Ashen Reach - Homecoming album review

Ashen Reach - Homecoming

Album review by; DeeDee

A change of line-up last year seems to have been a pivotal moment for Ashen Reach. With vocalist Kyle Stanley and rhythm guitarist Joe O’Sullivan joining the band, the Merseyside quintet appear to be stronger than ever. Recent singles off the debut long player, ’Tear it Down’ ‘Prey’ and ‘Epiphany’ have been well received and have wetted the appetite for more. So although it’s not out until mid November, I took the opportunity to listen to ‘Homecoming’ and divulge my thoughts. As 2020 continues to prove a year to forget, the irony is that it has meant many bands are writing and releasing work that reflects the current situation and the effect it is having on people. The lockdown has provided the time to delve deep and address the problems modern society creates. ‘Homecoming’ is one of these albums, but like an irregular polygon, it has multiple sides and the subject matter is diverse.

‘Fighting For My Life’ is a forceful introduction to the album, a strong and determined riff sets the baseline for intense vocals and a screaming guitar solo follows through to the end. ‘Epiphany’ has just been released as the 3rd single, with lyrics that sum up most of our lives at the moment, Quote - ‘Recycled days, that drive me insane, Nothing ever changes for me, Always with the grain, it's so mundane, Gonna find what sets me free’. It has a dramatic flow which cools down, adding a softer section that is seen out with more guitar magic. ’Tear It Down’ has to be the most catching track on the album, moody vocals, an up-tempo drive and an elements of jazz and funk influences. Another song that is passionate and eloquent having layer upon layer of creativity. ‘Heir To The Throne’ with its more static pumping, featuring a low bass, has grunge type messy and menacing prowess. ‘Alive Again’ emerges with a modern take on traditional folk, the inspired theme building into a haunting and misty journey. ‘Prey’ is a message, an alarm call to highlight stalking. The victim or prey is often unaware they are being followed or watched, take a look the video for this one, it is disturbing and intentionally creepy, you are in the steps of the stalker and it doesn’t hit home any harder than this. The song is technically mind-blowing and is sheer brilliance; even the telephone ringing mid way gives you the shivers.

Stalking is illegal and can include being followed or constantly harassed by another person.

UK National Stalking Helpline Telephone: 0808 802 0300

Call 999 if you or someone else is in immediate danger.

‘Hole In The Sky’ taps away to begin with, then the notes gain pace and increasing torque allows another experimental track to gain momentum. Gentle and mellow vocals are interlaced with higher octaves to make you sit up and take notice, being the point of this song. ‘Broken Column’ is a lot heavier, distraught and evil lyrics with unrefined riffs and shredding. It’s a predominantly nasty piece of work and completely stunning. The last track is the eponymous ‘Homecoming’ and at nearly 9 minutes, it’s an epic monster. Complex and surreal, it rumbles along and gathers all in its wake, taking in every lost and helpless soul; it’s an entrapment that finally releases all the pleasure and pain that has accumulated.

Ashen Reach have deliberately written an album that makes you feel uneasy, but also elated at times. It’s not a simple piece of work; the songs are complex and layered. I found it hard to take in all the emotions after just one play; it takes a few to appreciate the intricate and hidden depths of their songs but their ability to write with such immense diversity hits you straight away. There have been some incredible albums released already this year, but this one will undoubtedly be in the top 3 for 2020.

5/5

Ashen Reach are;

Vocals - Kyle Martyn Stanley

Lead Guitar/Backing Vocals - Paddy Cummins

Rhythm Guitar - Joe O'Sullivan

Bass/Backing Vocals - Mike McCarroll

Drums - Jess Stanley

Pre order the album at;

http://www.ashenreach.co.uk/store/

Homecoming was recorded at;

The Motor Museum Recording Studio

Ashen Reach socials;