Search - Alesana :: Where Myth Fades to Legend

Amazing album!

CindyLou | MD USA | 06/04/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Amazing album! By far one of the most creative and interesting albums I've heard in a long time. Alesana raised the bar on this album, evolving with even more catchy hooks and story-filled lyrics that really grab you and don't let go! From beginning to end, the band seamlessly blends genres to present a unique sound that is above and beyond any of the other bands currently occupying the same scene. Their undeniable musical skill and talent for song writing really shows in every single track. This album is high quality hard rock music that I can't stop listening to"

They Call This Tragedy.

Luke Rounda | Lawrence, KS | 09/09/2008

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Alesana's introduction to the world with On Frail Wings of Vanity and Wax pegged them for a Chiodos/Receiving End of Sirens hybrid: hard, heavy hardcore/metal/rock, inspired by the science and/or mythology of antiquity. A love it or hate it singing style. In the best bits, interesting musical progression and concept. Exemplifying this from Alesana's debut is the opening track "Ambrosia," with its stop-start rhythms and gear-shifting vocal tacts. Unfortunately, with their sophomore release, this band proves that they possess precious few other tricks in their Bag of Holding.



The vocals alternate between three modes: a shy, nasal, warbling whimper; gutteral howling; and valiant attempts to sing far too far out of one's singing range. Incredibly, this fact is simultaneously a selling point (interesting musical texture), and a reason to want to throw the stereo out the window (ears bleeding from tuneless, high-pitched singing)---which is nothing unusual for casual listeners of this genre, but Alesana (and also Chiodos, in particular) take it to a previously unheard-of level.



The lead guitarwork is busy, self-conscious; overuse of harmonization and pedal tones lends a cheesy 8-bit vibe to some of the otherwise technically proficient passages. It's the rhythm section where the interesting bits of Alesana are buried: what sounds like war drums back up thick guitars that chug and stop in unique patterns---but this is mostly buried in monotony. Discerning listeners will lament the lack of variety, but still hate the grating "As You Wish," a horrid attempt at a ballad. What sounds like a castrated Peter Pan sings call-and-response.



High hopes that Alesana could create a record, and a sound, in the vein of "Ambrosia"'s uniquely dynamic bombast have been dashed. "Goodbye, Goodnight, For Good" and "A Most Profound Quiet" are probably the most listenable tunes, but much more than two songs and the brain refuses to process again what it's already heard before."

Better than the first

Matt Wheeler | North Carolina | 07/10/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Alesana's first album is great but this one is much better. The songs are much more catchy and the vocals are awesome! Don't listen to the bad reviews, if you liked alesana last album you'll love this one. Not much else I can say so take a listen to it for yourself!"