4 Band: The Ascendicate
Album: To Die As Kings
Label: Solid State Records
Reviewed by: Stephen M
I was ecstatic when I first learned that I was going to be reviewing the label debut album of The Ascendicate. As I listened for the first time, I was in awe – my jaw was on the floor.
To Die as Kings is one of most mature sounding debut albums I have ever heard. Similar sounding bands are Haste The Day and Demon Hunter. I realize that some of you may think this is an overstatement, but once you have had a chance to read this review, you’ll see what I am talking about.
The Ascendicate is a melodic hardcore rock/metal band with a unique sound that stands out from other bands in this genre. They bring loads of catchy melodies weaved throughout each song mingling together with unique vocals from Eric Marlowe to create an unparalleled sound. One thing I like a lot is that The Ascendicate has good contrast within their songs – periods of slow, quiet instrumentals/vocals leading up to mind boggling breakdowns (or vice versa), quickly can change the tempo of the song. They aren’t afraid to mix vocal styles – screaming, singing, and even conversation (check out the track “Burden”).
The band’s lyrics are honest and personal. Throughout this CD I was encouraged by them. Each individual track has a different story that I could relate to. Here are a few examples – from the song “Burden” – “Don’t let this burden flee from me, till the lesson is complete, because the pain is changing me who I need to be. About the man I want to be, for all the ones that count on me, because the pain is changing me who I need to be.” From the song “You and Me” – “It’s you and me, just you and me, I want to tell you everything, I want to tell you everything, cause I am so in love with you, I want to fall in love with you. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be, there’s no one here but you and me.”
This album is one of the best debut albums I have heard, and is a very solid release this year. If you like Melodic Metal/Rock be sure to check these guys out on Feb 10th.
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| Phil metalhed, 2 hours ago.
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this is the first solid state release in quite awhile that i’ve been interested in
Good review man. I am looking forward to this one. Hopefully not just another metal release for the sake of putting music out. Please give me some creativity.
This band is great! The have improved theirselves a lot since they were the 7 method… Could somebody tell me where can I find this album’s lyrics?
The lyrics to the album are in the c.d. jacket. I have been listening to them since they were the 7 method also.
Great review and I agree with Stephen’s score, I’d give it about the same.
NOT ANOTHER SOLID STATE METALCORE BAND!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!
They’re so much more than Metalcore. Just give the whole album a listen.
So excited for the tour. The guy’s are incredible. Fresh, solid, comforting. We are #1FANS. Their lyrics to “Burden” are teaching me who I need to be.!! What an inspiration. Something everyone need’s today. Keep it going with the Lord. He will keep it going with you. Love ya guy’s.
Congrats on the review guy’s. Got your CD and shirt ordered, exicted to get it, but to fat to wear the shirt(LOL!!) Tori will like it anyway . I proud of all you guy’s exspecally Ryan , but I may be a little partical being he’s my nephew! Keep up the good work , I’m pulling full bore for you guys
are these guys going on big tour? I havent heard this?? just curious?
“Burden” is pretty cool; “The Scottish Song” is okay. I might check this out if I have extra funds.
im getting tired of the term metalcore….
its like if some one isnt playing black metal or Thrash, or punk it is all the sudden metalcore…
Saw your show in Joplin, Loved it. You are all fabulous fellows. Love you all, especially Ryan. Granny from Missouri
Impressed with the sound, not usually my “kind” of music, but enjoyed “Burden”. If you ever make it to south Texas or western Oregon, would like to know so could arrange to see you.
10/1o
You guys did a great job in Joplin!! We really enjoyed the show. Can’t wait to see you all again.
We love you Ryan, Aunt Lori,Uncle Ken, and Matt.
i dont know. ive listened to scottish a couple times but thats it. it sounds good, and i like the album art, but id like to stream the whole album before buying.
6.792/10. I just can’t get into this. I bought the album but have been pretty disappointed. I don’t like the singers voice so much and some of the slower songs are very boring / generic :(
…and I hope it’s gonna grow on me. I want this to be a good album :)
Well I like it Fusse.
It didn’t blow me away or anything, but I think it’s a decent debut.
Picked it up, decent record … not amazing, but good enough to keep in the collection.
I noticed that album bass was played by Marshall , but their bass player is David, could David not cut it in the studio or something? What’s the story there?
Marshall is the left the band shortly after the recording of the record. David is his replacement
yes, i agree verymuch so with your review.
i got it randomly oneday at the local christian bookstore
and i melted after listening to this cause it was so good
so lately i been buying all my friend’s this for their bdays lol
personally i thought this album was insane i loved it especially the solo on the last song almost made me cry lol it was awesome