Reviled as it often is, Asking Alexandria’s debut album – alongside other notable debuts like I See Stars’ 3-D and We Came As Romans’ To Plant A Seed – was a pretty sizable success story upon its release in 2009. Produced by Joey Sturgis, the album also features Alesana vocalist Shawn Milke on the track “Hey There Mr. Brooks”, and while it’s obviously a far cry from the band they are today, the album might just be the scene’s ultimate “love it or hate it” record. It’s that kind of divisiveness – and memorability – that set the stage for their successful sophomore album to come.
The first (and pretty much the last) Asking Alexandria record to have a prominent electronic or Eurotrance influence, Stand Up And Scream is buoyed by music videos with high production values – notably the one for “A Prophecy”. It’s also one of the album’s best tracks, as their electronic and post-hardcore/metalcore styles collide into one of the best choruses AA have written to date.
Released in 2009, it went on to influence many, many bands in its wake. What can you really say about this record? It’s probably a good thing that Asking Alexandria (mostly) abandoned this style on Reckless And Relentless not even 2 years later, but while it is a product of its time, there’s still plenty of catchy hooks to be had here. And seriously, do you remember when every electronicore album had at least one interlude? Fun times.
