UK Progressive Metal Act Apollo Stands have released their highly expected album Interstellar. Formed in Norwich, England five years ago, the band first gave insight into their unusual blend of modern drum and bass, progressive metalcore, and contemporary metal with debut LP 'Join Us', which ensured the band's place on regular slots supporting acts like Sertraline, and Fingers Crossed , as well as festival appearances at Rockstock, Trick Bag festival and Volume 19
As of 2019, The band consists of Alexei Swatman - guitars, vox, keys, lead vocalist Ry Hase, lead guitarist Olly Smith, bassist Matt Heyward and drummer Edgar Taljaard. This seven-track follow up to 2019's EP 'Minds' combines classical elements with film scores to create something far-reaching to a rock product.
One such piece of evidence comes in the intro "Void", which sounds like an eerie theme tune to some Sci-Fi Netflix show segues nicely into "Insolarus", a track stuffed with a charging guitar sound, accompanied with soaring melodic vocals cancelled out by the erratic, and unnerving harsh vocals. It is a regular component throughout the album that sees Swatman and Hase trading differing voices over some awe-inspiring musical qualities. The band seem to have paved the way with their own identity, as a means to move away from bands that try similar ideas.
This continues with the latest single "Pick Up", as Swatman is on double duties with some nice synths throughout the LP. The two vocalists exchange clean and harsh vocals over enchanting passages, as Smith contributes with thunderous breakdowns. Smith and bassist Heyward prove a skilful combination as they make each track sound like a force to be reckoned with.
There are some tracks that feel disconnected between parts, but this is overridden with the intense "Please Wait", a true metal song with elements of 2000's nu-metal bands, whilst "Hive" explores the vocal range and emotions of Ry Hase over mid-tempo instrumental phrasing. And finally, "The Arbiter" sees the band finish on a brutal finale. The groove and swagger of the riffage let Hase loose with hollowed howls and thunderous drumming by Taljaard.
Overall, 'Interstellar' is an intriguing listen with some well-written musical passages and impressive vocals adept to a seemingly new love for metalcore. It will certainly leave you feeling out of this world.
Words by Anselm Anderson
‘Interstellar’ track listing:
1. Void;
2. Insolarus;
3. Synthetic;
4. Pick Up;
5. Please Wait;
6. Hive;
7. The Arbiter.
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' Pick Up'
'Insolarus'
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