If you’ve been reading a lot of my reviews, I’m geared towards simplicity over technicality, but what if you have an album that balances both simplicity, technical mastery, and skillful execution? ALL I LIVE FOR had just released their sophomore LP, ‘Into The Ether.’ Join me as I discuss this record at length and read why you should binge on this as early as now.
The LP started with this metal-meets-opera track, ‘All Your Pain.’ What stood out the most about this track is that it has elements of classic rock and metal, perfect for diverse listeners. The guitar riff and the drum beat complement one another so well that it became an enjoyable experience. Every section has an interesting bit that will make you wonder how much time and effort have been put in creating not just this track but the album in general, because this is just one song in, and I feel like this is a potential single.
‘Tethered’ started with this sixteenth note feel drum beat that complements the guitar djents so awesomely good. What I particularly like about this track is the use of the blast beats. The blast beat technique has been used as an excuse for every metal musician ever to say, ‘yes, we are metal,’ but for this particular track, the blast beat was arranged and placed meticulously to add texture to the overall feel of the track and specific sections, making it surprisingly flawless.
By the third track, we can clearly say that when it comes to skills and production value, it’s already up there. What I specifically like about ‘Retain You’ is its lyrics. The main theme of the track is about commitment and supporting one another. It’s evident in phrases like / I will retain you / I will remain here for you / I will be here always /
If you are not aware of this, most, not all, metal lyrics are all about support and love for the community, a haven for people misunderstood, and a lot more that doesn’t complement the actual sound of the songs. That’s how awesome the metal community is in general.
‘Embers of The Fallen’ started with this operatic choir harmony sample that perfectly introduces what would be the overall expectation of the track, and without fail, the operatic choir sample complements that hard-hitting chord progression with ease and smoothness. The melodical and rhythmic note progression is like listening to masters at play.
‘Make A Start’ is another prime example of the diverse themes that metal can touch on. The song talks about being united with one cause, with phrases like / We can feed the world forever / If we can find it all inside our hearts / and that’s what makes this genre awesome. Imagine listening to a song that is technically disturbing your insides because of that raw, loud aggressiveness, only to find out that the lyrics are all about love and care for one another.
‘Give Me A Reason’ started with this falling-down type of sound of the guitars, which goes to show how skillful and passionate these guys are when it comes to making music. Another stand out on this track is the loud ghost notes in the middle of the double pedal and guitar djent pattern in the middle of the track. As a musician myself, a stanky face is indeed present. I had to repeat that section a few times, not gonna lie.
‘Leave Behind’ is a track in this LP that talks about themes like grief and eventually moving on. It’s evident from phrases / Lay your hands on the ground of her remains / Of our hearts, our minds and our memories of her inside / We start the flow and find our way back home /
‘Into The Ether’ is the 3rd to the last track of the LP and the clearly the main single. This track is by far the most diverse of all because of all the elements added to it. You can hear the progresiveness of the song, the operatic and choir sample element, the classical rock approach in certain sections, metal screaming, face-melting guitar solo, and a lot more.
‘Anodyne’ is the track that you would want to gatekeep because of how good and mind-blowing it is. The musical lines created in this track are playful, which makes any artist smile from ear to ear because of how technically good this track is.
And ending the LP, we have ‘Never Stand Alone’, which is by far the mellowed-down track of them all. Its main theme is about support, which is evident in phrases like / You won’t stand alone / You′ll never stand alone / You’ll always have a home / for me, this track is perfectly placed as the last song of the album, giving room for listeners to cool down after all the adrenaline and energy of the previous tracks.
The ‘Into The Ether’ LP by ALL I LIVE FOR is a prime example of technical mastery, skillful execution, and honestly, a great album recommendation for listeners who want and need to understand what metal is all about.
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About the Author
He has been in the music industry for two and a half decades. Currently, he plays bass guitar for a rock-reggae band called EnjointPh and a funk-fusion trio called Banky. He also hosts a podcast titled Usapang Musiko with Ervin Besana, which explores topics such as music, arts, and philosophy.
