UK band ALTER EDEN was formed in 2014 by former Blue Origin member Nick Pilgrim and Alex Coleman, completing the line-up of the band with the additions of bassist Matt Latham and drummer Simon Whitney. “Fearless” is their debut album, and was released at the tail end of April in 2015.
Following my initial positive impression of this band’s debut single Let’s Be Fearless, I was curious as to what this EP would sound like. And this is one of those occasions were I found myself surprised, and in a positive manner as well. While their initial single is a radio friendly affair with more of an indie and alternative rock vibe going, the rest of this EP actually seeks out somewhat different styles of music, and while there are variations from one song to the next all the songs comes across as cohesive and very much the result of the same band. I’ll stress that early on, as my descriptions might give a different impression.
Of the 5 remaining tracks on this production, the trio of All Hail the King, Broken and Fade all revolve around a blend of grunge and alternative metal, think Soundgarden and Tool as far as obvious references goes, with ethereal post rock inspired textures added to expand the palette explored. Splendid and different vocal approaches by singer Pilgrim as well as differences in pace and intensity gives all three of those songs their very own style and character, and while I personally have the impression that All Hail the King is the most vital of these all of them comes across as notable compositions, of the kind where high quality is a description easily given.
On Crosses and Scream at the Sky Alter Eden further expand their palette by including what I’d describe as Porcupine Tree inspired details, the groove laden bass employed on Crosses one of the key details that gives me that association but not the only one. It’s just as much about mood and atmosphere, and when that is said I suspect that fans of both Tool and to some extent Soundgarden will find these songs to be just as vaguely familiar sounding. It might be argued that these two songs explore the boundaries between Porcupine Tree’s edgy progressive rock, Soundgarden’s groove laden take on grunge and Tool’s emotionally laden alternative metal. Be that as it may be, both of these songs are as high in quality as any pf the others, but with Crosses the one standing out for me as perhaps ever so slightly more compelling, although without any dramatic or major details separating the two.
All in all a highly compelling EP this one, by a band that have stated Muse and Tool as two of their inspirational sources, a list that could easily be expanded with the likes of Soundgarden and Porcupine Tree as far as I’m concerned. Those who enjoy the music of all of these bands should regard themselves as a key audience for this EP, a production that I’d generally regard as one easy to recommend.
My rating: 87/100
