A veteran on the scene for over two decades now, Mark “Kaz” Kasprzyk is dedicated to music in every facet of the word. First working as a solo artist, back in 2009 he formed the band Redlight King with longtime collaborator Julian Tomarin. A band mixing Rock and Hip Hop elements, they would go onto mainstream success with their 2011 debut album Something for the Pain. A solid first impression to audiences, it featured such memorable tracks such as “Old Man” and “Bullet in My Hand.” From here, Redlight King continued on with 2013’s Irons In The Fire, the Helldiver EP in 2015, before 2020’s Moonshine. All showing signs of a band progressing, perhaps their most compelling work came with Moonshine; an effort full of very honest reflections on personal evolution. Building off of this, in 2023 Redlight King return with the new album In Our Blood.
Their first album with AFM Records, In Our Blood also marks the fourth full-length release Redlight King has put out to date. Arriving on March 3rd, prior to this, a good portion of the songs that make up the album were made available throughout much of 2022. This includes the title-track, “Cold Killer,” “King Again,” and the exceptionally beautiful “Heavy Heart.” Furthermore, songs like the very catchy “Eye of a Hurricane” and “Do You Wanna Live” popped up in the earlier portion of 2023. Making up 6 of the 9 songs that is In Our Blood, the positive thing is a level of familiarity to the material among a good group of listeners.
This in mind, In Our Blood is very much a continuation of what Redlight King did on Moonshine, but perhaps a little less polished in sections; making for a rawer Rock sound. Pronounced are well-crafted riffs of Tomarin, thick bass guitar tone of Brian Weaver, and upfront drumming of Mark Goodwin. Very well put together, there is a dynamic sound where you can easily distinguish each part with clarity. Refreshing, credit has to be given to Kaz who put all of himself into laying out the album. Acting as the primary producer, songwriter, and arranger, the vibe is one that is crisp, yet live sounding. And if you would like further explanation, think of an album that, as a whole, pumps and breaths without exhausting you with loudness.
These factors presented, what the material itself offers is a very Classic Rock vibed collection of songs that have their heaviness when necessary. A very emotional collection, some clear contenders for the best include the upbeat “Do You Wanna Live,” soaring “My Execution,” storytelling “Eye of a Hurricane,” and not to be missed “Heavy Heart.” Each having a different type of energy, Kaz and company capture a feeling that is reflective of all of us. It is honest, real, and reflective of our will to live. Simply put, what the songs really do is paint pictures that remind us that while we all have our crosses to bear, the only way to move forward is to truly make the best of a situation.
Everything considered, Redlight King are still a potent band, if not better than they were at the peak of their commercial success. They have remained true to the songs and In Our Blood proves this. So, if you are someone who has continued to follow Redlight King over the last decade plus, or if you are someone giving them a second look to see what is going on, this album will surely surprise. That is why Cryptic Rock gives In Our Blood 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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