Label: Underground Symphony
Review by Tony Cannella
We always mention how the country of Italy is becoming the epicenter for female fronted bands. Well, the band Ashes to Ashes are a bit different than the majority of Femme Metal bands coming from that part of the world. Instead of the usual symphonic, gothic metal styles Ashes to Ashes are an Alternative metal band from Genova, Italy. The band were founded in 2010 and in 2012 flew to New York to record their debut album as well as play some shows and even found the time to film their first video for the opening track – and one of the standout tunes, “Alice’s Song”.
Ashes to Ashes are fronted by Marta Vassallo who alternates between a clean singing voice and really aggressive growling vocals. You don’t hear this technique much on the first two songs, but by the 3rd track, “Borderlines” it becomes more consistent. It’s hard to believe that it is the same person singing, I wasn’t sure at first, but it is. For the most part the album has a slamming alterna-metal groove to it especially on the songs, “Ballad of the Wolf”, “Sleep” and “Hydra”, but the band also includes some haunting mid-tempo songs like “Paradox of Perfection”. The lyrics to the song are poignant, thoughtful and articulate. This song would make a great second single/video, in my opinion.
I would never assume a band is going to be “huge” but with “Borderlines”, Ashes to Ashes has a lot going for them. They definitely have set themselves apart from their Italian peers and would fit in well on a bill with metal bands of all genres.
Rating – 75/100
Tracklist
- Alice’s Song
- Ballad of the Wolf
- Borderlines
- Sleep
- Paradox of Perfection
- Hydra
- Change
- Fire of Desire
- Empty Bottles and Tears
- Vain
- Home
Line Up
- Marta “Polverina” Vassallo – Vocals, growl, keyboards
- Paolo Schiavi – Lead Guitar
- Enrico “Wuky” Cabona – Guitar
- Paolo “Pol” Di Lorenzo – Drums
- Stefano Anentodio – Bass
Links
http://www.ashestoashesband.com/