Back 4 years after their label debut, UK progressive metal act Awake return with their brand new opus ‘Forever More’ via Lion Music on 14th October 2011.
Taking a step onwards from their debut ‘Illumination’, Awake have delivered a heavier grittier sound second time round that retains the melodies and depth of its critically acclaimed predecessor. ‘Forever More’ also marks the first album recorded with new guitar duo, the brothers Andy and Steven Coles who have brought stability to the band not to mention bringing a new dimension to heavier sound heard on the new album.
With a score of live dates including tours with Evergrey and Magnum under their belts, not to mention live sessions on BBC Radio, Awake have been going from strength to strength in the run up to the new albums creation.
The journey for this album started around a year after ‘Illumination’ was released. The bands former guitarist left (Richard Hall) and the group were keen to move on with new members when writing the new album. After thorough and extensive auditioning Andy Coles joined around June 2008 and the early ideas for the new album were formed. ‘Release Me’ was the first song written and came from a keyboard ‘riff’ that Craig came in with. Steven Coles joined the band by February 2009 and a break in writing was taken for the band to go out on the road with Magnum again. After this writing resumed and the album took shape over the next year or so. Pre-production took place in February 2010, final adjustments were made (including the inclusion of female backing vocals-Jennifer Hardy), and full recording took place April/May 2010.
On ‘Forever More’ lyrical slant the band state, “we wanted to convey our own personal experiences with love and loss and the hardships you face when you lose someone close to you. We hope that this is something people in general can relate to and we hope they can find meaning within the songs”.
Forever More is an emotional album written by musicians that are fully dedicated to Awake and pushing the boundaries of what they do. It can on one hand be perceived as a very sad album and there are moments that will touch the heart strings, but at the same time its extremely powerful and meaningful. It’s an album we all can relate to and interpret for our own situation, not just in the words but also in the use of keys and guitar. ‘Forever More’ packs a sonic punch musically and emotionally and it’s a package that will be warmly welcomed by music fans worldwide on 14th October 2011.
(source - Awake management)
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