Photograph courtesy of Kalamity Kills
We spoke with Kalamity Kills‘ Jamie Rowe concerning the venture’s self-titled, debut album, out now.
“This album is every part I couldn’t say for years,” he explains concerning the file. “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 file 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 way of hell and again.”
Anthem: This one’s about standing your floor when every part round you is falling aside. I wrote it throughout a very darkish time after I felt just like the world was hostile to every part I believed. It’s about discovering that internal energy when concern and temptation are pulling at you from each route. 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 (Stress): 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 faux stress to adapt and be one thing you’re not. It’s quick; it’s offended, 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 Power): We took Data Society’s ’80s synth-pop hit and utterly 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 need 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 combat that no one 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 prompt connection you are feeling with somebody—when every part simply clicks and feels inevitable. It turned our first single to hit the MediaBase Lively Rock chart, which proved you possibly can nonetheless write about love and maintain it heavy. Jamey’s riffs are insane on this one.
A.L.I.E.N.: This music appears 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 parts blended with the heavy guitars create this cosmic environment. The decision-and-response vocals make it excellent for reside exhibits and folks simply lose their minds in the course of the “whoa oh” components.
Hellfire Honey: This one’s acquired 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 conduct 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 essentially the most private music on the file. It’s me wanting within the mirror in any respect the wreckage I’ve precipitated by way of my very own self-destructive selections. It’s about that second if you notice the one approach ahead is to burn every part 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 evaluate whereas claiming to talk for God. The music challenges the concept that anybody aside from God will get to determine 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 turn into a fan favourite and introduced in a whole lot of 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 any case that depth, I wished to finish the album on a peaceable be aware. This music got here from my dedication to working towards 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 every part that got here earlier than.
Expanded Version Tracks
Afraid: This one’s about breaking free from each chain that holds you again … societal stress, private fears, emotional baggage. I used to be sick of dwelling scared, sick of letting different folks’s expectations dictate my selections. Traces like, “We don’t bow to the throne of enemies,” and, “A citadel doesn’t make you a king,” sum up the entire angle. Ray Luzier’s drumming is thunderous on this one, and Julia Lauren Bullock’s harmonies convey this contemporary depth. It’s about dwelling defiantly fearless, it doesn’t matter what the chances are.
Starry Skies (988): That is in all probability crucial music I’ve ever written. It got here from my very own battles with melancholy and suicidal ideas … These darkish moments when you possibly can’t see any approach 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 unbelievable 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, every part we’ve completed is value it.
Jingle Bells (SLAY!): We took essentially the most harmless Christmas music and turned it into one thing utterly 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 need to rejoice Christmas however hate the saccharine bullshit. It’s enjoyable; it’s ridiculous, and it’s every part a vacation music shouldn’t be.
Darkish Secrets and techniques (Cinematic Model): Jamey took my favourite music from the album and utterly 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 approach that hits even deeper.
The Chemistry of Meant to Be (Kellan McGregor Combine): Kellan McGregor from Memphis Could Fireplace took our music and gave it this radio-friendly polish with out shedding any of the eagerness. This turned 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 prompt, plain connection between two folks … that chemistry you possibly can’t faux.
