
Unleash The Archers – Apex – Album Review by Metallic Rose
As someone who appreciates the intensity of power metal, I was personally looking forward to Unleash The Archers fourth album, Apex (Napalm). As each single was released I listened intently losing myself in the perfection of each melody, guitar solos, and Brittney Hayes awesome vocals. If Unleash The Archers wanted to celebrate their 10th anniversary with an awesome set, they succeeded with Apex.
In 2007, Unleash The Archers began their musical journey in Vancouver, British Columbia (Canada) with vocalist Brittney Hayes (AKA Brittney Slayes), drummer, Scott Buchanan, and former guitarist Brayden Dyczkowski. Over the last ten years together the band released four albums, toured numerous cities, and built a strong following of fans worldwide. Like many bands, personnel changes occurred but with each turnover Unleash The Archers improved taking advantage of each member’s musical talents. With Apex one hears the excellent bass lines of Nikko Whitworth, who replaced Kyle Sheppard.
From the opening track, “Awakening”, the musical stage is set with a hard-pounding gallop of speed. The band is entirely in their element and the sound is powerful perfection. “Awakening” was the perfect first track because you want to hear more. Every song stands on its own so much so that there are no skippers here. Brittney Hayes is a superb vocalist and she is never drowned out by the masterful metal riffs provided by the guys. Each piece delivers on melody, intense sweeping guitar solos, throbbing bass, and pounding drums. The lyrical prose and guttural supportive vocals are also perfectly delivered for maximum effect.
The stand out piece of the album is the title track “Apex”. An epic ending to an awesome album, “Apex” is impeccable. Beginning with hauntingly beautiful vocals against an acoustic rhythm, the song then takes off carrying the listener on a cumulative journey. “Apex” both in song and as an album is the best work Unleash The Archers has done thus far. Bravo!
Rating: 9.5/10
Tracklist:
1. Awakening
2. Shadow Guide
3. The Matriarch
4. Cleanse The Bloodlines
5. The Coward’s Way
6. False Walls
7. Ten Thousand Against One
8. Earth and Ashes
9. Call Me Immortal
10. Apex
Unleash The Archers:
s Brittney Hayes (AKA Slayes) – vocals
s Scott Buchanan – drums
s Grant Truesdell – guitar, vocals
s Andrew Kingsley – guitar, vocals
s Nikko Whitworth - bass
Please check out my shows every Saturday at 3pm PST for the Metallic Rose Show and Sundays at 11am PST for my Symphonic Sunday show exclusively on www.brokenneckradio.com.
As someone who appreciates the intensity of power metal, I was personally looking forward to Unleash The Archers fourth album, Apex (Napalm). As each single was released I listened intently losing myself in the perfection of each melody, guitar solos, and Brittney Hayes awesome vocals. If Unleash The Archers wanted to celebrate their 10th anniversary with an awesome set, they succeeded with Apex.
In 2007, Unleash The Archers began their musical journey in Vancouver, British Columbia (Canada) with vocalist Brittney Hayes (AKA Brittney Slayes), drummer, Scott Buchanan, and former guitarist Brayden Dyczkowski. Over the last ten years together the band released four albums, toured numerous cities, and built a strong following of fans worldwide. Like many bands, personnel changes occurred but with each turnover Unleash The Archers improved taking advantage of each member’s musical talents. With Apex one hears the excellent bass lines of Nikko Whitworth, who replaced Kyle Sheppard.
From the opening track, “Awakening”, the musical stage is set with a hard-pounding gallop of speed. The band is entirely in their element and the sound is powerful perfection. “Awakening” was the perfect first track because you want to hear more. Every song stands on its own so much so that there are no skippers here. Brittney Hayes is a superb vocalist and she is never drowned out by the masterful metal riffs provided by the guys. Each piece delivers on melody, intense sweeping guitar solos, throbbing bass, and pounding drums. The lyrical prose and guttural supportive vocals are also perfectly delivered for maximum effect.
The stand out piece of the album is the title track “Apex”. An epic ending to an awesome album, “Apex” is impeccable. Beginning with hauntingly beautiful vocals against an acoustic rhythm, the song then takes off carrying the listener on a cumulative journey. “Apex” both in song and as an album is the best work Unleash The Archers has done thus far. Bravo!
Rating: 9.5/10
Tracklist:
1. Awakening
2. Shadow Guide
3. The Matriarch
4. Cleanse The Bloodlines
5. The Coward’s Way
6. False Walls
7. Ten Thousand Against One
8. Earth and Ashes
9. Call Me Immortal
10. Apex
Unleash The Archers:
s Brittney Hayes (AKA Slayes) – vocals
s Scott Buchanan – drums
s Grant Truesdell – guitar, vocals
s Andrew Kingsley – guitar, vocals
s Nikko Whitworth - bass
Please check out my shows every Saturday at 3pm PST for the Metallic Rose Show and Sundays at 11am PST for my Symphonic Sunday show exclusively on www.brokenneckradio.com.
Metallic Rose Chat with Brittney Slayes of Unleash The Archers
- Brittney Slayes
- With the year 2017, Unleash The Archers marks their 10 year anniversary with the release of a new album, Apex. How did this recording process differ from previous releases?
- As with Time Stands Still, Apex features another change in the line-up with bassist Nikko Whitworth. How does the band work through these changes and the effects on change have on songwriting?
- Apex has 10 tracks from the opening song appropriately named Awakening to the title track Apex. Is this album a pinnacle in the making of the Archers?
- Where does the band find inspiration and influences in creating such awesome melodies and powerful riffs?
- Can we expect another tour in the works?
- Hailing from Victoria, British Columbia how does your audience differ in other areas outside of Canada?
- When you are out on the road do you take any “home” comforts along?
- Unleash The Archers songs are absolute powerhouses, do you ever experience strain on your vocal cords?
- I often say that people who love heavy metal music belong to one big, fun family. Do you stay connected to other bands, your fans, and former Archers?
- Any parting words for Unleash The Archers fans?
- Brittney Slayes