Slovenian band LASTDAYHERE has been around since 2005, and released their debut album “From Pieces Created” in 2010. Come 2013 and the band are signed to Graviton Music Services, who subsequently release their second full length production “A New Beginning”.
This band takes me, yet again, into a territory in music I haven’t explored fairly thoroughly. Which happens fairly often when reviewing a lot of music. In this case we’re dealing with one of the many subcategories of accessible, radio friendly metal, of the kind I guess most would place somewhere within an alternative metal context.
The basic premise for all of these songs, with minor variations, is kind of formula based. We have one section of the song, usually the verse part and often the transitional instrumental phases as well, that are dominated by staccato riff bursts supporting the lead vocals. Fairly often with some kind of melody or harmony oriented overlay by way of guitar soloing or keyboards. This leads to a chorus section of a distinct mainstream oriented nature, pleasant and accessible, where the riffs smooth out and the arrangement tends to get a more majestic feeling to it. High impact, which may be enhanced by the lead vocals also taking on a more emotional delivery here. As far as variations are concerned, careful use of electronic effects is one, and many of the songs kicks off with a compelling lead in, mostly by way of some guitar details. Light toned, brittle guitar details is another aspect used sparingly but effectively, and then there’s two ballads that contrasts the otherwise dark soundscapes explored.
While undeniably metal this is an accessible variety of it. The sound and production is smooth, the staccato riff barrages have more in common with a watered down version of nu metal than hardcore, and the chorus sections have that singalong quality one might expect from metal suited for FM radio play. At times this band reminded me ever so slightly about Evanescence actually, if anyone still remember that band from a decade or so back. Obviously with stylistic differences aplenty, but the overall mood and atmosphere here does contain some similarities at least as I experienced this production.
The saving grace of this disc is that this band is excellent at what they do, they know what to achieve and how to achieve it. One of the wisest choices is to keep the songs short, just about all of them clocking in at less than four minutes, which sees to it that the songs have concluded before we tire of this particular use of the core elements employed.
In summary, what we have here is a finely polished specimen of modern and possibly alternative metal, with radio friendly tendencies aplenty yet with enough grit, darkness and momentum to avoid dropping into the pop metal segment. I’m not well versed enough in modern day metal to draw any direct comparisons, but I’d guess that many of the people who enjoy their Linkin Park, Evanescence and Nightwish might find this production of interest too. Not because they share all that many similar features, but because of the polished, accessible sound and approach that are common denominators amongst them.
My rating: 76/100
