Album Review: From Ashes to New – Blackout

Melodic, emotive and undeniably powerful

Hailing from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, rock band From Ashes to New has returned with their latest album, Blackout. The record opens with a melodic overture and listeners quickly brace themselves for the direction this album plans to take. There’s an immediate rap-style lyrical prose backed with plenty of melody and excitement, the music building as the album kicks off. Listeners can expect to enjoy hints of Linkin Park and Hollywood Undead, the music is fun and explores a rollercoaster of sounds. The beat is punchy but the overall tone embodies the best of minor chords, offering listeners a pensive, emotive quality.

“Armageddon” has something for everyone. It doesn’t matter where musical proclivities lie, this song (and the entire album) is filled with a wide range of musical stylings that boast a broad appeal. Jersey natives might remember Borialis, From Ashes to New embodies similar qualities, the rap-style lyrics offering listeners a glimpse into a deeper narrative. Every track features a unique blend of instrumentals and vocals, the energy palpable and undeniable.

“Nightmare” boasts more screaming than “Armageddon,” the emotion running strong from start to finish and adding a dynamic appeal to this track. The varied appeal of the album is also heard on tracks such as “Hate Me Too.” Despite the band’s setback after their drummer bowed out, they’ve shown that it wouldn’t stop them from prevailing and have delivered fans an album that’s powerful and in short, fun.

Blackout is the perfect music for any occasion. It knows how to invoke a myriad of feelings and sensations and is heavy without overpowering. The vocals enmesh rap with guttural screams and still know how to retain a deep, intrinsic melody. Anyone in search of a new album should give Blackout a try. They won’t be disappointed.