ALARUM – Recontinue
Review by: Shell Dahlia
Review Score: 8.5
Melbourne progressive metal outfit ‘Alarum’ have released their fourth studio album entitled ‘Recontinue.’ This newest addition will keep listeners locked in with complex time signatures, reflection worthy lyrical explorations, instrumental technicality, and amalgamations of an array of music genres which creates the mind challenging, rarefied sound Alarum fans are familiar with. Each band member showcases their technical talent with their instruments throughout each track which is the backbone of this distinguished release. Themes of destruction and devastation created by humanity is balanced with optimism, delving into regeneration, strength, and resilience, making the album well-rounded and relatable.
The opening track ‘Introspective’ plunges you into the depths of progressive music, preparing you for the complexities that are to follow. It starts off with peaceful tranquillity then chops into an energetic, heavier rock style with electrifying solos. This progression creates a nice flow into the following track ‘Imperative.’ Brutality is taken up another level with gritty vocals, fast pace, blistering riffs, and a barrage of blast beats. The song features multiple changes into funky jazz numbers that will please listeners who enjoy the chops and changes of progressive music. Listeners are then taken down a more melodic path with ‘The Visitor’ a composition which embodies a mysterious and otherworldly sound. Listeners are then sling-shotted into a saucy 70’s style jazz with ‘A Lifelong Question,’ the perfect opener for this groovy number. It incorporates crushing, rock-solid metal and magical, intricate riffs, digging it’s claws into the attention of listeners.
With such a captivating first half of the album, the album flows from song to song effortlessly, continuing to showcase Alarum’s unrestricted song writing that will keep you on the edge of your seat wondering where the next change will take you, appealing to both prog newbies and experts alike. On the flip side, harder to wrap your head around if you don’t enjoy the style of progressive music. This album is enjoyable, bold, and exciting. Innovative songwriting that will have you going back for more.
Alarum is:
Mark Palfreyman: Bass / Vocals
John ‘Doug Steele’ Sanders: Guitars, Vocals
Jared Roberts: Drums
Scott Young: Guitars