The role of metal has changed over time, but its tendency to explore the extremes of human emotions still remains. I’ve heard many bands play with the ‘light and dark’ of human emotions before, but few bands are able to blend these two elements quite like Die In A Dream in their debut self-titled release.
Die In A Dream’s album is an ambitious blend of atmospheric rock and alternative metal and the result is something to be reckoned with. The desire to sing along cannot be ignored; especially when it is coupled with the collective urgency of the guitar riffs. Chatterton and Roelofs do a stellar job of keeping the listener hanging on with the range from bluesy tones to a full-blown metal onslaught.
But really, the jewel in this crown would have to be the strength in Grey’s voice. Rarely does one come across such a voice that can communicate such pain and beauty simultaneously, and it doesn’t falter for the entire album. Yearning. Hot. Cold. Australian and amazingly tough. The interludes in the tracks are awesome and help to create texture in the album; I especially appreciate when it ebbs and flows between intensely heavy and beautifully melodic.
Pillars would have to be the stand out track for me, in terms of its conveyance of emotion and structure, but any track of this album will give you a sense of their ability and intention.
The only criticisms I can cautiously put forward is occasionally the drum sounds can be a little dull, and some of the tracks can feel formulaic, but as a first release, this album crushes.
It will be interesting to hear what these guys will do in future releases. Suitable for those who would like to see a collaboration between Linkin Park and Birds of Tokyo.
Release Year: 2020
Label: self-released
Category: Album
Country: Australia
Reviewed by Liam Frost-Camilleri
