While it is difficult to navigate the modern Metal scene with such an oversaturation of bands, there have been a few newer ones in recent years that are worth taking a closer look. A part of this short list is a band out of England calling themselves As Everything Unfolds.
Begun as an acoustic pairing all the way back in 2013, with some growth, shifts in style, and hollowing out of the lineup, As Everything Unfolds underwent a metamorphosis. Fast forward many years later, the band – Charlie Rolfe (vocals), Adam Kerr (guitars), George Hunt (bass), Jon Cassidy (synthesizers), Jamie Gowers (drums) – were signed on by German label Long Branch Records, put out their debut Within Each Lies the Other in 2021, earning quite a buzz in the process. In fact, in the current digital world, that debut album amassed over 20 million streams… so obviously someone is paying attention. The natural next step would be to build upon that, and the band do just that with their latest album Ultraviolet.
Released on April 21, 2023, Ultraviolet came together following the success of Within Each Lies the Other, and certainly does not find the band lacking any inspiration. That stated, there seems to be an accelerated sense of determination with these new songs that are full of an array of emotions.
Now, if you are not one of those 20 million streams of their debut album, going into As Everything Unfolds there are a few things you should know. Very much a modern Metal band, their sound is a mix of styles; ranging from Post-Hardcore to Alternative Metal. Considering this, do not be surprised if you find some very interesting elements amidst their songs that include some record scratching, saturated synth, and unhinged screams. Making for a compelling listen, the core structure is well-written songs that are full of melody, plenty of very captivating singing parts from Rolfe, all matched with rich atmospheres. Oddly enough, there are times that you can hear elements of The Birthday Massacre, or even Dream State (when CJ Gilpin was a part of their mix) in As Everything Unfolds. However, As Everything Unfolds is really their own unique entity that clearly grabs influence from all over the map.
Laying this all on the line, the 11 tracks that make up Ultraviolet consistently keep you involved. Heavy, it is full of angst and rage, but all while somehow feeling like a cathartic release. This can be experienced particularly on the title-track, “Slow Down,” “Saint or Rouge,” and “Twilight.” Matching these, the less harsh songs like “Daylight” or more Popish “All I’ve Ever Known” show that this band is not just playing with a one-string guitar.
Pondering everything discussed, As Everything Unfolds is a band that gives hope to the modern Heavy Metal movement with a sound that is dynamic. Showing that they are maturing, Ultraviolet is a great step forward, and that is why Cryptic Rock gives it 4 out of 5 stars.
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