Ways. focus on mood changes with new single

Time goes on and things never seem to stay the same. This goes more than ever for music which constantly moves forward.

The french metalcore formation Ways. has been present here on this blog some time ago. By that time it was a mixture of heavier sounds with a lot of silent notes flying in between.

Ways. move on to the next level.

The newest single that the band put out today called "Why do we fall?" is a massive move forward. The music has become more compact, gone to precise adjustment at the proper moments when the mood changes. All the musicians seem to have learned a lot on their instruments and use them in a more direct way.

A highlight is set by the vocals. They are a blast and show the full range of feelings humans are able to feel (good and bad). Back in the day they were already standing out but I never thought they would move on in this particular direction with a lot of brutal shouts but in a clear quality.

The end of the single release gives me redemption and let's me breathe through deeply. After all of the things the music put's you through (and maybe life, too) I think you will warmly welcome the ending.

Make sure to keep a eye on the band on Facebook for all the further activities to come.

CD Review: AlogiA - Semendria (Symphonic Power Metal, 2020)

Finally after some time a brand new AlogiA album see's the light of day. What happened in the four years since the last release?

The cover creates a positive feeling in me.

I think a lot of work and re-thinking has gone into the creation of "Semendria". First of all the sound underwent changes. This time around it's far more compact and dry. It's not that pumped and blown-up anymore. This makes the tunes lighter to enjoy. The new tunes are compact in duration. A eye was held on a limited tme frame so the tracks come to the point.   

New sound meets tradition

Most of the songs are sourced of traditional symphonic power metal sounds. This lays down a classic foundation to the sound. This impression continues with the vocals that add more high screams than ever before.  

But "Semendria" is far from being a "standard" or one of the many albums out there. This becomes evident on clearer moments that shine through. Just listen to the verses of "The Calling" - they slowly build from softer to faster/harder each verse-round.

The title-track is a good example for the evolution. While lyrically and in the basics a classic track it's the fine elements like the flute or the acoustic guitars that give it a special touch.

Refrains like the one on "Visantia" are outworked with a finetuned melody - leave your ears open and you'll recognize.
Finally piano passages make "From East to West" stand out of all of the tracks. A nice way to end the record in a softer style.
 
All in all I'd like to point out the newest output of AlogiA to your attention. It has more to offer than ever before. It has got a lot of variation in it that is a welcomed aspect. Listening becomes a joy. The shorter way to present the music prevents boring lengths and also gives the music a chance if you're cut short on time.   

Also guest performances of Tim "Ripper" Owens, Mark Boals and the fantastic organ of Fabio Leone make it a even bigger highlight than it already is.

CD and Vinyl available
Make sure to pick a phystical CD copy of the album directly of the online shop. Currently a limited vinyl edition of the record is up for pre-order through Elevate Records at a lower price (20 Euro, will be 24 Euro later. Both prices plus shipping and handling.