Kittie’s Epic Comeback: “Fire” Marks a Fresh, New Era in Modern Metal

Kittie, the legendary metal band, has spent much of their career evolving and pushing boundaries. Their 1999 debut, Spit, placed them firmly within the nu-metal genre, a scene they quickly outgrew by their second album, Oracle. This sophomore effort saw them delve into more extreme sounds, drawing influences from bands like Obituary rather than Korn. Despite consistently releasing high-quality music over the next decade, interest waned, and the tragic passing of bassist Trish Doan in 2017 cast doubt on the band’s future.

A Resurgence Fueled by Nostalgia and New Music

Instead of fading into obscurity, Kittie experienced a resurgence fueled by a wave of nostalgia. High-profile performances at festivals such as When We Were Young and Sick New World brought them back into the public eye. Frontwoman Morgan Lander reflected on this period, stating, “For a long time in the nu metal hangover era, it was a bit of a bad word. While I still don’t think we are a nu metal band now, being associated with that genre wasn’t such a bad thing.” This newfound acceptance allowed Kittie to embrace their origins while still moving forward.

With Spit celebrating its 25th anniversary, it might seem like the perfect time for Kittie to join the nu-metal revival. However, Fire is not just a nostalgic trip back to the early 2000s. The album expertly blends elements from every era of Kittie’s history with a modern, powerful sound that is both fresh and vital.

A Dynamic and Powerful Album

Fire opens with a title track that echoes the aggressive guitars of Spit’s introductory track, but with a modern twist. The song features a chunky, time-traveling riff and showcases Morgan Lander’s impressive vocal versatility. Her screams could match the harshest musical landscapes, while her clean melodies weave seamlessly around the heavy instrumentation, a style long-term fans will recognize and appreciate.

As the album progresses, listeners are treated to a dynamic range of sounds. “I Still Wear This Crown” features powerful, larynx-shredding vocals as Morgan defiantly declares, “I am unbroken, I still wear this crown.” “Vultures” delivers a relentless, driving riff, while “Grime” offers a gritty, aggressive sound with substantial breakdowns.

At the other end of the spectrum, “Falter” is reminiscent of Kittie’s most melodic work, particularly their 2007 album Funeral For Yesterday. The track balances its harsh elements with infectious melodies. “One Foot In The Grave” stands out as a modern rock anthem, perfect for singalongs.

However, Kittie truly shines when they blend heaviness and melody within the same song, a duality frequently showcased throughout Fire. This balance of aggression and tunefulness defines their latest effort, proving that Kittie still has plenty of creative energy and power.

A Bright Future for Kittie

Kittie’s Fire is a supremely assured return from a band that acknowledges its past while pushing towards a fresh, exciting future. By dipping into every era of their history and applying a muscular modern makeover, Kittie has crafted an album that froths and spits with vitality. This comeback is not just a revival but a reinvention, showing that Kittie is intent on creating something new and exciting.

Listen to Fire on Spotify below and experience the powerful return of a band that continues to evolve and captivate.