Abyss
The keyboards change the colour of Unleash The Archers on Abyss. The sound becomes brighter and more futuristic while the guitars keep working hard underneath. The band use that extra layer for atmosphere and melody. This sequel to Apex feels like an expansion of the same world, with enough character of its own.
The quiet Waking Dream builds tension before the title track properly takes off. The transition gives Brittney Slayes' powerful singing plenty of room. Her voice remains a steady centre as the instrumental parts become busier. Through Stars makes the melody more accessible, with an easy-to-follow chorus and guitar work that maintains the momentum.
The band can still move fast too. Faster Than Light lives up to its name through rapid drums and lively guitar playing. The technical passages stay connected to clear melodies. Elsewhere, harsh vocals and heavier riffs provide contrast, keeping the keyboards from pulling the sound entirely towards a lighter approach.
The Wind that Shapes the Land takes more time. It moves between quiet, emotional passages and much more aggressive playing. This gives the album a suitably large moment, although the transitions do not all feel equally natural. Other expansive sections sometimes pile up so many ideas that a simpler approach might have made a stronger impression.
Still, Abyss offers much more than scale. Its strongest songs connect the new sounds to convincing choruses and a clear structure. Slayes gives the music force without demanding all the attention. Listeners who mainly valued the darker sound of Apex may need time to adjust to the keyboards. The melodies and strong performances make that adjustment worthwhile. Unleash The Archers keep their familiar energy and find enough new space around it to move forward.
