ALAS
'Uusi Vuosi'
exclusive album premiere
For fans of: Raein, Suis La Lune, Chalk Hands, Trachimbrod, ∞, Vi Som Alskade Varandra Sa Mycket, and Daitro
Order 12" from:
zilpzalp records (Europe, no store just send them a msg)
Email: zilpzalp.records@gmail.com
Instagram: instagram.com/zilpzalp__records
Zegema Beach Records (USA/Canada)
Instagram: instagram.com/zilpzalp__records
Zegema Beach Records (USA/Canada)
Are you ready? You aren't? No, I don't think many people expected the debut 12"LP by Finland's ALAS to be as truly incredible as it is. We're talking Raein, La Quiete, Suis La Lune, all of those defining screamo bands...add Alas to the list. Cuz they fucking nailed this sucka. No breakdowns, no chugs, no panic chords, no death growls, 'Uusi Vuosi' is just soaring, majestic, epic, Finnish screamo done better than you've heard in a very, very long time. Order above from one of the fantastic labels in your country/area and stream the album in full below along with a song-by-song review. Digitals go live on bandcamp Monday June 27th at 9am PST / 11am CST / 12pm EST.
(2022) ALAS 'Uusi Vuosi'
1) Uusi Vuosi
The opener and title track was released soon after the band finished up the album, and is dancey, very positive and light-hearted ala Suis La Lune and Trachimbrod's 'Leda'. Love the guitars that sound like shooting stars.
2) Odottavan Aika
This one begins with beautiful instrumentals reminscent of later-era Raein and full-blown screams before throwing some unstable, wavering solo notes amidst the gorgeous screamo/post-hardcore/shoegaze fusion. Oh and the outro has a made La Quiete vibe which always gets me salivating.
3) Ristiaallokko
The third track is perhaps my pick for the best song on the album. It has much more piercing guitars and is generally a faster/more aggressive jam that slides into Via Fondo and Trachimbrod territory. You'll find this song on the upcoming Zampler #19.
4) Pantomiimit
This is a very groovy, driving song with a lot of shoegaze similarities save the awesome screaming and faster drumming. Again, those spacey guitars really take these songs to the next level and add ethereal layers that are both comforting and mesmerizing, especially the second half.
5) Kaikki On Sees
This stellar song was previously released on the 2021 4-Way split 12" with To Be Gentle, Armywives, and Mirin Bide. It is the fastest song on here and could be even be likened to "diet emo-violence", but draws on immense melody and guitar/bass interplay amidst the turbo drums.
6) Muisti On Oikukas Kone
A slightly weird, disjointed track that does a great job of creating a bit of uneasiness amidst all that beauty. It reminds me of ∞ with that dreamlike guitar tone, lulling outro but perhaps the darkest song on the record.
7) Syysjää
The slowest burn on the album is this seventh track, which toys with the listener until the two-minute mark when it explodes in an extremely well-calculated use of song dynamics. What an ending, holy moly!
8) Niin Kuin Mekin Nyt
The previously released closer and by far the longest track on the record is "Niin Kuin Mekin Nyt", and it does not disappoint. The epic and melodic capabilities on this track are excellent, building and swelling like a dying star, which reminds me of a cross between Vi Som Alskade Varandra Sa Mycket and Envy. Wonderfully done.
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