My Favourite Album with Adam from Cober Mouth

My Favourite Album with Adam from Cober Mouth

What is the album?

A tough question that changes with the seasons of life – however right now, the top spot is held by: Exhibition of Prowess – Kublai Khan TX

Why is it your favourite album?

Kublai Khan TX are the modern masters of groove, one liners and live shows in the metalcore world of today. Exhibition of Prowess represents their core elements refined in a 20 minute throw down, featuring blistering riffs that give way to more one liners than an 80’s Arnie movie. Isaac Lamb is a testament to drummers that serve the song and not their ego, whilst Eric English and Nolan Ashley are so locked in you’d think it was one musician. On vocals, Matt Honeycutt and his husky Texan voice are the perfect vehicle to deliver Khan’s primitive brutality in linguistic form, particularly live. Plus, Antpile 2?!?!?!

How does it make you feel when you listen to it?

A bit like I want to karate-chop my hand through a very high stack of poppadoms.

But mostly, I feel like I will do anything Matt barks at me: the only convincing I need has already been delivered in a barrage of disgusting, Southern mega-riffs.

“the word Khan in the English language translates to KING” – thanks Matt, I’ll be able to answer you at the end of the song quiz now!

“Mother fucker bang your fucking head” – sure Matt I’ll do that, this track slaps.

“Push that skull through the wall” – you know what, this song is heavy enough. Sorry landlord. Matt has asked me nicely. This plasterboard is getting a new porthole…

…and that’s all before THE 2 MINUTE MARK.

If you want to feel the adrenaline a neanderthal felt when clubbing its first meal to death, this is the audio equivalent.

Did I mention the lyrics are introspective and contain social analysis of injustice?? WHERE IS THE ACHILLES HEEL OF THIS BAND?

How do you feel when you hear the songs from that album played live?

KKTX have an interesting way of framing their live sets, mainly guided by Mr. Honeycutt. The songs are practically as they appear on the record with a few modifications for crowd engagement. Their sets become what I can only describe as Hardcore Drill Sergeant The Musical combined with a stand up comedy set of metaphors and hyperbole. Imagine a frontman giving you mosh pit instructions, but in the form of a pitbull barking 80’s one liners at you like “Put your helmets on, your work boots, its time to clock in and get paid baby”. I’ve never heard such genuinely brutal music paired with such niche humour – for me it’s an ultimate pairing, and a masterclass of performing and entertainment.

What is your favourite track and why?

Supreme Ruler – to me, an opening song is the most important. It starts with a genuinely meaningful sample of Matt reciting a question that carries a thematic link to the Mongol Empire, followed by disgusting breakdowns, crowd participation one liners, all in a run time of 54 seconds. I love short songs that leave you wanting more without overstaying their welcome. A perfect summary of what’s to come.