So, Bring On Mixed Reviews

Alesana – The Emptiness – Review

Release Date: January 26th, 2010
Record Label: Fearless Records
Genre: Post Hardcore

It’s been a year or two since Alesana delivered an album to us, but that doesn’t mean they’ve been asleep. On the contrary, they have been on a nonstop touring spree with the likes of The Bled, Our Last Night, The Chariot, and Broadway. So after two years, and a sub-par 2008 record (“Where Myth Fades to Legend”), I was interested to see if this loaded post hardcore six-piece from NC could rebound and make something that felt a little more honest, like their debut “On Frail Wings of Vanity and Wax,” but instead featured more matured musicianship and experience from previous mistakes. I became a little worried through when I saw the cover of their new album, “The Emptiness,” and it looked like something from a Korn “Issues” cover art contest.

This time around Alesana wanted to put a more literary and dramatic (if that were possible) spin to their normal approach by regarding this album as a story of sorts — rather than….I don’t know…. a random assembly of songs? This story certainly follows Alesana‘s book word for word — dual guitars with majestic strings, bipolar stop-and-go breakdowns and mellow symphonies, as well as the familiar stretching shrieks of Dennis Lee. The last of which almost made me completely stop listening to this record from the beginning. I wouldn’t regard “The Emptiness” as an ageless story that will be remembered for decades to come (as the band is so eagerly attempting to do), and see it rather as a collection of catchy melodic songs with plenty of range that walk the line of being memorable and generic. And even though I enjoy the soft spoken interludes where near poems are recited

It is hard though, I can imagine. Back in 2006 when their debut “On Frail Wings of Vanity and Wax” was released, it was part of the first wave in the genre — which helped them garner fans and perspective. But ever since, the genre has been filled to capacity and Alesana has become almost indecipherable from other acts out there – Blessthefall, A Skylit Drive, and LoveHateHero, just to name a few. A few changes in the line up helped throw a few curve balls that will tickle fans fancies, most notably the exodus of Adam Ferguson being replaced by guitarist Jake Cambell, and of course the continuing enjoyable duets of Shawn and Melissa Milke.

My problem is with the fact that “The Emptiness” feels too run-of-the-mill. There are surging intros and powerful breakdowns, but they feel flimsy. They are also pacified by the continual leaping from aggressive modes, into a suave and mellow building section — which neutralizes momentum as well as my ability to feel comfortable. It’s like watching a dog trying to find its place on a carpet, it will lay down and get back up at least 10 times, all while moving in circles — slowly driving you insane.

I did enjoy “The Emptiness“‘s singular direction and focus — something that was missing from “Where Myth Fades To Legend.” So if you don’t mind a common sound, and you can stomach a convoluted storyline, you might be able to appreciate the beautiful singing, melody and impressive fretwork that Alesana have amassed here. Otherwise, the flat screaming and similarities might leave you empty frustrated. ~Staff

Score: 3/5

Track Listing:
1. Curse Of The Virgin Canvas
2. The Artist
3. A Lunatic’s Lament
4. The Murderer
5. Hymn For The Shameless
6. The Thespian
7. Heavy Hangs The Albatross
8. The Lover
9. In Her Tomb By The Sounding Sea
10. To Be Scared By An Owl
11. Annabel