Posted: September 8th, 2008
Contributed By: Nick

	Purchase @ Amazon.com Release Date: July 1, 2008
	AllyriA is: Jon Horn (Vocals) BJ Russell (Guitar) TeeJay Timms (Guitar) Jimi Key (Bass) Derrick Riggins (Drums)

Overview: I’ve only been given a condensed rap sheet on AllyriA, so here’s 3 important facts about the band that deserve to be noted:

1. The band features former members of Vysion.
2. Their EP ‘What You’ve Been Searching For…‘ is available at Amazon and iTunes.
3. They recently landed a spot opening for Sevendust on their upcoming fall run…

The Good: …and hey, if Sevendust chose AllyriA from the abundance of unsigned bands vying for the same opportunity, you know they must be on top of their game. The quartet start rolling out the goods with the studious work of “My Life”. The soaring, windswept nature of this song is dictated by the massive pre’s and choruses, as well as the gusty bridges, that absorb and tie together the crackling verses without any awkward transitioning. “My Life” is a tune fighting to run amok and go berserk, but a mature AllyriA turns it inside out with boatloads of harmony instead. “Intoxication” whispers a brooding opening line that rips into a bullying wrecking crew of blazing guitars and burly drums. The invasive sound is never abandoned, only streamlined and utilized as the sturdy foundation upon which the band’s consistency can flourish. Charismatic and galloping, “Wake Up” is a motivational romp of crisp, airtight musicianship, bouncing like a maniac right up to its cataclysmic ending. “Breath of Life” emanates the thirst of “Wake Up”, however a broad and weighty landscape allows the guitars to relax, with a thicker, more earthy sound the result; like “Wake Up”, “Breath of Life” also culminates in rage, adding to the tune a stern, dynamic frosting. ‘What You’ve Been Searching For…‘ calls off its search once the exploratory “Inside You (I Believe)” wraps up. A brew of heavyhearted verses and warm, lush choruses make this soulful 32 Leaves-empowered jaunt a tasteful way to ride out.

There was one song that gripped me far beyond the rest, the absolutely wonderful “All Time Low”. I knew AllyriA reminded me of a specific album’s sound after the first two songs, but I couldn’t put my finger on it until “All Time Low” started unfolding. A cut that so precisely paraphrases a song called “Follow” from an album called ‘Animosity’, “All Time Low” brings AllyriA’s budding relationship with Sevendust full circle. Bursting with equal parts emotion and excitement, this is one of the most flawless reminders of ‘Animosity’ era Sevendust I have ever heard; and to be reminded of one of my favorite records of all time is never, ever a bad thing.

The Bad: I hate to call out a drummer, but it must be done. On “My Life”, Derrick decides to squeeze in the smallest spurts of double bass during the verses, with the result a jarring mishap that makes parts of “My Life” sound unbalanced and sloppy. Jon’s blistering screams that nail down tracks like “Wake Up” and “Breath of Life” are effective, but on the EP as a whole he seems to stay back, despite possessing more than proficient chops. If you can muster up the strength to get past these very minor glitches, AllyriA will wow you.

Bottomline: Good luck and Godspeed goes out to AllyriA as they venture out with Sevendust, Taproot, and Dear Enemy this fall; if there’s any doubt regarding the band’s being on this tour, it won’t take but a few spins of this EP to shut you up. The band shows mastery of their craft, yet still retains a raw, youthful spirit, not once sounding calculated or pre-packaged. To sum things up, I’m sold on AllyriA, and if it wasn’t exactly what you’ve been searching for, consider this a lucky discovery along the way.

Rating: 9 out of 10