Originally forming Pennsylvania, From Ashes to New’s story dates back to 2013. A project which has seen many changes through the years, founding Songwriter/Vocalist Matt Brandyberry has been the sole constant member leading the band forward with a good share of success along the way. First receiving a very positive reaction with their 2016 debut album Day One, they quickly followed up in 2018 with The Future, before Panic in 2020. All very quick turnarounds for album releases, they even put out a slew of EPs amidst the pandemic in 2021. Determined, driven, and dedicated, now in 2023, they return with the brand-new full-length studio album Blackout.
Joining Brandyberry, you have a rather consistent lineup of Lead Vocalist Danny Case, Drummer Mat Madiro, and Guitarist Lance Dowdle. Together they join for an album that is a cathartic release of emotions; ranging from topics such as toxic love, deception, to pondering the meaning of life. Full of anxiety, naturally due to the chaos that has ensued over the last few years, the band’s efforts have lifted Blackout to top Rock/Metal chart positions all over the world since the album’s initial release on June 28th through Better Noise Music.
Twelve tracks in total, Blackout is also dubbed a prequel to 2016’s Day One, and in truth, lives up to such claims. Full of powerful moments, you are welcomed in with “Heartache” where Brandyberry’s lyrical skills carry you through and match with Case’s clean singing extremely smoothly. A fantastic start, it is an anthem with a mix of harmonics and riffs that have a very different sound, but all work well together.
From here there are plenty of other bold moments… and this includes the single “Hate Me Too,” which is quite serene, but at the same time full of Grunge vibes. You also have other worthy offerings including the very emotional “Hope You Are Happy,” catchy “Monster In Me,” where Brandberry goes on lyrical tirade, but also the more gentle approach of “Echoes,” as well as killer singles such as “Armageddon” and Until We Break” featuring Memphis Mayfire’s Matty Mullins.
All in all, Blackout is a rhythmic, beautiful combination of styles that leaves you stoic while the balance between the members and their vocals shines bright. An album that delivers, it is no exaggeration to say that each song is quite solid in its own way. Keeping you guessing, you never know what you are going to get and that versatility is a sign of a mature band. Taking their sound to the next level, Cryptic Rock gives Blackout 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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