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Album Details
- Artist: Alesana
- Album: On Frail Wings Of Vanity And Wax
- Label: Fearless
- Year of Release: 2007
- Original Release: 2006
- ME Rating:
- Reviewed by: dscanland on 2007-07-24
RecommendIt's funny how some of these new post-hardcore emo type bands get a bad rap before they even release an album. One of those bands happens to be North Carolina's Alesana. They originally released On Frail Wings of Vanity and Wax on a small label called Tragic Hero but Fearless records caught wind of this youthful and energetic band and signed them with the condition that they get to re-release this album.
I found the album to go down quite easily. They have the typical today screamo sound so it ends up with a bit of a disposable factor. The sort of album that could have been about 100 other band's debut album, but that doesn't change the fact that Vanity and Wax is indeed listenable. They have the dual vocals thing down as well (screaming and singing). The singing portion is something that shouldn't be overlooked. Shawn Milke has some decent lungs. For that matter the screamer, Dennis Lee, fits in nicely too. So often dual vocals sound forced: the screams shoe-horned in at all the wrong times. Alesana don't have a problem dropping things out and creating some beautiful moments as well. Look to the "Third Temptation of Paris" and the cool piano and lovely vocal harmonies for something unique. The proper album opener (after the "Icarus" intro) is a good indication on if you'll appreciate Alesana.
If your buddies said to stay away from Alesana, do yourself a favor and make up your own mind. I think On Frail Wings Of Vanity And Wax is one of the better screamo releases out this year, Alesana proving there is still creativity left in a very crowded genre.
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on 2007-09-18 DeathEyesForKiley Said:
To say that Alesana is just another screamo band is a disgrace. The unique blending of the vocals to the equally as amazing pitch and tone of the screamer Dennis Lee makes them not only just another band but more like an amazing one. This album is much better than the original review leads on. Lyrically they are on par with some of the best regaurdless of genre. Their energetic style is something that the screamo sub-genre has been lacking. Often times bands get caught up in trying to be to trendy or forget why they are playing. Alesna's energy gives off a feel they really care for the music they not only wrote but have performed. To say this can be any bands debut album is a joke. This album shows maturity and balance. It is evident in the song arrangment, they go from slower more down tempo songs like "Pathetic, Ordinary" to fast paced well delivered "Daggers Speak Louder Than Words." For any fan of the genre it's a must have and I also see this band bringing many more fans into a genre that has coined as corny or stupid. I think we will look back on bands like Alesana and thank them for the early work they have done. Their unique sound should be reason enough to pick up this album if it is not the lyrics and if not the lyrics get it because it is simply a good quality album and those tend not to come around to often anymore.
Rating: 10/10
Review:
on 2007-07-25 dscanland Said:
I didn't find anything "goth" about this band. Am I missing something?
Not Rated
Review:
on 2007-07-25 Symphony Said:
Goth rock will never be good, though these people are exceptionally nice guys--they just are the same as every other goth-rock band.
Not Rated
