Resonate
Letallis

LETALLIS is a Heavy Metal band based out of New Jersey, USA. Following the release of their debut album in 2008, this is their second full-length album, released in 2014, and contains twelve tracks. Starting out as a Thrash band, they have developed into more Progressive and Melodic Death Metal. "In All Forms" leads off the album with a glittering dual lead guitar assault. The Death vocals are raspy, utilizing both the upper and lower ranges of the style. The rhythm section is tight, and there is plenty of melody to go around.
"The Darkness of all Being" is another well-done track. Once again, they hit you with a variety of instrumentation, riffs and meter changes, allowing the track to dart back and forth from the darkness and the light. Major and minor chords are interchanged with ease and they leave you with a feeling of wonder. "Bed of Starts" rides an easy but sublime guitar melody that envelopes the Death metal vocals, forever yearning to escape. This is exactly the beauty and the most difficult part of this genre of Metal; tempering the aggression with great melody and harmony. "Veridian" is similarly pleasing; with a far-reaching guitar lead that reminds me of something STEVE VAI would have written.
The heavy rhythm and varied instrumentation of "Idle Fears" gives the song a technical element that is often present in Djent style, and I love the band's commitment to not committing to any one sound here. "Mirage" opens the way you would picture the song title. Imagine the excitement and pure satisfaction of happening upon a desert oasis. The acoustic guitar paints that exact story here and the chord progressions remind me of something a sitar would use to impart the sound. The clean vocals overtop bring the song to new heights, and I am struck again in sheer awe at how diverse these compositions are here.
In contrast, the next song, "How Vast", comes back at you with might and potency, reminding you of the brutal and in-your-face side of the music. I have to admit that I really enjoy the more pensive and introspective side of their compositions, like the coy piano and guitar that open the instrumental song, "Reflecting". Nearly anyone can pour on the heavy and dark, but it takes real intelligence to create this kind beauty, in my opinion. When the main riff does enter the fray, it is foreboding and dominant, while allowing the lead guitar chords to shine. The title track, "Resonate", closes the album, with a bevy of riffing patterns and instrumentation, being both declarative and ambiguous at the same time, but resonating with you the entire length of the track.
For an American band to compose as well in this style as LETALLIS has done here, to me, is rare. In fact, I kept looking back to remind myself of what Nordic country they were from, only to scratch my head again in realizing they are from the States. I don't know how the first album sounded, but this new album has a cadre of different sounds and approaches that blend of Melodic Death Metal with Progressive leanings, in a way that I have not heard to date. The compositions and riffing are creative and intelligent, and the overall product is pleasingly accessible. It is dark and heavy enough for any seasoned Metalhead, yet challenging and unique to those who look for more depth in their music. Publishing over 100 reviews a year, I can honestly say that this is the best Independent Metal album I have heard this year.
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10 / 10
Masterpiece

"Resonate" Track-listing:
1. In All Forms
2. Within Reach
3. The Darkness of Mere Being
4. Bed of Stars
5. Viridian
6. Dissonant Hand
7. Idle Fears
8. Mirage
9. How Vast
10. Betrayal
11. Reflecting
12. Resonate
Letallis Lineup:
Jake Calonius - Vocals, Guitar
Robert Bambalam - Guitars
Gabe Araujo - Bass
Andrew Stenvall - Drums
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