Label: Napalm Records
Review by Alessandra Cognetta
Unleash The Archers have always been evolving at an incredible pace, maintaining an instantly recognizable sound and at the same time constantly bringing it to the next level. And this year there is no more next level than “Apex”, the Canadian band’s latest concept album. The benefits from this step forward affected only the songwriting and the sound, but most of all the production, which managed to showcase the band’s already remarkable skills even more clearly.“Apex” is very good power metal, balanced between more accessible and melodious songs such as the dynamic opener, “Awakening”, and massive tracks like “The Matriarch” and “False Walls”. Songs like “Ten Thousand Against One” are a great display of how Unleash The Archers manage to progress from quieter to more aggressive moments, and then multiply that energy tenfold. This ability of wisely distributing different emotions and energies throughout the songs is what really makes “Apex” an enjoyable record as a whole, without ever becoming repetitive or boring. The energy the whole band puts into the songs really comes through with each note, and the end of the record only leaves the listener wanting for more. “Apex” shows that Unleash The Archers has reached new heights in terms of sound, songwriting and production, but that they can surely progress even further and we can’t wait to see what comes next.
Rating – 80/100
Tracklist
- Awakening
- Shadow Guide
- The Matriarch
- Cleanse the Bloodlines
- The Coward’s Way
- False Walls
- Ten Thousand Against One
- Earth And Ashes
- Call Me Immortal
- Apex
Line Up
- Brittney Slayes – Vocals
- Grant Truesdell – Guitars, Vocals
- Andrew Saunders – Guitars, Vocals
- Nikko Whitworth – Bass
- Scott Buchanan – Drums