Spotlight - Asking Alexandria

Asking Alexandria look set to become big business over the course of the next year to me. They look set to make a huge mark in 2011, and become the next British band to transcend the genre that they are a part of, and become massive in the process.

In what is something of a strange happening these days, Yorkshire screamo mob Asking Alexandria are only just starting to catch on in this country, yet they have been doing big things over in the States since last year. It is somewhat unusual for Brit bands to make it over the pond before they become big in their homeland, but that is exactly what Asking Alexandria have done.

They offer up a potent mix of screamo, post- hardcore and intersperse their heavy chug with some scintillating electronic beats, which is a unique sound all in itself. Pushing the envelope further as to what can subsist within the screamo genre, they have carved out a true niche of their own creation, which has been going down a storm.

The UK have now well and truly caught on, and thanks to the likes of Bring Me The Horizon blowing the door wide open on the UK metalcore/deathcore/hardcore/screamo scene, the world could well be AA’s for the taking. I absolutely love their debut album, 2009’s Stand Up And Scream, and there are some brutal songs on it. I first caught onto them from their single The Final Episode (Let’s Change The Channel), and I am really glad that I got hold of their record and gave it chance to wow me.

It may have its haters, but for me, it is an essential take on the modern metal and screamo genre. Fusing the pulsating beats throughout, and teaming it with soaring melodies, bowel crunching screams, and some of the heaviest background music you will hear, they are onto a winner. Some of the breakdowns are monstrous, and ravenous, enticing you in, and defying you to not bang your head.

It is a heavy record, and does for heavy music something similar to that which BMTH’s “There Is a Hell . . .” record did; it has revitalised the genre.

What is special about AA is that they mix a very American sound, and one which is so accomplished, you forget that they are from the Yorkshire Dales. To liken it to an American band is a massive compliment, our Yankee brothers often excelling in music of this style. The Brits now have a band to believe in that can emulate that, and better it.

Some great live shows off the back of the buzz would go a huge way to cementing the hype, but I for am already a fan.

With the right moves, this could be their year, and they are one of the most exciting prospects around at the moment. I think their next record is due to drop sometime later in the year, and could be a massive album. If it is anything like the debut, it will be one not to miss.