The Path Review Posted September 19, 2020 By RyanAdams_NRT, Staff Reviewer
What You Need To Know Metal band Fit For A King, under the Solid State Records banner, has released its sixth album, The Path. The band returned to producer Andrew Folk to produce the album (He produced the band's highly successful 2018 album, Dark Skies.) Music artist Daniel Gailey is officially a new member of the band. He primarily plays guitar, but also does some vocal work. For the album's release, Fit For A King did a livestream event, which included every band member, as well as their manager and producer.
What It Sounds Like Fit For A King experimented more on this record than their previous albums. The Path has electronic elements, gang vocals, progressive guitar solos, bells, and spoken word. Overall, the album has plenty of new styles, both musically and vocally. The album has songs that old Fit For A King fans will enjoy and ones that new fans will love. Some fans might be turned off by the creative experimentation though.
Spiritual Highlights Lead singer Ryan Kirby, along with the rest of the band and team, has been very open about the album's messages. The Path is very intentional and heartfelt. Ryan says, "This album is made to be the soundtrack for your victory over what mentally, and physically holds us back." The cover art is Nike, the Greek goddess of victory.
The album's songs have very motivational and encouraging lyrics. "The Face of Hate" opens the victorious album with a message of unity, "A movement, connected/Our voices rise above the flames." Following up, "Breaking The Mirror" proclaims victory over our struggles especially with the lyric, "No more doubt, no more fear, no more suffering/You'll never kill the flame in me." The title track is perhaps the best example of a new sound mixed with the message of hope and victory. Ryan screams the encouraging chorus, "If you're broken, if you're bleeding/If you're dying for somebody to believe in/Don't you turn back, you've got a story to tell."
The band uses their massive voice in the metalcore scene to encourage and motivate their listeners while addressing significant topics. "God of Fire" and "Stockholm" condemn hypocrisy and insincere religion. Fit For A King uses their voice in songs like these to boldly fight against injustice in those areas. "Locked (In My Head)" addresses mental struggles. "Prophet" deals with the loss of a loved one due to suicide. And, "Louder Voice" is about the internal struggle to let love win.
Best Song With such a diverse collection of songs, it can be difficult to objectively point to one song and proclaim it as the standout—even the band itself has not agreed on a favorite. I'll name two songs: one has a harder rock sound, while the other is more experimental.
If you want heavy, then "The Face of Hate" is your song. It exemplifies everything that The Path offers—both musically, thematically, and lyrically. Some of the album's other heavier songs have elements that may not be well-received by fans. But, "The Face of Hate" is both fresh and familiar. You know what you're in for when you listen to this explosive song.
If you want unique, then listen to "Prophet." It has great melodic elements, a super catchy riff, and emotional lyrics. After the instrumental opening, bass player Ryan "Tuck" O'Leary sings the dramatic, slow-paced verse that perfectly sets the theme of this song: suicide. It seems odd to include a song about suicide on an album focused on victory. But, songs like "Prophet" greatly contribute to the album's relatable side. The heart-piercing chorus screamed by Ryan Kirby hits home for anyone who has lost a loved one—especially due to suicide. For most, it's a spiritual outcry to God. He sings, "Savior, am I too blind to see?/If you can create all of the stars, then why can't you mend a broken heart?/Don't let the world devour me." Fit For A King expressed great creativity with this song and it paid off.
Bottom Line Fit For A King's The Path ultimately proves great growth for the band. The lyrical content is overall much more positive, the heavy tracks are intense and satisfying, while the creative, pathbreaking tracks are catchy and fresh. There are a few repetitious moments through the album, and there are sounds and styles that won't please everyone. I don't foresee the album being as particularly wide-received as Dark Skies. But, I do see The Path being a powerful declaration of where the band is now and probably where they are going. Fans who are willing to expect the unexpected, instead of the familiar, will enjoy this deeply passionate and personal album.
