KRONOWSKI is not your run of the mill band name, but if it is the name of the main contributor, it does make sense. The band is from Augusta, Georgia USA and has been around since 2020. Throughout the years they have given us an EP (“Crimson” in 2021) and a full-length album (“Amber” in 2023). And now, on 5 December 2024 they are giving another instalment of their Metal music called “Do I Need A Reason”. They themselves describe their music as Heavy Metal, but I have a feeling that based on this EP they really don’t know how to market themselves. That probably also is a problem for record companies, as this has been released through a PR company.

Opener and title song “Do I Need A Reason” is a proper Heavy metal headbanger that will get you moving in one way or another. I have to say that I like this one. “The Weight” is much lighter, almost a Glam Metal song, but with rather Heavy elements. This one is okay in my book, but nothing more than that. “Tides” is another cup of tea, as it is a Groove Metal track with Nu-Metal parts interwoven. Plus, it has a very slow ending. To me this is not a very interesting song, it just doesn’t grab my attention. The intro of the next song is anything but “Boring”, and as soon as soon as the singing begins you get the feeling you are listening to a band who is trying to write a hit. Is it working? As far as I can tell, yes, it is. This is catchy, packs a bit of a punch, but most of all, is easy to sing along to, and therefore easy to remember. If they hit the right market with “Boring” KRONOWSKI might get just the airplay they need. What also helps is that the solo guitar parts on this song are very much influenced by a certain guitarist called Brain May (QUEEN).

And then you have the closer “Shades Of Grey”. Starting off with just a piano and voice, it gives you the vibe of a pure ballad. And that is exactly what it is, and not even a bad one at that. It does help that Adam Kronowski has a very good and pleasant voice. It marks the end of just over 18 minutes of music that has not got me on the edge of my seat or has been able to give ne hair raising moments, but it sure as hell ain’t bad either. So, if you like your Metal to be versatile, you might want to check out KRONOWSKI and give “Do I Need A Reason” a try.