Metal is a peculiar beast – it can mean so many different things to different people and the more I listen – and learn – it becomes so obvious that regions – geographic regions play a large role in a band’s sound and vibe. Northeast Pennsylvania rockers Another Day Dawns is a perfect example of this.
Being based in Northern Ohio – and a huge fan of the metal scene in my own area – the stylings of this powerful – yet oddly subtle trio of rockers is right in my happy zone.
Hailing from Lehighton, Pennsylvania – these guys have paid their dues – playing all the local clubs and halls – building a local following then taking that next step and opening for the likes of Fuel, Avatar, Sammy Hagar, Godsmack, Puddle of Mudd, Bad Flower, Trapt, Breaking Ben, 5 Finger Deathpunch, and Daughtry. Which makes sense as that is very much the vein of their sound.
Drummer Nick McGeehan and guitarist Tyler Ritter kicked the band off in 2010 but it was the addition of vocalist Dakota Sean that brought all the puzzle pieces together. They’ve spent the last few years writing and 2020 brings their debut EP – STRANGER.
Five songs grace the release – and this collection shows all the makings of a force to be reckoned with. The band hits hard and heavy with the first track Beautiful Suicide – a driving drum and bass rift lead us directly into Sean’s gravelly yet melodic delivery. The song moves along at a breakneck pace – the perfect lead in to the tracks that follow.
AM I is the next track – following the same formula as the previous track with the exception this time being that AM I offers up a catchy chorus that I guarantee you will find yourself singing to yourself – also a nice blistering guitar solo rounds this one out. Really dug this track.
Being hyped as their “most anticipated release” – the third track is Taste Of Heaven – and it is without a doubt, the most radio-friendly track on the record. Sean keeps his vocals in the melodic range for the most part – going light on the growling and the track is no doubt the most sing-along friendly of the bunch. A strong offering that should do very well on the airwaves – or stream waves or whatever the hell you call them now.
Time for a mandatory ballad and that comes courtesy of the next track Never OK – starting off acoustic and featuring some wonderful vocal harmonies – the song picks up towards the end and wonderfully shows the wide berth of this band’s talent.
The final track – aptly titled Forget Me Not is powerful enough to pretty much ensure you won’t be able to do that. Sean is back in full growl mode – and the harmonies are back – as is the heavy bass, drum and guitar work. A perfect, powerful end to this stellar collection.
STRANGER is out now – just hit on Jan. 31st – if you head on over to the bands’ official site – right here – you can find out how to pick it up or download it – I highly recommend you do just that.
