REVIEWS

ALBUM REVIEW: Indus Valley Kings

Indus Valley Kings is a hard rock band from Long Island, NY. The group recently released their brutal album ‘Indus Valley Kings.’ The album was remarkable and gloomy in the most positive way possible; it was unrestrained, charming, and made me want to turn the volume up as high as it could go.

When asked about how the band got together, they claimed, “it just clicked. We both [guitarist and vocalist, Billy & drummer Dan] knew what we wanted to do but didn’t want it to be forced.” After meeting in 2018, it took them some time to find a bassist. They went through a handful before meeting Jonathan. “He was the missing ingredient for the perfect recipe. From there, it took off because we all have the same work ethic and drive, which makes IVK’s engine hum so perfectly. ”

With many individual near-death experiences under their belts, the band strives to stay in sight of their one simple goal: “to play great music and share it with everyone.” And to everyone else, they say, “never EVER, EVER give up on your dream because it may take an eternity to get there but hey when you get there it’s even more amazing! Also, can everyone please just get along for f***ks sake – it’s 2021!!!!!”

While listening to the album, it’s no surprise the trio finds inspiration from bands like Black Sabbath, Clutch, and Deep Purple. However, Indus Valley Kings still achieved an innovative sound, all while rubbing off as related to their influences.

The album opens with the piece ‘Angles,’ and man, I don’t think I’ve felt “love at first listen” that strong since Little Richard and Heart. The beat was consistently gloomy. The vocals are an experience with an really satisfying heavy tone. I dig the sturdy feel, and it’s welcoming to this album. It was a “hello, how lovely to see you, now buckle up and keep your fucking hands and feet in at all times.”

Throughout the album, they do an exceptional job of keeping the intensity consistent. It was substantial metal. It was reminiscent of the 70s, yet still occurred as unique and felt undone before.

‘Remains of Yesterday’ was not only the strongest of the track but my favorite. There was loads of energy from the fantastic drummer and skilled guitarist. Vocally it sounded a bit stoner though the lyrics were quite far from the topic. I genuinely do love the running time of their pieces. I wouldn’t say I like shorter rock songs, it seems to cut down from experience.

Another one I really loved happened to be the closer. The intensity is still very much there, perhaps the energy a tad bit higher. I dig the power that the drummer holds in this album, as well as the guitarist. They have mad talent. It seemed that each minute the song went on, the harder and heavier the music got. I wanted to bang my head alongside the beat until my neck snapped in half. It was brilliant.

You can listen to the album here.