Album Review: Amaranthe – Maximalism

Are you ready to be challenged? A bit of forewarning, you’re going to be caught offguard and I promise you won’t be the same if you come out walking from this. 

Featured Video: Arion – At The Break Of Dawn (Feat. Elize Ryd)

You ever experience one of those moments where you come across a song and from the get-go you’re hooked and the track goes above and beyond your expectations? Yeah, that’s what happened recently after hearing up and comers, Arion, and their latest single, At The Break Of Dawn.

Concert Review: Amaranthe @ HOME Bar

What a night to behold when the midwest received a performance and gave a standing ovation to one of the scene’s quickly rising stars. Amaranthe came back to the states for round 3, known as the Massive Collision tour and boy were there literal collisions. The night overall proved that their fans are accepting of anything regardless of what ensues and that the metal community is one large family, a pact that cannot be broken. Joining Amaranthe on the tour were Los Angeles’, Butcher Babies, and from the good ole’ South, Georgia’s own, Lullwater. Both acts did a decent job of getting the crowd energized and pumped for the main act of the night. Lead man, Jake E was absent from the tour as he was attending to his family back home overseas so they got fellow friend Chris Adam who fronts Swedish metal band, Smashed Into Pieces.

During an interview that night with Amaranthe, they stated that this was a larger turnout than they had anticipated, a positive sign that the states are certainly a market they will certainly come visit. This was their third tour in the states in support of their latest album, Massive Addictive, so this was truly a treat for the fans here in the states. The set list was dominated with a close majority of the tracks coming off of Massive Addictive. Regardless, there was a satisfying blend from their all three albums, really giving the fans what they wanted.

After a chilling entrance/opening, the group kicked off the night with one of their more powerful and energetic tracks, Digital World. The crowd pushed to the front, really becoming a tight-knit group singing in unison. Continuing the night, the group played a handful of their singles in a row which included, Trinity, Hunger, Invincible and 1.000.000 Lightyears. The night got a little intimate later on as lead woman Elize Ryd came out to sing Amaranthine which is truly one of their most captivating songs. Her and Chris Adam presented such a strong essence on-stage, which if you have never heard the song, you’ll see why this song creates goosebumps and emotional moments.

For many, it was the first time witnessing a killer drum solo from drummer, Morten Løwe Sørensen. After their encore, he had no trouble in getting the attention from every set of eyes that night with his drumming skills, another reason to see the band live. Immediately soon thereafter, the last set of tracks were performed which included The Nexus, Razorblade, Dynamite and the first single from the new album finished off the night, also known as, Drop Dead Cynical.

The group was extremely thankful for their fans that night. Many emotions were experienced and witnessed that night not just from the band but from the audience as well. It’s unforgettable the power that music has over people. Personally speaking, this was the best show I had ever been to, period. The group mentioned that they want to come back to the states next year and will try their hardest to make the come true. There’s a handful of dates left on the Massive Collision tour so check them out if you have the chance. The states will be eager, waiting and anticipating the return of Amaranthe. Stay Metal m/

Amaranthe Massive Collision Set-List

1. Digital World
2. Trinity
3. Hunger
4. Invincible
5. 1.000.000 Lightyears
6. Mechanical Illusion
7. Over And Done
8. Massive Addictive
9. True
10. Unreal
11. Afterlife
12. Electroheart
13. Leave Everything Behind
14. Amaranthine
15. Call Out My Name
16. Encore/Drum Solo
17. The Nexus
18. Razorblade
19. Dynamite
20. Drop Dead Cynical

Photos care of Nicholas Braeseker

Interview With Amaranthe

In a world where safety and terror are affecting the world, Amaranthe shed some light on various topics. It was an honor to hear what they had to say about the future of the group, how it all began, the dedicated fans, the recent attacks in Paris and much more. Jake E, was absent from the tour as he is back home tending to his family, so it was great to talk to his replacement for the tour, Chris Adam, from his band, Smash Into Pieces.

Much thanks to Amaranthe, their management and John Freeman for the grand opportunity. m/

[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZpP2dkvzzs[/tube]

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

Concert Review: Amaranthe with I, Prevail and Santa Cruz @ Mojoes

Amaranthe’s latest album, Massive Addictive was released last year and in support of the album, the group made round two through the states, only this time they were headlining, boy what a treat! The group brought two smaller acts to support them through the tour which included Finnish Hard Rock/Glam Metal band and labelmates, Santa Cruz as well as Detroit Post-Hardcore band, I, Prevail. The killer show took place at Mojoes in Joliet earlier this week on May 20th. Arriving early, I locked my place to get front and center. Unfortunately the temps were in the lower 50’s and it started to pour chilly rain and light hail, talk about paying your dues before the show haha. After doors opened late, we waited about an hour or so for the openers to take over the stage and rock our faces off.

Santa Cruz are a Glam/Hard Rock band from Finland. What kind of a metal show would this be without a band from Sweden or Finland? Santa Cruz had no problem kicking off the night with their high energy and nostalgic Glam era attitude full of cockiness and rock n’ roll up your arse. The opening track Bonafide Heroes brought forth high vibrant times and headbanging rhythms. This is your typical rock and roll groove right here. My Remedy and Let Them Burn continued the old school era machismo that certainly sparked me to check these guys out even though I didn’t know who they were. Their catchy track We Are The Ones To Fall really got the crowd pumped up as the group did a great job showcasing their stage presence and singing in unison with their gang vocals. If there was one thing that stood out from their performance was their amazing guitar skills, really during the solos above any other aspect. In the end, the group wanted to go out with a bang so their final song of the night was aptly titled Aiming High. Another track screaming in energy and is super catchy, the group really gave it their all in their final performance of the night. Lead vocalist Arttu Kuosmanen took the reigns on mic only, really adding that final touch of magic mic skills to fully bring the 80’s back in full swing that night.

The second act of the night was Detroit Post-Harcore act, I, Prevail. A group I was unfamiliar with, their performance was underestimated.  The group has two lead vocalists with Brian Burkheiser on clean vocals and Eric Vanlerberghe on the intense screaming factor. As the night progressed, the group’s efforts and presence got larger and more intense. There was a point in which the two guitarists got down from the stage and started to play in between the stage and barricade, to get a close up glimpse of their technical guitar skills. They certainly got in people’s faces which was pretty intense and cool at the same time as well as really interacting with the audience. You must give them credit, it’s pretty dam rare when you get a band like that, that really tries to get the crowd into their performance and really interacting with the fans. Their breakdowns got pretty intense too, and as I looked back their fans got pretty brutal as well, especially during the wall of death that went on, that was totally unexpected. Towards the end of their lengthy setlist, vocalist Eric Vanlerberghe and their bassist got into the pits and certainly got the crowd nuts. By that point in the setlist, it was fairly obvious who was there to see I, Prevail. Though their genre isn’t on my list of favorites, I certainly give them credits for giving a whopping live performance. I can’t remember the last time I saw a band actually get in the pits and offstage with the crowd, you guys have made an impact on me and the crowd that night.

 

The third and final act, the headliners of the night, Amaranthe were due to kick off the night. After an intriguing intro, the group kicked off their set with their latest, catchy and energetic single, Digital World. Lead screamer Henrik Englund was out of commission on this tour as he is going to become a father in the next month so the group recruited Olle Ekman, from Swedish death metal act, Deals Death. His style of vocals is similar to Henrik’s plus his unique flavor of metal brought a cool twist to the tour that night. After a nice performance from the song Trinity, the crowd went nuts for the groups very first single, Hunger. A personal favorite of mine, the energy flowed perfectly into the next track, Invincible. As the Joliet audience jumped up on their toes, it was hard not to notice the group enjoying the fact that we were enjoying the night, especially during 1.000.000 Lightyears. One of the more rare tracks that I don’t believe has made an appearance on their past setlists ever, Serendipity and the semi-ballad True tuned down the night for a moment.

An unexpected drum solo was performed by drummer Morten Løwe Sørensen, which showcased the skills of this underrated superstar. Boy were all eyes on the stage for those 3 minutes. A few more songs included the title track Massive Addictive, Afterlife, Leave Everything Behind,  and the catchy, hard-hitting Electroheart. Eventually it was lead singer Elize Ryd’s turn to devote her love to us that night with their powerful and emotional ballad Amaranthine. After a performance that almost made Elize shed a tear literally the group played another favorite of mine titled, Call Out My Name. This was supposedly the final song of the night but of course an encore was in order. The encore was kicked off by a song from their self titled debut album, track titled, Automatic. The next few tracks that closed out the night included Dynamite, Drop Dead Cynical, and the title track from their second album, The Nexus. After a bow and selfie with Amaranthe and the Joliet crowd, the eventful night was complete.

This was one of the more uniquely put tours with each of the bands offering a completely different genre of music compared to one another. You had Hard Glam Rock, Post-Hardcore and Electro-Pop Metal. Though I would have liked to have seen band’s I am more familiar with, I guess I still haven’t heard everything that’s out there yet. I was there for Amaranthe so their proportionate setlist from each of their albums really was a perfect choice. I would have thrown in the track Infinity in there as it would have added a nice touch to the setlist and make it a perfect 20 tracks as opposed to 19 that they had performed that night. I’ll never forget the in your face, full of raw attitude performance from I, Prevail, sheesh those guys are nuts, check them out live if you get the opportunity. Santa Cruz again, brought in that nostalgic atmosphere to connect with the fans immediately. Fortunately I got the amazing chance to meet and greet with Amaranthe after the show and got to talk to most of the members and ask them questions and just thank them truly for such amazing music that they put out that is very much inspiring. Elize Ryd hands down counts as one of the most approachable and friendliest singers for any band. Above all else, I’ll always be on the lookout for when Amaranthe makes their return to the states. Cheers everyone. Stay Metal m/

 

Amaranthe – Massive Addictive

Amaranthe have been around for a handful of years, and within those years, they’ve been making massive impacts in the industry. I’ve been anticipating this album for a good portion of the year, and now that it’s released, it is time to dive into Amaranthe’s third album, Massive Addictive. The title is aptly described as such, one heavy, catchy album whose melodies and choruses are inescapable from ones mind. Each track brings it own form of catchiness, as there are twelve, full-length tracks revolving around many topics within a world that is entirely their own. In my opinion, this album is different than their previous two albums, and the elements of electronics and keys are heavily present on this one. This is the first album with new third lead vocalist, Henrik Englund Wilhelmsson, as former screamer, Andreas Solvestrom departed at the end of last year. Like I said, their short lifespan as a band as been one epic adventure, I’m not sure if I’ve ever seen a band that has achieved so much in their little lifetime. After hearing this album, my stance on Amaranthe has not changed, for they are a great band with some of the best lyrics I’ve ever listened to.

[tube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2e_3ZnJcTE[/tube]

The opener, Dynamite, is a heavy one, and later on catchy. I will probably be using that word a lot for this album, “catchy.” Theres a significant amount of time to headbang, as the group follows the same time signature of semi-technical rhythms. If you didn’t check out the first single, Drop Dead Cynical, that’s alright as I put the video here for you. It’s heavy, it’s groovy, it’s catchy, it’s an anthem, a simplistic track to get the adrenaline rushing along. Trinity, is a more intimate song that drives optimism and hope to the listener. While it gets extremely heavy at one point, the majority of the track carries a special melodic essence that is mind boggling. The title track of the album, Massive Addictive, pretty much stays low key throughout. This was one of the other tracks that found itself creeping into my mind randomly throughout my days.

If you like power anthems with a kickass tune, Digital World, is an amazing track. Straight out of a Sci-fi film, the track speaks of a digital world where the future is sold, we can never die or grow old. Perhaps our conscience will be programmed into a network one day in the future? Who knows, I’d rather not. The breakdown is intense, this track is absolutely livid. As it’s been a constant feature with the previous two albums, this one also includes a ballad. The track titled, True, covers a typical theme of love and passion. Compared to their other ballads on the other albums, this ballad wasn’t too strong. I was hoping for some eargasmic guitar emotion, oh well, no biggie. My current favorite track out of the whole album, as I haven’t abused the hell out of the replay/loop option, is the track Skyline. It’s melody and harmonics are eargasmic. Jake sings a catchy chorus, that is familiar but original. It’s almost as energetic as Digital World, just a notch lower. Overall, another adrenaline rush of a song. The album ends with a song I thought was pretty average. Titled, Exhale, it is also along the catchy blend of tunes, I did not find myself latching on to this track strongly, as I did with many of the other ones, therefore the ending was average.

[tube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdyExxpd3Pg[/tube]

Overall, an album with high expectations, I was let down just a tiny bit. The last few tracks, aside from Skyline, were not too strong compared to the first half, which is intense and heavy. In my opinion, their previous album, The Nexus, is better. Perhaps they should stick to heavier sets of songs, as the slower ones weren’t too enticing. Nonetheless, the album was not too shabby, and I had to be honest with my scoring, as much as a fan of the group I am. The group is currently about to kickoff a very short headlining tour in the states, then the rest of the world after this month. My final thoughts on this album…..not as strong as The Nexus, but still decent, electronic and keys are the most present on this album, and of course its catchy. It’s massive tunes are quite addictive……it’s Massive Addictive. Stay Metal m/

Massive Addictive: 8/10

More information can be found on their Official Website as well as their Facebook and Twitter Pages. Don’t forget to ‘LIKE’ us at We Love Metal Dot Com’s Facebook Page as well.

Interview With Amaranthe

One of the few bands I consider powerful, engaging, moving, optimistically persuasive and more, I got the privilige to interview the great Amaranthe. I was invited to sit on their prestigous tour bus, as the group sat around and I got to talk to them and ask them questions about their future plans, current touring regimen and what we can expect from their upcoming album, Massive Addictive. They are a group of jokers and a group that knows what they are doing at the same time. All around, it was the utmost pleasurable experience of a lifetime to sit face to face with Amaranthe. Ok, I’ll shut up and let the fan boy in me hide. One little tidbit I forgot to mention in my review of their concert, was that Elize actually sat down with a fan that looked slightly disabled and talked with her for a little while, as the fan was crying with tears of joy after speaking to her. The fan was standing off to the side away from the crazy action during Within Temptation’s set, so Elize offered her a chair and conversation, she has gained my respect more now after that caring action. Anyway, I hope you enjoy the interview. Stay Metal m/

[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmCzKAOeQXs[/tube]

 

Timo Tolkki’s Avalon – Angels Of The Apocalypse

Happy Friday the 13th to you all. Today’s artist is more of a project. Ex-Stratovarius guitar player, Timo Tolkki has released the second album from his Metal-Opera Project, Avalon. This super group/project is associated with many well known names throughout Heavy Metal. Such names include Russell Allen (Symphony-X), Derek Sherinian  (ex-Dream Theater), Michael Kiske (ex Helloween), and this new album titled, Angels Of The Apocalypse, features even more well known artists. Some more names to add to the list, Fabio Lione (Rhapsody of Fire), Elize Ryd (Amaranthe), Floor Jansen (Nightwish, ReVamp), Simone Simons (Epica), and Zachary Stevens (ex-Savatage). The instrumental components of the album are contributed by ex-Stratovarius members as well. The album was released about 3 weeks ago and is the prequel to the previous released album titled, The Land of New Hope. Thus far, this takes place about 40 years in the future, where the majority of the world has gone through destruction, communication systems have been long gone, and a small group of survivors band together to find a legendary land spoken and rumored of, named, The Land of New Hope. Those who encounter the supposed land, must go through a Gatekeeper and only those pure at heart may pass into the Ultimate Destiny. This is a remarkable concept for an album, while delivering around fifty-minutes of pure Symphonic and Power Metal.

 [tube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VO49X_Ie4A[/tube]

A vocal only singing prelude by Rhapsody of Fire lead man, Fabio Lione, introduces the album to us, with the track, Song For Eden. No guitars, no drums, no instruments, solely his voice for fifty seconds and that’s it. Simple singing. Track two officially marks the first metal track of the album. Jerusalem Is Falling, plays to Classic and Power Metal. Iron Maiden was all that was going through my head, with the occasional pounding battle cries and chants. The vocal’s once again are present by Fabio Lione. The solo captivates that Jerusalem essence we can imagine it to be which fast forwards to shredding. A pretty decent track to introduce the album with, in my opinion. Track three immediately fell into my favorites, and after finding out who the guest vocals were, I had to chuckle for one of my favorite metal females is the featured singer in this track. Current Nightwish and ReVamp lead, Floor Jansen, beautifully and elegantly takes the track, Design the Century, forward to another plane. The eargasmic and guitar rich instrumentals backed by an Epic atmosphere mix for a perfectly executed track. David DeFeis from the band, Virgin Steele, is the featured vocalist in the next track, Rise of the 4th Reich. Fueled by Power Metal and the epic atmospheres again, the track has a doom end of the world feel to it. In addition to that, the lyrical content speaks of the Fourth Reich, a secret society whom are intending to influence the world, by ways of Nazism and putting forth those ideas through culture, business and Government worldwide, as opposed to military means, as history has seen that has failed. Fabio Lione, returns one more time in track five, Stargate Atlantis. Steady double bass, and the higher soaring vocals drive the track on and on, not one slow moment throughout.

[tube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWKmrR-fKgg[/tube]

Floor Jansen, appears again in the next two tracks, The Paradise Lost and You’ll Bleed Forever. Paradise Lost, is one of the stronger tracks in the album instrumentally. A speedy progression with short brakes, do a prompt expression of feel. More so, the exemplary and superb breakdown and solo has authentic vibes that seize a well manifested title. You’ll Bleed Forever, takes on another route and goes 180. The slowest of tracks on the album, the instrumentals remain simple, the highlight of the track is the chorus with Floor’s strong emotional vocals and the emotional guitar performs an effective ambience for the sentimental folk. The last remaining tracks wind down and close the album in an escalating manner. While track nine, High Above Me, is a slow and vocally melodic track that bursts out of nowhere with heaviness towards the end, track ten, the title track, Angels of the Apocalypse, is the Epic nine-minute track that comprises of the signature epic choirs, and we slowly transcend to Power Metal glory and Opera enrichment. The Neo-classical guitars eloquently continue to keep the album true in theme and attitude. Both tracks feature Floor Jansen, Elize Ryd, Simone Simons, and new talent, Caterina Nix. Keeping with the concept of the album, we finally arrive to the Garden Of Eden, where a light enchantment is released and a strong vocal Opera nears for the moment, leaving the listener with reflection.

This album was a delight to hear. From guest musicians, to the powerful blend of Symphonic and Power Metal and epic choirs/vocals, I knew this was an album I was going to connect with. I would have liked to have seen more heaviness, but perhaps this album was not meant to go in that direction seeing as this is the midway of the trilogy that this album is part of. As this is a project consisting of many guests, who knows if Tolkki is planning on taking this project on the road. There are no Gigs scheduled for the moment. Perhaps once the trilogy is set, it will be ready to be unleashed live in person. I can’t imagine the potential live set-ups a concept like this would entail visually, it gives me goosebumps.  What will the next album foretell? How did the survivors come to be? What does the next album hold for Timo Tolkii himself and his future projects? Stay Metal m/

Angels of The Apocalypse: 8/10

More information can be found on his Official Website, as well as the Official Facebook and Twitter Pages for Avalon. Don’t forget to ‘LIKE’ We Love Metal Dot Com on Facebook for more Heavy Metal Media and Content.