Altitude by Autumn
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Release date : February 2009
Reviewed by Mark Fisher
Background information
Review
Background information
In late January 2008, it was announced that vocalist Nienke de Jong of Dutch act Autumn would leave the outfit by February's conclusion, citing health issues, and the desire to devote more time towards her own group Dejafuse, as well as the Graveland Studio. One month later, Elister vocalist Marjan Welman was announced as being de Jong's replacement.
During early October, Autumn announced that Jan Grijpstra had laid down drum parts the previous weekend in support of a fourth studio full length. In early December, the album's title was revealed to be Altitude. Recorded at Arno Krabman's Graveland Studio, the album was mixed and mastered by Jochem Jacobs (who's worked with Textures) at Split Second Sound. Its track listing materialized, as well as the full length's issue dates via Metal Blade Records. Altitude was slated for issue on February 27th, 2009 throughout Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy, and on March 2nd throughout the rest of Europe. Altitude's artwork was unveiled during mid December. Through Autumn's official MySpace page, the track “Skydancer” was made available for streaming in early January 2009. The following month during early February, “Paradise Nox” was made available for streaming through the same location. Days later, all of Altitude's tracks were made available for streaming. At Tivoli-De Helling in Utrecht, Holland on the 13th, Altitude's CD release party occurred.
Review
Dutch “Heavy Rock collective” Autumn return to worldwide audiences courtesy of fourth studio album, Altitude. This full length marks the successor to 2006's critically acclaimed My New Time, as well as the departure of vocalist Nienke de Jong. Faced with many difficult decisions, the group recruited vocalist Marjan Welman, who recently appeared upon Ayreon's 2008 opus 01011001 as a guest vocalist. Welman ventures beyond expectations upon Altitude, which has to lend the group a heavy dose of encouragement. Autumn sound tight, and Welman's voice is a surprisingly perfect fit to lead the group down new paths.
The second you initially hear Altitude, you know this full length is something special, and that's what this reviewer loves most about the album in question. Much like similar groups such as Theatre of Tragedy, Lacuna Coil, and Epica, Autumn has that “X” factor which most acts lack. Certainly most similar to Lacuna Coil, Autumn is nonetheless even more sonically accessible, clearly carving themselves an imaginative path towards the mainstream. The greatest example of this, “Skydancer” is one of the catchiest heavy tracks - of all time, in all likelihood. As Welman uplifts via her lyrics and vocals, the instrument section musically lays waste, forging a crushing sound worthy of any expensive sound system.
“Paradise Nox” and “Horizon Line” are similar works of beautiful fury. The latter offers an excellent downward spiraling break mid-song which practically reinvents the track, spawning a pivotal moment upon Altitude. Far from being a one trick pony however, Autumn turns the tide upon several occasions. The ballad “Synchro-Minds” is as beautiful as it is atmospheric. Upon this track, Welman takes a back seat to the group. While her voice leads the number, it's both the guitar and piano which provide the rapturous flow. An additionally interesting moment, the quicker tempo “Sulphur Rodents” is laced with electronics and rapid paced rhythms. The track makes the listener guess at every turn, and never remains in one place long enough to become predictable. The more straightforward “Cascade (For a Day)” even happens to be inventive, all whilst maintaining its signature heavy hooks.
Altitude is the sound of Autumn really going for it to speak. Whilst listening to this album, you feel the sense that this is a make or break full length for the group. Time will reveal whether Altitude makes or breaks Autumn, though this reviewer is thoroughly impressed with this effort. The album doesn't resemble every other act, and will likely appeal just as much to fans of darker oriented Pop music as to fans of the Goth Rock market. Should you enjoy Lacuna Coil, Sirenia, or mid-career The Gathering, then Altitude is certainly worth a listen. If you own a sonically great stereo system, then you should purchase the album, and let the opus wholly surround you. You won’t be disappointed.
