Autumn: Stacking Smoke

Here is another new band for me. Hailing from The Netherlands, Autumn formed in the mid ‘90s and released their debut When Lust Evokes The Curse in 2002. Four more albums followed after which the band took a five year break to recharge the batteries. Then in January of 2019 the band released their sixth album titled Stacking Smoke.

The band play a mixture of gothic rock and lighter metal with alternative and progressive influences mixed in. The first track “The Phantom Limb� is all moody gothic rock, a combination of light and heavy. Throughout the disc the band transition between quieter and more robust sounds with ease and its these smooth transitions which makes this music so appealing. Moody soundscapes, melodic riffing and great vocals highlight the catchy “Old Fuel� whereas as the title track begins with driving bass and drums leading to more strong vocal melodies and excellent keyboards. “Blackout� is a little more reflective with lovely lead vocals and nice guitar work. The somber hues in the intriguing “Where The River Ends� makes for some cool sounds, the keyboards and guitar creating a slightly electronic and modern sound. The four part “Forging Tempests� with its darker undercurrents, fine guitar riffs and textural keys is a fitting ending to a fine album.

I don’t think there can be any dispute this band knows how to write a decent hook. This is a solid rock album which will hopefully gain the band the recognition they deserve.

A Painted Bass Records release.

Band members:
Mats van der Valk (guitar, bass guitar)
Jens van der Valk (guitar, bass guitar on track 9)
Jan Munnik (keyboards)
Marjan Welman (vocals)
Jan Grijpstra (drums)
Ronald Landa (guitar, vocals)
Maurice van der Es (bass guitar)

Discography:
Stacking Smoke (2019)
Cold Comfort (2011)
Altitude (2009)
My New Time (2007)
Summer’s End (2004)
When Lust Evokes The Curse (2002)

Track Listing:
1. The Phantom Limb (6:14)
2. Old Fuel (6:34)
3. Stacked Smoke (5:59)
4. Blackout (6:20)
5. Cyanide Sky (5:50)
6. Where The River Ends (3:28)
7. Thursday (4:05)
8. Fury (Forging Tempests Part I) (4:17)
9. Shadow North (Forging Tempests Part II) (5:22)
10. Shift To Silence (Forging Tempests Part III) (2:49)
11. Beacon (Forging Tempests Part IV) (5:48)

Added: December 18th 2019
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band's Official Site
Hits: 884
Language: english

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