Gauntlet News

KINGDOM COME Unleashes New Anthem: 'Payback's A Bitch' Set to Dominate

By Jason
The iconic rockers are back, and they mean business with a brand-new banger and a fresh lineup.

In a thunderous return to the stage, KINGDOM COME has unveiled a glimpse of their new material with a fan-filmed performance of 'Payback's A Bitch', showcased live at the Token Lounge in Westland, Michigan on July 12. The band's electrifying chemistry was palpable as they ripped through the new track, promising a resurgence that fans have been craving.

With original guitarists Danny Stag and Rick Steier, along with bassist Johnny B. Frank, the newly reformed lineup is rounded out by powerhouse vocalist Ezekiel 'Zeke' Kaplan and the relentless rhythm of drummer Matt Muckle. Muckle, in a recent chat with Doc Rock on Metal Shop 101, expressed excitement for the direction the band is headed, stating, 'We have three new songs finished right now. We're gonna probably release a single every few months, and the first single's called 'Payback's A Bitch'. It's banging. It's a banger.'

As anticipation builds, Muckle shared a sneak peek into their release timeline: 'It needs to be mastered. We're gonna release 'Payback's A Bitch' first, so that's gonna be probably end of summer. I'm hoping early September. If you like rock and roll, then you're gonna like it.' Fans can hardly contain their excitement as this new sonic assault approaches.

Kaplan, who stepped into the frontman role after Keith St John's departure, recounted his journey to joining the legendary rock outfit. 'In December 2023, I was reached out to by someone who knew the band was looking for a new vocalist. I jammed with them soon after and learned their classics on the spot. I grew up idolizing the originals, and stepping into this role felt surreal,' he noted. His passion for KINGDOM COME's iconic sound was evident as he reflected on the challenge of matching Lenny Wolf's legendary vocal range.

Since Kaplan's debut at The Lamp Theater in Irwin, Pennsylvania, and The Mercury Music Lounge in Lakewood, Ohio in March 2024, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. 'I've had really, really great feedback. A lot of people are saying this is the best the band has sounded since the old days with Lenny,' he shared, hinting at a bright future for the revitalized group. With Muckle praising Kaplan's vocal prowess as a blend of rock titans like John Corabi and Tom Keifer, it's clear that KINGDOM COME is poised to reclaim their throne in rock.