Taken from the forthcoming album... ‘In To The Storm’

As a group Awake are soon to be celebrating their 10th Anniversary, the story goes back to 2000 when the first incarnation of the band released their debut album - going under their original name of Humanity. They steadily gained a loyal following and well received tours followed, the band found themselves playing with the likes of Dragonforce, Blaze Bayley and Jeff Scott Soto.

In 2007 the band re-named themselves Awake, and a further 2 albums and critical acclaim saw them tour with Midland’s own Magnum. The band were very taken with their support act, none more than bassist Al Barrow who said of Awake…“Having these guys hit the stage before us was a no brainer. Getting the crowd well worked up and in the mood for some good rock tunes. They’re true gents off stage but a force to be reckoned with when the stage lights go on and these guys do what they do best. Play it live and play it loud. The only way!”

So when I was sent a ‘taster’ from their forthcoming album ‘In To The Storm’ I jumped at the chance to pen a few words about it.

‘Bleed From You’ does not disappoint, the band have certainly honed their craft over the last 10 years. It begins with dramatic swathes of majestic keyboards courtesy of Craig Burkitt, immediately bringing to mind the majesty of such bands as Dream Theater with the ‘Symphonic’ tapestries of  Delain, a band I have recently reviewed, or indeed the afore-mentioned Magnum. Mark Stanway would be impressed. The production tips a nod to the late 80s and early 90s with a real ‘Pomp’ and ‘Crunch’ to it.

Vocally Simon Shedwell has an impressive raw voice, imagine Blaze Bayley melded with Steve Grimmett, and you get a melting pot of colour and flavour, that carries the song with passion and purpose. The guitars of brothers Andy and Steven Coles are the perfect combination of melodic soaring solos and rhythmic riffing. Powerhouse drummer Alex Townsend nails the whole thing down tight with some impressive fills verging on ‘Speed Metal’ at times.

This is an impressive master class in all things ‘Melodic’, ‘Symphonic’ and Hard Rock - a song that soars to the skies and takes us all on the ride of our lives.

The band play a hometown gig in Cambridge at The Haymakers on Saturday November 13th as part of their Anniversary celebrations.