Every so often, every once in a while, it's refreshing for a band to emerge that ignores scenes and trends, that has no gimmicks and just delivers some straight up quality rock 'n' fucking metal...and in 2016, such a band did just that. Formed by vocalist Austin Dickinson out of the ashes of his former band RISE TO REMAIN, he ditched the metalcore, polished everything up and returned with AS LIONS. Completed by members Connor O'Keefe and Will Homer on guitar, bassist Steffan Whiting and drummer Dave Fee, they dropped one of the hottest if not THE hottest EP of the year by the name of "Aftermath" and it showed signs of something truly special. Coupled with blistering sets at Camden Rocks and a huge support slot touring with SIXX: A.M. no less to round of the year, we eagerly anticipate their debut full length. Luckily the wait is not long...does January 2017 offer us an early contender for the album of the year?! Let's see if they deliver on "Selfish Age"...
We open up on familiar territory as "Aftermath" gets us going in style and, greeted like an old friend it sounds just as fresh as it did on the EP. Austin immediately showing his worth with some very clean and melodic yet, simultaneously powerful vocals, switching between the styles from verse to chorus. As proven on the live stage he is a great front-man and he's backed up with some quality hard rock here, the track flows effortlessly and it acts as a quality reminder. The rest of the EP is included too, making up around a third of the album, but lead single "White Flags" is still a truly phenomenal modern rock anthem in every sense of the word that still gives you goosebumps with every listen, and "World On Fire" showing a sense of tenderness many bands wished they could tap into and still sound so hench.
It's the new songs however that are the real test for the London-based 5-piece as everything we've heard before, we know is good, we just want to know if they can keep it up...and believe me they do. The title track is another example of slick, melodic rock mastery. Just like they've shown on the EP we're treated to an incredibly catchy chorus, the rhythm is solid while the balance between soft and angst-driven is perfect. "The Suffering" utilises some genuinely meaty riffs and pummelling drumming, with a more restrained, subdued chorus, flipping the formula without losing any edge, while "The Fall" is again, powerful and hypnotic, almost sensual hard rock, just close your eyes and you will fall...in love with this song...no...this band.
I have said it once before when I reviewed the single for NOIZZE and I'll say it again, Austin does his daddy proud here (yes, he is the son of IRON MAIDEN legend Bruce Dickinson) and really it's no surprise that his showmanship has rubbed off on young Austin. With a powerful, authoritative vocal and a band equally adept, collectively they can do nothing but succeed. "Selfish Age"? It would be selfish of me to not share As Lions with you...if you love great rock music with no frills, no bullshit...then these are the band for you. [9]
We open up on familiar territory as "Aftermath" gets us going in style and, greeted like an old friend it sounds just as fresh as it did on the EP. Austin immediately showing his worth with some very clean and melodic yet, simultaneously powerful vocals, switching between the styles from verse to chorus. As proven on the live stage he is a great front-man and he's backed up with some quality hard rock here, the track flows effortlessly and it acts as a quality reminder. The rest of the EP is included too, making up around a third of the album, but lead single "White Flags" is still a truly phenomenal modern rock anthem in every sense of the word that still gives you goosebumps with every listen, and "World On Fire" showing a sense of tenderness many bands wished they could tap into and still sound so hench.
It's the new songs however that are the real test for the London-based 5-piece as everything we've heard before, we know is good, we just want to know if they can keep it up...and believe me they do. The title track is another example of slick, melodic rock mastery. Just like they've shown on the EP we're treated to an incredibly catchy chorus, the rhythm is solid while the balance between soft and angst-driven is perfect. "The Suffering" utilises some genuinely meaty riffs and pummelling drumming, with a more restrained, subdued chorus, flipping the formula without losing any edge, while "The Fall" is again, powerful and hypnotic, almost sensual hard rock, just close your eyes and you will fall...in love with this song...no...this band.
I have said it once before when I reviewed the single for NOIZZE and I'll say it again, Austin does his daddy proud here (yes, he is the son of IRON MAIDEN legend Bruce Dickinson) and really it's no surprise that his showmanship has rubbed off on young Austin. With a powerful, authoritative vocal and a band equally adept, collectively they can do nothing but succeed. "Selfish Age"? It would be selfish of me to not share As Lions with you...if you love great rock music with no frills, no bullshit...then these are the band for you. [9]
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