Until The End Album Review

Every now and then an album comes along that surprises with its’ fresh sound and bold song writing. 

Illuminus’ debut album, Until The End, has been the first such surprise of 2012.  The band, led by Aidan Dickens, combine elements not usually found together in rock music to craft an interesting sound that engages you from the get go.

Instead of focussing on pounding rhythms, show off guitar riffs and in your face vocals, Illuminus blend pianos, electronic elements and more.  The resulting sound means that no one member of the band, or instrument, ever feels like they take centre stage so there’s no detracting from the overall sound.

Having seen the band described as heavy rock/metal I was expecting something different to what I got – sure there’s heavy moments, like on Berated, which starts off sounding a little like 90’s Irish rock outfit Therapy? before unleashing some doomy sounding riffs, then pulling it back to a more mellow sound.  But overall the sound is quite mellow, with plenty of ballad-like moments; despite the doomy spin put on it there’s a positivity to the sound that’s refreshing to hear.

My only problem with the album was with the mix, which occasionally leaves some of the instruments sounding muddy, although that’s possibly due to the MP3 download, rather than the production.  Other than that small issue, Until The End is a professional debut from a band that should win fans with their unique sound.