Kil Jaden singer says band ‘sounds like nothing you’ve ever heard before’

They're one of the more popular draws among hard-hitting Vegas bands, and they're still steadily on the rise. For some time now, Kil Jaden has been packing 'em in at joints such as The Cheyenne Saloon, building a name for themselves for their equally tuneful and aggressive attack. With a new album coming out, singer/guitarist Brian Kil Jaden gives us the inside scoop on the band.

What does Kil Jaden sound like?

"Kil Jaden sounds like nothing you've ever heard before, at least not in the Las Vegas music scene. We don't do screamo, classic or soft rock. Kil Jaden is hard and heavy and in your face. We're progressive, with double bass drumming that sounds like a machine gun. The lead guitar riffs are scorching and electric, with catchy melodies and lyrics that are controversial, but with a message. Our music is commercial but heavy. Did I say commercial? Oops!"

You've got a new CD coming out soon, what can we expect?

"Yeah, our new CD, 'Another Tragic Moment,' will definitely be a heavier and more dynamic album. It has a lot of songs that were written from the heart, from true life experiences. When you hear the lyrics you might think that they're made up, but guess again. There is some deep stuff in my head. But don't worry, the doctors say the medications are starting to help."

You've opened for plenty of big names here in town, bands like Godsmack and Hellyeah. Who were the best to hang with?

"Man, that's a hard one, 'cause you're partying with the happiest people on the planet. I mean, they're rich, famous and they just rocked 5,000 people that came to worship them. So it's always a great time.

"I was really looking forward to meeting Vinnie Paul of Hellyeah/Pantera, because he's notorious for being the coolest dude, but the night before Kil Jaden opened for Hellyeah at the House of Blues, his personal RV got stolen at the Mandalay Bay parking lot with all his merch. He was running all over giving police statements and filling out police reports. But we got to hang out at the NAMM show last year, and he is one of the most coolest guys ever.

"But I would have to say that Stephen Pearcy of Ratt was the coolest. He came to our hotel suite for the Kil Jaden after party and was just an easygoing, chill type of dude. We still talk on the phone every now and again."

You guys are a fun lovin' bunch. Does Sin City manifest itself in your music much?

"How can it not? I mean, this city knows how to rock, 24/7. It has the best music scene anywhere, and I'm from Hollywood, OK. You have fans that are hungry for music. You have rock clubs with multimillion dollar decors and there's nobody telling you to go home at 2 a.m. It's all about choices and freedom. Plus, you have major recording artists moving here all the time, like Vinnie Paul, Sully of Godsmack, Lez Warner of the Cult, Paul Crook of Anthrax/Meatloaf and many more. So you never know who's in the audience watching you or who you might run into at the blackjack table."

See Kil Jaden at 8 p.m. Saturday at The Cheyenne Saloon, 3103 N. Rancho Drive. Call 645-4139.

Contact reporter Jason Bracelin at jbracelin@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0476.