Ameonna - Goddess Reign (EP Review)

Ameonna – Goddess Reign Released: May 15th, 2024Line-Up:Alex Koehler | VocalsJacob Harmond | GuitarPablo Viveros | Drums & VocalsOnline:FacebookTwitterInstagramWebsiteIt has been an enormous year for ex-Chelsea Grin trio Ameonna, who, as individuals, have stepped back into the realm of heavy music to release a stellar debut EP titled Goddess Wept which, through his bravely honest lyricism, shined a light on the struggles that vocalist Alex Koehler faced during his grapple with substance addiction, as well as his triumphs in overcoming the disease. This gave us an introspective insight into the frontman's mindset throughout his years since departing industry-leading act Chelsea Grin, while staying true to their staple deathcore sounds which we have come to know and love them for throughout the years.As the three musicians continue to solidify their footing as a new band amongst an ocean of deathcore and metalcore acts, we are being gifted with yet another EP to sink our teeth into. However, one question remains - can the group continue to further push the bounds of our expectations by releasing yet another staggeringly good deathcore EP only four months on from their their debut release? The recently released two singles, 'Last Respects' and 'Cut Me, Crave Me' suggest so, which strongly nods to the fact that the remaining three tracks are sure to be the delightful deathcore delicacies that we love to indulge in from this group.

Opening track 'Identity Crisis' introduces us to uplifting synthesisers overshadowed by instrumentals which are mildly stimulating in a technically focused sense, giving focus to vocalist Alex Koehler who continues to point the attention of his lyricism inward as he reflects on the challenges of creating a positive self-image with lyrics such as "Close my eyes and put me to sleep / I dream of the man that I wish I could be / I don't recognise the person I see in my own reflection staring back at me". Throughout the final verse, Koehler goes on to exert his vocal range to demonstrate his abilities as an extremely versatile vocalist. Held back instrumentals gather momentum throughout the outro to bring this EP opener to a thumping conclusion.'Hollow Idols' kicks off with Beefy, low-tuned guitar riffs, backed by the imposing drum fills of Pablo Viveros which produces a sound that old Chelsea Grin fans are bound to adore. Koehler changes the focus of his usual style of lyricism towards the direction of corrupt governments of political leaders, with lyrics such as "Align yourself with the narratives we're fed / Like sheep to slaughter we do everything they said / And don’t you even think to bite the hand that feeds / If you’re smart you’ll shut your mouth and stay right on your leash".Instrumentalists Jacob Harmond and Pablo Viveros create an intertwining sound which flows beautifully throughout the numerous tempo changes and styles, creating a gratifying listening experience. Rather than a concluding breakdown, the track ends by repeating the opening verse, which is an unusual, but welcomed detail, bringing the track to a full-circle completion.

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The EP's first single to have been released, 'Last Respects' pays tribute to the memory of Diego Farias and Garrett Garfield, both of which were close friends with each member of Ameonna and unfortunately passed roughly around the same time. The track's tempo is slowed significantly in comparison to the previous tracks while Koehler shares his thoughts on his deceased friends. The Koehler/Viveros vocal duo arrangement flourishes in the few moments it takes place while Harmond effortlessly switches between technically focused riffs and chuggy notes without any strain. The tempo remains unhurried for the vast duration of the track, placing more emphasis on the track's true meaning with lyricism such as "For all the words left unspoken / Even though you're gone / Our bond will remain so strong / Wishing every minute wasted could be taken back / Take me back so I can see your face again."[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLZ5AqCQuFA[/embed]Returning to a sound that is extremely reminiscent of Chelsea Grin's earlier years, 'Cut Me, Crave Me...' begins with slow guitar strums with the whispered lyrics "Cut me, crave me, taste me / Look into my eyes as it enters deep inside of me / Touch me, choke me slowly / Devour my heart and consume what's mine so violently" before an explosive burst of instrumentals creates a pleasurable platform for Koehler to truly shine with his extreme vocals which is sure to fulfil every desire of all 'MySpace-era' deathcore fans. Koehler and Viveros share vocal duties once again in what is an exciting display of talent while the track's instrumentals exhibit an overwhelmingly impressive fast paced technically focused sound that is sure to be confused with 2010-2011 era Chelsea Grin. Subtle tempo changes transition from the mild mannered chorus to the chaotically energetic verses, making this track a mosher's wet dream.Closing track 'Save Me From Hell' continues where the previous track left off with fast tempo changes and technically focused instrumentals and serves as another reflective look into the personal struggles that Koehler has overcome in recent years, with lyrics such as "When I look in the mirror / All I see is a shell / I feel so hollow inside / broken body and mind". Intermittent pauses in instrumentals and vocals throughout the outro are oddly satisfying and further adds another dynamic to the group's multifaceted sound.Ameonna are on their way to the top. With two awe-inspiring EPs under their belt, the era of the comeback has come and gone, these band members are simply back and in better form than ever before. Now that the group has eleven strong tracks in their back-catalogue, which is enough for a live set list, it is with the highest of hopes that we can manifest a tour from the trio.

Ameonna - Goddess Reign tracklisting1. Identity Crisis2. Hollow Idols3. Last Respects4. Cut Me, Crave Me...5. Save Me From HellRating: 8.5/10Goddess Reign is out Wednesday, May 15th. Pre-Order here.Review by Adam Rice[embed]https://youtu.be/ArWNhsK_k30?si=Ac6EVOF_FNcKhUu5[/embed]