The Kingdom
Bush · 2020
47 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock
A haunting blend of post-grunge intensity and melodic introspection, reflecting on loss and resilience.
Top tracks — play these first
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Flowers on a Grave Start here — This opening track sets the tone for the album, intertwining themes of grief with a powerful chorus that showcases Rossdale's vocal range. Its juxtaposition of heavy instrumentation and introspective lyrics encapsulates the emotional weight carried throughout the record.
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Bullet Holes — With its driving rhythm and sharp lyricism, this track addresses themes of conflict and survival, standing out as an anthem of resilience. The catchy hook makes it memorable while delving into deeper social commentary.
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Slaves — This song highlights the album's critical edge, tackling issues of control and freedom through stark imagery. Its dynamic shifts between verses and choruses create an engaging listening experience that embodies the tension present in modern society.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong moments but lacks overall cohesion and distinctiveness within its genre.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks maintain a driving intensity with heavy guitar riffs, while the fourth track introduces a softer, more reflective tone.
- Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that create a sense of depth and emotional resonance.
- The album closes with a gradual deceleration in tempo, allowing for a contemplative finish that contrasts with the earlier energy.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady pacing for thoughtful reflection
- brooding melodies with introspective themes
- consistent mid-tempo flow throughout
- urgent emotional undertones in lyrics
Maybe skip if you
- prefer upbeat, high-energy tracks
- seek instant gratification in music
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — A strong comeback after a long hiatus, showcasing continued artistic vitality.
- Career context
- Released on July 17, 2020, The Kingdom marks Bush's first album in over a decade since their 2011 release, The Sea of Memories. This period of dormancy followed a series of lineup changes and the band's exploration of solo projects by frontman Gavin Rossdale, making this album a significant return to form. It showcases a matured sound while adhering to the band's alternative rock roots.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Stone Temple Pilots· Alice in Chains· Soundgarden
Tracklist
- 1 Flowers on a Grave Start here 3:45
- 2 The Kingdom 3:47
- 3 Bullet Holes 3:47
- 4 Slaves 4:15
- 5 Blood River 4:20
- 6 Quicksand 3:59
- 7 Send in the Clowns 4:13
- 8 Undone 5:02
- 9 Our Time Will Come 3:50
- 10 Crossroads 3:15
- 11 Words Are Not Impediments 3:08
- 12 Falling Away 3:52
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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