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Tracklist
1. Disbelief
2. Retribution
3. Crime Of Passion
4. Choices In Time
5. Begin Again
6. The Price You
Have To Pay
7. Dream Within
8. Illumination
9. Forgiven Now
Forever
10. My Last Goodbye
11. Shadows
Line-up
Simon Shedwell (lv,
bv)
Richard Hall (lg, rg,
ag, bv)
Chris Le Mottee (b)
Craig Burkitt (k,
pi)
Alex Townsend (d, p)
Review added
July 3, 2007
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AWAKE
Illumination
© 2007 Lion Music
(LMC209)
progressive metal
studio album
11 tracks - TT 48:50
release date: June
15, 2007
http://www.awakemusic.net
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Awake is
a progmetal band from
the UK, which was known
as Humanity until a year
ago. Despite their
average age of 18, the
six band members quickly
gained a reputation on
the local club circuit
(Cambridge) for their
professional and
captivating live act. In
2003 they hooked up with
Killin Time Management,
which led to their debut
album “When Silence
Calls” being recorded by
Peter Coleman and
released by Carbon 13
Records. Both the fans
and the press liked the
album, but after a UK
tour and a couple of
festivals the label went
broke.
In 2005 Humanity
appeared on the
Bloodstock Open Air
festival, where they
became friends with Tom
S. England and the other
band members of Evergrey.
Instead of searching for
a new record deal and
then record a new album,
it was decided to do
things the other way
round. Killin Time
contacted Division One
Studios in Gothenburg
and both the band and
its management were very
happy that Tom S.
Englund jumped at the
proposal of recording
and producing Humanity’s
second album.
Just before the band
were off to Sweden,
guitarist Steve Wallace
was asked to leave the
band and the remaining
five band members took
this opportunity to
change the name of the
band into Awake.
“Illumination”, recorded
over a period of two
months and recently
released by Lion Music,
counts 11 tracks that
can be described as a
slightly dark variant of
progressive metal,
characterized by heavy,
modern guitar riffs and
some catchy parts.
Keyboards are also
present, but only in
order to create a much
bigger sound. With
additional backing
vocals from Tom S.
Englund and (the band’s
own engineer) Arnold
Lindberg, “
Illumination” is
certainly a worthy
addition for your (progmetal)
collection. And for the
fans of Evergrey:
guitarist Hendrik
Danhage is playing a
guest solo on “Forever
Now Forever”, which is
one of the better tracks,
together with opener
Disbelief (watch the
video on
http://www.myspace.com/awakemusic
), “Choices In Time”
(excellent intro), “The
Price You Have To Pay”
and the ballads “Begin
Again” and “My Last
Goodbye”. Lion Music has
already introduced us to
some excellent progmetal
bands and Awake is
certainly a fine
addition to their ever
expanding roster. ( CL)
www.rockreport.be
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Awake: Illumination
Dream Theater meets Evergrey on this brand new release from the UK's Awake. Illumination is their debut album under the Awake name, as they were previously known as Humanity. Produced by Evergrey's Tom Englund and recorded & mixed at Division One studios in Gothenburg, Sweden, Illumination is a very mature and professional sounding progressive metal platter, filled with stunning instrumental parts and soaring melodies, two key ingredients to a successful release. Lead vocalist Simon Shedwell has a voice that is amazingly similar to Englund's (who by the way also adds some backing vocals on the album, and fellow Evergrey mate Hendrik Danhage contributes a guest guitar solo on "Forgiven Now Forever"), so fans of classic Evergrey will love this right off the bat.
Kick off track "Disbelief" is a memorable, moody, prog-metal gem, featuring syncopated riffs and polyrhythms often associated with Dream Theater, but with that gothic, dark feel that Evergrey often employs. The chorus is highly addictive, and you'll find yourself singing along even with the first listen. "Choice in Time" is an atmospheric piece with emotional vocals and layers of keyboards from Craig Burkitt, and "Begin Again" is a gorgeous ballad that again sees Shedwell vocals and Burkitt's piano & synths taking center stage, really showing the band's tender side quite nicely. Fear not though, as there are plenty of symphonic, complex prog-metal numbers here, including "The Price You Have to Pay", "Dream Within", "Retribution", "Shadows", and the amazing title track. The rhythms as tight, and the arrangements are complex, but don't expect endless wankery here, as these guys are more about melodies, atmosphere, and precision. However, there are lots of stunning instrumental parts-listen to the band really digging into a groove together on "Shadows" before guitarist Richard Hall rips into a mind-blowing solo, or the unison guitar/keyboard parts on "My Last Goodbye" while drummer Alex Townsend flails away. Very solid and enjoyable stuff indeed.
As has been the case in recent times, Lion Music seems to be finding some terrific progressive metal bands, and Awake are certainly one to add to the list. Illumination proves that there should be a bright future ahead for these upstarts from the United Kingdom, so pick up a copy and see what all the fuss is about.
Track Listing
1. Disbelief
2. Retribution
3. Crime of Passion
4. Choices in Time
5. Begin Again
6. The price you have to pay
7. Dream within
8. Illumination
9. Forgiven now forever
10. My last goodbye
11. Shadows
Added: June 23rd 2007
Reviewer: Pete Pardo www.seaoftranquility.org
Score:  |
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Awake
–
Illumination
2007 Lion Music
It’s no surprise that this band’s name would indicate the grassroots progressive metal approach, but we won’t go into those details. Anyways, British quintet Awake take the musical route that Fates Warning might have gone, had they not have delved deep into concepts, save for a sound that is comparable to Redemption, Age of Nemesis, Sun Caged, & mid-period Evergrey.
Darkness encompasses Illumination with musical depth led by the low tenor of Simon Shedwell and the six string splendor of Richard Hall, who often layers his riffs to create dueling leads. This platter offers up the balance between brooding hard edged numbers and balladry, which casts the pall, creating the shadowy vibe that encompasses the record. The sorrowful “Choices in Time,” the piano ballad “Begin Again,” & the atmospheric “Forgiven Now Forever” provides Illumination’s mournful edge, while its straightforward prog-metal epics like “Shadows,” “The Price You Have to Pay,” and “Dream Within” that present the metallic grind, harboring the perfect setting for whatever mood is needed.
Guests include Hendrik Danhage, Arnold Lindberg, and Tom S. Englund, for which Englund also produced the record, attributing to the Evergrey comparisons. Illumination is a mysteriously dark album that invokes melodic intrigue and will certainly ‘awaken’ the senses, pardon the pun.
Added:
June
15th
2007
Reviewer:
Tommy
Hash
www.ytsejam.com
Score:
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Awake -
Illumination
(Lion
Music)
By: Joe
Florez |
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Is this
the UK’s
version
of
Evergrey?
When I
read
that in
the bio,
I was
both
excited
and
nervous.
The
reasons
are
simple
enough.
I love
Evergrey
and if
they can
match
the
music
with
powerful
voice, I
would be
in
heaven.
At the
same
time,
you
don’t
want a
replica
of
something
already
so
original
and
unique.
Also,
you
don’t
want to
be
disappointed
if the
results
are
dismal
in the
end. So,
I was
excited
to pop
this in
and what
I got
out of
it was
awesome.
Lead cut
“Disbelief”
has
keyboard
ambience
along
with a
jamming
riff
that
will
have you
headbanging.
The
drumming
is
pretty
simple
and when
we get
to
Simon’s
vocals,
it’s
pretty
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wild. He
does
possess
the
capabilities
of one
Tomas
Englund,
but it’s
not as
deep or
passionate.
And that
is a
good
thing.
The
singing
on here
is more
subtle,
but
oddly
enough
has an
originality
all its
own.
Surprisingly
enough
the
overall
sound
and
singing
is great
and fans
of the
Swedes
should
eat this
up as I
am right
now.
“Retribution”
is a
real
classy
number
that not
only
incorporates
progressive
metal in
the mix,
but
acoustic
guitar
work
that is
second
to none
as well
as some
fine
ivory
keyboard
work
that
shifts
from
neo-classical
to just
haunting.
“Crime
Of
Passion”
takes a
turn for
the
darker
as the
music is
slightly
heavier
infusing
double
bass
drumming
at
times,
but the
overall
mood
isn’t
pretty,
but I
like it.
Simon’s
lung
work
really
shows an
impact
on
“Begin
Again”
which is
an
acapella
ballad
that
only has
a piano
included
in the
song.
His
voice
can
really
bring a
tear to
the eye
and add
some
minor
string
work
during
the solo
and you
have a
really
effective
number
that’s
powerful
and
emotion
packed.
Jesus
Christ!
Each
well
designed
tune on
here is
worthy
of your
attention.
There
are
plenty
of tempo
changes
on each
song to
keep
things
fresh
and
enlightening.
Even
though
the
comparisons
are
noticeable,
they
aren’t a
complete
carbon
copy.
Awake go
down
their
own path
and
besides,
it can’t
be
helped
since
Tomas
and
their
engineer
Arnold
sing
backing
vocals
and
handled
all of
their
production
duties
including
guitarist
Henrik
making a
solo
appearance
on
“Forgiven
Now
Forever.”
Basically,
if the
Evergrey
guys
think
this is
worthy
of being
worked
on, then
it must
be good.
Word
will
probably
spread
fast
about
this one
and for
once any
hype
given is
definitely
spot on
and I am
going to
throw my
hat into
this
one. A
must
have and
listen!
Discover
the next
best
thing
before
everyone
else
does.
www.lionmusic.com
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www.awakemusic.net
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AWAKE ‘Illumination’
Lion Music (2007)
www.lionmusic.com
Awake are UK prog metal band Humanity
under a new name and minus guitarist
Steve Wallace. The album is produced by
Evergrey’s Tom Englund, who also adds
backing vocals along with fellow
Evergrey band member Hendrik Danhage
guesting on ‘Forgiven Now Forever’.
Musically it is very Evergrey in feel
from the vocals of Simon Sahdwell
through to the mix of guitar riffs and
keyboards throughout the album.
‘Disbelief’ and the brooding ‘Begin
Again’ are definite stand out tracks.
Like Evergrey Awake are aggressive
sounding but manage this without the
need for screaming vocals or distorted
guitars. There is a real menace in the
air behind each songs delivery. That
said the songs can sometimes sound too
much like Evergrey, which is no bad
thing but this might hinder the band who
some may see as mere clones and they are
not.
Certainly worth getting for lovers of
well crafted progressive metal and of
course Evergrey fans!
***1/2
Jason Ritchie
www.getreadytorock.com
Rating:
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Awake - Illumination
15 June 2007
01.
Disbelief
02.
Retribution
03. Crime
of Passion
04.
Choices in Time
05. Begin
Again
06. The
price you have to pay
07. Dream
within
08.
Illumination
09.
Forgiven now forever
10. My
last goodbye
11.
Shadows
Recorded and mixed at Division One
studios, Gothenburg, Sweden
Produced by Tom S. Englund
Engineered by Arnold Lindberg
Recorded by Tom S. Englund, Arnold
Lindberg and Richard Hall
Mixed by Tom S. Englund and Arnold
Lindberg
Mastered at Bohus Mastering Sweden
Awake, until last year known as
Humanity are an English progressive
band and want to make themselves
known by capitalising on their
already growing fan base. This is
the band's first album under the
name of Awake and third overall.
Expectations were quite good for
this album, I wanted to listen to
some progressive music and I wanted
to learn of another English band -
and in some ways the band have
satisfied me and in others they
haven't.
Opening track "Disbelief" is ok but
to tell the truth I was hoping and
expecting something with a bit more
spice in it to make sure they have
our attention right from the
beginning but after a few listens
now this track just seems like a
rather average way to open an album.
"Retribution" kicks in though with
heavy guitars and now we feel like
we have finally kicked into gear and
going to get down to business. The
album unfortunately doesn't stay as
consistent as I would like though,
there are some songs that you have
forgotten about by the time the next
song starts but there are also some
nice songs that are nice to take
note of. "Begin Again" is not a
heavy track but has good singing and
piano/keyboard to back it up and
this is also followed by "The Price
You Have To Pay" which again isn't
the sort of song that will make you
sit up in your seat but it does have
some certain charm to it that I
can't put my finger on - it is quite
possibly the singing in the track.
The vocals of the whole album are
maybe a little laid back sounding;
they certainly aren't as flamboyant
as in plenty other bands. After an
average "Dream Within" that's
opening riff triggered alarms of
Primal Fear's "The Immortal Ones"
(I'm sure it's a coincidence) we can
safely predict what the music of the
rest of the album will be like.
This is not typical progressive
metal; this is much more of a heavy
album. There are not so many changes
in the music and not so much
musicianship that really makes you
go "wow!" but this somewhat of a
solid album and I am sure is more
accessible to people who like this
sort of heavy music that is not
in-your-face and demanding all of
your attention with every song and
in some ways you could maybe say it
is more commercial in that way. The
album may sound a little bit like
Dream Theater's "Awake" album in
places and maybe in some places the
keyboards are a little Masterplan
like too.
I feel I am being maybe a little too
negative with this overview of the
album, the vocals really make songs
like "Forgiven Now Forever" and "My
Last Goodbye" more enjoyable and
overall the album is not bad at all.
It is produced very well and the
band present themself here in a very
professional way as well. After my
first listen I didn't really find
much to enjoy about the album but
after giving it a few more times
around it has warmed to me and
certainly like I just mentioned,
songs like "My Last Goodbye" can be
very enjoyable and pleasant indeed,
the last song on the album "Shadows"
is also a good highlight of the
album.
I would recommend this to people who
like not so in-your-face metal, and
do enjoy good heavy metal,
progressive metal and even hard rock
music. Just don't go into this album
expecting some explosion of an
album, or something that will
totally blow you away, although this
album is enjoyable it just doesn't
have that extra, cutting edge idea
that maybe bands need nowadays to
get the amount of attention that
they deserve.
www.metalstorm.ee
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