REVIEW: Art Of Dying – Rise Up (Full Album)
Art of Dying – “Rise Up” Review By MelodicEnmity
It’s been a good four years since Art of Dying released “Vices & Virtues” and a lot has happened since then: Years of touring to promote the album, growth and experience as a band, and loss of guitarist Greg Bradley before writing & recording the new record. The loss of a core member normally spells disaster for a band, but when faced with the decision of what to do, Art of Dying made an interesting choice. They decided to proceed as a 4-piece. I’m proud to say that their bold decision paid off, as “Rise Up” is a fantastic album.
“Rise Up” is sonically diverse from their previous efforts. While “Vices & Virtues” was an album of peaks and valleys, “Rise Up” stands up to the occasion and shouts from the mountain tops. To date, “Rise Up” is Art Of Dying’s heaviest record. It is unrelenting & hard-hitting in both its message and sound. They want you to shoot for the stars and never let anything get in the way of achieving your dreams. With this record, Art Of Dying asks us to rise up as individuals, as a collection, and as a nation. As a band that tirelessly works for their fans, they wanted to produce a record that would work for their fans. I believe they successfully accomplished that mission.
Production is top notch, as are most albums produced by David Bendeth at House of Loud. “Rise Up” fills every need of the sonic spectrum, and nothing aurally is left wanting. Jeff Brown is a beast behind the kit, as the rhythm really drives the tracking on “Rise Up.” Jonny Hetherington, vocally, is showing all kinds of new tricks that were not previously heard on past records. There’s gravels, there’s screams, there’s rage in his vocals. Tavis Stanley brings a new, heavier edge to the hooks and melodies. He’s also experimenting this time around with all different tones and tunings, especially lower tunings. Finally, Cale Gontier fills in everything beautifully with a full and tight rhythmic lines that work perfectly. I love this new side of Art Of Dying.
Even though “Rise Up” just came out. I’m ready for more. Go buy the album. Go catch a show. They’re amazing live by the way and deserve your support. It’s not often you find a record consisting of 13 tracks where you do not find yourself wanting to skip at least one…ever.
Also, if you feel so inclined, go and contact Better Noise Records, and say WE WANT PHYSICALS OF RISE UP! #WeWantAODRiseUpPhysicals
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0194FG9W4
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/rise-up/id1066065249
P.S. For fans of Disturbed – Check out the title track on “Rise Up” for a killer solo by their friend, Dan Donegan, guitarist of Disturbed.
Lyrics: 5/5
Instrumentals: 5/5
Creativity: 5/5
Performance: 5/5
Replay Value: 5/5
Final Score: A+
