SHREDnews

By: Craig Johnson

Asking Alexandria are a band that many people could just quickly listen to and not take the time to actually appreciate the music. The type of music they’re playing is one that is being played it’s loudest right now, so many people may not give them a chance. I assure you though, Asking Alexandria is a band who when put up against those other bands will blow them out of the water.  Hailing from the United Kingdom, Asking Alexandria have proved themselves worthy in the scene and have started touring in the United States in support of the release of their new album, Stand Up And Scream.

As you start the record with Alerion the sounds of rain and phone calls transition into synths, drums and guitars. As the track progresses things get a little bit more upbeat when vocalist Danny Worsnop comes in with the “Cross my heart and hope you die!” that really brings any listener into the album, making it an excellent intro.

Final Episode (Let’s Change The Channel) is an upbeat track. I think I like how the vocals were done the best. The use of screaming behind singing really brought me in with this song. Also toward the end of the song the synth line really brings into a nice breakdown.

A Candelit Dinner With Inamorta is the third track on the album and one of my personal favorites. I’m pretty sure it’s about an ex-girlfriend or a girl that stabbed someone in the band in the back. Lines like, “She falls before me, With eyes closed, Her heart breaks, And after it all, She brought this on herself.” really bring out the meaning of the song. If You Can’t Ride Two Horses At Once… You Should Get Out Of The Circus is my other favorite track on the record. It’s just so well put together. the guitars really are phenomenal in this song.

The song Hey There Mr. Brooks has featured vocals from Shawn Milke from Alesana. It’s also based off the movie Mr. Brooks which is a psychological thriller about a man who sometimes is controlled by his murder loving alter ego.

The album ends with the track When Everyday’s The Weekend. This song really shows their use of metal along with their use of synthesizers. About halfway through the song they have only the synth being played while he Danny screams, “We like to party, all fucking night!” over it.

Asking Alexandria are currently on tour with Alesana, The Bled, Enter Shikari and Broadway in support of this album. If they come through your town definitely check them out and I assure you that you won’t be disappointed.

For Fans Of: Enter Shikari, The Word Alive, The Devil Wears Prada, We Came As Romans, Miss May I

Overall Rating (Out of 10): 8

Tracks To Listen To: Hey There Mr. Brooks, If You Can’t Ride Two Horses At Once…You Should Get Out Of The Circus, A Candlelit Dinner With Inamorta