Almost Kings

Having lived in Hotlanta for several years, and living in close proximity otherwise, I can claim Atlanta as a second home. Atlanta is one of those places in America that is special for reasons that are too numerous to list in the space of this post. Suffice it to say, if you have never been GO!

This post got its start from a Twitter follow and my wife's Facebook account. What do the two have in common? Well, I got "Followed" ( @justmnjoe ) by @AlmostKings and my wife follows them on Facebook. She is not really in on Twitter, yet. Anyway I started researching these "Kings" and here is what I found.

I liked this group of guys from Atlanta almost immediately, why? Lots of reasons so I will narrow it down. I am a fan of music and musicians; the genre is not as important as the music I like stuff all over the map and I dislike stuff all over that same map. What I was initially struck by when I watched the first video was they sound like a hip hop act, but that couldn't be the case, there were actual instruments and musicians playing those instruments on the stage. It wasn't three or four guys rapping over top of each other around a drum machine and turntable, it was guitars, a drum kit, a bass, it was a band!

As I dug deeper into band I found that they were unsigned and were out there working to promote themselves and make their name not the name the record company wanted them to make. I am not saying that being signed to a label would be a bad thing; What I am saying is that in spite of not having a label contract these guys are out there touring and playing as though they do, and in time they will i that is their choice.

As for the music, if you are like me and were around to see the birth of the fusion of hip hop and rock you will like what the Almost Kings have to offer. For me this brought back memories of that first Anthrax record I bought. After Anthrax it was okay to be a metal kid and listen to hip hop and now the rest is history because that fusion has come full circle and a new genre has matured.

Listening to the Almost Kings I hear Beastie Boys influences along with the distinct Atlanta / Dirty South hip hop flavor. These guys meld seamlessly from rap/rock to rock and vice versus. Their passion for their craft can be seen in the fun they appear to be having on stage. Do yourself a favor and download anything you can from the Almost Kings. - Just Minnesota Joe

...Finally, Atlanta-based Almost Kings, who were the band that most of the audience was there for, came onto the stage to ecstatic cheering. Almost Kings are a truly entertaining band, both on and off the stage. The members are energetic, hyperactive, and bouncy. Their songs, an interesting and successful mix of funk, rock, and rap, have choruses that are easy to learn and sing along with, which vocalist Bryan Bozeman encourages wholeheartedly. Drummer Kevin Compton describes the band's sound as "Rage Against the Machine meets the Beastie Boys, with Eminem as a singer." The band's performance is a constant barrage of energy with no pauses, working hard to bring a good time to any and all. Their set consisted mostly of originals, including "On Like That," "Bounce," and a few new tracks to whet the appetite of those eagerly awaiting the new album, but there were also covers of Far East Movement's "Like a G6" and Eminem's "Lose Yourself," an anthem by which Almost Kings seems to live.

Overall, this was a great combination of acts. The show was wonderful and entertaining, and every single person leaving the venue that night left with a huge smile. - Examiner.com

There was that one time when Almost Kings were wrapping up a Houma concert with the song “Burn,” that time when the Brickhouse’s electronic system may have been overtaxed, that time when the lights went out, when sparks danced on a power line and when the fire department was summoned.
Tavern owner Kendall Brunet uses that story to lionize the Marietta, Ga.-based band as they prepare for a return to his downtown bar. Known for whipping crowds into a frenzy with a sound self-described as a meld of Eminem, Linkin Park and the Beastie Boys, Almost Kings help Houma usher in Mardi Gras with a concert following the Krewe of Hercules Feb. 1.
“I think that was the second time we had blown that place out,” says the band’s frontman Bryan Bozeman (Boze). “It was crazy. It blew out the whole thing. I couldn’t believe it, I was like, ‘This is the most priceless timing ever (because of the song’s name).’ That place was blowing up, for real.”
Almost Kings incorporate rock, hip-hop and pop principles in their music, a hybrid sound complemented with Boze’s breathless vocals and a tempo that is distinctly geared toward hype. They are indeed a party band, urging the crowd at times to chant along and inciting a form of civilized bedlam by bouncing around and presenting their searing package.
The members’ ages range from 26-31, aligning their maturation with the aforementioned influences, as well as Rage Against the Machine, Korn and Outkast. Boze remembers growing up with Cypress Hill, one of the foremost hybrid groups through the 90s and into the aughts.
“We offer so much to so many different types of people,” Boze says.
Almost Kings’ members decided to meld together in 2008 from various bands. Boze, the superhuman-tongued vocalist, drummer Kevin Compton and bassist Danny Helms forged with guitarist Ryan Yunker.
“In an unarrogant way, we tried to put together a super band,” Boze says. It all just kind of linked together. It started off as a hip-hop, ended up being rock and it got more rock, and now it’s kind of all over the place.
“We put together album not of what we want to be or what we’re trying to be as musicians, but what we feel, and each member feels something completely different from the other so it gives the CD and the music such variety that it’s hard to miss any person out there that likes any kind of music. … People have loved us so far.”
While the band’s 21,000 Facebook fans hint at a strong online following, the extent of Almost Kings’ draw became unmistakable when the band won CBS’ inaugural “From Your Garage to Grammy Live” online contest. After beating out more than 900 bands in online voting, the Atlanta-area band performed for a webcast the day before the 2012 awards were distributed.
“It was cool to have that feeling that you have this group of people who really believe in you enough to outvote 900-1,000 bands out there,” Boze says.
Almost Kings, who play approximately 200 shows each year mostly in the eastern U.S., have made a handful of trips to the Brickhouse. It is one of the only venues the band uses when it’s within state borders, so it offers a chance for friends and family of Compton, a Slidell native, to catch the band.
“We had some buddies that played (the Brickhouse),” Boze says. “They’re from Atlanta, too, and they were talking about how cool the place was and the owner and all the people, so we just linked up with Kendall and got out there. … It’s been awesome.”
The independent band has released two albums: “Filthy Nice,” an LP, and “Club Rock EP.” The buzz around the band has prompted a couple of record labels to make deals, but Boze says the group wants to make sure it lands the right deal, one that would afford them musical flexibility and not solely money.
“We feel that most labels these days are basically just banks,” Boze says. “We wouldn’t mind a label if it’s the right deal and the right fit for us, but right now we’re just as happy doing it ourselves.”
Almost Kings, managed by Alejandro Simmonds, is still finalizing the 2013 tour schedule, though they hope to be more visible on the festival circuit.
The band hopes to release a music video for “Hold On Me” this month and plans to continue releasing new music via singles – rather than a full album – throughout the year, Boze says.
“We want to kind of ease people into it,” Boze says. “The goal right now is to drop that album and hopefully get some feedback on it. Our management is really pushing to get radio play out of it.” - Gumbo Entertainment Guide

CANTON — Creekview High School students got a taste of Hollywood when rock band Almost Kings visited the school Friday to thank students for helping them score a performance during the Grammy Awards Expo in Los Angeles.

The show will stream online at www.cbs.com on Saturday as part of Grammy LIVE, a three-day online live streaming event starting Feb. 10 that covers all Grammy-related events and will accompany the 54th annual Grammy Awards airing at 8 p.m, Feb. 12 on CBS.

Formed in 2008, the independent rock band was nominated by a fan in early December and beat out 916 bands from across the country with the most Facebook votes, said general manager Alejandro Simmonds.

Josh Markham, production manager for the band, contacted his mother, Linda Markham, a Creekview teacher, to help the band reach its goal.

“I encouraged students and staff to vote for the band on Facebook,” Linda Markham said.

Made up of friends and musicians from Lassiter and Sprayberry high schools in Cobb County, Almost Kings has performed together for four years and has been voted Best Local Rock Act by Creative Loafing for 2011.

Bryan Bozeman, 30, went to Sprayberry and is lead vocalist; Ryan Yunker, 25, went to Lassiter and is a guitarist and vocalist; Daniel Helms, 27, went to Lassiter and is a bass player and vocalist; and Kevin Compton, 27, went to Lassiter and plays drums.

Bozeman said he was familiar with some of his bandmates in high school, but the band didn’t start playing together until after graduation.

Characterized on their website as “Linkin Park meets Beastie Boys on steroids, with Eminem as the frontman,”Almost Kings has released two albums, including their debut “Filthy Nice” in February 2009 and “Club Rock EP” in February 2011 and have performed more than 800 live shows to date.

“Our music is about having a good time and positivity,” Yunker said.

The band will leave for Los Angeles on Tuesday for the event and spend five days and four nights there. Bozeman said they all wanted to make sure they thanked their local fans for their support before they left.

“We all feel like we can give back to these kids and show them hard work actually pays off,” Bozeman said.

He added every band member constantly updates Facebook and Twitter with tour information and to interact with fans.

“We try to give as much back to everyone who gives us love as we can,” Bozeman said.

As for the band’s live performance, Bozeman said he was “stoked” and looking forward to meeting people in the industry.

“We’re a little nervous,” Helms said. “Kind of anxious but excited for the opportunity.”

Upon the band’s return to Atlanta from Los Angeles, Almost Kings will play live at Wild Bills in Duluth on Feb. 18. Attendees must be 18 or older. Email almostkings@gmail.com for tickets to the show.

“We just really want to thank our friends and fans for voting,” Compton said. “We couldn’t have done it without all of their support.”

Read more: The Marietta Daily Journal - Musicians from Cobb set to play Grammys event - The Marietta Daily Journal

CANTON — Creekview High School students got a taste of Hollywood when rock band Almost Kings visited the school Friday to thank students for helping them score a performance during the Grammy Awards Expo in Los Angeles.

The show will stream online at www.cbs.com on Saturday as part of Grammy LIVE, a three-day online live streaming event starting Feb. 10 that covers all Grammy-related events and will accompany the 54th annual Grammy Awards airing at 8 p.m, Feb. 12 on CBS.

Formed in 2008, the independent rock band was nominated by a fan in early December and beat out 916 bands from across the country with the most Facebook votes, said general manager Alejandro Simmonds.

Josh Markham, production manager for the band, contacted his mother, Linda Markham, a Creekview teacher, to help the band reach its goal.

“I encouraged students and staff to vote for the band on Facebook,” Linda Markham said.

Made up of friends and musicians from Lassiter and Sprayberry high schools in Cobb County, Almost Kings has performed together for four years and has been voted Best Local Rock Act by Creative Loafing for 2011.

Bryan Bozeman, 30, went to Sprayberry and is lead vocalist; Ryan Yunker, 25, went to Lassiter and is a guitarist and vocalist; Daniel Helms, 27, went to Lassiter and is a bass player and vocalist; and Kevin Compton, 27, went to Lassiter and plays drums.

Bozeman said he was familiar with some of his bandmates in high school, but the band didn’t start playing together until after graduation.

Characterized on their website as “Linkin Park meets Beastie Boys on steroids, with Eminem as the frontman,”Almost Kings has released two albums, including their debut “Filthy Nice” in February 2009 and “Club Rock EP” in February 2011 and have performed more than 800 live shows to date.

“Our music is about having a good time and positivity,” Yunker said.

The band will leave for Los Angeles on Tuesday for the event and spend five days and four nights there. Bozeman said they all wanted to make sure they thanked their local fans for their support before they left.

“We all feel like we can give back to these kids and show them hard work actually pays off,” Bozeman said.

He added every band member constantly updates Facebook and Twitter with tour information and to interact with fans.

“We try to give as much back to everyone who gives us love as we can,” Bozeman said.

As for the band’s live performance, Bozeman said he was “stoked” and looking forward to meeting people in the industry.

“We’re a little nervous,” Helms said. “Kind of anxious but excited for the opportunity.”

Upon the band’s return to Atlanta from Los Angeles, Almost Kings will play live at Wild Bills in Duluth on Feb. 18. Attendees must be 18 or older. Email almostkings@gmail.com for tickets to the show.

“We just really want to thank our friends and fans for voting,” Compton said. “We couldn’t have done it without all of their support.”

Read more: The Marietta Daily Journal - Musicians from Cobb set to play Grammys event - The Marietta Daily Journal

Almost Kings, which was formed in 2008 and has played over 200 live solo shows, beat out more than 916 other unsigned acts for the opportunity to play during the Grammy awards expo.

An independent rock band from Marietta has hit it big. Almost Kings was named the winner of the From Your Garage to Grammy Live contest, a fan-driven, month-long Facebook promotion that gave the band with the most votes an opportunity to play a live, online streaming performance during the Grammy awards expo in Los Angeles.

Formed in 2008 and comprised of a group of friends and musicians from Lassiter and Sprayberry high schools, Almost Kings has gained a reputation as one of the hottest, most energetic and sought-after live acts touring the club, venue and festival circuit today, according to a news release.

The band's Facebook lists its members as: Boze, vocals; Ryan Yunker, guitars and vocals; Kevin Compton, drums; and Danny Helms, bass and vocals.

Almost Kings' sound can be described as "Linkin Park meets Beastie Boys on steroids, with Eminem as the frontman," according to the release.

The 54th annual Grammy awards televised event will air Feb. 12 on CBS at 8 p.m. Almost Kings' live performance will accompany a litany of online and interactive events the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, which presents the Grammy awards each year to the best in the music business, is pushing during this year’s expo.

“We’ve been very anxious but very patient over the course of the contest,” said Almost Kings general manager Alejandro Simmonds in the press release. “And man we’re so thankful to all our fans and everyone who voted for us and believed in us from the get-go. Now we just gotta’ put together some killer sets and blow everybody’s brains out!”

Voted "Best New Rock Act Out Of Atlanta in 2011" by Creative Loafing readers, the band has developed an underground following from touring across the lower 48.

Almost Kings released its self-produced debut album Filthy Nice in February 2009 followed by its Club Rock EP in February 2011.

With 800-plus live solo shows behind them to date, Almost Kings has shared the stage with national acts, including Avenged Sevenfold, Korn, Disturbed, 3 Doors Down, Rehab, Saving Abel, Alien Ant Farm, Yelawolf, Stone Sour, Sevendust, Drowning Pool, Theory of a Deadman, Everlast, Ludacris, b.o.b., Molly Hatchet, Fuel, Taproot and many more.

Almost Kings was nominated for the Garage to Grammy by a fan in early December and beat out more than 916 other unsigned acts selected regionally by contest organizers from across the country, Simmonds said in the release.

Contest participants on the Facebook social media network were required to access the Grammy awards official page. Once there they could search the nominee bands from a dialogue box and vote up to 10 times each day.

Simmonds hopes the international exposure will lead to gaining new fans and broader touring opportunities, according to the news release.

Upon their return to Atlanta from Los Angeles, Almost Kings will play live at Wild Bills in Duluth on Feb. 18. - Marietta Patch

Marietta rock band Almost Kings had a taste of the top of the music industry this weekend as the winners of the first Garage to Grammys Live contest.

Formed in 2008 by Lassiter and Sprayberry alumni, the band talked to Marietta Patch about its music and goals before heading to Los Angeles for a live, streaming performance at the Grammy Awards expo.

Check out Almost Kings' Grammy performances and their interview with John Norris in the attached YouTube clips from CBS.

(See URL for video clips) - Marietta Patch

You discovered them here first, and now Almost Kings is blowing up like a nuclear warhead and playing their first show of the year at the 2012 Grammy Awards!! The Marietta, GA quartet, which features axe-murderer lead-guitarist Ryan Yunker, hurricane-blast bassist Danny Helms, human beat-machine drummer Kevin Compton, and slick rhyme-schemer and lead vocalist/MC Bryan "Boze" Bozeman, beat out 916 other artists from around the country to nab the first place spot in the national contest. Mixing crunching guitar and soul-shattering rhythm with hook-filled hip-hop vocals, Almost Kings are more than just a club favorite in the Atlanta area: they're the next step in the rap-rock hybrid vein that made bands like Rage Against the Machine, Primus and Linkin Park international names.

With their tearing rhythms and energy-filled choruses, Almost Kings have been a staple on my radio show Underground Takeover since its inception last year. Their song “Unstoppable” is the unofficial wrap-up, and with other songs like “Legend” and “Pornstar” on their debut album Filthy Nice, Almost Kings create a sound that is entirely impossible for people to ignore. I knew it was just a matter of time until these guys blew up, and now the whole country will know just what kind of hard-rock energy has been building just below the surface on the hot streets of Atlanta.

Boze’s vocals are slick, little whispers just before the roars come and rip the roof off of whatever club they’re playing at the time. His raps are smooth and beat-driven, and mashed against the bass-blasts that Danny Helms comes down with, there’s no way anyone in the audience is standing still. Ryan Yunker’s blistering guitar solos climb over the crunching feedback to drill through the ears of everyone jumping at this point, and bolstered by Kevin Compton’s gut-busting back-beats, the rhythm section of Almost Kings is so closely tied with the melody and energy that the finished product is incredible.

Clearly an example of a band getting their just desserts, Almost Kings are sure to blow the roof off the Grammy Awards next month. There are new Kings in town, and they’re simply unstoppable. - New Rock News

Few rock bands can weave through polar-opposite music genres like they are putting together an Easter basket, but Ryan Yunker of Atlanta band Almost Kings insists that his band is one of them.

"We're kind of like the Beastie Boys meets Linkin Park meets Outkast on steroids," Yunker said. "We rock it like that."

Cali's will get the royal treatment Thursday, April 7 when Almost Kings rocks, rolls, raps, and everything in between. The group specializes in making guitar-fused hip-hop that borrows from a blend of punk and heavy metal.

While few people associate guitars with hip-hop, Yunker explains that what the band does is comparable to other hip-hop mainstays.

"We're basically a hip-hop band that is played to a live band instead of a DJ," he said. "We try to keep things live and energetic. We want to give people a show they have never seen before."

The group started in 2008 as a writing collaboration between Yunker and vocalist Boze. The pair later added drummer Kevin Compton and bassist and vocalist Danny Helms and became Almost Kings.

"It's funny because it started as just this little side project, and then it grew into this full-time gig," said Yunker.

In 2009, Almost Kings released their first album, Filthy Nice. The disc contained an array of rock and hip-hop elements with hints of other genres, proving that Almost Kings were onto something more than the backwards-hat-wearing, watered-down version of nu rap metal that swept over the airwaves a decade ago.

The band recently took a brief, six-week hiatus from a hectic touring schedule-- they average about 250 dates a year-- to record an EP, which was released in February.

"It's a great ride," Yunker said. "We are getting to travel different places, meet different people. We have a great time wherever we go."

Find out more and listen to audio tracks from Almost Kings by searching for the band on Facebook and MySpace. - Leah Williams Wright / Carbondalerocks.com

It’s Saturday night! I have my tickets in hand walking into Wild Bill’s to see Almost Kings. Tonight they are releasing their new EP, CLUBROCK. It would not matter if it was a CD release or not, I would still be here for the show. I walk in and am hit by a gigantic crowd of people. This group is unique in that they are not signed and handle everything from merchandise to booking venues. Their business savvy and marketing works. Tonight I see hundreds of fans. I am a fan. I head to the front with my camera in tow and I am ushered into the throngs of a huge group of people. I feel the crowd’s excitement is only for an energy rush of adrenaline caused by being entertained with good music and listening to a great performance. Almost Kings enter stage right. The drummer begins to tap lightly with his sticks and then BAM! Onto the stage comes the rest of the group. I have said once and I will say it again, it is hard to get pictures of these guys because they simply do not stand still.

If Rage Against the Machine and 311 had a baby, I do believe it would be named Almost Kings. A band of 2011 heavily influenced by the grunge, rap, and heavy metal of the 1990's; Almost Kings manages to intertwine all these genres of music in their lyrics. To see AK perform BOUNCE! Live is a treat. This is a high energy band. They jump and bounce off of almost anything . . . and when they jump? They catch air. Thank you guys for putting on a great show. The new songs off your EP are great. Thanks to all who I met throughout the night. It was a great one. Almost Kings . . . I will sum up the night and I think there are several out there who would agree with me: It was a perfect combination, a perfect storm. - The Backstage Beat / April Bumpus

In October, I was called out to The Masquerade to meet a band and see them play. Unfortunately they were the first set and there was a miscommunication of time. I hung out with the guys and had fun taking pictures and getting to know them all. I was told a band called Almost Kings was about to go on, but I had to run back inside for another thing I had going on. When I walked back out to the amphitheatre I was instantly struck by the sound from stage. I bee-lined it straight towards them and got some shots of Almost Kings, but it is sad to say I missed most of the show. Fast forward to last Friday night. REHAB’s tour dates showed a Clarksville, TN show and opening act of Almost Kings. Serendipity? I think so….

My car is packed with directions in hand. My nephew, Nick, and I hit the road at 5 PM EST. I was told the show starts at 8 PM so I am already freaking out as I cannot miss both bands AGAIN! Half way to the venue in TN, I realize they are in a different time zone so my stress eases a little. Nick and I are chatting away having fun and it was nice to hang out with the oldest of the nieces and nephews. Two sore butts later and some fast food, we arrive at The Warehouse in Clarksville, TN. I gather up my stuff because it is 8:30 and I have to get into the venue! Walking in, I am asked for ID. I hand it over and explain that I am on the list. Ten minutes and a little confusion later, I am in and talking to the men of Almost Kings. I am told they do not go on until 10:15! What?!? I am early? Never happens . . . seriously. So at this moment I am feeling proud of myself. I go out and chill with Nick in the car and try and take a little nap. Nope, doesn’t happen in this town. People walk by, say hi, and talk. Makes the time go by so much quicker and before I knew it, Almost Kings was heading to the stage.

If you have never seen Almost Kings, you need to. The music coming at me from the band sounds like a mixture of hip-hop, rap, rock, and skater music. I am thrilled! The performance these guys put on will amaze and excite your senses. I have a hard time focusing my camera because they jump all over and never stand still. But, no complaints here because I came to see a show! I have heard a song that these guys play called On Like That. I am sitting on the speaker trying to get some good shots and BAM on comes the tune that has not left my head since Friday! The crowd goes nuts and I do too! Have you ever seen a man get eight feet in the air? No? See the pictures. I am astounded by these guys. They truly come out and make sure that the audience gets their money’s worth. I have to mention these cats are from Atlanta and grew up in my HS district. Makes me proud! The ATL represents in the music scene and the Almost Kings stands to represent us for a long time! I just saw a post today that an Atlanta Almost Kings show for 2011 has been confirmed. Check out their Facebook page HERE! I will be there, and you should be too! Almost Kings, to me you ARE Kings of the stage! - April Bumpus / The Backstage Beat concert reviews

Location & Contact:

Email: filthynicemgmt@gmail.com
Website: http://myspace.com/almost kings or search facebook almost kings
Description:

Linkin Park fused with Rage Against the Machine and The Roots...

If there were ever a band that knew what it is to grind, it is Almost Kings. Staying on the road more than nine months each year, they have toured the United States countless times taking over markets one person at a time. Some say that fate took its course bringing together these four Atlanta artists - lyricist & vocalist Boze, guitarist & vocalist Ryan Yunker, drummer Kevin Compton, and bassist & vocalist Danny Helms.

Over the course of 2008, Almost Kings independently recorded and produced "Filthy Nice". The album was released in February, 2009 and since has sold thousands of copies at shows as well as thousands of singles on iTunes.

Almost Kings is quickly becoming a movement - it has been defined by some as "skate-rock" and the dawn of the next era of music. Gaining international notoriety, the band has toured with acts such as Rehab, Framing Hanley, Drowning Pool, Everlast, and many more. Almost Kings has been labeled as an "unstoppable self-sufficient machine" by select major record label representatives, and has "independently tackled the development process" that labels often force feed new artists.

With an undeniable and energetic live show, an endless supply of catchy hooks, and a work ethic that cannot be reckoned with, there is no doubt that it is only a matter of time before Almost Kings finds its niche in music's history. - ColumbiaSCNightOut.com

Almost Kings is a fitting name for this group. I’m not into ‘rap rock’, but I was determined to keep an open mind and I’m happy I did. There was a full house ready to see them perform and I believe they were worth the money.

Almost Kings was in my opinion the most entertaining group of the night. They were full of energy from the first song to the last. They were full of originality, even when they performed a cover of Soulja Boy’s ‘Crank Dat’. The crowd loved it.

Before coming to the show I had my doubts if they would have the type of sound that could make them headliners, but these guys are definitely headliner material. They play to a new audience that’s emerging everywhere. The genre lines are slowly starting to disappear and new genres are being created every day and Almost Kings plays and appeals to that new audience of up and coming music lovers that love rap just a much as they love rock. The type of music doesn’t matter as much as the experience. The people that came out to see them wanted to have fun. Mission accomplished.

I’m not psychic, but I see bigger audiences and bigger venues in the very near future. They’re almost there.

And a special thanks to Susie Ceruto from Shock & Awe Productions. She took all the amazing pictures of the show. They’ll also be more pictures of the show added to the photo gallery. - The Silver Tongue online

Branch out from the typical rock circuit and try Almost Kings on for size. Their combination of rock infused with screaming, rapping, bombastic instrumentals, and electro mixes is a mash up that will surely draw a fan base. Energetic and cocky, this is not a mellow or thought provoking album; this is an album you sing along to in your car and find yourself head banging in the process. There are genuine messages and reflections, but no depressing whoa is me vibes. This is a positive and playful album. Most songs deliver, making this album not bought for one song, but worthy of your wallet. “Pornstar” combines typical rap style lyrics like “Shake, shake, shake that ass” with alternative rock and serenading back-up vocals. The vibrato in the guitar solo is an excellent fit. “Take Your Love” is this bands version of a love song about unrequited love, with an acoustic guitar and a slower melody. “Right From Wrong” touches on life being too short not to live it to the fullest. “Unstoppable” has a prominent bass and cocky lyrics like, “We the bomb like tick, tick”. A personal favorite is “Five Foot Hurricane” which has more of an indie influence, Latin guitar additions, and talks about a girl having power over him. Other songs to check out are “Break”, “Legend”, and “On Like That”. This album is a fun and catchy debut for Almost Kings. They are currently touring nationally, but will be back to the Atlanta area with Rehab on May 23rd at Georgia National Fairgrounds. - Kris Melton / Rock Fist Reviews

I have seen these guys come a long way in the past few years, and now they are finally getting national recognition for their ingenuity in combining multiple genres like rap, hip hop, ska, and alternative rock... They are a good example of what happens when you mix volatile styles together -- an explosion of in-your-face, truly innovative music.

Says Chris Rambo, club owner of Strange Days in Montgomery, "The stage performance is just unbelievable. I don't know where all of the energy comes from. We have been fortunate to have the opportunity to watch the band grow. They opened for several bands at Off the Wagon (the former downtown Montgomery rock club) and quickly grew into a band that needed to headline a show. I know they are recording a new album and I look forward to watching them grow into the success they certainly deserve."

They are really a band that is making their own mold by taking all of their varied musical influences, mostly rock and hip hop, and making it uniquely theirs, and they own it...Its simply great music. It doesn't allow you to stand still, but forcibly draws you and the crowd into cohesive musical mayhem. Truly one of the best live acts touring right now anywhere. If you doubt that, go see a show and try and keep your horns down ... good luck! - GO Play Entertainment / Montgomeryadvertiser.com

Music, as a general rule, has become nothing more than a slew of cookie-cutter bands that end up copying each other’s style, changing it ever so slightly to appease the demands of record executives.

There are a few obvious bands that have made their mark in music history and most of them can be found in the Music Hall Of Fame. But, what about the bands that are starting something new? What about the bands that have started a movement that is so new and fresh, that you can’t help but to be drawn in?

That’s where Almost Kings from Atlanta, Georgia comes in. This quartet managed to independently record and produce their first album, Filthy Nice. That in and of itself is a huge milestone. Most bands are dependent on the big name companies to do that, whereas Almost Kings took it upon themselves to do so, learning the necessary process as they went. They have even been described as a “self-sufficient machine” by a few record label representatives, a title not easily earned. In less then two years, they have also managed to find themselves on iTunes, which is another feat that is not easily attainable.

Almost Kings have exploded on the music scene and don’t show any signs of slowing down in the near future. Their music can be described in a variety of ways, but is widely considered to be ‘skate rock.’ By definition, skate rock has the musical styling of punk with a more melodic lyrical style. But, Almost Kings is something more then that. They fused punk, rap, rock and even a little jazz into their music, creating an entirely new genre.

In less then two years, Almost Kings has managed to gain international notoriety, touring with bands such as Drowning Pool, Everlast, Rehab and Framing Hanley. In that small list, one can’t help but notice the variety of genres, but Almost Kings fits in with all of them nicely. Their live shows have been described as highly energetic and nobody can deny their work ethic, since they have been on the road for nine months in the past year. Given their obvious love for music and the desire to share that love with the world, there is no doubt that attending an Almost Kings show will be worth every penny. - Josh / eburban.com

The Almost Kings Dec. 11 show at the New Earth Music Hall almost literally brought down the house. Their rap/metal fusion was something to behold, live. Although their style could be classified as some quality headbanging music, their authentic hooks and experience ensure that they have more than just that to offer. These musical veterans are on the road touring for nine months out of the year, which has clearly paid off because these they certainly know how to work a stage. Their energy is explosive: singer Boze, bassist/guitarist Danny Helms and guitarist/vocalist Ryan Yunker commanded the crowd‘s undivided attention.

Shirts off to drummer Kevin Compton, as he never seemed to be still for the entirety of the set. That guy can melt your face with the contagious beats he was cranking out, well, shirtless. Boze, typically standing atop some piece of equipment on the stage, can rap with impressive precision for a live show. Especially with songs like "On Like That," the empowering and infectious hooks characteristic of many of their songs can be chanted along by listeners. If Boze was not the most entertaining member of this four-man group, Ryan Yunker on guitar would have to be Almost Kings’ secret weapon. Yunker tore it up with some guitar solos that would make your grandmother blush.

Almost Kings is a perfect show for one who is looking to let some of that pent-up aggression and inner-anguished teen out. - Amy Ishii / Performer Magazine

***Almost Kings is comprised of former members of The Crazy Anglos, also from Atlanta, GA. They were signed to Atlantic Records on June 23rd of 2004. Their first full length album was produced at Butch Walkers, and their single, "Fade" made it to #21 on the rock charts. Sadly, they were dropped before their album hit the shelves, due to Jason Flom leaving the label. 40 other bands were released as well from Atlantic Records due to the change in command. Sum 41, Egypt Central, and Third Eye Blind were among these bands. After the drop from the label, Crazy Anglos continued to tour nationally, and independently toured on the Warped tour as an actual act. This came from the band winning the John Lennon Song Writing Contest. The band disbanded a year ago, due to artistic differences within the camp, and Almost Kings was formed. Almost Kings has maintained that fan base, which is extremely strong up and down the eastern seaboard. I personally have taken it upon myself to develop them in the Baltimore market, and they rival the best local bands in the Baltimore/DC area for top draw! They have also received backing from 98 Rock here in Baltimore, which is VERY rare for an unsigned out of state band to accomplish.

Collectively between both bands, the guys have toured with the likes of Chevelle, Hed PE, Rehab, Stone Sour, Egypt Central, Framing Hanley, 8Ball & MJG, Shadows Fall, Lacuna Coil, Authority Zero, Everlast. They also have achieved endorsement deals with Jagermeister, No Fear Clothing, Sobe Energy Drink, Rockstar Energy Drink, SRH Clothing, and Ernie Ball Strings.

Almost Kings are a group of great guys, who exert nothing less of true professionalism, while maintaining a laid back approach to the career they take very seriously, and will stop at nothing to retain. They are 4 very driven individuals, very easy to work with, and super fun to be around! They currently take care of everything on their own - accounting, banking, travelling, management, merchandising, promotions, etc. They are approaching this new band with a conscious effort to do things right and learn from past mistakes and mistakes they have witnessed others make. On a more casual level, these guys are F'N ridiculous live, their CD, "Filthy Nice" is an amazing album, combining Rock, Hip-Hop, and Pop, and doing it well! I know when you hear the term "Rap-Rock", many people roll their eyes, and blow it off. But as we start seeing the emergence of other acts such as Rehab, and Hollywood Undead bringing this genre of music back to life, you would be amiss if you didn't give them a listen. These guys destroy all others like them.***
- Dave Bethel (talent buyer for Viola Entertainment)