[MUSIC REVIEW] ‘Storms’ by Amarna Reign
Storms
by Amarna Reign
[January 13, 2012 – Independent]
Verdict: 7.5 out of 10
Review by Nathaniel Lay
[DEATHCORE METAL]
Amarna Reign have not really changed their style since their last release, Atonement, but they have sharpened the edges and improved. Upon the start of Storms, the band’s new self released full length, “Sacrifice” sets the mood with a gradual build of static and distant guitars before sputtering for a second to unleash the band’s brutal sound. The track explodes on an addictive breakdown that makes more than one appearance during the song’s four minutes, easily making this album start a memorable one. However, the aggressive nature of Amarna Reign does grow a bit tiresome when they keep up this angry energy throughout the majority of the record. Luckily, by the time of “Shrines”, the band starts bringing in some clean vocal work from time to time. Lying on the melodic side at times, the singing really adds a great balance to the destructive nature of the band. If it were to appear more, my score may have been higher. Nonetheless, Amarna Reign make it very clear that their primary focus is to blow the roof off, which they do with Storms. There’s no doubt that circle pits will quickly perform during live sets of these songs. Any person that finds themselves attracted to very loud noises and crazy breakdowns should certainly look up Amarna Reign and their latest release. Storms is a step forward for the band, showing that Amarna Reign have definite talent deserving of a label.
[---] Highlight Tracks: “Shrines”, “Static”, “Masks”
Yep. You guessed right. Jon Hole’s 2nd Opinion…
Verdict: 7/10
RIYL: old FOR THE FALLEN DREAMS & LEGEND
Hailing from Indianapolis, Indiana, AMARNA REIGN stormed onto the independent music scene in 2007. It’s taken them a few years to get to the point that they are at now. Storms, their newest offering is a way more focused and brutal affair than previous releases. Album opener ‘Sacrifice’ is the perfect way to start a record: It’s filled with anticipation, groove heavy breakdown’s and plenty of aggression. Sounding, at times, like the meatier, more deathcore influenced brother of LEGEND helps get the listener in the mood to hear more. AMARNA REIGN have this sound throughout Storms’ 10 tracks, even injecting some clean vocals on the track ‘Shrines’, and on various tracks from this point on. Luckily they aren’t annoying by any means. Oddly placed perhaps but never-the-less the track blisters. What’s interesting about AMARNA REIGN is the use of sounds and production tricks that have been popularized by a majority of metalcore bands, in particular the ‘Rise-Core’ bands like ATTACK ATTACK! and WOE, IS ME. Prime example would be the track ‘Enlightened’. The main difference here, and saving grace, is the fact that they utilize these little nuances to enhance what they already do and not let it drag them down into a void filled with mediocre bands copying their ‘heroes’. They take these subtle tricks and add them to their post-deathcore sound, and it ultimately makes them stand out over other bands, both signed and unsigned. After hearing Storms, it’s a wonder that AMARNA REIGN aren’t being courted by labels like Rise, BLKHeart or Mediaskare. Let’s hope they get signed and get better exposure. Soon. Before they fall into the ‘let’s throw in the towel’ route that most young unsigned bands fall into. -by Jon Hole
Recommended listening: ‘Sacrifice’, ‘Shrines’ & ‘Purge’
Production credits: Recorded and produced by Brian “Bone” Thorburn (Amarna Reign’s guitarist)
Release date: January 13, 2012
In conclusion…While Amarna Reign‘s sound isn’t exactly groundbreaking or new, what they do is make it a sound all their own. It’s got all the necessary element’s that make their brand of ‘post-deathcore’ easily accessible and interestingly fun. Give Storms a try if you are in need of something comfortable but different enough to catch and keep your attention.
