Technically impressive metal
ABR’s second full length “Constellations” finds them still moving forward at full speed, the album is 12 tracks of technically impressive, uncompromisingly heavy metal with some really tuneful riffs and a melodic sensibility that is occasionally allowed to spill through at unexpected moments.
The most immediately impressive tune on the record is (track three) ‘Ocean of Apathy’ incredibly complex guitars weave some really captivating melodies around the gruff screams and this is the tune that makes you want to start again, press stop and replay the album from the beginning with new ears because you might and probably will discover far more there than you initially expected.
On second listen the opener ‘Thirty And Seven’ is full of climbing scales on the guitars in between almost classic metal riffs, but the finesse ABR have is barely concealed below the rough exterior and it only takes a moment to discover that this is an album full of layers; the drums are complex and full of quirky rhythms, the vocals are solid and aggressive but also hold on to the tune running through each track within those brutal screams and the guitars, bringing power, melody and complexity are the stars of the show, taking each track up a notch and challenging you to follow them.
This is a great record on which chunky riffs sit alongside technical flourishes, vocals are perfectly balanced between emotional breakdown and skilful screams (within which almost every word can be clearly understood) and drums are almost painfully powerful. But to top things off there are also fleeting moments of graceful beauty when things become almost anthemic and sweep you away on gentle, soothing waves. There’s not a dull moment to be found here, the album never wavers in its intent or delivery.