Review by Richie Pirone
Autumn Black comes from Los Angeles and is trying to become another player the metal-core scene. Beyond that, the band doesn’t have much of a story at this point other than their debut Beneath The Shadows is out on Tyburn Records. Their website says they are hitting the road this fall but no dates are posted yet. Considering their Myspace says that they are working on their second album, it’s odd that they are still servicing their first album to press.
“Ashes” opens up with a solid riff backed by heavy, metal guitars. One of the immediate weaknesses that this band appears to have is lead singer Andrew Varges. He just doesn’t seem to have the greatest voice for the metal-core growling. Maybe it’s the production on the album but it prevails through out the record which makes it seem like the former. The next song, “Nameless” features just the opposite in the vocals showing a strong point of the band. The melodic backing vocals are a nice compliment to the heavy riffs that Autumn Black provides a steady diet of.
“Remembrance” is one of the strongest songs on Beneath The Shadows. It features a chorus that will most likely have fans throwing their fists forward and chanting along with it. “Remembrance” is followed up with the titled track to the album that features a bit of a less heavy yet equally good riff and one of the more melodic choruses on the record.
“Eyes Of A Darkened Past” is a bit different from the rest of the record. It opens with a bit of a more straight ahead rock feel. Even though the song turns in a little bit more of a metal direction it still never completely loses the feel of being a rock n’ roll song. This song would be a perfect first single for the band as it would turn rock fans onto Autumn Black and it wouldn’t alienate their metal fans.
Beneath The Shadows is a decent debut for what it is but Autumn Black may be a little late to the scene with so many other bands that have already capitalized on the metal-core genre. The album certainly has a number of high points that could help to get the band noticed. This album is a good jumping off point and if the band can put together a better sophomore release maybe it could get the attention of a bigger label that might be able to bring Autumn Black to the next level.