Since the Grunge came and expelled Metal from North American parades on the beginning of the 90's decade, some Metal styles almost became extinct. Thrash Metal and Hard Rock, due the great fame, suffered a huge and destructive blow, for the trend of Grunge/Alternative change the musical scene entirely on those times. PANTERA became a hero of resistance on Thrash Metal, and other bands changed their musicality or went back to underground, but Hard Rock suffered far more. Many great names changed into a more Rock'n'Roll orientated sound, or ceased to exist. But since the beginning of this new century, as things improved, many giants of Hard Rock came back and new names appeared around the world. And Hard Rock came back, and showed many mutations, gaining new influences. And that's the case for New Zealand trio LIKE A STORM, with their new album, "Awaken the Fire".

Besides it's a Hard Rock album, the band uses an ample range of musical influences, even from Grunge/Alternative Rock, for the music is primarily introspective and has a dense and heavy atmosphere, some influence from Industrial in some aspects and do not have that party feeling that Hard Rock commonly has. But the melodies and chorus are too hooking and melodic, so we could say that their musical work is a hybrid. But it's good work, after all.

The sound quality is extremely good, in a way you can understand their songs and musical arrangements clearly. And as their music has some important details to show (especially in tender moments as in "Southern Skies"), it's an important thing, you know.

"Chaos" and its heavy and abrasive approach with very good guitar riffs and electronic elements, the accessible and heavy "Wish You Hell", "Never Surrender" and its catching vocals and tempo changes, the introspective and melodic "Southern Skies", and the charming "Nothing Remains (Nihil Reliquum)" could be said as their greatest moments, but I strongly recommend you to hear the entire album and to choose you favorite ones, dears.

A good work, indeed, but they can do better than that, I believe.
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