Kublai Khan TX has done it again. Exhibition Prowess, their latest album via Rise Records, has landed like a punch to the gut in the best way. With three singles already racking up nearly 15 million Spotify streams, this project has captured attention, and for good reason. This is easily one of the band’s most aggressive and intense albums yet. I saw Kublai Khan when they toured with Knocked Loose back in 2022 — I’ve found myself completely drawn in ever since. Simply put, Exhibition Prowess is a relentless, no-holds-barred experience that’s impossible to ignore.
Starting with a bang, the opening track “Supreme Ruler” immediately sets the tone. At just 54 seconds, it’s short but undeniably impactful. The line “Khan is King” echoes the track like a war cry. You can’t help but feel the force behind it, especially when the drums hit – crisp and punchy. It’s a swift introduction but packs enough power to make a lasting impression.
The entire album is full of raw, guttural energy. “Darwinism” is a perfect example of this. The lyrics are a blast of aggression that feels cathartic. There’s something so primal about Matt Honeycutt screaming “Die and get the f*ck out of my face” with such rawness that makes me want to bang my head and let loose. The intensity of the screaming, paired with isolated vocals stands out against the crushing instrumentals. The whole thing feels like a call to action, or maybe a challenge. Either way, it’s hard to not get swept up in it.
Kublai Khan brought the heat, and guests.
Something worth mentioning about the album is the inclusion of guest artists. Kublai Khan TX doesn’t often bring in outside voices, so the features from Dave Peters on “Cannibal” and Jamey Jasta on “A Hopeless Fate” are especially notable. The way the vocals blend on these tracks creates a metal symphony of sorts. It’s always refreshing when bands have their niche and they bring on others who compliment their sound without changing it too much.
God bless Texas.
Starting with a nice nod to their Texas roots, “Cannibal” is a tight, furious package. Maybe it’s the feature from Dave Peters, but this song hits harder than the previous ones. The vocals, while deep and gritty are surprisingly clear, adding another layer to the aggressive track. “I will not be the one to become/ A tool of choice for a voice I can’t stand” is belted in the most matter-of-fact way. Khan knows who they are, what they stand for, and this track symbolizes that.
Monkey see – Monkey do.
If I had to pick a favorite song from the album, I would have to give you two. “Theory of Mind” is one of them. The snares keep a steady beat throughout the song, uplifting the vibe despite it coming from a rather heavy album. The lyrics while aggressive, pack an emotional punch, “Holding on is just as rough / When you’re cold to the touch/ How much can a heart take before a heart breaks?” It’s moments like these where you realize that beneath all the anger and fury, there’s a deeper level of emotion in their music.
Keepin’ it real.
My second favorite is “972“. Perhaps the most different track on the album. The riffs are electric, but staying on theme with the rest of the album, the vocals are angry, raw, and powerful. “Life is not how I’d planned it/ A big jokе the world spoke that I don’t get.” It’s the kind of song that makes me want to throw myself into the pit and let it all out. The message is clear: keep going, no matter how tough things get. “If others ask / Play dumb / You don’t feel sh** / You don’t heal sh**.”
Kublai Khan is no stranger to keeping their fans close to the heart with the messages within their lyrics. They are often addressing issues including violence against women, as they do in “Swan Song”, and mental health issues in “Belligerent” and “The Hammer”. It’s something that makes Kublai Khan so special, and the continuation of speaking out in this album is no surprise here.
At just under 30 minutes, Exhibition Prowess is a short album, but it doesn’t take away from its impact. Kublai Khan knows exactly what they bring to the table. The album is a relentless, primal experience, one I am happy to share. I have a feeling that I should get life insurance before heading to the next show because the pit is going to be as brutal as this album. That being said, Kublai Khan is currently on tour as support for Lorna Shore, and you can find tickets here.
Leave a comment