By snoadmin
The world of post-hardcore/screamo has its share of oddities. Bands with two singers. Three guitarists shredding simultaneously. Singing drummers. But Long Island-based From Autumn To Ashes (FATA) has definitely taken the cake in this category with its new album “Holding A Wolf By The Ears,” as former drummer/melodic singer Francis Mark has stepped out from behind the drum kit to become both the lead singer and screamer of the band.
With the departure of screamer Ben Perri following the appropriately titled album “Abandon Your Friends,” Mark stepped up to become the sole vocalist of FATA. Much speculation surrounded the release of “Wolf” concerning the skill and capabilities of Mark fronting the band. Fortunately, not only was he up for the task, but From Autumn To Ashes has returned with an unmatched intensity and a slightly tweaked sound that adds up to one gem of an album.
The record kicks off with the hardcore-inspired “Deth Kult Social Club.” Any question of whether or not Mark can scream is quite literally answered within the first seconds as listeners are immediately greeted with his powerful vocal prowess. A screamed verse leads to a fast-paced sung chorus with a soaring lead guitar keeping pace with Mark’s melodic vocals. The song does a perfect job of illustrating exactly what FATA is looking to accomplish with its new lineup while showing that the band’s music is already oozing new energy.
After a blistering first track, FATA gives listeners little time to absorb what is ringing in their eardrums as “On The Offensive” continues the fast pace of “Wolf.” The song opens with a heavy chugging riff that is followed by more screaming from Mark. This song varies more in the sense that it slows down at some points, offering one of many great breakdowns on the album.
Though Mark was most recognized on past FATA efforts for adding in the melodic portions of songs, he fits his new role nicely. Screaming is dominant as with past FATA material, and while Mark is now the only singer, the rest of the band contributes heavily with backing vocals. Mark has also vastly improved with his singing, and he can effortlessly switch between aggressive screaming and emotionally driven singing.
The musicianship within the band has also improved since its last album, despite the fact that FATA was short-staffed while creating “Wolf.” Rhythm guitarist Jon Cox left the band after the touring cycle of “Abandon Your Friends,” leaving both Mark and lead guitarist Brian Deneeve to pull double duties with Mark doing the vocals along with the drums and Deneeve laying down all the guitar tracks.
Deneeve seems more comfortable experimenting with his guitar work, providing more intricate lead parts as well as playing faster distorted sections of songs. The bass playing of Josh Newton follows suit with intricate bass lines that strengthen the overall sound of the disc.
Unlike previous From Autumn To Ashes efforts, “Holding a Wolf By The Ears” is relentless in its pursuit of a heavy sound. Clocking in at just over 40 minutes, “Wolf” never once transitions into a slower acoustic or keyboard-driven song. Though tracks like “Daylight Slaving” do slow the pace for a short time, “Wolf” grabs you by the ears and won’t let go until its completion.
The album reaches its climax with the track “Love It, Or Left It.” Here, some of Mark’s most intense screams are met with some of the most complex arrangements on the album.
“Wolf” comes to a close with the first single “Pioneers.” The song blends the screaming and singing of Mark perfectly and is an epic end to an impressive album.
After the departure of a lead singer, most bands would certainly take a break from music, sit back and try to pick up the pieces. However, From Autumn To Ashes has responded with newfound energy and one powerful album with “Holding a Wolf By The Ears.”
The band’s new sound is less metal-influenced than past efforts, giving it a strong hold on one of the top spots in the world of post-hardcore/screamo. Mark does a beautiful job in his new role as lead vocalist of FATA, giving the band a new spark that will hopefully keep it going for years to come.
It will be interesting to see how FATA tackles these songs live, but if the reproduction is anything close to what is heard on the album, get me a ticket on the floor because it’s going to be one hell of a show.
