Band: Dawn Heist
Release: Catalyst (Album)
Release Date: Out Now
Having only formed in 2010, the relatively under-the-radar Sydney born five piece – better known as Dawn Heist – bring us their debut album ‘Catalyst’. Their first ever single, ‘Nine Worlds‘ was released back in 2011 off their debut EP Timewave Zero, and since then they’ve tour their part of the world extensively, only making it over to the UK in 2012 with Dark Tranquillity. Though hopefully this album should see that change.
Kicking things off with ‘Ascension’, the groove and electronic metallers make it clear why they stand out from the rest. It’s a fairly untouched area of music, but they seem to be doing a good job of creating an alternative version of an electronic and metal crossover. ‘Zenith’ sees the pace pick up and the vocals pushed to an admirable limit.
Apart from being a great song name, ‘Escaping The Cornucopia’, is full of greatness in terms of the instrumentals, but the pace is a bit lacking. Though the flow is altered as we hear ‘Synthetic Zion’ which is kitted out with some chunky riffs and rhythms that work really well. The contrast between the vocal qualities is brilliant in this track, ranging from throaty screams and old school clean vocals – not too polished but with a gritty feel.
Midway track ‘Mirrors’ boasts a huge chorus full of decent production and vocals that melt into the fierceness of the other instruments. However, ‘Serescape’ begins with a lengthy instrumental portion, and then the discordant vocals and melodies elapse, but this just ends up sounding a bit tired.
‘Reflections’ starts with a lick of piano, but once the chorus hits, the distortion-heavy guitars riff their way through the rest of the song making it all the bit more fierce. In ‘Apostle’ the band play with slightly clashing melody lines, but then introduce fresh and neater sounding vocals in the chorus.
Ending on ‘Prologue’, with what sounds like a tattoo gun hum as the base noise during the entire song, the delicate and Alexisonfire-esque guitars layer nicely to create a great album closing ambience; no need for vocals, just a crescendoed goodbye.
It’s not the best album of the year, and has a few dud tracks, but if the genre appeals to you, it’s of great quality and a decent listen. Good job Dawn Heist!
7/10
Reviewer: Lizzi Hart
