After Evolution – War Of The Worlds
Release Date: 17th June 2022
Label: Wormholedeath Worldwide
Genre: Symphonic Metal, Melodic Metal, Orchestral Metal.
FFO: Evanescence, Nightwish, Epica, Within Temptation.
Review By: Mark Waight
War Of the Worlds by After Evolution is an epic 11-part retelling of the classic story, using Symphonic Metal at its very best to portray the feelings and emotions of the books main character from a new and interesting perspective. The whole album creates a fascinating image in your mind as you listen, and your love of it will grow more each time you hear it.
After Evolution is Nickolette Olsson (Composer, Vocals and Piano), Michal Matzner (Guitars), Adam Bitto (Bass) and Vic Janas (Drums).
First up is the title track, War Of The Worlds, which is a fast-paced hard hitting tune with heavy bass undertones and an epic, synth-laden backdrop – perfect to get the album started! The Path is an equally fast-paced track but with much more focus on Nickolette Olsson’s vocals, giving a very Evanescence feel to it. Cursed is an enchanting, slower song with a lovely piano composition creating a beautiful atmosphere against some nice gentle guitar playing. Librum Fortitude picks up the pace once again with a smooth orchestral opening, followed by a thunderous bass line and some top-notch shredding from guitarist Michal Matzner.
Once Upon A Time slows things up a little but has some added guttural grunts in the mix, giving it a dark and despairing emotional feel. Final Hope is probably my favourite track due to the inclusion of some more traditional instruments along with stunning vocals, giving it a very Celtic/folk feel.
Dark Side is just that, a very dark, moody and beautifully gothic song, placed perfectly on the album. Infinity Flames combines some more guttural vocals to contrast Nickolette Olssons angelic voice in a very effective dark/light harmony. Nothing Left But Pain is a fantastic song that will inspire the warrior spirit inside, that lifts us all when things are at their most desperate. The Victory is the curtain closer, and it does not disappoint, with an awesome orchestral composition forming the background to a much more uplifting but still sombre track.
Considering this album was written over a very short period of time, War Of The Worlds by After Evolution is a superb piece of musical art that many people will grow to appreciate if it gets the exposure it deserves. Definitely a must-have for all fans of Symphonic Metal.
(4 / 5)
