Review Summary: A final look back...
This year marks Alesana's ten year anniversary. In a way, the Decade EP is a way for the band to celebrate their accomplishments so far. From their first EP to their latest LP, Alesana's sound, has remained fairly unchanged. The Decade EP does little to change or add to Alesana's formula. It's not necessarily bad, since, their tried and true formula develops consistency. And for the most part, Alesana's consistency lies in their ability to create infectious melodies interwoven with aggressive musicianship.
Throughout the Decade EP, Alesana sticks mainly in their comfort zone. This can be seen throughout the album, as the barely break out of the verse-chorus-verse-chorus-bridge-chorus formula. On, Deja Vu All Over Again, there is a fairly metallic solo thrown in to showcase some of Pat's guitar prowess. In a way, this is one of the first times Alesana attempted to add an extended solo to their songs.
As this is a celebration of their 10 year anniversary as a band, it is expected that they would draw influences from their older albums. But, it could be heard that they mostly take their influences from The Emptiness. This could be seen in the first two songs, with Praeludium acting as an atmospheric introduction to Double or Nothing. However, on Almost Famous, influences of On Frail Wings of Vanity and Wax could be heard. This is because of its simplified song structure and modest use of leads.
In terms of aggressiveness, Alesana brings back more screamed vocals. These were for the most part absent from A Place Where the Sun is Silent. Ravenous, in particular, is possibly the most aggressive song in Alesana's discography since The Murderer or Red and Dying Evening. Unfortunately, Ravenous, may also be the weakest song on the album next to Praeludium. This is because the bridge draws the song out way too long without adding to the overall song.
With the release of the Fatima Rusalka single, which features fairly ambitious songwriting, it is hard to see the upcoming LP with simplified aggressive pop punk. With this in mind, the Decade EP could be seen as a final look back on Alesana's earlier simplistic song writing.
