I could sum up this review and Alesana's re-release of On Frail Wings of Vanity and Wax in merely two words; complete chaos. Typically, this writer wouldn't shy away from an album such as On Frail Wings. Being a Fear Before the March of Flames and Fall of Troy fan, one would think I'd appreciate Alesana, but truth be told, I just don't get it.
Admittedly, the sung vocals are extremely well done and drip emo blood all over the speakers. What really rubbed me the wrong way, and I listened to the album a bunch of times before sitting down to write this, is the screamed vocal lines and the belching vocal harmonies. I don't really know how else to describe what I'm hearing in the background, other than belching. Maybe growling in a toilet bowl. See "Alchemy Sounded Good at the Time," for an example. The straight up screamed vocals are incomprehensible, but powerful.
Musically, Alesana are phenomenal. "Pathetic, Ordinary" has some guitar riffs that are almost orgasmic. At times, the shredding on On Frail Wings is completely stellar and the lightning fast drums are sure to get heads banging. Call it spooky math-metal or call it what you will, but one thing I won't take away from this effort is the instrumentation.
It seems the more I listen to On Frail Wings of Vanity and Wax, the better it settles. At times I can only call it barky, but at times, I'm really enjoying what I'm hearing, at least musically. I give this record a 7 (out of 10) and I'm quick to mention that vocally, it deserves a 4, but again, the instrumentation is what saves its ass!
Suggested Listening: "Last Three Letters" and "Pathetic, Ordinary"
By: Adam K. Zakroczymski III - Senior Editor / Founder
