Are you a fan of old school melodic death metal the way In Flames, At the Gates and Dark Tranquillity did in the early 90’s? Then After the Storm got something right up your alley. The band have mixed and produced the music in their own studio and it shows, for better or worse. The production really does feel like it was done 20 years ago which I personally feel hurts the vocals the most. The vocals, drums and guitars doesn’t sound like they are joined together as one to me, something is missing there.
That rant aside I can’t help but to nod my head and smile to music like this. This remind me so much of the music I grew up with and already on the opening track The Awakening I fall in love with the riffs and drumming. Turn up the volume on the vocals and leave out what makes it sound like it’s being played in a church and I would be much happier. The following track Stand Unified gives me the same joy but I can already hear a pattern forming, they end their songs with a solo. Which is fine and all but after a while I might think it get repetitive. There is definitely a lot of emphasis on the guitarplay throughout the album so if you want your melodic death metal with a more technical side to it this is a great way to go.
It’s a shame the production and mixing of this album destroyed it for me. The core of the album is sweet with well performed riffs (which feels a but repetitive at times though) and songwriting but the end result I listen to isn’t good enough to cut it these days. This being the bands debut album I hope they learned something from it and make a better job at mixing it.
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/afterthestormmetal
Label: Independent
For fans of: At the Gates and In Flames
Favorite song: Rise as They Fall
Score: 2/5
The Metal Gamer 