Oh great, another metalcore band to add to the ever-growing pile of “same-old, same-old” 🙄. But wait, Swedish progressive metalcore band ALLT might just be the exception to the rule, because their new album “Ataraxia” is actually pretty damn good 🤯. I mean, it’s not like they’re reinventing the wheel or anything, but they’re definitely putting their own spin on the genre. So, if you’re a fan of modern metalcore that doesn’t make you want to fall asleep, then you might want to check this out.
So, what’s the big deal about “Ataraxia” anyway? Well, for starters, it’s not a concept album, which is a nice change of pace from the usual “let’s create a fictional world and write an album about it” approach. Nope, these guys are keeping it real, drawing from their own experiences and emotions. And you can hear it in every note, folks. It’s like they’re pouring their hearts out, but in a good way, not in a “oh, I’m so emo” kind of way 🙄.
The Music
The album has a nice balance of heavy and… well, not-so-heavy moments. The riffs are crushing, the breakdowns are brutal, and the technical chops are on point. But they’re not afraid to slow things down and let a melody breathe, which is nice. I mean, who doesn’t love a good ol’ fashioned metalcore song with a sing-along chorus? 🤟 It’s like they’re saying, “Hey, we can be heavy, but we can also be beautiful and stuff.” And the production is top-notch, with every element having its own space to shine. It’s like a big ol’ metalcore party in your ears, and everyone’s invited 🎉.
But, let’s get real, some of you are probably thinking, “Is this just another metalcore band trying to be like ERRA or SPIRITBOX?” And to that, I say… guilty as charged 🤷♂️. But, hey, if you’re going to copy someone, you might as well copy the best, right? And ALLT is definitely doing something right, because “Ataraxia” is a solid album that’s worth listening to. So, if you’re a fan of modern metalcore, you should probably give it a spin. Or, you know, just listen to the title track “Ataraxia” and call it a day 🙃.
One of the standout tracks is “New Day”, which starts off all slow and pretty, before descending into chaos. It’s like a metalcore rollercoaster, and I am here. for. it. 🎠 And then there’s “Nevermind”, which is just a big ol’ heavy mess, in the best possible way. I mean, who doesn’t love a good savage scream every now and then? 🤯
Conclusion
So, there you have it, folks. “Ataraxia” is a solid metalcore album that’s worth checking out. It’s not going to change the world, but it’s a fun listen, and sometimes that’s all you need. And who knows, you might just find yourself listening to it on repeat, discovering new details and nuances each time. Or, you know, you might just listen to it once and forget about it 🙅♂️. Either way, it’s a great addition to the metalcore genre, and I’m not just saying that because I’ve had three beers 🍺. Cheers to ALLT for putting out a great album, and I look forward to seeing what they do next 🤘.
Chord F. Discord, the Beethoven of Buffoonery, is a self-taught expert in music who once claimed he could “play the kazoo in four languages.”
Born in Crescendo, Indiana, Chord’s first brush with fame came when he accidentally entered a yodeling contest thinking it was a pie-eating competition—and won both categories.
Chord F. Discord: proving that laughter, much like a poorly tuned ukulele, is truly universal.
