Unleash The Archers – Abyss

Unleash The Archers

Abyss

Napalm Records

Power Metal

FFO: Frozen Crown, Kobra and the Lotus, Huntress, 3 Inches of Blood, Helion Prime

In the last few years Unleash The Archers (UTA) have begun to really gather some real popularity in the heavy metal world with excellent releases such as ‘Time Stands Still’ and the magnificent ‘Apex’ and this year has UTA returning with their latest offering ‘Abyss’.

                As always expected from UTA, ‘Abyss’ is a sophisticated power metal album that is once again easy to listen to and digest. In fact, even in comparison to their previous albums ‘Abyss’ is sleek and is an absolute joy to listen to; it is a modern sounding professional album that has a large commercial appeal to it. Yet, unlike their previous releases, ‘Abyss’ does not immediately sound like an UTA album; instead of immediately tearing your face off, this is a slow burning album that puts most of the focus almost entirely on Brittney Slayes’ voice which is excellent as always. There is lack of emphasis upon growled backing vocals here and that does mean that ‘Abyss’ is a grower of an album and does take more than a few listens to get to like; but, once this album clicks, it is truly enjoyable. Tracks such as ‘Carry The Flame’, ‘Through Stars’ and the superb ‘Soulbound’ really stand out as highlights and whilst it may not initially have the charisma of Frozen Crown, 3 Inches of Blood or Crimson Shadows, it does at times have the slick appeal of Huntress and Kobra and the Lotus. However, ‘Abyss’ really does feel like a turning point in the career of UTA and its sleek production, memorable songs and beautiful vocals are truly threatening the launch UTA into the big leagues.

                There will be those that will not be sure about what to get from ‘Abyss’, but those that stick with it will find an album that it is thoroughly excellent, there are some great allusions to awakenings and apex’s from UTA’s previous work and whilst it doesn’t quite hit the mark of ‘Apex’, it is still certainly enjoyable nonetheless.

Adam McCann