leib10
Well-known member
A few weeks ago, I posted A7X's new single, The Stage. Turns out that they surprise released their whole new album of the same name a few days ago.
I got a chance to listen to the whole thing, and once again they have definitely changed things up from their previous album, Hail to the King. HttK was a disappointment for me, as it seemed too stripped down, confined to a certain set of parameters, and derivative of other bands' work. It really seemed like they were struggling to write enough material to fill an album, and the work that was done seemed uninspired and missing anything that defined them as a band. In my opinion, it's their weakest effort.
Not anymore. They went the complete opposite direction for The Stage. It's their longest album at about 74 minutes, and has the longest song they've ever written, Exist. The songs themselves showcase their musicianship and adventurous spirit in songwriting better than any album since City of Evil. The guitar work is particularly on point, as is the drumming by Brooks Wackerman (previously of Bad Religion). There's some really great stuff in here. That being said, the vocals have always been A7X's weak spot, and they continue to act as a detriment on this album as well, although they have grown on me after a few listens. The mix also seems to be a bit off, depending on which speakers you're listening to the album with.
Perhaps the greatest relief is that they have shied away at writing shameless ripoffs of their favorite bands' work, and have instead taken those influences and made them into something more original. Give it a listen before Youtube takes it down again!
EDIT: Aaaand it's gone. I'll try to post a link up later when one becomes available. Here's a review that I thought was for the most part very fair and accurate.
I got a chance to listen to the whole thing, and once again they have definitely changed things up from their previous album, Hail to the King. HttK was a disappointment for me, as it seemed too stripped down, confined to a certain set of parameters, and derivative of other bands' work. It really seemed like they were struggling to write enough material to fill an album, and the work that was done seemed uninspired and missing anything that defined them as a band. In my opinion, it's their weakest effort.
Not anymore. They went the complete opposite direction for The Stage. It's their longest album at about 74 minutes, and has the longest song they've ever written, Exist. The songs themselves showcase their musicianship and adventurous spirit in songwriting better than any album since City of Evil. The guitar work is particularly on point, as is the drumming by Brooks Wackerman (previously of Bad Religion). There's some really great stuff in here. That being said, the vocals have always been A7X's weak spot, and they continue to act as a detriment on this album as well, although they have grown on me after a few listens. The mix also seems to be a bit off, depending on which speakers you're listening to the album with.
Perhaps the greatest relief is that they have shied away at writing shameless ripoffs of their favorite bands' work, and have instead taken those influences and made them into something more original. Give it a listen before Youtube takes it down again!
EDIT: Aaaand it's gone. I'll try to post a link up later when one becomes available. Here's a review that I thought was for the most part very fair and accurate.
