While there will be robust discussion around genres of metal, with half of metal-heads sitting in the ‘it doesn’t matter’ camp and the other half claiming identity is important, I would like to weigh in on the issue. This conversion should only be entered into when you’re trying to find new music and you want something similar to what you have already heard. And these thoughts around identity come to mind when listening to Adelaide outfit Audio Reign’s self-titled album.
Fleming’s voice is fantastic, especially for a clean vocalist. Powerful, on point and at no times does it grate on your ear.
The guitars are performed expertly well with a great choice in tone, I personally am a fan of the bluesy influence in Dyrynda’s solo work. I love Schoell’s choices on drums, especially around the ride. He doesn’t crowd the music and does what he thinks will add to the song. Mixing and mastering of this album are extremely strong, and there really isn’t a fault to be had. The riffs are crushing and rocking. You can blast this out of the windows of your car while yelling the choruses and have a fantastic time.
But it just isn’t metal. There are elements of a metal band, the guitar is distorted, the drums are mixed nice and tight, but the small amounts of alternate picking and double bass aren’t enough to save it.
Audio Reign’s release is hard rock and sound more like they’re at home on the radio than a dingy small-staged bar. Senses and Shining Light (which is an amazing track) are a good example of radio-friendly songs. The Portrait is probably their heaviest track, but even that song has a balladly interlude. I don’t mean to harp on this, because as a hard rock album this would be considered a gem, but I’m not a fan of hard rock, and this is Metal-Roos. Turn up the heavy side and I would be rotating this frequently. Suitable for those who tread the fine line between metal and hard rock.
Release Year: 2018
Label: self-released
Category: Album
Country: Australia
Reviewed by Liam Frost-Camilleri
