Days Under Authority - Stay - Song Review - Modern Melodic Metal from Central Valley, California, USA
Today we are featuring a promising modern melodic metal/djent/metalcore band, Days Under Authority, from Central Valley, California, USA. I reviewed their latest single, "Stay," which was released on August 13, 2021. In case you haven't heard of this band before, Days Under Authority started their careers with an EP called "Not My Nightmare" in 2018. "Stay" is their only release since then. Now, please give the song a listen while reading the rest of the article.
My first impression of Days Under Authority is positive. When I look at this band, I see young, good-looking gentlemen making modern metal with high standards, who have the potential to reach great heights in the future. So let me tell you about the strengths and weaknesses of "Stay" below.
"Stay" is only the band's second official release, so we can easily say it is a well-executed work for a new band. The song captures the spirit and trending influences of our modern age, making it highly appealing to young metalheads and likely to find a place on radios, charts, and playlists.
Moreover, the song opens with a beautiful, moody intro that reminded me of the progressive rock/metal giants, Tool. The overall sound is modern, enhanced by digital effects (noticeable in the drum sound). The song follows a radio-friendly structure, beginning with a mysterious and groovy section before incorporating deathcore/metalcore elements. This blend of death metal and modern melodic metal influences, along with a catchy melodic chorus, creates a unique appeal.
On the other hand, the band possesses a talented vocalist with the necessary frontman charisma. This individual has the qualities to make this project successful with his talent and leadership as an artist. Finding the right frontman is crucial for any band, and in this case, he excels in both his vocal ability and stage presence. I appreciate the tender feeling in his voice, and I believe he will continue to improve both his singing and vocal mixing, playing a significant role in Days Under Authority's future.
Lastly, Days Under Authority has delivered a commendable performance on this release. The production quality is solid, showcasing a well-balanced mix. The catchy nature of the song, coupled with the professionally filmed music video, effectively conveys the intended energy and dynamics.
On the other side of the coin, I'd like to address a few weaknesses in the musical, technical, and artistic aspects of their work. Firstly, the project, in general, follows a familiar approach from composition to production, mixing to filming, editing to finalizing, which we have become accustomed to. Lately, when I listen to deathcore/metalcore music, many songs sound strikingly similar to one another, lacking distinctiveness. In the case of "Stay," the structure is quite standard, with the intro part not repeating or effectively connecting with the rest of the composition. The initial promise created by the song's beginning was not fulfilled in the subsequent sections, which was disappointing for my specific taste.
Additionally, I feel that Days Under Authority's collective personality is not fully showcased in this song. While drawing inspiration from other modern metal bands is acceptable, it shouldn't overshadow their own unique character as writers and performers.
Lastly, the modern mix poses a problem. It lacks individuality, making it difficult to identify the band solely by listening to this mix. It feels as though it adheres to a generic template used by many producers, resulting in a lack of distinctive character.
Considering all these factors, I can confidently say that I've had a good time listening to Days Under Authority. They are still in the early stages of their career, and the release of "Stay" marks a significant step forward. As mentioned earlier, the band has shown promising signs for their future, and their focus should be on adding more personality to their art. Time will take care of the rest.
Please go ahead and check out the links below if you'd like to find out more about the band, follow them on social media, subscribe to their channels to show your support, and stay updated on any upcoming releases.
In conclusion, the Metalhead Community Team congratulates Days Under Authority for their successful single, "Stay," and wishes them the very best in their future careers. Thank you for reading.
DAYS UNDER AUTHORITY on the WEB
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