Over the past decade
a small handful of Australian bands have carried the Metal/Hardcore flag for
this country. Parkway Drive being the obvious one, but a band from
Queensland with a rapidly growing fan base are now top contender for the crown
of Australian heavy music. The Amity Affliction have just released their
third studio album titled 'Chasing Ghosts' via Roadrunner Records and
you'll be hearing about this band much more after this album.
Before I get started
I want to let you know that I'm writing this review as merely a listener and
not a fan. So please don't get all defensive if I miss something or have an
opinion that most Amity fans would not agree with. It's mostly all
positive.
Having heard 'Youngbloods'
and being introduced to this band a couple of years ago by friends of mine, I
can see growth and change in this new album. I can also hear the traits that
have made this band one of the most popular acts in Australia. Whatever you want
to call it; Hardcore, Metalcore, Post-Hardcore, this band takes many formulas
and comes out with something that grabs your attention. Normally this isn't my
sort of thing, but it doesn't hurt to be open-minded and give some different
music a go. I'm quite glad I checked this album out after hearing so much about
it, there's been a lot of hype surrounding 'Chasing Ghosts' and most Amity
fans seem very happy with the result. The production on this album is exactly
what it needs to be, with 'Youngbloods' it was almost over-produced and it all
sort got lost in itself. By which I mean when I listen to that album there's a
lot going on in the background and it takes away from the individual
performances. On 'Chasing Ghosts' we have excellent production and each member
showcases their talent so that you can hear exactly what's going on as they
take you on a journey. The harsh vocals are top notch and there is a lot of
emotion behind the lyrics as you will notice after listening to them. Although
I feel the bands biggest asset is Bass player/Clean vocalist Ahren Stringer who
has one of the more infectious and better sounding voices in this genre. He is
featured much more on 'Chasing Ghosts' than previous albums and it's all for
the better, as he and Joel Birch go back and forth as if they were telling a
story with one side angry and the other side showing melody and softness. The
drumming is also another highlight whether it's fast paced, little and
interesting fillers or a heavy hitting breakdown. Having just the one guitarist
is definitely a smart move for these guys I think because it's just the right
formula for the sort of music they play. Troy Brady does a great job as the
guitarist with his catchy riffs, chugging breakdowns and melodic little parts
that capture the emotion of the music and blends perfectly with the other
members. One of my gripes on here is how after a while a lot of the chorus
parts start to sound the same and repetitive. I got a little bit of Deja Vu
when listening to this album from start to finish. But that doesn't take away
the fact that the choruses aren't catchy as hell and memorable. 'Chasing
Ghosts' seems to have a heavier feel and I think that has a lot to do with the
subject matter. It's very dark in places and the lyrics tackle some very deep
and personal issues that these men seem to have faced and many of you have I'm
sure. But the message is strong and it's a positive one, I can see many Amity
fans praising them for what they have done on this album with their supportive
music and words.
All in all this a
strong, deep, meaningful and heavy release that will only build more success
for The Amity Affliction and see their dedicated worldwide fan base
grow. It's a fitting follow up to their previous album and they've expanded and
progressed all while keeping true to their original sound. While not being a
particular fan of this genre, I can see why they are one of Australia’s best
and most successful bands at the moment. They will only get bigger after this
album and I will probably listen to 'Chasing Ghosts' more than I first thought
I ever would.
Standout tracks -
Chasing Ghosts, R.I.P Bon, Open Letter, Flowerbomb.
7/10
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