A band who realise the true meaning of musical evolution.
'My New Time' is a fresh start for Autumn, a band who have truly stood up to the test of time and change, and to losing the founder member, by redeveloping their music and evolving into something altogether more mature and dynamic. In the overwhelming sea of female fronted bands, most can be put into three main genre pigeon holes: the operatic vocals and epic soundscape of the Nightwish style, the raw and raucous style of Sugarcoma and Kittie or the commercialised nu-metal Evanescence style, yet Autumn fit neither precisely. Instead, though there is some common ground in gothic metal, they are proud to demonstrate diversity and originality in their compositions by sticking to no particular style but taking a little from all genres and compiling them into their own music, creating a definitive sound and eleven tracks that sound completely apart from one another. By doing this they create music so dynamic and unique that it becomes incredibly hard to describe and label to one specific brand of metal, which is something that very few bands are capable of anymore.
In essence change is a recurring theme throughout the album which truly reflects the dramatic change faced by the band after the sudden departure of the founder and original bass player Meindert Sterk which came as a real set back to the band. But rather then let it swamp them, they worked through this and used what recording and composing resources they had to the best of their abilities. A windfall of musicians then provided them with the full and refreshed line up that they needed to pull the music together and live out the plans that they had made musically for this recording. With Mats van der Valk (guitars), Jan Munnik (keyboards) and Jerome Vrielink (bass) Autumn have produced the ultimate line up and 2007 has so far proved to be the year that they bounce back stronger and breaking more boundaries then ever before.
A revamped line up, approach to composing and the constant urge to explore new areas of music seem to have provided Autumn with a perfect formula for musical success, even though they have not outwardly tried to seek it by sticking to any particular genre but rather using Van der Valk's amazing song writing skills and the newly found Vrielink's powerful, sustaining bass parts which boost music in places that were before missing. Both of these plus the beautiful voice of Nienke pull together to create a wonderful boiling pot of different influences, sounds, stunning lyrics and outstanding musical talent.
The first track 'Satellite' packs a truly gothic feel with the overlaying delicate touch of 80's style new wave in the uplifting and catchy chorus. Kicking in with a synthesised introduction, a vibe of 80's dance perfectly compliments the strength of the riffs that Van der Valk delivers and when Nienke enters there is something oddly romantic about the music and a definite originality about the sound that boosts the atmosphere of the track. Nienke's warm and earthy toned voice glides over and leads the music forward into an emotive and ascending bridge supported by powerful, distorted riffs inspired by a mix of the sharpness of classic rock and the authentic romance of HIM. The song also clearly highlights the poetic beauty of the lyrics, perfectly displaying the bands ability to capture emotions in original and believable metaphors that send chills down the spine and touch on the soul.
Equally 'Blue Wine' resonates a mournful and airy tone, lamenting change in love and friendships. The beautiful backdrop of the keys falls like rain against melancholy guitar melodies and provides an ethereal, progressive compliment to a stunning solo. Nienke gives real feeling and desperation to the chorus, showcasing in full what her wonderful vocal talents are really capable of. The dynamics and layers of the track constantly wax and wane like the moon and the textures interweave into one last plea for resolution towards the final chorus bringing the track gracefully to a close, the resulting silence amplifying the sombre mood created by the lyrics and grieving melody a thousand fold.
'Angel of Desire' kicks in with a roaring symphonic gothic metal edge, a synthesised string backdrop working with choppy guitar riffs that resemble the movements of the sea, just as wild and untamed as the ocean itself. Ever changing and unpredictable the song shifts from calm and reflecting during the verse to driving and vengeful in the chorus, the tempo always upbeat and perfectly atoned to the dynamics of the song. Autumn are a band that truly know how to use the extremes of the emotions held within the lyrics and purge them into their music. Catharsis comes naturally to them especially in this song with a wistful and decadent edge.
Autumn really have grown through turbulent times and hardships and have matured immensely as musicians. They certainly set examples to others out there that it definitely pays to be original.