Future Palace : "Distortion"

This German band is in a similar vein of blending poppy vocal hooks with metal-core as bands like Jinger and Spiritbox. The chorus works of the formula where their singers create an anthemic hook to serve as a counterpoint to the crunching guitar groove that hammers at you on the verses. Vocalist Maria Lessing has a convincing scream that at times feels angrier than her male counterparts. The grooves sometimes across over closer to what In This Moment does sonically. "Panic Paralysis" is marginally darker even with the more pop-oriented vocal approach.  From a songwriting perspective, it's pretty effective, but if you are weighing them against a band like Code Orange, then these kids aren't as heavy. 

Charlie Rolfe from As Everything Unfolds joins them for "The Echoes of Disparity". There is a more nu-metal cadence to the percussive elements in play here. Rolfe's voice the higher chant in the background. The lead single "Dreamstate" is basically a metal-core power ballad. Some of the synth sounds in"Decarabia" feel like an anime soundtrack, so younger audiences should find plenty to like here. The vocal melodies take this in a more pop direction that is complimented by the electronic sounds. They lay it on thick when it comes to the chorus and surround it with various break-down riffs. 

"In Too Deep"  is darker, angrier, and more in your face. Though they are quick to turn it around into a pop atmosphere. The electronic pulse to this works well. "Rays of Light" switches from a brooding syncopation to more soaring passages with the vocals front and center. This album is well produced, but the vocal layering at times can feel excessive. They reach their best balance of all the elements in play with " A Fool on a Devil's Reins". Her vocals create a more erotic mood before she flips into a rap. There is a similar hip-hop influence lurking under "They Take What They Want".  This song is one of the album's angriest. "Amethyst" closes the album, and while they are not dazzling you with progressive chops like other bands doing this sort of thing, they are better songwriters which goes a long way. I will give this album a 9, as it certainly puts them shoulder to shoulder with bands like Jinger, but on their own terms. 

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