Breaking boundaries and building their own, it seems as though As Lions are in a constant state of tenacity. Although just under a year does not sound like nearly enough time to construct and define a future worth striving for, the impossible is not always quite out of reach as it may often appear; grabbing ambition right by the throat just might be the perfect way to do so. With hopes and dreams worth fighting for, absolutely anything can happen with strength and determination. Taking England by storm, As Lions might surface as a band who have conquered it all, but in reality, are only just warming up.
In the brutal industry of music, all it takes is one hit single to get a running start, but for the guys of As Lions, it seemed as though an incredibly honest and intriguing four track EP, entitled Aftermath, would just have to do. When the idea of creating a band came about, there was no better fit than Austin Dickinson (vocals and son of the legend Bruce Dickinson), Conor O’Keefe (guitar and keyboard), Will Homer (guitar), Stefan Whiting (bass), and Dave Fee (drums), to create a star-studded debut. A project forged from the ashes of the now defunct Rise to Remain, Dickinson, O’Keefe, and Homer take things to a new level with As Lions. Flying to The States to make their presence known, the guys worked with the incredibly skilled David Bendeth – notarized by talents such as Bring Me The Horizon and Of Mice & Men – not to mention Kane Churko (Five Finger Death Punch, Disturbed), skyrocketing their talent right to prime.
Writing, recording, and tracking the most prized event in their lives thus far, As Lions dropped their debut EP, Aftermath, which became released to the public October 14th via Better Noise Records, already making an immense dent within the scene. Taking catchy riffs, memorable lyrics, and tight vibes, the entirety of this short extended player is completely worthwhile. Kicking off with the in-your-face title track, “Aftermath” is surely the most intense piece. Showcasing a wide range of pure technique right from the beginning, there is no stopping the raging fire now. Completely thrown right in, this song is extremely melodious while also being punchy and bangin’. With lyrics “What have we created, what have we become?” it is clear to tell the amount of vigor, vulnerability, and zeal that went into each and every work of art, while shining a light on concepts that may not be the easiest to deal with at times. Keeping up with this same amount of creativity and dynamic, “White Flags” is a burst of energy and acquiescence. Fueled with a sense of ferocity, As Lions shines wholly and tests their limits above all else.
Already approaching the climax, Aftermath takes on a new talent with “Deathless.” An abundance of pounding Electronic qualities strides alongside the power of well-divided instrumentation, maybe even taking listeners by surprise; although not negative in the slightest. Tackling the topic of societal norms, this track speaks loud and clear, heard above all else. Making a large shift right at the end might be one of the trickiest risks a band can take, but this is just the beginning. “World On Fire” starts out slow and melodic, highlighting a light piano introduction right alongside soft vocals and beautiful lyrics, only to pick up just seconds later. Dropping into a lustrous motion, taking their music to a whole new world and completely grasping attention all over, just to dwindle back down to the reminiscence of peace and strength.
With power and passion, As Lions are a group of extreme talent that can go anywhere and reach success like never before. Bringing a whole new life and meaning to Rock, the abundance of positivity that has been radiating through the scene is all they could have hoped for. Those who are familiar with Rise to Remain, As Lions takes a different approach, one that may garner the band much due attention. If it only takes one EP to get listens hooked, it sure looks like the future is bright for As Lions. CrypticRock gives As Lions’ Aftermath 4 out of 5 stars.
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