From Bandcamp, “KINGCROW emerges once more from Italy's progressive rock forge with a legacy etched in eclectic sounds and emotional narrative. Their evolution is meticulously woven progressive rock, alternative ambiance, and metal, transcending mere genre labels. With “Hopium,” KINGCROW delivers a poignant album that fuses profound introspection with the raw vitality of rock. Lyrics that dwell in existential quandaries meet melodies that pulse with life, encapsulating the band's journey through trials and resilience. This collection of aural stories is wrapped in musical precision that only KINGCROW can muster, an intricate escapade for the senses.”

“Kintsugi” is the first cut. The opening sound is jovial, and tinged with electronica. Underneath the hard rock sound, there is a thread of melancholy that runs through the song however. “Glitch” begins with a sample of light symphonic elements that again leads to an electronic sound. The song definitely has some hooks, although they are a bit subtle. “Parallel Lines” is a longer song that features some grey skies throughout, as well as more electronica. The shades of the sky however shift here and there with the winds. At times, there are delicate melodies, but they are short lived.

“Losing Game” has tender, lamenting qualities, as the title suggests. So far, however, the album has failed to excite me much. I love melancholy music, but the album could benefit from some dynamism. “White Rabbit’s Hole” is another deeply lamenting sound, and too many of these can keep the album from getting off the ground. Right now, it is struggling. When the bass kicks in however, it does bring some energy along. “Night Drive” is another melancholy song. I picture someone just heading down a deserted highway after most cars have already reached their destination. In the lonely drive, it gives one plenty of time to think.

“Vicious Circle” has much deeper and livelier sound, but still has that thread of lament running through it, especially in the chorus. The lengthy “Hopium” closes the album, with yet more lamenting tones. The album just failed to excite me, plain and simple. Every song was very melancholy, and that stood out even over some Progressive elements. For me, it was the vocal style that kept things from really progressing. Diego has a tender voice with great control, but nearly every song was sung in the same range. It might have been the band’s failure to convince me that led to my perceived downfall.