Unleash the Archers is another hidden gem of a band coming out of Canada. Check out their version of Northwest Passage. It absolutely looks like your brain had melted while listening to this waiting for that breakdown and then your face when the bass ended the solo was priceless.
Hidden Gem of a band with Hidden Gem songs! Awakening(in my mind) gets too much traffic. Its a great song yes but UTA has a good number of better songs than Awakening such as Test Your Metal, City Of Iron, Northwest Passage, Faster Than Light, Abyss, Ten Thousand Against One, The Matriarch, Tonight We Ride and so many others
A few things: UTA doesn't always follow formulas, so if we're expecting your standard verse, chorus, verse, chorus, breakdown, chorus, chorus, well it ain't always gonna be there. This album and the next are concept albums following an overarching storyline. This is the opening song on the first album where we get to know the two main characters. This song is about the awakening of the protagonist, so it follows that the song has to stay consistent with the storyline. In this case the protagonist knows that his awakening will be leading to bad things. To that end, the song has this frenetic pace of an anxiety driven adrenaline rush as he anticipates where his awakening will lead. That's the problem with concept albums in that if we cherry pick the songs without knowing the story, they don't always make sense. The UTA catalogue has a lot of interesting material with quite a broad variety of songwriting that is worth checking out. BTW, they can do it live. If you're interested in more female leads in metal bands, I'd suggest Nightwish. They're not a guitar lead band, though their guitarist is eminently qualified. This song has more of a guitar riff driven feel than some of their other songs: "Yours is an Empty Hope" ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-vyLsU7Q333k.html It's more toward the heavier end of their discography.
Great description. As a super fan of UtA I have a hard time starting apex or abyss anywhere in the middle. I usually start at the beginning and listen to the whole thing without skipping songs. It just feels weird to cherry pick. Sometimes I will but typically it’s beginning to end. And this explains why! So thanks!
His problem isn't that he expects standard musical formula's he loves Tool, he went mad when he listened to Opeth, he really doesn't want a standard song. He is saying that there is no resolution to the different parts before they move into the next part. He is expressing what he doesn't like about this song. And tbh that means he doesn't like this genre, because this is Power Metal 101... It doesn't have anything to do with not understanding the story or whatever, he doesn't even listen to the song, he cares about the instrumentals, so he could care less about the story being told...
This is power metal not Metalcore / Deathcore (which i also love btw). People are not appreciating musicianship like this with the composition and instrumental anymore and just want breakdowns in EVERY SONG regardless of genre , like why? If that is what you want go listen to Deathcore and you wont be disappointed but dont go wishing a breakdown on a song that isnt supposed to have it
I have to double down that this is the opening song of a story that spans two WHOLE albums. The song is structured to be that introduction. How they composed the music is based upon that story. It is hard to analyze in a vacuum though. I encourage you to listen to all of Apex in order and then Abyss. You will see the absolute masterpieces that this band put together. Their music is so dynamic. I've listened to these albums nonstop since early 2020. I can't stop. It causes so much emotion! I freaking love music!
I found UTA during 2020. Got to see them live in 2021. Amazing musicians all around. Brittany can sing all that live and them boys behind her ripped it up. 🤘
Exactly!!! Britney Slayes is the genuine article and has MORE than earned her last name!! She doesn't need autotune - she hit every single note with perfect pitch and her vibrato was dead on b@lls accurate during the live performance. The rest of the band is unbelievable as well - you cannot fake what they play live! NOBODY dropped a single note when they played live - not a single note!!! The only thing missing live were the self-harmonies that Britney sings on the album, but only because it is impossible. I give her another few years to work that out too...
Welcome to Power Metal: where half time break downs are done at double speed 😝😝😝😝 No rest for the wicked here! It's all about speed, speed and more speed! Break downs are for Metalcore. 🤪
Your critique is completely off base, man. This is european style power metal, in the Helloween, Angra and Rhapsody line. Over the top orchestrations are what we do. If a song has enough ideas and melodies for a whole album, then you're doing it right. 😉😁🤘
Yeah, power metal is usually 100% energy the entire song. Awakening is the opening of the album and sets the tone. Completely relentless from start to finish. Apex is a no-skip album that tells an epic story across all the songs. The "breakdown/cooldown" technically comes in a few songs in with "Cleanse the Bloodlines". The intention is to experience the album as a whole.
As stated in other comments, this is the first track in a two concept album long story so the music is very much in the service of the story they’re telling. Essentially, this song serves as a introduction to our protagonist “The Immortal” after an unknown but extensively long amount of time in a state of hibernation. So the “all the things” feeling you caught is very much intentional as this being is Awakening to a new and changed world around him and taking it all in, in a total sensory overload. If you dig it at all, I’d def recommend listening to the albums in your own time in order, a fun way to spend a little less than two hours and you can see all of the amazing skills they have at their disposal! 🤘
Kudos for speaking your mind -- honesty is always appreciated. And you are focused on the instrumentals, so the unique awesomeness of Brittany's vocals aren't your thing -- no problem. You have expanded my understanding of this track, and I appreciate that. Keep it up.
Next time, check out one of the songs from their album that won a Juno award (anything from Abyss, Legacy is great but a fan favorite is The Wind That Shapes The Land).
The Wind That Shapes The Land is a masterpiece among their masterpieces... especially when taking into account the story and plot of that song.. it's soo powerful and well written
I appreciate that, at the very least, you acknowledge the talent. To me, this song is kind of an 11/10. With only a few of their other tracks coming close. ("Faster that Light" and "The Matriarch" come to mind) With your indifference, it seems one of two things: 1. You wanted the song to zig where it zag. And that's hardly the song's fault, but I can't say I haven't been there too. or 2. It just wasn't your thing. I've found several tracks from bands that I've never heard of before. On occasion, I have to ask myself, "Why isn't this working for me? This is good stuff. It's just missing something". For me, it's usually a "Je Ne Sais Quoi", because I don't understand music theory. You can just explain why you feel averse to it better than I can explain why I love it.
After seeing their guitar player mow his lawn dressed as the ultimate warrior; I have to say I complete disagree with your audiation comments (long time fan of UTA btw). Their cover of the Darude hit song "Sandstorm" is an instant classic and something no true power metal fan should miss.
Impeccable analysis sir. His take on Sandstorm is what i would call, transformative and his use of reflectskradicted dopiture is just a breath of fresh air. Plus he really rocked those stretchy pants.
Haha Michael doing exactly what I do the moment I realise I like a song - pause the song and youtube EVERY SINGLE LIVE VIDEO in the hope of finding a proper live recording :D
I have seen this band in an outdoor setting (Oregon, Guitars & Stars) about 4 years ago(?) unknowingly, and became a huge fan afterwards… They sound just as tight and clean live, the vocals and musicianship is off the charts!
They may not have a good live video, but I can assure you that they are just as clean, and rock just as hard live. I saw them last year in Atlanta, and they freakin killed it. Love this band. If you want to check out more, I would suggest "Faster Than Light" and "The Wind That Shapes the Land". Edit- Not sure how I forgot to mention "The Matriarch" that's my favorite track of theirs, and it goes HARD.
I was going to the last two shows of that tour - band or crew member got Covid and they cancelled the last 2 shows!! Still waiting for my chance - I just missed them again. Great Power Metal \m/ \m/ band from Vancouver BC!
Based on your background, I get how you might conclude that there are like four different songs in there. That being said, as a diehard fan of power metal, I think that “Awakening” is just an excellent example of power metal (and maybe even one of the best power metal tracks of recent years). Or to think of it another way, if someone were to maybe listen to jazz for the first time, I could see how they might at first think “Oh-they’re like four different songs in there,“ but I think that Unleash the Archers is actually just an embodiment of what power metal is-and an excellent example at that.
I had never heard UTA, so this was my first time hearing them also. Unfortunately, they firmed up my belief that power metal just isn't my "thing". Musicianship was amazing, but it just seemed too "clean" and nice. I really prefer darker and heavier metal... Currents, Periphery, AAL, Opeth, etc
This is power metal, specifically north American style of power metal with influences for thrash and melodic death metal - just very technical high octane riffs, ripping solos, and soaring vocals. If you're looking for a switch up, check out Cleanse the Bloodlines off of the same album.
That album and the next are a connected story, listen to them in track order and you'll find all the elements you're looking for and more. All of their albums are different in styling, composition and just slam so hard.
Oh boy, you *really* should check out "The day that the world breaks down" by Arjen Anthony Lucassen (Ayreon). Prog/power-ish metal, with a lot of cool influences. I'd *love* your take on the musicianship in it, even if it most definitely may feel like multiple songs.
That "hit me!" at 2:07 - well, you got what you asked for. ;) I liked your views on this, our taste in music is something subjective after all and even in a piece like this (technically, I believe it's an absolute masterpiece) there are things we personally could wish for to make it even more of a favorite song in our own ears. But it is what it is, and regardless of how we look at it and listen to it, it has amazing skill, passion and talent poured into it!
If you are a fan of Megadeth like you say you are, have you not listened to Rust In Peace, 7 minutes songs in Metal are not rare. The fact that metal disposes of the rules and forgoes of the whole verse/chorus/bridge or half-time pattern, is what makes it unpredictable and not boring to me. I am not a fan of breaking the rules for the sake of breaking them, but when it is in the service of the music, I love it.
He listens to Tool, he went mad to a 10 minute Opeth song in a reaction, he loves long, complex songs, that was not the critique he had. He is saying there is no resolution to the different parts before they move on to the next part. Basically he explained what he dislikes about the song and we can conclude he doesn't like this Power Metal genre. He was asked to react to this song, he gave an honest reaction and then people flamed him for being honest. He is one of a hand full of reactors on RU-vid that doesn't just pretend to love everything, he should be lauded for it...
they play this song like it's nothing more than a warm up to them. what's more wild than how impressive the musicianship is would have to be the fact that you can tell none of them are playing anywhere near the upper end of their ability. it's effortless.
I get it. Sometimes you just want the filth. Lol. 🤘🏼Love this band though…they blow my mind. I do get jealous watching them play things I could never do. I have a suggestion that you check out a rock band of three sisters from Mexico called The Warning. They’ve been on tour with Hailstorm last few months and are crushing it. Here’s a live video of them opening for Foo Fighters a week before Taylor passed. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE--8pOEmvssQo.html Take care, Sir.
I believe all the songs on THIS album are played in drop D tuning. The next album, all the songs are are written on 7 string guitars. The redhead, Andrew Kingsley writes the music. He has a 80’s side project (Sleeper Ship) and a country band.
IMMORTAL IS MORE THAN A NAME! AWAKENING (2017) To look up into the night's sky, to see the stars they are changed To know a thousand years or more have passed, and I am the same This mountain hollow that keeps me in a suffocating embrace A prison and a safe haven, it's always been this way Lo, a new master calls me to awakening, I know this one brings the end Far out beyond the darkness I've been living in it's true, a whole new world awaits Stellar constellations rise, lighting my way in the night Once again revitalized, to roam; to never die My path begins with the new dawn; a voice is calling my name It always starts as whispering then manifests to a scream I'm drawn to the creature that wakes me, bound to them by the curse My soul exists only to serve, a covenant of birth Fear not the task ahead there's no escaping it, there's no good nor evil here Stellar constellations rise, lighting my way in the night Once again revitalized, to roam; to never die Come to me, awakening Follow my voice, come to me Fear not the task ahead there's no escaping it, there's no good nor evil here Stellar constellations rise, lighting my way in the night Once again revitalized, to roam; to never Lighting my way in the night To roam; to never die
Thank you for your reaction. I personally don't love comparing bands / songs with other bands / songs. Maybe they are inspired from former bands / songs, but doesn't matter, if the actual song makes me happy. And UTA makes me happy. Her highness Queen Brittney is my metal queen, her shouts are my prayers, my religion. Maybe awakening combines a few songs / styles. Don't know, if you know "Keeper of the seven keys" from Helloween, they are also show different styles in one song. That's the moment, when a track becomes a hymn 🤘🏻
UtA is my favorite band that I have gotten into in the last 10 years. I am all for long thought out songs. I understand your desire for this song to have a 'release' at some point, as this song really builds a lot of tension. However, that is one of the things I love about it.I am super pumped the entire time this song plays. They do have other songs that do have breakdowns in them. Give their stuff a listen. 'Faster than Light' is my favorite song of theirs. Check it out. It has a sick breakdown in it about halfway through.
I hear you. Music is a mix of patterns and contrasts. The patterns make it so you can follow along and largely anticipate what's coming up next. The contrasts are what jigger up your brain when you're listening it when your expectations get a jolt - "oh - this is different - nice touch". You wanted a breakdown in the middle to half time. I wanted to hear that happen with a deceptive cadence at the end of a chorus.
lol wishing for a sludgey breakdown in power metal is going to leave you hanging most of the time. not that it doesnt exist but its like going into the mcdonalds asking for pizza :D
You should check out Cleanse the Bloodlines by Unleash the Archers if you want more of a chugging metal type song that you were looking for. And as others have said, this is the opening song to a concept that spans two albums. This is basically an overture. The more you dig into Unleash the Archers, or even just the album this came from, Apex, you'll see more. This is like 2% over the overall musical composition. You're supposed to go straight into the next song after this.
No, he explains what he dislikes about the song... He was asked to react to the song and he gave his honest reaction. It is dumb remarks like yours which make 99% of the reactors on RU-vid act like they love everything they get to hear, just accept that he doesn't enjoy this genre of Power Metal and move on with your live....
I will say in the context of the rest of the concept album the 7 minute run time isn’t as noticeable but ala cart it can drag a bit. But I also couldn’t tell you what to cut
I love this track because of its insane constant high energy. It's a feel good track, and somehow they add more energy after the smooth solo. Could I take a full album going like this? No (early dragon force suffered a little from that). But in the context of a great album, what an opener. the opening riff is awesome even at 50% speed.
Lmao dude was anticipating a breakdown so f'n bad from like 1.5 minutes into the song and held that hope throughout the whole song. Had that last 30 seconds or so of a breakdown not happened then I feel like buddy would have had a pretty serious case of blue balls 😂
this band unleash the archers from west coast of canada and i said the west coast of canada because i couldn't remember which part of canada they are from but holy A game top tier production and the way this music sounds and the sheer intensity and the fact that they look so calm so concentrating people are going to feel so good when they hear this band of bright shinging stars when you have such extremely gifted professional musicians i hear alot of dio queenscyche iron maiden dragonforce and classical sounding these are definitely going to be some very classic records i mean look if your proficient enough with the instruments and this band that does an absolutely awesome job bringing the three metal genres together such as power metal melodic death metal and traditional heavy metal well then
I can understand. At least for me, 6-7 minutes plus of almost constant double kick drums relentlessly pounding in the background can get a bit exhausting to listen to. Ultimately they're more of a power metal band, so slow breakdowns won't be as common in their music as a groove metal band like Pantera or Machine Head.
AFAIK, this was recorded in one sitting btw. The close-ups of the instruments are added later but the audio was recorded all in one go. There's a story that goes with this video which I don't remember exactly that this was a spontaneous thing they did in the studio but it ended up as their "music video" since it went so well. You seem like an honest music enthusiast so this won't be the last video of yours I'll be watching. But this thing with the band not giving you what you want and expect is kind of a thing with progressive metal bands. An how they layer multiple songs into one track as well.
Dr Light Productions on RU-vid has easily the best quality UtA live videos, although they don't have Awakening. I think they have 3 or 4 different live songs.
I actually feel like Apex adapts styles of different inspiring metal bands - Apex is Maiden, Matriach is Priest, etc. I didn't get the megadeth vibe but I can see it! Also, check out Northwest Passage to seen them just playing around with different metal cadences. I do love this band tho.
Back in '22, UtA unleased a 5th Anniversary version of the Apex album with the instrumental tracks as well. Outstanding chance to hear and break down all the parts without Brittney's awesomeness taking front stage.
I totally get where you're coming from on the review and assessment. There were areas I would have preferred in a different arrangement or maybe just pushed a little longer or to another inversion. But that's what they decided to do with the song. I dig the band even though I would prefer it slightly different for my personal taste. some bits of the song are almost like a tease. You can totally see the influences and inspirations in the different areas. There are stylistic elements of iron maiden, Racer X, dragonforce, etc...
Tonight we ride and awakening were the first two songs I heard from UtA. It took me a minute to get my head wrapped around Awakening because it was too different from the typical formula. But every exposure I sunk deeper and deeper in to loving this band. Now I’m obsessed. But yeah you’re looking at this the wrong way. You have to get out of the mindset of comparing to other bands. You’re way off with megadeth and Judas Priest, begging for a break from the chaos. You’re trying too hard to be scholarly and critical about music. Appreciate the accuracy and intensity of it and that it leads in to a two album journey that blows your mind.
I thought the same thing when i first heard this "wheres the halftime breakdown "riding the china or ride) definitely sooo much stuff in this song (and band from what other songs ive heard)
Have you ever thought about doing a series on tiktoks? I think it'd be a super cool idea to every so often run through a handful of tiktoks and break them down, I know there are definitely some clips I would love to hear you stroke broadly! There are some seriously impressive creators on there I bet you'd get a kick out of!!
For me,this song is like a tootsie pop or some other hard candy with good in the middle.I really wish it was 14 minutes long.Someone mentioned Helloween.The syncopated guitar bits are awesome to my 80s ears.
So what you are saying is that this song should be built like almost every metal song ever made? What ever happened to originality? Oh wait UTA is original! I respect your opinion but think your a bit off base. I mean is that NOT the problem with so much music these days...that it all sounds the same? Food for thought.
Here’s the live version you may have been looking for, from the Alcatraz Festival in Belgium, 2021. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-lmJSyVFM3_k.htmlsi=l1szCKvBUouM9dch. It is very Megadeth-y and Priest-y in certain sections. I agree with you in general. Some minor changes to the composition could push this over the edge totally. Some off-time drumming, like you suggest, would be awesome. But man, they’re really good. You should check her out singing live with Ayreon in Tilburg 2023.
This might change your opinion a bit. This is the first song on a concept album. 4 songs - I can see that but they are introducing themes for the album. so an intro that leans on four themes works.
