Kings of the New Age is the fourth studio album from American pop punk band State Champs. The album was released on May 13, 2022 and marks the longest gap between albums for the band following the release of 2018's Living Proof. It is the band's first album without rhythm guitarist Tony Diaz after his departure in March 2020.

Kings of the New Age
Studio album by
ReleasedMay 13, 2022 (2022-05-13)
GenrePop punk
Length35:03
LabelPure Noise
ProducerWzrd Bld
State Champs chronology
Living Proof
(2018)
Kings of the New Age
(2022)
State Champs
(2024)
Singles from Kings of the New Age
  1. "Just Sound"
    Released: August 25, 2021
  2. "Outta My Head"
    Released: September 8, 2021
  3. "Everybody But You"
    Released: February 23, 2022

Production

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In an interview with Alternative Press, Derek DiScanio stated that production of the album had already started before the pandemic. While the band was in the stage of making writing trips to Los Angeles and making instrumental demos, they were introduced to Drew Fulk, who would end up becoming the producer and main engineer on the album. Derek praised Drew's attitude and work ethic, reflecting that the band had come up with over 30 song ideas and that Drew had helped enhance and combine them.[1] Four of the tracks on the album feature collaborations with other artists, giving the album the most features out of any of the band's previous releases.

Release

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On February 23, 2022, the band announced that their fourth album would be titled "Kings of the New Age" and would be released on May 13, 2022.[2] On the same day, they released the single "Everybody But You" featuring Ben Barlow from Neck Deep. The album's artwork and full track list was also revealed.

Reception

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Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Kerrang!     [3]
Substream Magazine     [4]

In a review for Substream Magazine, Eric Riley reflected on band's growth over the past decade and complimented the choruses on the album, stating "The choruses are slick and stick on the first try".[4] Jake Richardson from Kerrang! gave the album a four out of five and expressed that he felt the band was maintaining their sound but that the album had "the songs required to take them to the next level".[3]

Track listing

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All tracks are written by Derek DiScanio, Drew Fulk, Evan Ambrosio, Ryan Scott Graham, and Tyler Szalkowski, with additional writers noted.

No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Here to Stay" 2:56
2."Eventually" 3:37
3."Everybody but You" (featuring Ben Barlow)Anton DeLost3:47
4."Outta My Head" 2:56
5."Fake it"DeLost3:02
6."Half Empty" (featuring Chrissy Costanza) 3:31
7."Just Sound" 3:22
8."Act Like That" (featuring Mitchell Tenpenny)Courtney Ballard3:03
9."Where Were You" 2:47
10."Sundress" (featuring Four Year Strong)DeLost, Ryan Sweet3:11
11."Some Minds Don't Change" 2:46
Total length:35:03

Personnel

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State Champs

  • Derek DiScanio – vocals
  • Tyler Szalkowski – guitar
  • Ryan Scott Graham – bass
  • Evan Ambrosio – drums

Additional contributors

  • Wzrd Bldproduction
  • Anton Delost – mixing, additional production, additional guitar, additional vocals
  • Ted Jensenmastering
  • Kyle Black – drum engineering on all tracks except "Outta My Head"
  • Seth Henderson – drum engineering on "Outta My Head"
  • Courtney Ballard – co-production on "Just Sound"
  • Donny Phillips – illustration, design
  • Deville Nunes – cover photo
  • Milan Chagoury – globe logo design
  • Alex McDonnell – photography

Charts

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Chart (2022) Peak
position
UK Rock & Metal Albums (OCC)[5] 11
US Independent Albums (Billboard)[6] 33
US Top Album Sales (Billboard)[7] 13
US Top Rock Albums (Billboard)[8] 45

References

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  1. ^ Cooper, Ali (10 May 2022). "State Champs are cementing their legacy with 'Kings Of The New Age'—interview". Alternative Press Magazine. Retrieved 2022-08-01.
  2. ^ Linzinmeir, Taylor (2022-02-23). "State Champs announce new album, drop single "Everybody But You"". Alternative Press Magazine. Retrieved 2024-01-10.
  3. ^ a b "The big review: State Champs – Kings Of The New Age". Kerrang!. 2022-05-12. Retrieved 2024-01-10.
  4. ^ a b Riley, Eric (2022-05-12). "Album Review :: State Champs "Kings Of The New Age"". Substream Magazine. Retrieved 2024-01-10.
  5. ^ "Official Rock & Metal Albums Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved January 11, 2024.
  6. ^ "State Champs Chart History (Independent Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved January 11, 2024.
  7. ^ "State Champs Chart History (Top Album Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved January 11, 2024.
  8. ^ "State Champs Chart History (Top Rock Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved January 11, 2024.