All to Ruin - Among Us
All to Ruin from Wales have put out their second EP Among Us. The melodic metal underpinning of their music with big riffs and catchy melodies and choruses, is a musical landscape inhabited by many bands, and thus sometimes a difficult one within which to demonstrate a unique sound and vision. This EP is a brave and successful attempt to demonstrate such a musical vision, for which All to Ruin should be commended.
Take the Reins, for example, introduces some groove and technical metal style riffing, which is musically infectious, and allows Aaron Robert's expressive vocals real space to breathe, enabling an emotional kick to the song. The understated mid section of the song, repeated in the closing seconds, also allows the music to develop a lovely gentle expressive feel. Disconnect continues this creative approach, and sees a successful introduction of some beautifully contrasting string parts, preceded by a brief but stunning emotional bit of guitar sustain. This is really creative and engaging music making.
History has a real punk/post hardcore charge to it, which creates a real musical energy to the track, complementing and enhancing the yearning melodies. The song also features some dynamic and lyrical guitar soloing. Beneath the Steel Sky, which closes out the EP, has a really chunky riff and another lovely string section interlude. It also has some of the most heartfelt sounding vocals on the EP.
All to Ruin on this EP are pushing at the boundaries of melodic metal, and clearly have the potential to mark out their own unique musical path. At Room Thirteen we understand there will be some tour and show announcements in the near future. It will be intriguing to see what they do with these songs live.