The band’s sound has gotten more melodic over the years and they’ve utilized more melodic singing. For In The Black there’s more of a balance between intensity and melody. Tracks like “My Plague” are fast and aggressive, with heavy guitar riffs and mostly screaming vocals from Morgan Lander. Other songs such as “Falling Down” are less intense with all melodic singing.
The best songs on In The Black combine the two styles. “Cut Throat” and “Forgive And Forget” have parts that are heavy and aggressive contrasted with melodic and mellower sections. The Lander sisters are the focus of Kittie, but guitarist Tara McLeod excels on the album as well with really memorable riffs and some nice solos.
“Whiskey Love Song” is really well done, with Morgan’s melodic singing over thrashy riffs and a few well placed screams. The album wraps up with “The Truth” a six plus minute epic that begins with an ominous organ intro before the heavy guitars kick in. It’s a potent way to close In The Black, which is one of Kittie’s strongest CDs yet.
(released September 15, 2009 on E1 Entertainment)
