Well, this is not definitely something I'd kill for, being warned prior to receiving this CD for review. SEASONS LOST plays good music, really good music, creating an exciting combination of many bands/styles, but belong to a category enough differentiated from the solid basis of (at least) my content in the mag.
The recipe is both elementary and intriguing: post-Metal METALLICA, typical NICKELBACK, melodic TRIVIUM, sentimental DARK TRANQUILLITY, boogie-ing PANTERA, conventional DREAM THEATER...fans of the above styles will find even more to chat upon drifting around the music presented by this American quintet. The Florida-based band flirts a lot with melody in all its forms; both heavy and clean guitars, new American Rock vocals, Prog-like rhythms, an impressive sense of fitting melancholy and a neat will not to overload no song. The vocals are sweet yet kinda depressive behind the lines, while the majority of musical layers is 100% American Rock/New Metal. If someone says SEASONS LOST also flirts with Metalcore it would not be so out of the question, but - on the other hand - this presence is kinda minimized in After The Storm. Groove addicts will probably fall in love with the rhythm section, not to forget; both performers are excellent, with variety in their sessions and a really good sound backing their skills.
The production/sound in general is great for a 'private' release; again said, I'm far from being an expertise in this specific style - hence the absence of a grade in this review - but I honestly feel fans of modern Rock/Metal music with a strong sense of melody and huge production wants should immediately check SEASONS LOST out. The same goes for label impresarios seeking for the next big 'New Metal/Rock' band. After the Storm is probably the album having everything the modern music fan wants and more; the music here is really diverse and well-designed.