Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Kublai Khan TX delivers an unrelenting surge of metallic hardcore energy with their fifth studio album, Exhibition of Prowess. Released on September 20, 2024, this record builds on the band’s established sound of primal, no-frills aggression, all while showcasing refined musicianship and dynamic pacing. Across its concise 25-minute runtime, the album combines ferocious breakdowns, groove-laden riffs, and raw, guttural vocals that make for a visceral listening experience.
The opening track, “Supreme Ruler,” sets the tone with bouncy percussion and booming chugs, while the lead single “Theory of Mind” melds pummeling rhythms with danceable two-step grooves, highlighting the band’s ability to walk the line between brutality and accessibility. Midway through the album, tracks like “Mud” and “Darwinism” introduce filthy, low-tuned riffs and primal beatdowns that feel tailor-made for live pits. The album also includes collaborations, such as Jamey Jasta’s powerful guest vocals on “A Hopeless Fate” and Dave Peters’s gravelly contributions on “Cannibal,” adding fresh layers to Kublai Khan’s intense soundscape.
Vocalist Matthew Honeycutt remains a cornerstone of the band’s identity, delivering unapologetically blunt lyrics that oscillate between rage-filled exclamations and more introspective themes. Notably, the track “Antpile II” closes the album with pure instrumental ferocity, a callback to their earlier work that leaves a lasting impression.
- Supreme Ruler
- Darwinism
- Cannibal (featuring Dave Peters)
- X
- Theory Of Mind
- Mud
- 972
- Low Tech
- A Hopeless Fate (featuring Jamey Jasta)
- Antpile 2
While the album doesn’t reinvent the genre, its raw energy, expertly executed simplicity, and relentless pacing make it a standout in modern metalcore. With Exhibition of Prowess, Kublai Khan TX proves that sticking to your roots doesn’t have to mean stagnation—it can mean perfection in your niche. Fans of Knocked Loose, Hatebreed, and Judiciary will find much to love here.
