After nearly a lifetime away Aftermath is back with a brand-new
album. Many newer fans may have a
difficult time understanding where the band may be coming from whereas as the long-time
fans will get it right away. The reason
for that is that Eyes of Tomorrow album was the only recording available from Aftermath
for many years, and everyone assumed that’s the way the band always
sounded. Wrong! Aftermath was a speedcore band upon their
formation, and as the time went on, they matured and changed. The new album offers a fine mix between the old
and new with more push towards harder and faster material. In recent years, the old Aftermath recordings
are surfacing again, so the fans may get to know the whole history.
This is a very interesting record. Not only is it musically intense but it bears
a very deep lyrical message. As the life
went on, the band members found themselves questioning the reality, politics,
and all shady deals that go on under the table.
It does not produce a pretty picture, and that’s what Aftermath is
focusing on this album. It’s all one big
conspiracy in the eyes of (tomorrow.)
The lyrics will certainly make you think, and question your immediate
surroundings. Also, the manner in which
it is delivered is very angry and in your face.
Despite the long absence from the scene the band still
sounds technically superb. Instrumentally,
the band members deliver the goods on every single track. Singer, Kyriakos-Charlie Tsiolis, adjusts his
delivery and tone to fit the individual tracks.
Tsiolis works hard here to get his point across, and his performance
truly reflects that. Drummer, Ray
Schmidt, is just unstoppable. One of the
fastest drummers ever, and his attention to detail is second to none. Guitarist, Steve Sacco, just burns with
plethora of riffs, some at a break-neck speed.
Bassist, George Nektarios Lagis, completes the line up with a very solid
bottom end. Aftermath is a well-oiled
machine ready to go to war!
There is Something Wrong is a record that requires a lot
from the listener. It’s also a record
that opens a new perspective with each listen.
It does make you feel very uncomfortable at times, and it’s like a code
that needs to be broken. And that’s your
job as a listener. The album feels very
fresh, and very much apart from what we are being served in 2019. Intriguing and very much against the current!
Mark Kadzielawa
