After Forever are a Dutch band that formed in the mid-90s and this is their 5^th studio album, albeit their debut for their new label, Nuclear Blast. I hadn’t heard of them before, so was interested to hear something new - and I’m not sure I’ve ever heard anything else quite like them before, which is saying something given my rapidly advancing years, with more than 25 of them being into rock and metal. 

So what makes them so different ?? 

Well to describe their sound is difficult…perhaps Nightwish meets Slayer whilst backed by Metallica’s S&M orchestra. There’s also an epic quality about the songs and intricate keyboard work that Rhapsody would be proud of. So, all in all, a hell of a mixture. 

After Forever are led by the operatic female vocals of Floor Jansen, whilst Death-metal type growls are supplied by guitarist Sander Gommans. The powerhouse rhythm section of Luuk Van Gerven (bass) and Andre Borgman (drums) drives the band along like a runaway train, whilst the keyboard passages supplied by Joost Van Den Broek offer something a bit different and a temporary respite from the otherwise unrelenting aural assault. 

On top of all that, there’s an awesome production job by Gordon Groothedde which is vital for work of this intricacy and all the vocals and instruments are crystal clear, in spite their power. Top job !! 

Opening track “Discord” is an absolute belter that sets the tone for the whole album. Starting with an epic orchestral piece straight from the S&M mould, it then develops into a vocal “duel” between death metal growls and operatic retorts leading to an excellent chorus. This track encapsulates everything the band has to offer, which is a considerable amount. 

Most of the tracks follow a similar pattern to the opener, with an honourable mention for the awesome “Cry With A Smile” which is completely different and has a distinctly Evanescence feel about its power ballad style. 

There are even guest appearances by Doro Pesch and Jeff Waters (Annihilator) to add yet another interesting twist to the equation. 

All fans of female fronted rock, in the vein of Nightwish, Lacuna Coil etc are going to love this album. The vocals are strong and dynamic and need to be to ensure they are not overawed by an absolutely thunderous musical backing throughout. The playing is exemplary throughout and the production ensures everyone gets a fair crack of the whip, which is all you can ask. 

2007 has already seen some incredibly high quality releases and this is yet another to add to that list. I think the end of year awards are going to be unbelievably difficult to judge if things carry on like this…and here’s hoping they do !!!

After Forever is released via Nuclear Blast on April 20th

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Track Listing

Discord
Evoke
Transitory
Energize Me
Equally Destructive
Withering Time
De-Energized
Cry With A Smile
Envision
Who I Am
Dreamflight
Empty Memories

Line Up

Floor Jansen - Vocals
Sander Gommans - Guitars
Bas Maas - Guitars
Luuk van Gerven - Bass
Joost van den Broek - Keyboard
Andre Borgman - Drums