Kittie Submit Their Personal Favorites From Their First Album in 13 Years, 'Fire'

Kittie Submit Their Personal Favorites From Their First Album in 13 Years, 'Fire'

- By Ramon Gonzales

Each member weighs in on the singular track that best sparks their flame and emphasizes the strengths of a band reinvigorated with a new sense of purpose.

Earlier this year, metal marked the return of one its most beloved, game-changing bands of the last generation. 25 years since the release of their lauded studio debut, Spit, Kittie ushered in their modern era, announcing their signing to Sumerian Records and debuting their first showing of new music in well over a decade. 

Working with accomplished producer Nick Raskulinecz (Foo Fighters, Rush, Alice In Chains, Korn), "Eyes Wide Open" marked the band's first new offering in 13 years. Kittie would then double down with second powerful single in "We Are Shadows" - With the band's signature heft and poignant lyrical breadth on full display, emphasizing that not only was Kittie back, but they were operating as arguably their very best version ot date.  

Officially, the band has now released their first full length studio album in 13 years with the arrival of, Fire. The release via Sumerian Records marks a significant turning point in the already storied career of the metal music trailblazers and speaks to the spirit of resilience that has long been at the core of the unit.  

When the album's confirmation initial broke, Kittie vocalist/guitarist Morgan Lander spoke candidly about the prospects of the band's less than likely return and how a refocus has given the band new life they didn't think possible. 

"10 years ago, if someone would have told us that we would be releasing new Kittiemusic in 2024, we’d have dismissed them right away. 

It feels like something deeper than fate that’s brought us together again, allowing us to create something fearless and magical for you. We’ve worked incredibly hard over the past year, and    surrounded ourselves with the ultimate dream team to make this album a reality."

As Kittie celebrate the arrival of the pivotal album, the band has shared their most recent offering from the presentation with the music video for the title track. The self-explanatory single functions like a mission statement, reiterating the intensity that has long been a hallmark, while emphasizing the modern era of Kittie is far from indulging nostalgia. 

 

Taking inventory of their latest full length, the individual members of Kittie have offered their thoughts on the entries that seem to stick with them most. In assessing their favorite tracks from the record, each member shines a light on their respective strengths as a unit and better elaborates on what they put a priority on as songwriters. 

Here were the results. 

MORGAN LANDER - “I think my favorite track on the album (as of right now anyway) is 'Fire'.  It’s an incredibly dynamic and commanding opening track about the quiet rage that the expectation of silence and compliance creates, that I feel embodies everything this new album is:  dark, powerful, menacing and a little sexy. 

Album openers are so important to set the tone of what’s to come and I feel like 'Fire' accomplishes just that.  It comes out of the gate swinging with calculating punches that refuse to let up, and creates the kind of controlled chaos that I love.” 

MERCEDES LANDER - "'Vultures' was one of the first songs we wrote for Fire and I feel like it really embodies the spirit of Kittie wholeheartedly. This song is written in ¾ which is a very common time signature for us to use but usually we reserve it for slower songs like 'Sorrow I Know' or 'What I've Always Wanted', so I like the fact that its a bit more up beat. I really wanted the chorus to sound a bit chaotic so there's a bit of extra drum sauce in there. But I think my favorite part about this song is the lyrical content that Morgan came up with. The song is very personal for both her and I and I feel like it personifies our triumph in making the record of our dreams."  

 

IVY JENKINS - "'FIRE' is such a pissed off track! It incorporates diverse elements epitomizing the vibe of this album: Dark, eerie, powerful, and yet really groovy. The lyrics and delivery are incredibly impactful. I love the dynamics between the enchanting, melodic vocals, the furious screams, the propulsive drum beats, chuggy guitar riffs, and groovy bass lines. 'Fire' has it all. It all plays together very nicely and really makes for an impeccable title track. It was also the first fully finished track that we listened to together on the studio monitors, so that adds an extra layer of special sauce for me!"

TARA MCLEOD - "It was difficult to pick one favorite, but I'm going with 'I Still Wear This Crown'. I love that this song stylistically pulls from all parts of Kittie; heavy riffs, gnarly vocals, beautiful melodies, and a bridge with a big riff and a pinch of creepy. Also, the lyrical imagery that Morgan brings into the chorus hits me each time I hear it. The idea of having your face in the mud but refusing to stay down is powerful and oh so relatable! One of my favorite moments of the album happens in the second verse when the guitars drop out and you can hear just how locked in Mercedes and Ivy are together. Gives me that metal stank face!"

 

 

Fire, the first studio album from Kittie in 13 years is now available via Sumerian Records.

Get the album - HERE

 

In support of the release of Fire, Kittie are prepping for a headlining run of tour dates with the Fire 2024 tour. Kittie will touch down in select markets in North America this summer with an outstanding roster of support from Unearth, Upon A Burning Body, Vile Creature, Within the Ruins, VCTMS, Conquer Divide and more.

Additionally, Kittie will take on a few select festival dates including at set for the highly-anticipated return of Mayhem Festival this fall in Southern California with. Kittie will perform along with Bad Omens, Parkway Drive, Architects, Jinjer, Poppy and more. 

See the current list of dates and cities for Kittie below. Get tickets - HERE

 

KITTIE FIRE 2024

EXCLUSIVE HEADLINE SHOWS

July 12th - Toronto, ON - History w/ Vile Creature

July 19th - New York, NY - Palladium Times Square w/ Unearth, Within The Ruins and Stabbing

August 2nd - Atlanta, GA - The Masquerade w/ Upon A Burning Body

August 4th - Dallas, TX - The Studio at The Factory w/ Upon A Burning Body August 23rd - Chicago, IL - Concord Music Hall w/ VCTMS and Conquer Divide

UPCOMING FESTIVAL PERFORMANCES

July 6th - Quebec City, QC - Festival d'Été de Québec

August 24th - Jackson, MI - Havoc Festival

October 12th - San Bernardino, CA - Mayhem Festival

 

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