Royal Blood: The British Rock Duo Redefining Heavy Riffs

Royal Blood is a British rock duo from Brighton, England, known for their powerful, riff-driven sound crafted solely with bass guitar and drums. Their self-titled debut album, Royal Blood, entered the UK Albums Chart at number one in 2014, achieving platinum certification and setting the stage for a dominant run in modern rock.

Early career

The band formed in 2013 when vocalist and bassist Mike Kerr reunited with drummer Ben Thatcher, whom he had known from earlier musical projects in Worthing. Their early demos, including the gritty track Out of the Black, generated significant online buzz, leading to a record deal with Warner Bros. Records in the UK and a management deal with the team behind Arctic Monkeys.

Breakthrough

Royal Blood's breakthrough arrived swiftly in 2014, propelled by the explosive success of their debut single Out of the Black and a support slot for Arctic Monkeys. Their self-titled debut album, Royal Blood, was released in August 2014 and debuted at number one on the UK chart, later winning the Brit Award for British Breakthrough Act.

Key tracks

Out of the Black - This debut single defined their massive sound and became an instant rock radio staple.

Figure It Out - A charting single that showcased their dynamic songwriting and Kerr's innovative bass techniques.

Little Monster - Another hit from their first album, certified silver in the UK and a live set highlight.

Lights Out - The lead single from their 2017 sophomore album How Did We Get So Dark?, which also debuted at number one in the UK.

Boilermaker - A standout track produced by Josh Homme, signaling a grittier direction for the band.

The duo's second album, How Did We Get So Dark?, continued their chart success in 2017, securing another UK number one. Their third album, 2021's Typhoons, marked a stylistic shift, incorporating dance-rock and disco-punk elements while still delivering heavy riffs, earning them a third UK top album spot.

Fans of Royal Blood's visceral, minimalist rock might also enjoy the work of Arctic Monkeys, who share a similar trajectory from garage rock to ambitious sonic evolution. The raw power of Queens Of The Stone Age is a clear influence on Royal Blood's riff-centric approach. For another duo maximizing a limited setup, check out The White Stripes. The modern British rock energy of Muse also provides a comparable scale and theatricality.

Royal Blood's music, from their debut anthems to their more recent dance-rock inflections, is a fixture on alternative and mainstream rock radio stations worldwide. Their consistent ability to craft hard-hitting, hook-laden rock ensures their songs remain in heavy rotation across the rock spectrum.

The music of Royal Blood can be heard on various radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can discover or tune into the duo's powerful catalog through the rock radio stations available on onairium.com.