After Forever
Decipher

THE REVIEW

Genre: dark Power Symphonic metal

In the overcrowded environment of symphonic metal, few bands manage to stand out. Among them are the very young After Forever, with an average age of only 20, who have succeeded in creating a masterpiece.
Their music differentiates itself from other compositions in the genre with a guitar that is power-driven in many instances and drums with some prog hints, while always maintaining a dark essence and rich with pompous melodies. And I repeat: THEY DO NOT PLAY GOTHIC METAL: the mistake arises from the fact that After Forever has a female vocalist and a dark atmosphere. I will go track by track:
- Ex Cathedra: a nice intro where the cello sound dominates
- Monolith of Doubth: a wonderful, powerful, and fast piece that reminds me of Nightwish’s works. Floor is truly impeccable. The final high note is beautiful.
- My Pledge of Allegiance #1: a piece with decadent and oriental tones. Floor duets with her brother Mark's growl.
- Emphasis: In this rhythmic but not too much piece, Floor's voice reaches great levels. The whole piece is accompanied by wonderful orchestrations, especially towards the end.
- Intrinsic: Introduced by the sad notes of an oboe, certainly the most emotional piece of the CD, with numerous tempo and atmosphere changes: Floor is divine
- Zenith: a fast piece where Floor duets with Mark. At times, the guitars approach death metal. The intermezzo orchestrations are beautiful.
- Estranged: the fastest, most power, and also the most beautiful track on the album. At times, it’s almost moving.
- Imperfect Tenses: a beautiful and tear-jerking ballad reminiscent of the neoclassical style. Floor duets with a clean voice.
- My Pledge Of Allegiance#2: it is much more rhythmic and, like the first piece, addresses the theme of religion.
- The Key: an excellent piece with very dark tones. The intermezzo between guitar and organ is beautiful, almost like a horror film. The only piece influenced by Gothic.
- Forlon Hope: very fast, very power, but at the same time with decadent tones. It contains the best orchestrations of the record.

Guys, trust me and let yourself be delighted by this wonderful CD! In my opinion, they are the only true heirs of Nightwish, not for genre and atmospheres but surely for class and talent.