Band: The Ascendicate
Album: To Die As Kings
Label: Solid State Records
Reviewed by: Stephen M
I was ecstatic when I first learned that I was going to be reviewing the label debut album of The Ascendicate. As I listened for the first time, I was in awe – my jaw was on the floor.
To Die as Kings is one of most mature sounding debut albums I have ever heard. Similar sounding bands are Haste The Day and Demon Hunter. I realize that some of you may think this is an overstatement, but once you have had a chance to read this review, you’ll see what I am talking about.
The Ascendicate is a melodic hardcore rock/metal band with a unique sound that stands out from other bands in this genre. They bring loads of catchy melodies weaved throughout each song mingling together with unique vocals from Eric Marlowe to create an unparalleled sound. One thing I like a lot is that The Ascendicate has good contrast within their songs – periods of slow, quiet instrumentals/vocals leading up to mind boggling breakdowns (or vice versa), quickly can change the tempo of the song. They aren’t afraid to mix vocal styles – screaming, singing, and even conversation (check out the track “Burden”).
The band’s lyrics are honest and personal. Throughout this CD I was encouraged by them. Each individual track has a different story that I could relate to. Here are a few examples – from the song “Burden” – “Don’t let this burden flee from me, till the lesson is complete, because the pain is changing me who I need to be. About the man I want to be, for all the ones that count on me, because the pain is changing me who I need to be.” From the song “You and Me” – “It’s you and me, just you and me, I want to tell you everything, I want to tell you everything, cause I am so in love with you, I want to fall in love with you. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be, there’s no one here but you and me.”
This album is one of the best debut albums I have heard, and is a very solid release this year. If you like Melodic Metal/Rock be sure to check these guys out on Feb 10th.
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