For those of you who have not heard of them yet, let me introduce GATHERING OF KINGS. Four years ago the formation of this group was announced, with a number of Swedish artists put together from different bands. Expectations were high, since it was not exactly beginners we are talking about. Just over a year ago came the acclaimed "First Mission". The sound has its roots in the melodic hardrock/AOR of the eighties. Guitarist Victor Olsson (SAFFIRE) was the main songwriter, which he also is on the new album "Discovery", together with singer Alexander Frisborg (HELLDOG). On Friday, May 15, this work will be released via RN Records, produced in The Panic Room Studio by Thomas "Plec" Johansson. The albumcover has been painted by Markus Vesper, a freelance artist and illustrator from Germany. Vesper has also created the GOK logo.
It all started with the initiator Ron Dahlgren, dreaming of starting a well-produced music project, kind of like PHENOMENA. His inspiration was their second album "Dream Runner" and therefore wanted to build a band with several different singers, preferably without sounding like all other voices in the genre. The idea got to rest and mature for a few years. Then he presented it to a variety of top musicians, who Dahlgren thought would be a fantastic unit together, with a good interaction to be enjoyed by the listeners. Of course, it is not easy to get it together with all members different tour- and work schedules, so it took a few years before the debut album was completed.
You could say that they sound like a mix of EUROPE and THE NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA. The last one may not be so surprising, when singer Björn Strid participated in the first line-up. He is not involved in the new album. Anyway, GATHERING OF KINGS has found their own style. Something they will develop even more on the upcoming material.
"Discovery" contains twelve tracks, including the singles "Heaven On The Run", "Moonlight" and "Kiss From Above". In last mentioned piece, the two background singers are suddenly three, because the artists managed to get the founder himself behind a microphone. This man has a lot going on in the music world and together with his wife Nina they run a well-known music magazine in Sweden. The couple are also, together with Victor Olsson, executive producers of the band we are talking about here.
Some member changes have taken place, but many are the same. Except Alexander on vocals, we once again hear Rick Altzi (MASTERPLAN), Apollo Papathanasio (SPIRITUAL BEGGARS, ex FIREWIND) and Tobias Jansson (SAFFIRE). New in the gang is Jonny Lindkvist (NOCTURNAL RITES), who fits perfectly. The drummers are the same as before, namely Jonas Källsbäck (THE NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA) and Efraim Larsson (SAFFIRE, STREAMLINE). Here we also find bass player Nalle Påhlsson (TREAT, EASY ACTION, THERION) again. That instrument also Victor plays on several of the songs, as well as keyboards throughout the disc.
GOK made a highly appreciated premiere in front of an audience at Sweden Rock Festival 2019. Please read our review from there. A couple of months later they made a success at another festival, called Skogsröjet. At the beginning of 2020 they did a brilliant concert in Gothenburg. I was there and saw the happy atmosphere just increasing and increasing. A superb performance I will probably never forget. With so many talented musicians and singers, it can only be right.
The week after the album release in May, the band makes exclusive shows in three places in Sweden (Lidköping, Linköping and Gothenburg). All melodies from "Discovery" will be delivered live, in full, for the first time and probably the only time. In addition, many songs from "First Mission" are also promised. There will be five singers, two guitarists, one bassist, two keyboardists and two drummers on stage.
GATHERING OF KINGS arrives in Germany to participate in Indoor Summer 2020, which takes place in Hamburg. They are already longing for it, so do not miss this. (Anna)
(Foto: Effie Trikili)
