Astral Tears - Hypnotic
CD Info
2012
Self Released / France
12 Tracks
English Lyrics
Close your eyes, and see if the musician in your head can imagine this: a female-fronted band with the modern alternative metal base of Avenged Sevenfold, the grit of Killswitch Engage, the vocal ethereality of Comalies-era Lacuna Coil, and Middle Eastern influences. Sounds powerful yet entrancing, doesn’t it? Good news for you, then: Such a female-fronted metal band exists. That band is Astral Tears, a quartet from Orleans, France. Astral Tears formed in 2009 with the idea of blending progressive and alternative metal styles with singer Beyza’s Turkish heritage and mesmeric vocals. Using that recipe, the band concocted their debut album Hypnotic and delivered one of this year’s most enthralling spells.
Hypnotic is a fitting title for this record, as it was inspired by the melodic and ethnic aspects of Astral Tears’ music. Some tracks build the metal around the Arabian-flavored acoustics and percussion, while others bust out ethnic traces when you least expect it. As for Beyza, she nails the Arabian vocal technique as if she’s been singing this way since birth. She beguiles with chants and slight tremors without overdoing it on any given song, and her harmonies and tonality are markedly similar to those of Lacuna Coil’s Cristina Scabbia. And what about the metal? The bass, drum, and guitar arrangements range from textured nuances to a full-on assault. Max’s guitarwork on Hypnotic will especially floor the listener. The intensity and dynamics of his performance remind me of Flowing Tears’ Benjamin Buss, one of my all-time favorite guitarists. It should be noted that the unsigned Astral Tears took charge of all phases of the recording process of Hypnotic except for mastering, which was handled by Brett Caldas-Lima of Tower Studios (Megadeth, To-Mera, Arch Enemy). How can you not be impressed by a little-known band that crafts such a commanding sound with little outside help?
After a short intro, Hypnotic breaks into a frenzy with "Hate The Enemy" and catchy first single "Sinner." "Hate The Enemy" in particular races through spiraling riffs and razor-sharp rhythms without drowning out Beyza’s melodies. That’s what makes it such a killer opener; it’s a full-blown metal track with exotic female vocals that turn it into something unique and unforgettable. "Back To Life" and "Tell Me Lies" take a similar approach but have distinct flavors. The former is an anthem of empowerment propelled by throbbing energy and sensual whispers under Beyza’s lead vocal; and the latter bursts out of the desert with distorted riffs from Max and double-kick drumming that succumb briefly for an acoustic guitar / drum passage that would be perfect for bellydancing.
Which brings us to Hypnotic’s greatest strength: captivating the listener with every possible element. The best examples of this are the songs that ooze Middle Eastern charm. "Desire" slithers between careening, synth-graced metal and acoustic balladry complete with hand drums. Beyza trembles and cries out lyrics such as "Come on, hold me tight / Fill me with your light" and "Do not deprive me / Open your emotions," all of which evoke the song’s namesake emotion. "Awake" has a similar ethnic intro to "Desire," but quickly morphs into a rollicking, harmony-laden reminder to seize opportunities and reach one’s full potential. And while not influenced by Middle Eastern music, the ballad "Behind The Curtains" and the instrumental "Obsession" engage the listener with full-bodied guitars, Beyza’s croons and chants, and a balance of light and heavy moments.
Only two songs on Hypnotic aren’t as solid as the others. "End Of My Story" kicks ass as a closer, but it feels like a puzzle with pieces forced into the wrong spots. Jerky differences in tempo and weird changes in key make it impossible for this track to maintain a strong flow. As for "Sinner," it lacks the character that makes other songs on Hypnotic stand out. Beyza sings in a more straightforward manner here; there’s not a hint of Arabian technique throughout the song. Thus, the album’s single is ordinary compared to and isn’t indicative of the rest of the record. If you’ve watched the video for "Sinner" and wondered if the band has anything better to offer, my answer is a resounding "Yes!"
That’s because Hypnotic is a snakecharmer of a record. It draws you in and coils around you, then tightens its grip with Beyza’s allure before the musicians strike with their own serpentine forces. Metaphors aside, Hypnotic is one of the sharpest-sounding, highest-quality debut albums we’re bound to hear this year. Its melodic components will attract fans who are nostalgic for the old Lacuna Coil sound or craving (long overdue) new material from Flowing Tears. Then again, it’s difficult to resist the lure of Astral Tears. Their sandstorm of metal and melody is dark, mysterious, and invigorating – and with a shining-star debut like Hypnotic, Astral Tears should find their place on the French "femme metal" podium next to Kells, Eths, and Whyzdom. Make room, mesdames et messieurs.
9 / 10
Best Songs: "Hate The Enemy," "Desire," "Awake"
Highly recommended for fans of melodic or Middle Eastern influenced metal, or for fans of Kells, older Lacuna Coil (Unleashed Memories through Karmacode), The Gathering, and Flowing Tears
Hypnotic is available now through Amazon, iTunes, or Astral Tears’ webstore on Facebook
