ALBUM REVIEW: Damaged Souls – Awake The Dreamer

AWAKE THE DREAMER‘s unoffensive brand of modern metalcore has stead them well so far in their career. The Scandinavian’s have built a swelling fan base, as well as making somewhat of a name for themselves on the European festival circuit. As all eyes turn to the bands debut record though – it feels like the quintets sink or swim moment is already upon them. While it may seem premature to suggest that the bands life or death already hangs in the balance – it’s hard to escape the fact that the genre AWAKE THE DREAMER are looking to put a puncture in already seems to have had its day. Bands such as MEMPHIS MAY FIRE, ASKING ALEXANDRIA,and SLEEPING WITH SIRENS to name a few – are outfits that once dominated modern metalcore but have since either fell down the pecking order, or changed musical direction completely.

Instead of questioning where it’s trying to fit in though, it’s worth mentioning that this is a record that does a respectable job of introducing exactly what the Swedes are to the table. And within the bones of Damaged Souls AWAKE THE DREAMER manage to blend their metal, and post-hardcore tropes together to make occasional moments of genuine fervour. Believe‘s lush, delicate opening gives way to the bloodthirsty screams of Max Andren while Atmosphere has a striking change of pace in its chorus which etches itself under your skin.

The ebony and ivory of Your Mind‘s rampant yet soothing tonality is where the quintet sound their most sumptuous though. This isn’t a re-imagination of modern metalcore by any stretch, but the burning vocals of Andren fighting against the pitch intricate riffs of guitarists Alexander Backman and Oscar Jarn is a joyous occasion. These moments are somewhat few and far between though, and Damaged Souls rarely makes any play towards differentiating itself from its peers. Tracks like Blood Red Fists and Far Away may have seemed like invigorating metalcore chops 9 years ago, but by this point they sound undeniably flat. Regardless of how short their tenure – AWAKE THE DREAMER often sound dated throughout Damaged Souls.

Though Damaged Souls isn’t the kind of record that will halt AWAKE THE DREAMER‘s momentum to a complete stop, it does put significant roadblocks in the way of the Swedes development. This is an album that huffs and puffs its way to some ear catching melodies and breakdowns, but for the most part lacks legitimate ingenuity. Once Damaged Souls takes its last breath – it becomes apparent that AWAKE THE DREAMER have hit the gas pedal around a decade too late.

Rating: 6/10

Damaged Souls is out now via Arising Empire. 

Like AWAKE THE DREAMER on Facebook.