Album/EP

Atriox - Dream Forever (EP Review)

Walladmin

Heavy Metal Wordsmith

Apr 9, 2023

7 min read

Atriox - Dream Forever EPReleased: April 14th 2023

Line Up:

Daniel Carlson // VocalsJacob Churchward // Bass/VocalsHenry Stockfeld // GuitarsScott Andreasen // GuitarsDamien Hall // Drums

Atriox online:

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It’s no understatement to say that Australia has become an absolute hotbed for modern heavy music in the last five years. With the metalcore genre birthing some of this fair nation’s biggest musical exports ever, the scene continues to grow with the next wave of bands coming through the underground. Having announced themselves in February with their first single ‘Beast’, Melbourne five-piece Atriox are firmly staking their claim as the next group to keep an eye firmly on with the release of their debut EP, Dream Forever.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xP4_3Dk0b_A

The 83-second ‘Done’ is a crushing opener, displaying nothing but pure heaviness with a relentless beatdown. The rest of the six-track effort is steeped in the tried-and-true modern metalcore template, with powerful verses and skyscraper hooks. ‘Faithless’ is loaded with a huge chorus, while the thunderous riffs and grooves of the aforementioned ‘Beast’ standing out as some of the best parts of this release. Also noteworthy is Dream Forever’s mix, which is both strong and professional, with it’s biggest moments punching through the speakers.

https://youtu.be/tLq90J16wmQ

The vocal duo of Daniel Carlson and bassist Jacob Churchward nail the classic harsh vocalist/clean singer team, with Carlson moving into shredded-throat Matt Heafy territory when he pushes his voice hard. Closing tune ‘Move’ has a thunderous breakdown, possibly the biggest of the album, while Dylan Stone’s guest vocals add another layer of heaviness. Admittedly the middle of the EP lulls a little, but ‘Move’ makes sure Dream Forever ends on a powerful note.

There is no question that fans of melodic metalcore like Bury Tomorrow and Aussie heroes The Amity Affliction will lap up Atriox’s debut Dream Forever. The one criticism is that the band may not be doing enough to stand out in an already-packed scene. However, with a strong collection of songs under their arms and this style of music as big as it’s ever been, Atriox have the tools to go from a promising young act to a hotly rising talent.