Anewrage - 'Life-Related Symptoms'

Despite the high standard of musicianship, the album as a whole perhaps lacks a degree of commercialism.

This Italian Alternative Metal band's second studio effort is, if nothing, ambitious. On paper this group appears to be yet another of the many radio-friendly Alt-Rock bands that vie for your attention, but there are Progressive Rock elements present, noticeably on opener 'Upside Down' and the ballad-like 'Dancefloor'.



Elsewhere, the band's clear Creed influence is evident on 'Tomorrow' and Alternative Metal influences get an airing on 'Floating Man' and 'Evolution Circle', but the music is far from easy to pigeonhole. 'My Worst Friend' is on the more commercial end of the spectrum and somewhat in line with Adelitas Way.

Indeed, as a criticism, despite the high standard of musicianship displayed throughout and the admirable mixing of genres, the album as a whole perhaps lacks a degree of commercialism that defines the genre standard bearers.

Mike Newdeck