Freya - As The Last Light Drains

Freya is a post-hardcore group formed from three members, Karl Buechner, Erick Edwards, and Bulldog, of the highly influential hardcore band, Earth Crisis. It’s a different type of band than what Earth Crisis fans may expect, a group that mixes dual vocal styles and new song writing techniques with a similar level of energy and heaviness. The impulsiveness of this album comes from “a range of emotions,” rather than ethics, animal rights, and a straight-edge lifestyle that were some main concepts behind Earth Crisis. New guitarist/vocalist Darian Lizotte, compliments Karl’s grating voice with some melodic vocals; it’s a call and response method of incorporating the usual screaming with the new clean rhythmic singing. I think it blends in well on songs like “Glasseating Smile,” but gets in the way for other tracks like “Negative Infinity.” At any rate it’s nice to see Karl Buechner trying out some new ideas. Change is something I always agree with no matter the consequences. As I mentioned above, in regards to the theme of the album being separate from Earth Crisis intellectualism, I feel that it’s a standard thing for bands to claim “emotions” as the core inspiration for a record when not wanting to deal with a message. It’s kind of an easy way out; however, it comes off as truthful and refined on Freya’s record. Perhaps it’s the intensity of the guitars and drums, or perhaps it’s the extensive experience the members already have, as Earth Crisis was actively recording and touring for over ten years. It just seems to make sense. It’s good music, vivacious and fresh. If you’re a fan of Earth Crisis, and you’re looking for something on the same level of energy, you should look into this record. [www.freyamusic.com]