Review Summary: A pale reflection.
Broken Circle was a glaringly strong release, especially for a young band essentially coming right out of the gate with zero experience. Interestingly enough, a certain band with a breakout single called “Breathe Into Me” did the exact same thing with their groundbreaking debut album, a band that has now earned its place in the top rankings of modern rock/metal. Now, Awaken didn’t perform quite to that standard, and BC did have issues, but said issues were almost offset by loads of potential.
Chad Griffin still sounds great on vocal duties, using his mid-range voice effectively and passionately throughout the release. His rare screams aren’t noteworthy, but they work for what they are. The guitar is tuned much lower than the Drop C# of
Broken Circle, and the riffs themselves are not unlike the “screamless metalcore” of a band like Life On Repeat. These riffs are delivered well, but are a bit of a step down as they feel generic and uninspired at times. Drums and bass don’t do a whole lot, unsurprisingly. Sadly, the orchestral/symphonic influence has been toned way down, and this was such a great touch on the previous album that it is missed. When it does pop up, it’s a welcome appearance and works quite tastefully.
“Note To Self” is a decent opener, but that’s just it: decent. The riffs sound totally bland, the pacing is repetitive, and this isn’t near to the quality of “The Narrow Door”. Don’t misunderstand: I don’t think it’s bad, but I know that this band is capable of so much more. I do enjoy the synths interspersed throughout and the bridge practically saves the track. Passable. “In The Quiet” is a much stronger track, sounding very similar to “Fathom” from the previous album. Suzy from Ilia does a nice job counterbalancing Jared, the synths blend in well, the chorus is explosive, and the more restrained guitar work is quite fitting. The djenty (nobody have a panic attack) “The Aftermath” is the strongest heavy track in the first part of the album: the guitar riffs hit very hard, the vocals are urgent, even the drums make your heart pound. It’s clear that the band wanted to go in a heavier direction this time around, and it especially works here(think Love & Death or some of RED’s heaviest stuff). “Bleed For You” follows in similar fashion while still retaining it’s own sound by way of a more melodic approach and the symphonic undertones, while “No Prisoner” is a nice blend of the heavier and lighter parts of the group’s sound. Honestly, I’d say scrap “Note To Self” and “Vessels”, and lead off with the three heavier tracks and then “In The Quiet”. “Opaque” packs a fantastic, glitzy snyth opener/undertone, absolutely bombastic riffing, fast clean picking, and a gripping vocal delivery.
In case you haven’t picked up on it, “Note To Self” isn’t a standout. Neither are five other borefest tracks. No, Awaken was never wholly original, but they were much better than this. Lyrics are darker this time around, but still blend in plenty of hope. “No Prisoner” is an anthem for anyone done with destructive behavior, while “Bleed For You” is a case of extreme perseverance. Stuff like that.
Well, this was a letdown. Majorly. The standouts are good, but there’s only four. The rest of this is just boring, generic fluff that is honestly painful to hear, especially as someone who really enjoyed
Broken Circle. How do I feel? Betrayed.
