- advertisement -

A KILLER’S CONFESSION
Unbroken
EMP Label Group

It did not take long for former MUSHROOMHEAD vocalist Waylon Reavis to piece together a record deal with David Ellefson’s EMP Label Group and regroup to form A KILLER’S CONFESSION. The Reavis-fronted band is rounded out by guitarists Matt Trumpy, Paul Elliot, bassist JP Cross and drummer Jon Dale. Their debut album Unbroken was recorded and mixed at Third Sky Studio in Kentucky alongside co-producers Thom Hazaert and Richard Easterling.

Naturally this record will drum up endless comparisons to Waylon’s former band, MUSHROOMHEAD, however, as fair as that may be, Unbroken stands alone with a diverse mix of aggression, temperament, and tempo. This volatile album features crushing guitar riffs, melodic hooks and even a little bit of sensitivity. It is bruising as much as it is soothing. The lead single, “A Killer’s Confession” is an angst-ridden, vengeful track that will lead the listener to connect the dots to the subliminal meaning. It undoubtedly sounds like the “Reavis Manifesto” and with lyrics such as “I left on my own” and “Surprise, I rose from the ashes…” among others, this song must have been written with his former bandmates in mind. If you paid any attention to the fallout from Waylon’s separation from MUSHROOMHEAD, you would know that the terms were all but good. I should also mention that this particular track features KORN guitarist Brian “Head” Welch as a guest - a theme throughout as many of the albums songs contain guest musicians.

Easily one of my favorite tracks, “1080P”, showcases Waylon Reavis' vocal range from deep screams to haunting clean vocals. It has a unique melodic guitar hook in the chorus and very deep lyrics referring to our dependency on television and being force fed rhetoric. This is the kind of material that likely would have never passed the litmus test in Waylon’s previous work. He is off the leash and able to test the waters; showing his strengths and his true abilities.

Unfortunately Unbroken will be cast aside by some as MUSHROOMHEAD 2.0, but this record proves the band’s potency and the raw energy accompanied by an excellent vocal performance by Waylon Reavis and deserves a listen.

4.5 Out Of 5.0

Pick up your copy of Unbroken in the KNAC.COM More Store right HERE.