Reviews
Awaken the Empire
Amber Spencer
Auora
Century Media Records
Awaken the Empire have released 4 albums since they
started in 2009 and the anticipated 5th, Aurora will be
coming to us on the 24th of July 2015.
‘Insomniacs Unite’ is the first and definitely the
strongest song on the album, it not only engages
listeners with the catchy chorus, but also sends a
message to listeners - which is what Awaken the
Empire are all about. Damien Lawson has spoken about
how this record is more of a movement, and product
of emotional and physical fight, which arguably has
a positive effect on the audience, giving them music
they can connect to, much like other brilliant and
successful bands including The Color Morale and
Beartooth.
It is hard these days to decipher which genre an album
or a band fits into, so if I was to suggest anything it
would be, if you’re a fan of 30 Seconds to Mars, Linkin
Park’s more recent albums such as The Hunting Party
or even some of Black Veil Brides then you should really
give Awaken the Empire a listen.
Some of the other songs on the album, including ‘Cruel
World’ start you off with a slow start and build up
to a heavier middle and end and again, bring catchy
meaningful lyrics. Arguably the beginning of the
album is the strongest and the middle fills the album
out but can be a little repetitive. However, most of
the songs really stand out and demonstrate Awaken
the Empires full potential. ‘Cruel World’, ‘Holding My
Breath’, ‘I’m Not Invisible’ and obviously ‘Insomniacs
Unite’ are definitely the songs to look out for on Aurora.
That’s if you’re like me and are looking for heavy
alternative rock that gets you off your feet as well as
brings real meaning and emotion.
Some of the songs start us off with a piano sound, or
electronic score which is quickly turned into heavy
guitar riffs which fade out slightly but very quickly to
bring in the vocals, such as
‘Ashes’ and ‘Cross My Heart’.
Whilst the middle of the
songs are energetic and
undeniably will create many
mosh pits. However, I can’t
help but feel some of the
songs may be a little rushed,
lacking any real build up.
‘A Tribute to Rome’ is a
slower one on the album,
starting off very quiet
and focuses more on
the vocals, with an eerie,
dream-like sound to it. This
song definitely shows off
Lawson’s voice but is also
intriguing as it stands out
from the others and is hard
to compare to any other
band.
‘For Never For Always’
finishes the album, which
came as a surprise to me
as I found it was one of
the weakest on the album.
The guitar, bass and drums
take over this song and
sound a little mashed
together, making it hard to
distinguish and remember.
However this does not take away the fact it again has
fantastic and meaningful lyrics like the others.
Overall I felt a little mixed about this album, with some
songs really standing out, filled with memorable and
catchy lyrics compared to others that sounded a little
rushed. However, Awaken the Empire are
defiantly going in a positive direction with
this album and I recommend you give them
a listen.
Marcus Wheeler
Wearing Scars
A Thousand Words
Candyman Records
No longer is it enough to just hammer at the bottom
string, far too much of that has been done already.
Things did get better when seven and eight string
guitars became more prevalent; however, again, this
has now been done to death. Likewise, the (now)
classic formula of heavy, palm muted chugging and
brutal screaming vocals is becoming more and more
bland. Bands now, if they are not breaking new musical
ground, need to, at the very least, start bringing
something more polished, more considered and more
refined; Wearing Scars, although not pioneers in what
they are doing, they have brought us exactly that something polished, considered and refined.
Based in Northampton, Wearing Scars are an
amalgamation of former members of Sacred Mother
Tongue (Andy James, Lee Newall & Craig Daws) and
Chris Clancy formerly of Mutiny Within.
Bringing us their debut album, A Thousand Words,
their experience is immediately apparent from the first
track, ‘Become Numb’.
The fact that we were able to listen to the tracks in
uncompressed .WAV format is a treat; the clarity of
sound is fantastic and really helps to separate the
elements within the songs.
‘Become Numb’ is a fantastic opener, that does
not initially give away too much but kicks in
with an understated and well paced riff which is
complemented by the drums. when Chris’s vocals kick
in, it becomes clear that they have created something
that has evolved from their previous experiences.
The tracks that ensue are well crafted with clear
and melodic vocals; the pace and sound affording a
versatility that makes this album a good all rounder - it
is not one of those albums that you have to be in a
specific mood for.
We are offered
something a bit more
edgy with ‘A Last
Goodbye’, which steps
up the pace a touch
but still very much
maintains the hard
rock vibe maintained
throughout the album.
Title tack, ‘Wearing
Scars’, lends a
more melodic and
melancholy feel
before uplifting into
something more
triumphant and
empowering in its
sound.
Overall, the album
is not treading new
ground, but it is a well
composed and well
produced album that
certainly stands out
in terms of its quality.
The vocal delivery is
very accessible and will
undoubtedly have fans
singing along during
live performances; to
top this off, it is backed
by some great hooks and heavy guitar riffs that provide
a well balanced musical platform for the vocals.
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S