Album Review: Within The Ruins – Phenomena II

The album brings sizzling music to the tracks.

Back in 2014 Within The Ruins released the album, Phenomena, which received praise from their fan base. Now, the band has released Phenomena II and each track clearly shows how much Within The Ruins has grown as a band, instrumentation brings a harder magical sound, while the vocal performance dazzles the mind with powerful tunes. Phenomena II is a straight-up metal album that will cause some people to headbang as the music is blaring from their speakers.

Kicking things off is “Castle In The Sky,” through the whole thing the vocal performance is the best part of how each vocal pitch contributes to the lingering emotions he has deep in heart. Also, the vocalist’s deep shrieks and growls increase the intensity, while the blaze guitar solo shakes the back with beautiful riffs on “Castle In The Sky.”

“Demon Killer” is a heart jolter due to how the instrumentation brings a solid mix of metal and rock music. While listening, the guitar is being played on a simple rock tempo, while the drums continue to create soul-shaking, rapid drum beats that contribute to the face-smacking metal vibe on “Demon Killer.” The whole music production is well done which should cause some fans to be blasting this song on their speakers.

“The Last Son” is another deep tune and what is great about the composition is how the vocal performance is a bit more laid back but still powerful. Nothing is more enjoyable than listening to a vocalist who can sing different styles. In “The Last Son,” the vocalist is great at using his mighty vocals, expressing himself in a lower tone. Instead of screaming, the vocalist speaks and growls out the lyrics with great passion.

Ending the album is “Enigma II.” The absolute best part about this ditty is how music is all instrumental. The whole composition is pure metal thanks to the thrilling guitar solo that resembles the style of Iron Maiden. The drum and bass guitar playing brings a stronger Metallica vibe to “Enigma II.”  This track musically concludes Phenomena II on a high note.

Within The Ruins bring their all on Phenomena II and honestly, the album sounds better than the first one because the instrumentation and vocal performance bring a heavier metal style.