you’re keen on and make it your personal.
Darkish Secrets and techniques: That is in all probability my private favourite on the album. It’s about these battles we battle that no person else can see—the loneliness, the hidden struggles, the issues we’re ashamed of. Jamey’s guitar solo on this one is devastating, and Ray’s drumming provides these emotional layers that simply hit you within the chest. It’s weak however nonetheless heavy as hell.
The Chemistry of Meant to Be: I wished to put in writing a love music that didn’t make me cringe. That is about that instantaneous connection you’re feeling with somebody—when all the things simply clicks and feels inevitable. It grew to become our first single to hit the MediaBase Energetic Rock chart, which proved you may nonetheless write about love and hold it heavy. Jamey’s riffs are insane on this one.
A.L.I.E.N.: This music looks like a message from one other world. It’s about being a light-weight within the darkness, being one thing not of this earth that’s right here to light up the skies. The electro components combined with the heavy guitars create this cosmic ambiance. The decision-and-response vocals make it excellent for reside reveals and folks simply lose their minds in the course of the “whoa oh” elements.
Hellfire Honey: This one’s received a depraved humorousness. It’s aimed squarely at non secular hypocrisy—particularly individuals who publicly condemn issues like OnlyFans whereas secretly funding them. I’ve seen an excessive amount of of this double-standard habits in non secular circles. Ace Von Johnson from LA Weapons laid down this gritty, sleazy solo that’s excellent for the music’s swagger. Greg Upchurch’s drumming provides it this soiled rock basis.
Burn: That is in all probability probably the most private music on the report. It’s me wanting within the mirror in any respect the wreckage I’ve prompted by my very own self-destructive selections. It’s about that second while you understand the one manner ahead is to burn all the things down and begin over. The lyrics are brutal … It’s me wrestling with remorse and the eager for redemption. It’s heavy emotionally and musically.
Sinners Welcome: I wrote this from my expertise within the Christian rock world, the place I noticed how fast some individuals are to guage whereas claiming to talk for God. The music challenges the concept that anybody apart from God will get to resolve who’s “worthy.” It’s rebellious and redemptive on the similar time. I’m proudly owning my flaws whereas celebrating that everybody’s welcome on the desk.
Being damaged doesn’t make you deserted … It makes you human.
I Nonetheless Consider: We took The Misplaced Boys anthem and turned it into this large laborious rock declaration. Greg Upchurch’s drumming on that is towering … It’s grow to be a fan favourite and introduced in numerous new listeners. We captured the hope and resilience of the unique however gave it this fierce trendy power. No shirtless saxophone participant, however we made up for it with pure quantity.
Amen: In spite of everything that depth, I wished to finish the album on a peaceable notice. This music got here from my dedication to training gratitude, discovering mild after darkness. The refrain simply repeats “Amen”… It’s about acceptance and appreciation for the journey. It’s stripped-back and heartfelt, giving listeners a second of stillness after all the things that got here earlier than.
Expanded Version Tracks
Afraid: This one’s about breaking free from each chain that holds you again … societal strain, private fears, emotional baggage. I used to be sick of residing scared, sick of letting different folks’s expectations dictate my selections. Traces like, “We don’t bow to the throne of enemies,” and, “A fortress doesn’t make you a king,” sum up the entire perspective. Ray Luzier’s drumming is thunderous on this one, and Julia Lauren Bullock’s harmonies convey this contemporary depth. It’s about residing defiantly fearless, it doesn’t matter what the percentages are.
Starry Skies (988): That is in all probability an important music I’ve ever written. It got here from my very own battles with despair and suicidal ideas … These darkish moments when you may’t see any manner out. The 988 within the title refers back to the suicide prevention hotline. I wished to create one thing that might attain folks in that headspace and remind them they’re not alone. Aaron Gillespie from Underøath introduced this unimaginable emotional depth to the drums and vocals. After I sing, “You’ve survived 100% of the trials you’ve already confronted,” that’s me speaking to myself as a lot as anybody else. If this music saves even one life, all the things we’ve finished is price it.
Jingle Bells (SLAY!): We took probably the most harmless Christmas music and turned it into one thing fully unhinged. It’s our twisted vacation present to the world … nonetheless recognizable as “Jingle Bells” however with this darkish, heavy edge that makes it excellent for individuals who wish to have fun Christmas however hate the saccharine bullshit. It’s enjoyable; it’s ridiculous, and it’s all the things a vacation music shouldn’t be.
Darkish Secrets and techniques (Cinematic Model): Jamey took my favourite music from the album and fully reimagined it. This model is extra atmospheric, extra haunting … like a film soundtrack for the darkest corners of your thoughts. Julia Lauren Bullock’s further vocals add these ethereal layers that make the entire thing really feel such as you’re drowning in your personal ideas. It’s the identical brutal honesty about hidden struggles, however offered on this cinematic manner that hits even deeper.
The Chemistry of Meant to Be (Kellan McGregor Combine): Kellan McGregor from Memphis Might Hearth took our music and gave it this radio-friendly polish with out dropping any of the fervour. This grew to become our first Billboard charting single, which proved we may write one thing real about love and nonetheless get radio play. The remix retains all of the explosive power however makes it extra accessible. It’s nonetheless about that instantaneous, plain connection between two folks … that chemistry you may’t pretend.