Adestria
“Gilded Hearts”
Label: Artery Recordings
Rating: 3.5/5
San Diego, California quartet Adestria are back and they have something to say. Music backed by a positive message has become somewhat of a commodity, minus a few major players (Stick To Your Guns are the most notable). Having lost keyboardist, Mikey Colasardo, between Chapters and Gilded Hearts, these California locals stepped up to the plate. One thing that becomes quickly apparent is that they cut back on the high screams and the clean vocals (although both make marvelous appearances on the occasion). The highs have seemed to be replaced by yells, which is quite intense.
The record itself is not a Chapters part 2. This record seems more from a honest hardcore driven motive than Chapters. Eerie guitar parts, gang chants and more make this album memorable. “Take me back to the days of honest hearts” from Death Of A Golden Age will quickly allow for mass stage dives and crowd interaction.
The first song released, Familiar Enemy, left audiences with a taste of what to expect. This is not how the rest of the album sounds though. A few songs have managed to keep the tempo, or at least very close to it.This is exactly what the lead single should be, it has beautiful and intricate guitar parts, a dive bomb into the breakdown, and some impressive clean singing and drum parts. The singing is not overdone, but where it is used is quite crucial.
Do not sleep on Adestria and do not expect Chapters 2.0 out of Gilded Hearts. These gentlemen have honed their skies and aimed for the stars. While the record falls a little short, its not by much. From start to finish, Adestria have put out a very solid effort and it will be interesting to see how they approach many of these songs live.
Adestria have proven that they are a force to be reckoned with, musically and lyrically. Dangerous Waters has one of the catchiest choruses on the entire record, and also boasts some of the best breakdowns. “Run away from those who hold you down”
Catch them on tour with Upon This Dawning, Dayseeker, and more!
