:: Autumn - Altitude

Autumn

When it comes to gothic/symphonic influenced female fronted melodic rock acts, The Netherlands is hands down the epicentre of the growing gothic rock movement. Over the years, groups such as The Gathering, After Forever, Within Temptation and Epica have emerged from around the same region, helping cement The Netherlands as a breeding ground for like minded acts. Another little known act that can add their name to that list is Groningen Province based band Autumn. Founded way back in 1995 (initially under the name of Stonehenge), Autumn have been consistently plying away at their own take on the gothic rock sound over the course of three full-length albums and a sole EP, with a modest amount of success. But for all of the praise and success of ‘My New Time’, the band suffered a setback with the announcement that vocalist Nienke De Jong was leaving the group due to health reasons in early 2008. And after a lengthy search, Elister/Ayreon vocalist Marjan Welman was welcomed into the fold, with ‘Altitude’ emerging as Autumn’s latest effort with their new and strengthened line-up.

For the most part, ‘Altitude’ doesn’t stray too far from where the band left off on ‘My New Time’, with the core elements of Autumn’s gothic rock sound still remaining intact after the line-up reshuffle. The hard rocking opening track ‘Paradise Nox’ has all the trademark ingredients of Autumn’s familiar sound, with the heavy keyboards, hints of classic rock in the guitar tones and the melodic aspect of the chorus structures. The only real notable change is vocalist Welman, who although sounds similar to her predecessor, is perhaps a little sharper and broader in range, and who sounds like a perfect fit for the group. But for all the positives that can be attributed to the acquisition of Welman, ‘Altitude’ just doesn’t quite take off. Sure, the groove based ‘Liquid Under Film Noir’, the driving ‘Skydancer’ and the heavier pair of ‘Sulphur Rodents’ and ‘The Heart Demands’ are worthy tracks, and ones where the band stretch out and try some new ideas. But beyond those three tracks, the remainder of ‘Altitude’ seems rather safe and unadventurous, with the bulk of the second half of the album drifting by without much in the way of true variation.

Autumn’s latest release isn’t a terrible album by any means. On the contrary, ‘Altitude’ stands right alongside the band’s previous efforts, and perhaps even raises the bar a little above their last effort. But when compared to the likes of other well known gothic rock acts, ‘Altitude’ just doesn’t seem to break any new ground, and instead seems content to coast along in a mild manner. Overall, ‘Altitude’ is a good gothic influenced rock album, but sadly not a particularly inspired or adventurous effort. Hopefully next time around, when the band become more familiar and comfortable with each other, they’ll be more open towards material that is a little more challenging for both themselves and their audience.