Origin:	International
Genres:	Traditional Metal

Page online:	December 31, 2016
Last update/review:	December 31, 2016

Them

Every once in awhile a cover/tribute band decides to take the leap to playing original music. Such is the case with Them, originally a King Diamond tribute band formed by vocalist Troy Norr in 2008. That version of the band lasted a few years, Norr then put the project aside for a spell, and finally decided to craft an original King-inspired concept for a new version of the band. He roped in several standout musicians (in particular the rhythm section of Mike LePond and Kevin Talley) and put out a taster EP in early 2016 followed by Sweet Hollow later in the year. The King influences are all over the place on the album, none more so than Norr's versatile vocals, yet Sweet Hollow sounds more inspired by King Diamond and similar bands of the 80's rather than overtly cloning. The musicianship is flashy and accomplished across the board, arguably more so than King Diamond's band itself. There have been a few accomplished King-inspired bands making noise in recent years, and Them might be the best yet.