Like a Storm – The End of the Beginning
Like a Storm is a delicious blend of hard rock and alternative sprinkled with electronics and orchestras. One listen to The End of the Beginning and I became a happy little music reviewer. The band gives you that perfect mixture of hard riffs and enchanting melodies. Three Days Grace immediately popped into my mind when trying to define Like a Storm’s sound. But have no fear, there is no copyright infringement here! The band is true to their own form. A common problem I find with many albums is the “halfway through and my interest is waning” scenario. It becomes so easy to follow the music formula and become too repetitive very quickly. That little “problem” is nowhere in sight on The End of the Beginning. The album dances back and forth between fast-paced heavy songs and the quiet and harmonious ones.
“Chemical Infatuation” is highly infectious with its catchy hook and heavy-pounding riffs. It’s one of those perfectly formulated first singles that draws in the fans. One listen to this song and you’ll have to hear the rest of album. Wailing guitar effects and a screaming Chris Brooks make for an intense bridge, and I must resist the urge to start a mosh alone in my room. Chris Brooks’ voice mesmerizes with a signing style similar to that of Chester Bennington of Linkin Park or Pete Loeffler of Chevelle. His raw voice captivates with its intensity.
“Just Save Me” is a heart-wrenching cry for help. Brooks laments, “What have I become? / Can’t face the morning sun / You’re the only one who can pull me out / Save me from myself / Just save me.” The song begins with brutal riffs but quickly subsides. An orchestra showers the backdrop of this touching song. If you’re looking for a way to make those tears come out, just add some violins and violas to any song. The band breaks through in the last few seconds of the song, returning back to where they started. “Galaxy (Rest in Peace)” is another ballad that might get the tears flowing. It only took about three listens before I had the chorus memorized. That orchestra makes another appearance, mixing with the soft edge of the band and culminating with epic intensity. An ode to the death of a loved one, “Galaxy (Rest in Peace)” easily resonates within your heart when Brooks whispers, “Heaven is taking you from me.”
Things go back to the heavy groove on “Make a Stand” “”a song that makes you want to do exactly what the title says. The masses will unite as Brooks calls out to us, “Stand if you’re bored of being abused / Stand if you’re sick of being refused / Stand if you’re tired of feeling used / Stand “˜cause there’s nothing left to lose.” An inspirational chorus of voices shouts along, making for quite an empowering song. The End of the Beginning goes through many ups and downs, reveals to us songs of strength and songs of weakness, but in the end Like a Storm comes out on top. They’ve managed to define their musical style, but also show us they know how to keep their music gripping and engaging. This quartet is not afraid to show us that softer side of rock, as well as the dark and unrelenting side.
Must listen to tracks: “Chemical Infatuation,” “Galaxy (Rest in Peace),” and “Change Tomorrow”
Like a Storm - The End of the Beginning ,
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kristen You can read more about Kristen at her new website http://beerenlightenment.wordpress.com/
Got to see this band a few week ago and they absolutely blew me away. They’re cool dudes too, they definately care about the fans. I hope these guys go places. I definately agree with the 5 star rating, this album is awesome!
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