Pacific Northwest’s Stealing Axion was formed in the
winter of 2009 by guitarists Dan Forbrich, Josh
DeShazo, and Phil Willmarth. By early 2010 they
self-recorded and released their EP which rapidly
spread across the net and garnered them tons of praise
from fans and critics alike. With these songs
as a solid foundation, the band maintained a steady
regiment of writing and developing their sound
and soon had enough material to serve as a full length
album. The band was then contacted by Acle
Kahney (TesseracT guitarist and producer) about mixing
and mastering the songs. Working closely
with him on the sounds and textures of the album, Moments
(the title of the band’s debut full
length) developed into a dynamic and immense listening
experience. The album uniquely combines
the ferocity and rawness of modern metal with delicate
and expansive atmospheres. The result is a sound that is accessible while maintaining a
detailed and complex framework.
One thing for certain, and that all off the songs offer up a
different tale for the listener. But is one of those 50% Marmite moments for
me. Musically the album is ‘most excellent’ (insert your own Wyld Stallyns
GUITAR RIFF HERE), with some pretty ferocious riffs that will stir up many a
mosh pit, then segueing into an
atmospheric passage which almost takes you by surprise, but it’s the mix of two
contrasting vocal styles, screamy and grunty one minute, and calm, collected,
and (normal) melodic the next that I struggle with. Me? I prefer the latter
style, obviously.
With the ‘good cop/bad cop’ vocalisation, Stealing Axion are doing
nothing new, but the music sets them apart from their competition. Influenced
by the likes if Dream Theater, SA have a decent foundation. The album unusually
has a much stronger second half, and, thankfully for me, Stealing Axion get a
grip, and find their mojo. The reason being that there’s more of a melodic
metal influence in songs such as 'Eventide' and 'Collapse', and none more so than
on the mighty fine 'Sleepless' (complete with minimal growly, grunty moments than
the rest!). Even 'Too Late Now', a prog ballad of sorts has its defining moments.
So, the second half of the album has a bit more in its locker than
the first, with Stealing Axion finding more of their progressive feet. Whilst
it’s not my cup of tea, no doubt Moments will have many a prog fan rushing and
possibly gushing after it
70/100
Track Listing:
1 Mirage Of Hope
2 Solar
3 Everything Or Nothing
4 47 Days Later
5 The Unwanted Gift
6 Eventide
7 Collapse
8 It's Too Late Now
9 Sleepless
10 Moments Part 1
11 Moments Part 2
Line up:
Dan Forbrich – Vocals, guitar
Josh DeShazo – Vocals, guitars
Phil Willmarth – Vocals, bass
Blake Ferris – Drums
Discography:
Moments (2012)
Online:
stealingaxion.com
facebook.com/stealingaxion
http://soundcloud.com/stealingaxion
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