Bridges Ablaze are an alternative metal from Austin, Texas, featuring Brien Allen and Ruben Zamora and the sound these two guys achieve is just phenomenal, absolutely amazing.

I reviewed their previous single, Hellbent, and I couldn’t wait to hear more from them so when the opportunity to review Never Too Late, their latest single which was released on 14/04/2023, I literally jumped at the chance.

The song starts in a way that you instantly know what this band is about, with heavy guitars and galloping drums, and this carries on throughout the entire song.

With an edgy metalcore sound, the guitars use distortion to give them a heavy, fuzzy feel, and with pounding riffs, booming drums and meaty basslines this track really does kick you in the stomach…and that’s a good thing! The solos are clean, and with dual guitars makes for a really great sound towards the end of the track.

The vocals on this track are slightly different to the previous single, but this just shows how diverse the singer is. With a soft edge to his voice, there is still enough grit to make the vocals really stand out. He doesn’t use the emo screams as much on this track, but his voice is still perfect for the track and is a great accompaniment to the music behind him. Complemented with layered back up vocals, the song does have a great depth to it.

There is a lot of emotion in this track, both from the vocals and from the music side of things and this is one of the things that stood out to me last time too.

This is a fantastic track and one that will definitely be getting on the playlist for The Metal Asylum Radio Show. Keep up the great work guys, and I look forward to hearing much more from you in the future.

This review is the property of The Metal Asylum

Originally from Cleveland, Alec Berlin moved to New York City twenty-five years ago has shared the stage with the likes of Elton John, James Taylor, Rob Thomas, Ben Folds, Kenny Wheeler and Rufus Wainwright as well as performing in dozens of Broadway shows including Rent, Wicked, The Lion King and Bright Star.

This is not my first introduction to the music of Alec Berlin, and I am always eager to hear more from this exceptionally talented musician. Space Punk And Other Junk is his latest album and was released on 27/04/2023.

As always, this album is a clever mix of a different genres from classic rock, where its fundamentals roots lie, to progressive rock to AOR.

The guitar work is extremely impressive, with heavy classic rock riffs, to intricate solos, and I can hear influences from a wide range of guitar players, from Hank Marvin of the Shadows to Gary Moore and Dave Gilmour. There are elements of funk and jazz thrown in for good measure and there is excellent use of both acoustic and electric guitars, that create a great contrast.

Behind the guitar work, the drumming ranges from the more laid-back to full on energetic drum work with lots of crashing cymbals and the basslines are funky and creates a groove to the album. Electronic synths are also used, and this adds to the funkiness of the album, creating a winning formula.

The album is instrumental, so no words to sing along to, but you will certainly hum along to the melodies, as they are incredibly infectious and catchy. There is always something to listen to, so the listener is always engaged in the music and this album really does have so much to offer. It’s very progressive in places and experimental in others and I really think this will appeal to fans of classic rock, progressive rock, AOR, and blues alike.

Another great release!

Track Listing:

1) Space Punk

2) Man’s Best Friend

3) Beat Confabulator (All Night On The Floor)

4) LaNoise

5) Minir Maad

6) Patchen Avenue

7) Life In The Bog

8) What I Wish I Had Said

9) Iota (Not One)

10) President’s Day

11) Flatbush Jaywalk

12) ROYGBIV

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9 O’Clock Nasty are a Leicester-based alternative band with punk influences, and consists of Sydd Spudd on beats, Pete Brock on guitar and vocals and Ted Pepper on bass and vocals. This really is an impressive band and the more I review from them, the more diverse they are becoming.

Gastronaut is their latest single and was released on 29/04/2023.

This track is a lot more mellow than previous offerings by the band, opening with just some drums and a piano before the vocals come in. the change in vocal style is very evident to hear, punky shouty vocals being replaced by something a bit more melodic, although the punk attitude is still there to hear. The backups that accompany the leads are in much the same vein and this gives the track depth and an edginess that really makes it stand out.

Where previous tracks by 9 O’clock Nasty have featured heavy guitars, these are completely left out of this track, and drumming and piano/keyboard work make up the majority of the musical accompaniment, with the added inclusion of some stringed instruments which gives the track a bit of an atmospheric feel to it.

This is another great track from this awesome band and one that really shows their range, musically and vocally. Please check out 9 O’clock Nasty and their music as I think they are a band that more people need to hear.

This review is the property of The Metal Asylum

Alamance are a four-piece band based in Oregon, founded by lead singer Josh Sorhagen and guitarist Matt Pryor in 2004 and they have shared the stage with acts like The Jonas Brothers, Yellowcard, My Chemical Romance, Jesse McCartney, Hidden in Plain View, Underoath, and All Time Low, among others.

Playing a fresh take on alternative, rock and metal music, the band are “capitalising on commercial production, melody-driven vocals and electronic elements.”

Erupting into life straight from the off, this band waste no time in letting the listener know what they are all about.

With heavy guitars playing meaty, chugging riffs, these guys certainly know how to capture the metal sound and with energetic drumming and strong basslines backing up the guitars, the sound they have created is totally awesome, and the double kick drums really do stand out on this track.

The vocals are what makes this band stand out. Easily switching from clean singing (think Oliver Sykes from Bring Me The Horizon) to a cross of death metal growls and emo screams, the singer really does have a great range. His voice is soft and melodic as times, yet raw and powerful at other times and accompanied with growly backups, the sound really is complete.

I absolutely loved this track; it is something that is definitely up my street as it combines the classic rock/metal sound with a more metalcore overtone.

I can see big things for this band, and I highly recommend that everyone goes and checks this track (and the band out!)

Frigging awesome!

This review is the property of The Metal Asylum

The Silent Era is a London based four band and Scorpio is their latest single, released on 28/04/2023. Comprising of Chris (guitars), Nic (bass), and Conor (drums) they are joined by Bri on vocals. They formed in the latter part of 2021 and playing live has gained the band support from fans.

The song erupts almost as soon as its starts with heavy guitars and drums before slowing in pace for the verse, which introduces the almost Ann Wilson-esque vocals of Bri, before the track picks up speed and intensity again for the chorus.

The guitars are heavy and have a slightly distorted sound and this against the clean singing of Bri really does make for a stark contrast. The riffs are melodic but melodic and really do kick you right in the stomach, especially if you turn up the volume!

The bass lines are strong and funky and keep the track running smoothly as does the drumming which isa energetic when it needs to be yet more laid back at other times, letting the bass guitar take the lead where the drum and bass section are concerned.

As mentioned above, Bri’s vocals have the strength and sound of Ann Wilson, while also maintaining an individuality about them. Her voice is strong, powerful, and packed full of emotion and is the perfect accompaniment to the music behind her.

After hearing this song, you would be forgiven for thinking that this band have been around for years as their talent and professionalism is overwhelming to hear for such a young band.

I have previously reviewed music The Silent Era and I really do hope to hear a lot more from them in the future as they really are amazing band with a great future ahead of them.

This review is the property of The Metal Asylum

Birdeatsbaby are a Brighton based progressive rock band, and having reviewed their previous single, Illuminate, I was keen to hear more from them. Hex is their latest single and was released on 28/04/2023.

The band mix progressive, alternative rock with melodic and cinematic sounds and they have produced something that crosses over many genres while still retaining their dark and brooding signature sound.

The vocals are what sticks out in this song, haunting and atmospheric and the lead vocals are accompanied by layered backups which really gives the track a great depth. The haunting vocals are also mixed with death metal like growls part way through the song, actually taking the listener by surprise, and this creates a great contrast, almost splitting the song into two halves.

Heavy, chugging riffs are behind both sets of vocals, but the guitars really come into their own when the growling vocals kick in, the weighty riffs a great accompaniment to the harshness of the singing.

This song portrays the band more of a melodic metal band than a progressive rock band but then, I guess that shows the diversity and talent of its members.

Another great track from Birdeatsbaby and I am certainly going to be checking them out on Spotify to see what else from them I can find. A highly recommended track for fans of all genres!

This review is the property of The Metal Asylum

Lucifer’s Beard is the brainchild of Shrewsbury based musician, Chris Barnes, and Mr Invincible is his latest single, released on 28/04/2023.

Starting with a funky bass line, the song soon erupts with a blend of alternative rock, grunge rock, punk rock and literally everything in between!

The guitars are heavy, with riffs thrown at the listener left, right and centre, yet they are bouncy and give the track a bit of swagger. They kick in really hard and heavy for choruses and have a typical alternative rock feel to them during the verses, keeping the listener engaged with the music. There is slight use of distortion which contributes to the overall grunginess of the song and the solos are somewhat fuzzy too.

The funky basslines from the start of the track carry on throughout, giving the song a groove to it that really makes the listener bounce, and the bass is noticeable through the whole track which is always a good thing in my book. The drumming is energetic and frenetic, with lots of crashing cymbals and pounding bass drums. Musically, this track is spot on, its catchy melodies and riffs will stick in your head, and you will definitely be dancing around the living room to this one.

Vocally, this track is awesome. The singer has a great voice, strong and powerful yet with a spring to it that keeps up with the quick tempo of the track. There is also a slight grittiness to it that helps maintain the alternative rock feel to the song and accompanied by layered backups, the song really has a great depth to it.

This is an absolutely awesome track, and I am so glad I had the chance to hear it. I highly recommend this to everyone as this is a song that really could pick you up on a bad day!

Fantastic!

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Charise Sowells, a music artist from St.Paul, Minnesota, is rising through the charts with her creative and amazing songs! Charise has spent over two decades performing with other musicians as part of a band and has recently decided to show us her own personal experiences! Charise has already achieved so much as a musician, with her songs being featured on several blogs, magazines, festivals and so much more! Interestingly, Charise has even wrote musical episodes for CoComelon and Vida the Vet!

However, today we are looking at the artist’s most recent album, “Obsolescent Adolescence”. The album includes twelve different tracks, and I can honestly say each and every one of them is fantastic! “Obsolescent Adolescence” is quite a deep album about the aftermath of a heartbreak.

The album kicks off with an incredible track, ‘Morning Breath.’ This track includes some sultry vocals and the beat of it is just so contagious! ‘Morning Breath’ has elements of grunge, yet still finds a way to be incredibly catchy.

Although the whole album is brilliant, making it very difficult to pick out a favourite, for me my favourite track of the album has got to be the seventh song, “Twilight Hour.” This song is very soft, with the use of an acoustic guitar. Not only is the instrument playing really good, but Charise’s vocalism is also out of this world! She sings with such heart and soul, and you can really hear her passion!

The final song of the collection, “Better Day” is another amazing tune! This song has more of a jazzy hint to it and is so captivating! Once again, Charise’s vocals are so rhythmic and melodious, and you could easily just listen to her all day! With the album ending on more of a positive note, she just leaves you wanting more!

There is no denying that “Obsolescent Adolescence” is a phenomenal album, and I honestly am so intrigued to see what she has in store for us! Check out her album on Spotify now!

This review is the property of The Metal Asylum

heavy on the heart is a four-piece alternative rock band formed in 2021 from the US and Mr Know It All is their new single, released on 20/04/2023.

A superb blend of alternative rock, emo pop rock, pop and just about everything else, this is a high energy, upbeat track that is certain to get you bouncing around the living room.

With its musical roots firmly in the alternative rock / emo rock genre, the track does take influence from other styles, making this a track that blurs the lines between genres. The guitars are heavy and full of riffs, the emo punk influence really showing through here. The drumming has the energy of punk rock/pop and the basslines are strong, keeping everything tight and together.

The female vocals are powerful, and she really does command the track, not letting the music behind her overshadow her. She has a great range and perfectly suits the style of the track. Slight distortion at various points in the track gives her a hint of grunge in her voice but she maintains the punk rock / pop style superbly.

This is a great track, one that will definitely get stuck in your head as the chorus is extremely catchy and for a relatively new band, these guys have a great sound.

Awesome stuff guys and I look forward to hearing much more from you in the very near future.

This review is the property of The Metal Asylum

Fake Figures are a four-piece band from Southern California and features former and current members of bands such as Atreyu, Scars of Tomorrow and Nation’s Afire. Playing a mix of metal, alternative and punk, the band also manage to keep an undertone of the late 1990’s throughout their music.

You’re Distant was released on 18/10/2019 and although now over three years old, it still sounds as fresh and up to date now as it would have done then.

The guitars are riff-laden, heavy, and totally in your face, and slight distortion gives the track a grungey feel. The drumming is meaty and energetic, and the basslines are thick and strong. Musically, this band are awesome, every member of the band playing off the others and working perfectly together.

The vocals are typical screamo vocals and these point the song in a completely different direction again. Accompanied by strong backups, the singers is voice is tough and powerful and totally takes command of the song. He has an attitude and grit in his voice that compliments the style of the track well and adds to the rawness of the song.

This is an awesome track, and I am just about to head on over Spotify to see what else I can find from them. If you are a fan screamo, alternative and punk rock and metal then I suggest yod do the same!

Great job well done!

This review is the property of The Metal Asylum