ASHES TO ASHES is an Alternative Metal band based out of Genova, Italy. Formed in 2010, this is the band's second album to be released in February, 2016. It contains eleven new tracks. "Popular" has a familiar romp, exuding energy and reeling you in with candied hooks and a strong chorus.

I like the texture that is added with the keyboards in the background as well. "Naked" is more of a mid-tempo number which has some dissonance between the vocals and guitar key used. They come together in the chorus more unified however. "Once Upon a Time" opens with a pleasing keyboard melody that is joined by a crunchy guitar riff. I find the verses a bit thin here but the chorus is done well. Perhaps some thickness might come from some added vocal harmonies or more sound layering. "The Forgivness Song" is the first time we hear the vocals fry technique by lead singer Marta. I have to admit being surprised at her ability to do both styles efficiently and I think the growls add some more depth to the music as a whole. This song is a bit darker despite the title suggesting otherwise.

"A Thousand Pieces" has a shifter pace and some angst provided by the spoken lyrics done with an evil sort of effect. I think the message and the music really meld well in this song and I feel like the more energy the band puts forth the more the benefit. "Birds in a Cage" adds more mystery into the mix, with a slower, more building opening and a guitar riff that really hits the mark. The overall feeling is more introspective in general. There must be a personal message behind the song "Wallace Hartley." It tells a story of love lost and longing and you can hear the emotion in her voice, particularly in the verses. "Mother of Grace" is thicker with the smack-you-in-the-mouth opening guitar riff and the galloping rhythm of the percussion. Vocals fry are back in full force and this might be the deepest and most complete song on the album. The closing track is "Just Daydreaming."

The light, ethereal instrumentation hints at just that...like lying in a field of flowers holding onto a favorite memory; though I think the music has potential and they have definitely provided some sweet moments of pop bliss, I find some of the tracks just inconsistent. I think as the band continues to be together they will reach new heights but I don't think it is there just yet.