The Dawning

'The Dawning' naturally builds on what their last album started, albeit with more unique songwriting and a more open sounding production. The drums are produced very well, with an audible, tight sound. With only one guitarist, the keyboardist becomes all the more crucial, and Everthrone have crafted their music to integrate every musician flawlessly.

This album is really a joy to listen to partly because every instrument has its proper breathing room. The keyboards are used in the perfect capacity. They leave a significant impact, contributing to making so many of the songs so unique, but they never overstep themselves.

"This Great Expanse" and "Consciousness" open the album with great hooks and atmosphere. For those hearing Everthrone for the first time, you will be crooned by vocalist Russell Plyler. His vocals are like lowering yourself into a hot tub that's filled with liquid chocolate instead of water. What he lacks in range he makes up for in spades with terrific tone and charismatic inflections.

"Crimson Gold", a lovely, softer song, has a piano part similar to the main melody of Blind Guardian's "War of the Thrones". "The Anarchist" throws garlic in the coffee, so to speak, with a completely different sound compared to every song prior. The verses are like an interpretation of Dave Mustaine's speaking verses often heard in Megadeth.

Everthrone is a refreshing change of pace from many of the metal bands we get these days. 'The Dawning' is a very solid, well thought out album full of moving songwriting, charismatic vocals, and catchy choruses. Underground metal in the U.S has been making tremendous waves for a long while now, and Everthrone is a credit to that notion. Pick up this album and see (or hear, rather) why.

Highlights: "This Great Expanse", "Consciousness", "Loss", "Word of the Oracle"