Liverpool contemporary metallers Ashen Reach who comprise of Kyle Martyn Stanley (vocals), Paddy Cummins (lead guitar & vocals), Jess Stanley (drums), and Joe O’Sullivan (rhythm guitar), have released their latest offering, a five track EP this month entitled `The Fear`. The band have shared that “The Fear was written and created as a concept release highlighting different fears and phobias, and how fear can also be used as a weapon.” The foursome elaborate: “We wanted to push our sound in a heavier direction as we felt this was a more organic evolution of where we are at musically in our journey as a band. We also felt the concept of the EP was a perfect canvas for our new sonic palette.”
This extended play opens with `Ghosts` with some delightfully intricate guitar riffs and vocals that have a slight edge or a sense of anxiety about them. They soar before being joined briefly by some growled or unclean vocals. As the number evolves it becomes almost introspective and thoughtful before fading out. Theres a sense of urgency about `D1v1de` with vocals that have an apprehensive texture. We enjoy pounding drums, a guiding bass and guitar shredding on route with aural soundbites spliced in and some choral harmonies added for good measure. A busy but cracking foot tapper of a track.
I have to admit I wasn`t sure what `Neophobia` was but a quick search enlightened me that it is a fear or dislike of new things. A composition that sways as it progresses and has clean and unclean vocals trading off each other as it rushes along. There were shades of Justin Furstenfeld from Blue October in the vocal initially shared and this submission becomes a little heavier as it reaches it`s conclusion. At times `The Dark` reminded me of early Queensrÿche when Geoff Tate had the chops. There are growled vocals interspersed throughout this delightfully intricate offering which really sucks you into its layered depths.
This five tracker closes out with `Lost` with again clean and unclean vocals vying for position. It`s a pretty absorbing listen which almost halts midway for some contemplation or reflection before exploding back to life and leading us to a safer path out.
I was really blown away by Ashen Reach and their latest release and can understand why they have graced the stages of both the Steelhouse Festival and Planet Rockstock.
It`s stunning releases and bands like this that make me realise that I don`t listen to enough metal these days.
Ashen Reach are a band i`ve yet to catch live and hope to at either their gig at the Gifford or the NWOCR Livefest at KK`s Steel Mill in Wolverhampton. I`m sure after listening to `The Fear` EP you`ll want to as well.
Rating 9 / 10
