Review Summary: With so many bands trying this new "trancecore" thing, so many have failed horribly. Until now.
There are so many genres in the world of heavy music today. Music has progressed and continued to branch out because of new musicians trying new things. Some of these things take not so much talent, and a lot of creativity, some are the opposite, some have both, and some have none at all. Asking Alexandria has more talent then every single band who has tried this idea before, while still remaining creative enough to keep the listener intrigued.
Take a band like The Devil Wears Prada, and listen to the album "Plagues." Now pop in their brand new "masterpiece," "With Roots Above And Branches Below." At first listen, the record may be enjoyable. Take a closer listen, and they have not progressed one ounce since their last attempt. The keyboard parts are bland at best, the screaming is even MORE annoying, and Jeremy seems content with singing the same high pitched lines over the exact same guitar strumming in every song. The point is, they don't change it up. This record does. Every song has a different feel to it, even if a FEW sound moderately similar.
If you want breakdowns, there are a lot. That is a good thing, as well as a flaw. Most of the breakdowns manage to actually sound original, surprisingly. The fact that Danny (the vocalist) has a strong accent makes it even more interesting. Throw in the fact that he sings quite well, while maintaining a diverse screaming range, and you have a great vocalist. He is also great live. Now listen to the Devil Wears Prada. You will be bombarded will the same monotone mid-range scream until your ears *** themselves. Asking Alexandria, love them or hate them, are going places.
The drumming is quite enjoyable, as it always seems to fit the song. It is impressive for the style of music on just about every song. The guitar work in most parts is pretty predictable. Open strumming during choruses, muted breakdowns, etc. The band sometimes has a southern twang to them, which adds a whole other dimension. The songs "I Was Once Possibly, Maybe, Perhaps A Cowboy King," and "Not The American Average," show this. If you are looking for a serious listen, you won't find it here. The lyrics are very light-hearted and in some ways tongue-in-cheek. The line "You stupid ***ing bitch" dominates the end of the song "Not The American Average."
Finally, there is the keyboards, or the synth. Yeah, there are dance beats. There is an interlude which is devoted to a synth beat. The intro has a very poppy feel as well. At some parts though, the synth is a WONDERFUL addition, like on the chorus of "Hey There Mr. Brooks." Shawn Milke, a guitarist and singer in Alesana, sounds great on this song. "A Candlelit Dinner With Inamorta" has the best mix of singing and screaming on the album, and it is one of the strongest tracks. The keys do the band well in the intro of "If You Can't Ride Two Horses At Once.."
The production is great. The artwork and the album title are pretty damn cheesy. But, at the same time, you asked for it, because that's what's in right now. This genre is probably a fad, and a lot of bad, bad bands are trying to cash in. This record does it the best out of any I have ever heard.
