Album Review: UNLEASH THE ARCHERS Abyss (8/21)

 

Released by Napalm Records on August 21st, 2020

Quick Background

Unleash The Archers is a Canadian melodic power metal quartet with influences of traditional heavy metal and melodic death metal. They released two independent albums in 2009 and 2011 and then two albums with Napalm Records. The latest being Apex in 2017. Apex is a good album that was well received and it was my introduction to the band. The only original members left are Brittney Slayes (Vocals) and Scott Buchanan (Drums). But the guitar players Grant Truesdell and Andrew Kingsley have been with the band since 2015's Napalm Records debut Time Stands Still. A bassist is not featured in the official lineup. 

Abyss

Less than a year after the release of their covers EP Explorers, UTA are back with Abyss, their 5th album featuring 10 new tracks just under one hour. Abyss is a concept album and sequel to 2017’s Apex. "Waking Dream" opens the album, it's a slow intro type of song but it takes too long for an intro, it is almost 4 minutes! I'd be perfectly happy if the album would directly start with the title track. This near seven-minute bombastic piece already features over one minute of a cool instrumental intro with screens and 'oh oh' and 'hey hey', that will work very well live. It would've been a better album opener and it was the right choice for the first single as it also set the tone for the whole record. In Abyss, UTA combines traditional heavy metal with power metal centered around frontwoman Brittney Slayes' raw four octave mezzo-soprano. There's a bit of melodic death metal here and there. It could be a turn-off for some that the next two songs are mid-tempo and less aggressive. With that said, I like the melodic approach of "Through Stars". "Legacy" arpeggios and overall mood reminds me of early Symphony X. Both songs feature great melodic guitar solos, which is a highlight in the whole album.

It's not until track #5 "Return to Me" that we get some blacked death growls. Together with "Faster Than Light", those are the most aggressive songs on the album. It's also when finally Slayes uses her potential and sings dynamically using her range. During most of the other songs she remains very confined in a limited range. It's a missed opportunity. Now, there's also a lot of "oh oh oh" throughout the album, it gets a bit repetitive and boring. The epic “The Wind That Shapes The Land” features some of the best riffs and explores more confidently the use of death screams. It's a more adventurous song with good dynamics and variability. The same can be said of the album closer “Afterlife". 

Abyss was once again recorded with legendary producer Jacob Hansen of Hansen Studios in Denmark. Overall the album sounds great with the exception of the bass.

The Picky Guy

Similarly to other recent albums in traditional metal/power metal genre, Abyss feels too safe. No risks were taken, not even to explore in full their strong points such as Slayes' voice and the guttural vocal approach that both guitar players can offer. I'd think the band should either drop the death metal elements or fully incorporate it. In this album it's kind of half-baked. In addition to that, the album is very mid tempo and lacks the broader aggression of previous releases. Musically we could use more hooks, heavy riffs and a bass player.  

Wrap Up Opinion 

Despite some missteps, there are enough good songs in Abyss to make it worthwhile. Fans of the band will find something to enjoy here even if it won't bring the same satisfaction Apex did. There are also 'easy to enjoy' songs to capture some new fans. In sum, I'm giving Apex 78/100, the positives still outweighed the negatives and I consider it a good album worth exploring.

SCORE: 78/100
Genre: Power Metal
Released by Napalm Records on August 21st, 2020

Rating System*
99 - 100 Perfect
94 - 98 Excellent
87 - 93 Great
82 - 86 Very Good
77 - 81 Good
66 - 76 Mixed
58 - 65 Bad

* slightly adapted on May 24th, 2020 due to statistical review
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