In the vibrant landscape of late 1980s hard rock, Kingdom Come's second album, "In Your Face," emerged as a powerful statement. Released in 1989, amidst the dominance of hair metal and the burgeoning grunge movement, the album showcased a band unafraid to carve its own path.
Historical Context
The late '80s marked a dynamic era in rock music. Hair metal bands like Poison and Motley Crue ruled the charts, while a raw and angst-ridden sound was brewing in Seattle with bands like Nirvana and Soundgarden. Kingdom Come found themselves navigating this evolving scene, drawing inspiration from classic hard rock while incorporating contemporary elements.
Musical Exploration
"In Your Face" solidified Kingdom Come's signature sound: a blend of blues-infused hard rock with Lenny Wolf's distinctive vocals. The album features a mix of driving anthems like "Do You Like It" and melodic ballads like "Overrated." The band's musical exploration was evident in their willingness to experiment with different tempos and song structures.
Music Genre
The album firmly established Kingdom Come within the hard rock genre, with hints of glam metal in their image and stage presence. While comparisons to Led Zeppelin were inevitable due to Wolf's vocal resemblance to Robert Plant, the band managed to create a sound that was both familiar and fresh.
Production Team and Recording Studio
"In Your Face" was produced by Keith Olsen, known for his work with artists like Whitesnake and Scorpions. The album was recorded at Goodnight LA studios in Van Nuys, California, a popular destination for rock bands during that era.
