A year before From Autumn to Ashes made their first hit release, Too Bad You’re Beautiful, they released a 4-track demo titled: Sin, Sorrow, Sadness. Although, in this reviewer’s opinion, it is inferior to their best release, Too Bad You’re Beautiful. It does however; show the beginning of something that will develop into their future releases that are full of wonderful acoustic breakdowns, perfect trade-offs between screaming vocals and conventional singing, as well as the introduction of female vocals.
Sin, Sorrow, Sadness begins with A Reflection of Anguish on a Face So Innocent, ringing out slowly before the band assembles screaming “I felt you slip away…” They then jump into chugging double bass with moderately a moderately fast guitar riff to accompany the rhythm of the vocals. They then break into the trademark From Autumn to Ashes breakdown that begins slow then goes into a screaming/singing combination before the song then progresses into the long, building outro. This song is essentially the original version of Reflections that is seen on Too Bad You’re Beautiful, except there is one extra guitar riff that divides the outro, which personally, this song could have done without. However, during this they break into a type of guitar solo that is nothing spectacular. Also the beautiful acoustic intro to the song is not included in this version. Again, this is only a precursor to Too Bad You’re Beautiful, this song like the entire demo lacks the certain originality and maturity that is seen in From Autumn to Ashes later releases. (3/5)
The second track for this demo release is Trapped Inside the Cage of My Soul. This begins with a nice and soft guitar riff that is eventually broken into the guitars ringing out while Francis Mark does a decent fill. This track is probably the most similar to From Autumn to Ashes mood and style on Too Bad You’re Beautiful, where some nice breakdowns and interludes are included. (3.5)
The third track, which, in my opinion is the strongest on the release is the heaviest with a lot of chugging guitars and the addition of a growling/gurgling vocal bit that is unseen on any other From Autumn to Ashes track. It begins similarly to A Reflection… however, instead of the band chanting it, Benjamin Perri screams, “A lie will always defeat the truth…” before the band jumps in with the chugging guitars. There is also a guitar included in this song that shows the talent that From Autumn to Ashes’ guitarists possessed by haven’t really showcased in their other releases. The solo does not by any means make them “guitar gods” but it is a nice little addition to the demo. (3.5)
The all piano/keyboard conclusion to the demo is a nice way to end things. There is a nice, soft melody that is very relaxing but holds that “depressing” feeling that FATA’s lyrics accompany throughout their work. It carries on for about 2 and half minutes repeating the same thing. It could have been cut a little shorter, but nevertheless, it is a nice conclusion to the demo. (3/5)
To explain my rating for this album, which is 3/5. As I stated I found this to be only an indication of From Autumn to Ashes’ potential for the future that was seen on Too Bad You’re Beautiful, The Fiction We Live and Abandon Your Friends; Too Bad You’re Beautiful being my favourite. Many may disagree with my rating, but I have progressed in my musical tastes that include heavier bands, melodic death metal etc. However, I did immensely enjoy From Autumn to Ashes and noticed that this demo had not yet been reviewed so I took it upon myself to do so. Hope you enjoyed it.
