Amaranthe: Breaking Point – B-Sides 2011-2015

Since day one, Amaranthe have been a non-stop force to be reckoned with. From having released a handful of albums in their short career to touring worldwide, multi-million views online and more the group is ready to release a different side to them than we are usually used to see. Taking a trip into the Amaranthe vault, giving dedicated and new fans a unique perspective of the group, they will be releasing a digital available only album titled, Breaking Point: B-Sides 2011-2015. The album includes six acoustic versions of tracks they’ve released as well as two studio tracks that were bonuses on their debut album. Most artists have recorded other versions of tracks in the past and luckily for us, Amaranthe has chosen to release these exclusive tracks to the metal community. This should be a great feast for us the fans.

The set-list of acoustic tracks include, Hunger, Afterlife, Amaranthine, Burn With Me, Trinity and True. As mentioned, these tracks are all exclusively acoustic and I can honestly say that after listening to the album, I have a more appreciative gratitude for acoustic versions. Normally I would have tuned out or skipped the track but the group has formulated the right ingredients for perfect acoustic tracks. No, they have not taken the vocal tracks off their songs and layed them on the acoustic versions, this is the real deal. Unique vocals from lead man and woman, Jake E and Elize Ryd push the album into a whole other spectrum. Unfortunately lead screamer, Henrik Englund is absent from the acoustic tracks, meanwhile former member/screamer Andreas Solveström, is obviously featured on the regular studio tracks as they were present on the debut album.

A few favorites include Amaranthine, Burn With Me, Trinity and True. One common element/theme with all of these songs is that they have a very ballad feel to them, so it makes sense why they sound so profound on an acoustic level. Other instruments are added to many of these tracks such as piano, accordians, violins, among other strings and more. Trinity has an eargasmic and unforgettable acoustic solo later on. Both vocals from Jake and Elize beautifully intertwine at various points on the album to create magnificent melodies and unimaginative vocal ranges.

Being an acoustic dominated album, there isn’t a whole lot an artist can do. I would say that those who are already fans of the group would be the ones to support the album. Perhaps fans outside of the metal genre who don’t even touch the genre might appreciate the albums or at least a song or two. Nonetheless, the album does appease. The group is set to kickoff a North American tour in the next few days so get your tickets while you still can. Amaranthe continue to release new music and surprise the metal community with every action they take. I am anxious to hear the next set of news they drop on us. You know it will be worthwhile. Stay Metal m/

Breaking Point: 9.5/10

Official Website: https://www.amaranthe.se
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmarantheBand
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Amaranthemetal