Ashen Reach – The Fear
Ashen Reach – The Fear
Mosaic Music
Release Date: 22/03/24
Running Time: 19:24
Review by Paul Hutchings
7/10
If you’ve attended any of the plethora of UK Classic Rock styled festivals in recent times, you are likely to have crossed paths with Ashen Reach. It’s a curious thing, for the band’s modern style that bridges rock and metal isn’t the snug fit that bands like The Karma Effect and When Rivers Meet have with such events.
That’s not a criticism, for the band out of Merseyside have worked intensely hard over the past few years to push their name towards the upper echelons. A triumphant headline slot at October’s Station 18 Festival in Swansea as well as epic sets at Steelhouse, Winterstorm, Call of the Wild, Firevolt, Rockmantic, and numerous support slots across the country all point to the adage that hard work will bring its rewards.
2020’s debut release “Homecoming” certainly placed them into the consciousness of many, and with their latest EP “The Fear” now ready for release, there is no reason why Ashen Reach should not continue their ascent.
Whilst the debut contained a more traditional edge, there is no doubt that “The Fear” has a hugely contemporary feel, with a mix of modern styles that is likely to change some of their fan base. It’s inevitable that bands musical direction will vary, crossing paths with other bands inevitably shaping and influencing. “The Fear” demonstrates that change, with five songs over almost 20 minutes which prove their forward direction.
It’s a real collaboration of crushingly heavy passages that work alongside huge melodies, soaring refrains and massive breakdowns, along with the gentle, melancholic passages that makes this EP interesting. Opener ‘Ghosts’ is a dark path of intoxicating rhythms and time changes that captures the attention. ‘D1v1de’ starts with a driving riff, switching to a complete contrasting approach which broadens the sound before that riff kicks back in. I’m wrestling with the format here, especially the faux news report that emerges midpoint. It’s a combination of approaches that is a feature of much modern metal, and perhaps a sign of my age, it doesn’t sit as comfortably.
‘Neophobia ‘is already available, by all accounts receiving a positive response. It’s another contemporary song that utilises Paddy Cummins aggressive roars to compliment singer Kyle Stanley’s soaring cleans. It’s a little tired for me, something that has been done a million times before, but I can see why it’s achieved a decent response. The chunky breakdowns will certainly appeal to many. ‘The Dark’ has a scuzzy rhythmic groove with sonic melodies, whilst final track ‘Lost’ throws a curve ball, swaying symphonic elements adding to the overall grandiose feel.
I’ll state here and now that the modern metal style isn’t my go-to genre. I find the formulaic clean and gruff vocal style irritating, whilst the inevitable breakdowns don’t always work. Having said that, I can see that the future of metal is undoubtedly with bands like Ashen Reach, who are mixing up their own approach to create their own stamp. I don’t think they are there yet, but despite my reservations, “The Fear” is likely to push them higher, and as a British band, I’m fully behind that.
TRACKLISTING: 01. Ghosts 02. D1V1de 03. Neophobia 04. The Dark 05. Lost LINE-UP: Kyle Martyn Stanley – Vocals Paddy Cummins – Lead Guitar / Backing Vocals Joe O’Sullivan – Rhythm Guitar Jess Stanley – Drums |
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