ARRIVAL OF AUTUMN unleashes a storm of Extreme Metal in ‘Kingdom Undone’: An album that captivates with its sonic power and overflowing intensity
Bands with compound names spark curiosity and respect in the metal world. If they also have a unique meaning or concept, they generate particular interest. That’s exactly what happened to me with a band called ARRIVAL OF AUTUMN, which translates to “The Arrival of Autumn.” The name evokes a season of transition in meteorological terms. Furthermore, their new production is titled “Kingdom Undone,” suggesting that they apply the idea that a title can capture attention and interest, but in this case through extreme music.
ARRIVAL OF AUTUMN hails from Alberta, a Canadian city located in the northern part of the American continent, near Alaska. This explains the glacial and cold climate that predominates in the area, which may have influenced the band’s name.
The band members are Jamison Friesen, in charge of the diverse vocals, Brendan Anderson and Ryan Sorensen on guitars, Liam Frith on bass, and Ty Fox on drums. In their second production, “Kingdom Undone,” they fully embrace their technical metalcore proposal, with a notable melodic sensibility. The intensity with which they execute their music is of considerable quality.
The album began to take shape in late 2021 at MARK LEWIS STUDIOS in Hendersonville, Tennessee, owned by Mark Lewis and a place where bands like WHITECHAPEL, HAVOK, and CANNIBAL CORPSE have passed through. As an anecdote, it is where MEGADETH’s debut album, “Killing Is My Business… and Business Is Good!” was recorded in 1985. Therefore, the mature and high-quality sound is guaranteed. ARRIVAL OF AUTUMN also added their finishing touches in their own studios in Grande Prairie, Alberta, their hometown. Mr. Lewis was also involved in the production, mixing, and mastering, along with the band. Travis Smith, not the former drummer of the band TRIVIUM, from the company SEEMPIECES, was in charge of the artwork. He has been illustrating album covers for almost three decades due to his incredible quality and unique talent. He has recently worked with DEVIN TOWNSEND, LAMB OF GOD, KATATONIA, OVERKILL, OPETH, and MEGADETH, showcasing incredible quality and skill. All of this is supported by the German record label and distributor, NUCLEAR BLAST RECORDS.
“Kingdom Undone” is notable wherever you look.
In an interview, they stated the following: “After many obstacles and moments of uncertainty, we are revitalized, refocused, and ready to finally show the world what we’ve been working on! ‘Kingdom Undone’ is ARRIVAL OF AUTUMN in full force. This is our masterpiece, and we are excited to perform these songs for you on the road.”
Their vocalist, Mr. Friesen, added: “We’re very excited to release the first song from our upcoming album ‘Kingdom Undone’, ‘Scars’, which is about being real with the people around you and stopping pretending to be something you’re not. No matter what’s out there, it’s about having the courage to not hide who you are. We look forward to playing it on our upcoming tours.”
We find eleven tracks on this album, none of which can be labeled as residual or wasteful. Each one is suitable and timely in its appearance throughout its duration. We start with the single from this production, “Scars.”
The initial power is commendable, as all the instrumental sections are well executed. The guitar distort.
The guitar distortion and heavy drumming create a forceful and captivating opening for “Scars.” The song immediately showcases ARRIVAL OF AUTUMN’s technical prowess and their ability to blend melodic elements with aggressive metalcore. The vocals of Jamison Friesen are dynamic, ranging from guttural growls to soaring clean melodies, adding depth and emotion to the track.
As “Scars” progresses, the intensity builds, and the band seamlessly transitions between blistering riffs and melodic hooks. The lyrics delve into themes of authenticity and self-acceptance, encouraging listeners to be true to themselves and not hide behind a facade. The message is delivered with conviction, matching the raw energy of the music.
Moving through the album, each track maintains a high level of intensity and musical craftsmanship. Songs like “Witness” and “Apocalyptic” showcase the band’s ability to create intricate guitar work and tight rhythmic patterns, while tracks like “Better Off Without” and “Blackout” bring forth memorable choruses that invite audience participation.
The production quality of “Kingdom Undone” is impeccable, with a clear and powerful sound that allows each instrument to shine. The guitars have a sharp edge, the bass provides a solid foundation, and the drums are thunderous, all working together to create a wall of sound that engulfs the listener. The vocals are well-balanced, allowing the lyrics to be heard and understood amidst the heaviness of the music.
Lyrically, ARRIVAL OF AUTUMN explores a range of themes, including personal struggles, inner demons, and societal issues. The introspective and introspective nature of the lyrics adds depth and emotional resonance to the music, connecting with listeners on a personal level.
“Kingdom Undone” is an album that demands attention and rewards repeated listens. ARRIVAL OF AUTUMN’s ability to seamlessly blend technicality, melody, and aggression sets them apart in the metalcore genre. Their songwriting skills and musicianship shine through each track, showcasing their growth and maturity as a band.
With their powerful and captivating sound, ARRIVAL OF AUTUMN is poised to make a significant impact in the metal scene with “Kingdom Undone.” Fans of melodic metalcore and extreme metal will find much to appreciate in this album, as it offers a relentless sonic experience that leaves a lasting impression.
As the album comes to a close with the epic track “Shadow Soul,” ARRIVAL OF AUTUMN solidifies their place as a force to be reckoned with in the metal world. “Kingdom Undone” is a testament to their dedication, talent, and unwavering passion for creating music that resonates deeply with listeners.
