Aftermath Eternal - NEW!
We’ve featured Aftermath Eternal before, so when they dropped me a line letting me know about their album, S/T, I figured it was only fair we should check things out. Featuring some of the tracks we’ve covered before as well as some new ones, Having gone through their fair share of line-up changes, my one question was how was their sound shaping up – so I clicked play to check things out!
(See below for our reviews of Rise Again, Claustrophobic, Where Is Your God Now and Judgement Day)
Kicking off with the familiar sounds of Rise Again (see below for review), we’re immediately taken back to the sound of Aftermath Eternal, and it sounds good. Sleep continuing the sound, the guitar work combines with the drumlines to form a sound which is upbeat, raw and in your face, pulsating through the speakers with so much bass it almost overloads the mix – in a damned good way! Pumping vocals roar out over the heavy backing music, resulting in a sound which is almost destined to get you moving, jumping and joining in – it’s a mix which is impossible to resist. Definitely the sort of sound you’ll want to hear on the live scene, the power that they’ve harnessed on this track is phenomenal, showing how far the band have come, and how well the new outfit is working as a whole. The Betrayed continues this approach further, somehow managing to add in a sense of upbeat melody whilst keeping the sense of power firmly at the forefront of things. Jumpy guitar lines work with rolling drums to form a sound which is heavy, then sung vocals add in the sense of melody, keeping the track alive and moving throughout – once again showing just able these guys really are.
As Running Away takes the lead we’re once again thrown into a melee of rolling double bass, soaring lead guitar lines and bass heavy rhythms. Somehow managing to once again combine the all out power of metal with a melodic edge, this track is another which seems to have been crafted for the live scene. Listening through it, the sound on offer here is of a band who sound like this, no digitalisation or studio effects, simply a band who can hammer out tracks designed to get you involved from start to finish. It’s striking how they move from hard hitting to melodic in one fell swoop, showing the level of understanding within the band and once again, presenting us with another reason to keep listening. Ghost further raises the bar, opening with melodic guitar work which paves the way into the track beginning, building the anticipation as it grows, and letting you know that what’s to follow is sure to be another high point. Growing as it progresses, the serene guitar work soon ushers in a dark and eerie vocal lines, resulting in a sound which is initially heavy without being heavy, then heavy with distortion. There’s something about this track which stands out as a favourite of mine, and I can’t quite put my finger on it – but make sure you check this track out.
Moving through Where Is Your God Now (see below) and Claustrophobic (see below), we’re soon led onto Cult, another track which chucks us straight into an all-out melee of hammering guitar and rolling double bass. Evoking images of pits from the word go, the sheer power unleashed through this track is sure to captivate everyone who hears it, mixing the all out power with an almost hardcore style beat designed to get people throwing down in the pit, and once again showing why Aftermath Eternal are a serious force to be reckoned with. Until We Break The Dawn is soon upon us and marks a change in things, opting to open with the more melodic vocals whilst combining them with the roaring vocal line, resulting once again in that mix of melodic power. Sounding akin to Atreyu in some ways, this track may well offer up a different style in some ways, yet it still manages to tick all of the boxes needed for a track to be a success, and in some ways, screams of holding single potential moving forwards from here.
Closing the selection of new tracks with The Enemy there’s no doubt left in my mind that this is a band with a renewed sense of determination going on from here. Powerful rolling bass drums back up a mix of hammering guitars and deep bass rhythms to create a sound that’s once again perfectly formed for the live pit. Powerful , raw, in your face and packed with distortion, this is another stand out moment on the record, and a close second to my personal favourites on offer. It’s only then left to the familiar Judgement Day (see below) to close things, bringing a solid record to a close, and showing that Aftermath Eternal are here, ready, and primed to take over the world.
I love it when we feature bands and then get to check out what they get up to afterwards as it gives us a chance to hear how they’ve developed, changed and progressed. With Aftermath Eternal it’s interesting hearing that their sound is still much the same, but there’s a new sense of pushing behind the scenes, almost as if this is a band with a new found level of energy and determination, and a desire to succeed. I’ll be interested to hear what people think of this one, as well as what comes next as personally, I’m seeing big things for these chaps – certainly an act to keep an eye on.
To find out more about Aftermath Eternal, check out their Facebook page HERE.
Words: Dave Nicholls
(See below for our reviews of Rise Again, Claustrophobic, Where Is Your God Now and Judgement Day)
Kicking off with the familiar sounds of Rise Again (see below for review), we’re immediately taken back to the sound of Aftermath Eternal, and it sounds good. Sleep continuing the sound, the guitar work combines with the drumlines to form a sound which is upbeat, raw and in your face, pulsating through the speakers with so much bass it almost overloads the mix – in a damned good way! Pumping vocals roar out over the heavy backing music, resulting in a sound which is almost destined to get you moving, jumping and joining in – it’s a mix which is impossible to resist. Definitely the sort of sound you’ll want to hear on the live scene, the power that they’ve harnessed on this track is phenomenal, showing how far the band have come, and how well the new outfit is working as a whole. The Betrayed continues this approach further, somehow managing to add in a sense of upbeat melody whilst keeping the sense of power firmly at the forefront of things. Jumpy guitar lines work with rolling drums to form a sound which is heavy, then sung vocals add in the sense of melody, keeping the track alive and moving throughout – once again showing just able these guys really are.
As Running Away takes the lead we’re once again thrown into a melee of rolling double bass, soaring lead guitar lines and bass heavy rhythms. Somehow managing to once again combine the all out power of metal with a melodic edge, this track is another which seems to have been crafted for the live scene. Listening through it, the sound on offer here is of a band who sound like this, no digitalisation or studio effects, simply a band who can hammer out tracks designed to get you involved from start to finish. It’s striking how they move from hard hitting to melodic in one fell swoop, showing the level of understanding within the band and once again, presenting us with another reason to keep listening. Ghost further raises the bar, opening with melodic guitar work which paves the way into the track beginning, building the anticipation as it grows, and letting you know that what’s to follow is sure to be another high point. Growing as it progresses, the serene guitar work soon ushers in a dark and eerie vocal lines, resulting in a sound which is initially heavy without being heavy, then heavy with distortion. There’s something about this track which stands out as a favourite of mine, and I can’t quite put my finger on it – but make sure you check this track out.
Moving through Where Is Your God Now (see below) and Claustrophobic (see below), we’re soon led onto Cult, another track which chucks us straight into an all-out melee of hammering guitar and rolling double bass. Evoking images of pits from the word go, the sheer power unleashed through this track is sure to captivate everyone who hears it, mixing the all out power with an almost hardcore style beat designed to get people throwing down in the pit, and once again showing why Aftermath Eternal are a serious force to be reckoned with. Until We Break The Dawn is soon upon us and marks a change in things, opting to open with the more melodic vocals whilst combining them with the roaring vocal line, resulting once again in that mix of melodic power. Sounding akin to Atreyu in some ways, this track may well offer up a different style in some ways, yet it still manages to tick all of the boxes needed for a track to be a success, and in some ways, screams of holding single potential moving forwards from here.
Closing the selection of new tracks with The Enemy there’s no doubt left in my mind that this is a band with a renewed sense of determination going on from here. Powerful rolling bass drums back up a mix of hammering guitars and deep bass rhythms to create a sound that’s once again perfectly formed for the live pit. Powerful , raw, in your face and packed with distortion, this is another stand out moment on the record, and a close second to my personal favourites on offer. It’s only then left to the familiar Judgement Day (see below) to close things, bringing a solid record to a close, and showing that Aftermath Eternal are here, ready, and primed to take over the world.
I love it when we feature bands and then get to check out what they get up to afterwards as it gives us a chance to hear how they’ve developed, changed and progressed. With Aftermath Eternal it’s interesting hearing that their sound is still much the same, but there’s a new sense of pushing behind the scenes, almost as if this is a band with a new found level of energy and determination, and a desire to succeed. I’ll be interested to hear what people think of this one, as well as what comes next as personally, I’m seeing big things for these chaps – certainly an act to keep an eye on.
To find out more about Aftermath Eternal, check out their Facebook page HERE.
Words: Dave Nicholls
Aftermath Eternal
Aftermath Eternal are a band who don’t give too much away about themselves, simply saying that they’re getting back down to basics for 2012 with some new songs, new recordings and getting back on the gigging scene. This Manchester based 5 piece describe their style simply as metal, taking inspiration from the likes of Lamb Of God, Slipknot, Machine Head, Trivium, In Flames, Five Finger Death Punch and Pantera, so I figured it was probably best to let the music do all of the talking!
Rise Again opens the selection on the bands FB page and immediately shows that these guys mean business, opening with a screaming vocal over some distorted riffing and pummelling drum lines. Alternating the speed throughout the track, this isn’t the sort of music which is designed to follow convention, instead carving its own path through the tracks and forming a sound which is, at times, syncopated, and at other times, simply downright heavy. Demonstrating their influences largely through the guitar work going on in the track, there’s nods towards more well known bands where ever you look, resulting in a track which you feel like you’ve heard before, yet it still sparks with originality. Personally, my favourite part was the middle section of the track where the music takes the lead and you’re shown a taster of what these guys are capable of, it suggests good things for the live scene.
Claustrophobic follows on and continues the distorted rampage through the selection, this time opening with a roar and descending into some rolling bass and hammering guitar moments – this is circle pit territory right here. Faster and more aggressive throughout, this is the sort of track which will secure these guys as a force to be reckoned with on the live scene, showing that they’re capable of taking a sound, making it heavy and controlling the audience. Throwing in some cleaned up vocals this time to contrast against the roaring there’s a real sense of more mainstream metal running through things, something I’m not 100% sure works but doesn’t detract from the over all feel of the track. Where Is Your God Now is a whole different beast, this time opening with an almost funky riff over a slower drum beat, forming a sound which is going to get heads banging. Soon picking up the pace once again, this is another track which seems to have been crafted for the live scene, it’s got the right levels of energy and aggression which are going to get audiences riled up and involved in the melee from the band. Opting to keep things on the heavy side, this is quite possibly my personal favourite track from the selection, it’s one of those tracks which makes you want to go out and see them live – throw in a breakdown of epic proportions and we’ve got a winner!
Closing with Judgement Day there’s a real shift to the slower side of things, opening with a soft and acoustic guitar line built up over some soft drumming and roving bass moments. The feeling created from the off is one of reflection and calm, but this doesn’t last long as soon we’re returned to the distorted world once again. Despite the hard hitting approach which the track moves towards, there’s still a sense of reflection throughout the track, keeping a sense of melody running through everything and resulting in a track which musically, will leave you looking back over the tracks and wanting to hear more. My only gripe with this track is the vocals, the contrasting singing and roaring doesn’t work for me and in the end, takes away from a track which could have been perfect – just stick to the roaring!
I like the sound that Aftermath Eternal have gone for, I just think they’re trying to do something which isn’t needed at times. When Webz is roaring I’m convinced that he’s nailed it and could well take this band to the next level, but the singing doesn’t work with the style of song. I know that it’s a nod to some of the influences they’ve had, but let’s be honest – the best album Trivium did was their debut when Heafy was still roaring and not going all ‘Metallica-esque’ on us. Musically, there’s very little that can be seen as even the slightest bit wrong here, so with some nurturing and development I’m convinced these guys could well be stepping up to the plate pretty damned soon.
To find out more about Aftermath Eternal, check out their Facebook page HERE.
Words: Dave Nicholls
Rise Again opens the selection on the bands FB page and immediately shows that these guys mean business, opening with a screaming vocal over some distorted riffing and pummelling drum lines. Alternating the speed throughout the track, this isn’t the sort of music which is designed to follow convention, instead carving its own path through the tracks and forming a sound which is, at times, syncopated, and at other times, simply downright heavy. Demonstrating their influences largely through the guitar work going on in the track, there’s nods towards more well known bands where ever you look, resulting in a track which you feel like you’ve heard before, yet it still sparks with originality. Personally, my favourite part was the middle section of the track where the music takes the lead and you’re shown a taster of what these guys are capable of, it suggests good things for the live scene.
Claustrophobic follows on and continues the distorted rampage through the selection, this time opening with a roar and descending into some rolling bass and hammering guitar moments – this is circle pit territory right here. Faster and more aggressive throughout, this is the sort of track which will secure these guys as a force to be reckoned with on the live scene, showing that they’re capable of taking a sound, making it heavy and controlling the audience. Throwing in some cleaned up vocals this time to contrast against the roaring there’s a real sense of more mainstream metal running through things, something I’m not 100% sure works but doesn’t detract from the over all feel of the track. Where Is Your God Now is a whole different beast, this time opening with an almost funky riff over a slower drum beat, forming a sound which is going to get heads banging. Soon picking up the pace once again, this is another track which seems to have been crafted for the live scene, it’s got the right levels of energy and aggression which are going to get audiences riled up and involved in the melee from the band. Opting to keep things on the heavy side, this is quite possibly my personal favourite track from the selection, it’s one of those tracks which makes you want to go out and see them live – throw in a breakdown of epic proportions and we’ve got a winner!
Closing with Judgement Day there’s a real shift to the slower side of things, opening with a soft and acoustic guitar line built up over some soft drumming and roving bass moments. The feeling created from the off is one of reflection and calm, but this doesn’t last long as soon we’re returned to the distorted world once again. Despite the hard hitting approach which the track moves towards, there’s still a sense of reflection throughout the track, keeping a sense of melody running through everything and resulting in a track which musically, will leave you looking back over the tracks and wanting to hear more. My only gripe with this track is the vocals, the contrasting singing and roaring doesn’t work for me and in the end, takes away from a track which could have been perfect – just stick to the roaring!
I like the sound that Aftermath Eternal have gone for, I just think they’re trying to do something which isn’t needed at times. When Webz is roaring I’m convinced that he’s nailed it and could well take this band to the next level, but the singing doesn’t work with the style of song. I know that it’s a nod to some of the influences they’ve had, but let’s be honest – the best album Trivium did was their debut when Heafy was still roaring and not going all ‘Metallica-esque’ on us. Musically, there’s very little that can be seen as even the slightest bit wrong here, so with some nurturing and development I’m convinced these guys could well be stepping up to the plate pretty damned soon.
To find out more about Aftermath Eternal, check out their Facebook page HERE.
Words: Dave Nicholls