CD Review - The Dead Lay Waiting - Almost Heaven
What can I say? The first impression of the English five-piece is anything but impressive, at least in terms of appearance. A mix of "Tokyo Hotel" and "Bravo" styled wannabe rockers that are hard to categorize.
But we want to get the overall impression, so let's wait for the musical development of this recording.
What is this? A nice, dramatic intro from the classic metal corner. And suddenly I am truly positively surprised; the entire preface can be safely forgotten. Finest, raw, and sometimes very extreme metal is being thrown at you here.
However, it is also true that clichés from the emo-metal corner are being served, as shown by the clean vocal parts. Only with one difference compared to many others. "The Dead Lay Waiting" have a knack for melodies that stick. Particularly hit-worthy is the track "Decaying King," which could easily be from "Bullet for My Valentine."
Musical rawness sounds truly different. I still cannot understand why The Dead Lay Waiting are still considered underground, because it is simply wonderful what can be heard here. And there is nothing to criticize in terms of craftsmanship. Finest double bass work, successful riffing on the guitars, and a few solos that would even tangle the fingers of an air guitarist.
And vocally, the harmony of the two vocalists fits in all 14 songs. The clean parts, as already mentioned, stick in your ear. And the growls and shouts are aggressive and full of emotion, which is also reflected in the lyrical content.
Variety is not lacking here either, as shown by the balladesque, classical piano intro before it goes back into the heavy sound of "Choke on Your Words."
With "Almost Heaven," the title track of this CD, the musical surprise ends, but it still has hit potential.
I am very impressed by this CD, but once again it does not get the highest rating because the appearance simply does not match the music. I firmly believe that "The Dead Lay Waiting" want to deliberately mislead you.
