Alas - Absolute Purity
2001 - Martyr Music
By Russell Garwood
Alas have, over the last seven years, been through multiple line up changes. Eric Rutans (Morbid Angel, Hate Eternal, Ripping Corpse) band features former Therion and Dreams Of Sanity vocalist Martina Astner, Howard Davis of Die Krupps and Genitoturers fame and is completed by Scott Hornick who had played with Eric in the final incarnation of Ripping Corpse.
It is perhaps the amalgamation of styles brought by a Berkley-trained bassist, a death guitarist, a rap-influenced drummer and a vocalist who is into trip hop, classical and electronic music that makes Alas such an intriguing band. Written and produced by Eric, his mid-paced riffing is a prominent feature of the music without being too dominant. The vocals are nothing less than brilliant throughout, creating an amazing atmosphere, and the unusual drums and subtle bass - while taking a few listens to acclimatize to - help make this an original and convincing album.
Standout tracks include Absolute Purity, which wonderfully showcases the vocals, The Enchanted, Tragedies, Loss Of A Life and the final track Longing For Destiny. With lyrics such as please forgive me for not being there/I would die to show you, how much I care/Your presence, so very missed this album was clearly written for expression, perhaps a reason Absolute Purity is very different from what many would expect from Eric Rutans death metal background.
Extremely well written, out of the ordinary and hugely emotional, this album is well worth any money you have to spend trying to get a copy.
2001 - Martyr Music
By Russell Garwood
Alas have, over the last seven years, been through multiple line up changes. Eric Rutans (Morbid Angel, Hate Eternal, Ripping Corpse) band features former Therion and Dreams Of Sanity vocalist Martina Astner, Howard Davis of Die Krupps and Genitoturers fame and is completed by Scott Hornick who had played with Eric in the final incarnation of Ripping Corpse.
It is perhaps the amalgamation of styles brought by a Berkley-trained bassist, a death guitarist, a rap-influenced drummer and a vocalist who is into trip hop, classical and electronic music that makes Alas such an intriguing band. Written and produced by Eric, his mid-paced riffing is a prominent feature of the music without being too dominant. The vocals are nothing less than brilliant throughout, creating an amazing atmosphere, and the unusual drums and subtle bass - while taking a few listens to acclimatize to - help make this an original and convincing album.
Standout tracks include Absolute Purity, which wonderfully showcases the vocals, The Enchanted, Tragedies, Loss Of A Life and the final track Longing For Destiny. With lyrics such as please forgive me for not being there/I would die to show you, how much I care/Your presence, so very missed this album was clearly written for expression, perhaps a reason Absolute Purity is very different from what many would expect from Eric Rutans death metal background.
Extremely well written, out of the ordinary and hugely emotional, this album is well worth any money you have to spend trying to get a copy.
