Artist: Almah
Title: Motion
Genre: Melodic Metal
Release Date: 14th October 2011
Label: AFM records
Album Review
Many probably already know ALMAH as the side project of ANGRA singer Edu Falaschi. At least, it was a side project before evolving into a full time band. While ANGRA is more of a Progressive/ Power Metal band, ALMAH has developed more with a Rock or Melodic Metal edge with some similarities. With their third release, ‘Motion’, ALMAH sound like they’ve gotten stronger and stronger in pushing for their Rock sound. Right from the opening track, ‘Hypnotized’, listeners can tell that ALMAH is a bit rougher and heavier than ANGRA has been recently, but still highly melodic, especially when it comes to the vocals. The guitars tend to chug a lot more as opposed to being flashy, much like how MEGADETH can sound at times. It may seem a bit simplistic compared to Falaschi’s other project, but as the album continues, it gets more and more along the lines of Power/ Melodic Metal rather than just being a repetitive, yet catchy, chug-fest. ‘Bullets On The Altar’ ends up sounding more majestic than the earlier tracks. The guitars between Falaschi, Barbosa, and Schroeber all work in tandem to bring out more progressive moments that just build upon each other while retaining the heavy atmosphere. Falaschi even brings in his keyboard work to create a stronger, symphonic presence. While overall the song does feel much “slower” than the others as it trades fast rhythm for melody, ‘Bullets…’ pretty much presents the pinnacle of ALMAH’S sound.
Other highlights include the percussive ‘Trace Of Trait’ which bounces between soft moments on the verses and heavier ones during the chorus. Here drummer Moreira sounds like he has more of a chance to show off his skills as opposed to when the guitars are much heavier and louder- such as during the jazzy technical solo. The man can create a solid rhythm that is easy to follow but varies it up rather than make things too simple. The vocals from Falaschi also take a bit of a unique turn as they sound more layered and deeper, adding a haunting aspect to the music. ‘Late Night In ‘85’ is one of the album ballads where ALMAH aims to go for more of a mid paced, Progressive Metal route that isn’t too technical but brings in some more of the drumming elements that beefs up the sound along with the vocals while the guitars hold back at bit, at least on the verses. It’s still louder than ‘When And Why’, the album closer, which is mostly acoustic, a huge departure from the heavy department of ALMAH and sounds more like something from QUEENSRYCHE, but should still catch fan interest as a way to mellow out of the album altogether. Overall, ALMAH’s new offering is not as technical or Power Metal flavoured as ANGRA; some might say it hits harder and heavier, touching more on Heavy Metal than Melodic Metal. New fans who might like groups such as CATHEDRAL or STRATOVARIUS will find this enjoyable, and of course those who have followed ANGRA will like this too. As far as how it compares to the previous releases, ‘Motion’ continues the flow of ALMAH’S career, not really offering anything completely new but also avoiding any ridiculous repeats either.
Tracklist
01. Hypnotized - 5:16
02. Living And Drifting - 4:01
03. Days Of The New - 4:38
04. Bullets On The Altar - 4:32
05. Zombies Dictator - 4:39
06. Trace Of Trait - 4:25
07. Soul Alight - 4:19
08. Late Night In ´85 - 3:44
09. Daydream Lucidity - 5:12
10. When And Why - 3:44
Line-up
Edu Falaschi – vocals
Marcelo Barbosa – guitars
Paulo Schroeber – guitars
Felipe Andreoli – bass
Marcelo Moreira – drums
Website
http://www.almah.com.br
Cover Picture
Rating
Music: 7
Sound: 8
Total: 7.5 / 10
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