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It seems that, when I review a disc of a straightforward nature, I praise the simplistic style, while criticizing overused technicality in music. Don't let those reviews be misleading, though; I can always appreciate a solid helping of impressive musicianship and beefy breakdowns -- a mixture of which Aria have perfected. Much of the exterior of "As If Forever Really Exists" could easily lead listeners to believe that Aria is another trendy melodic metalcore band, but within the first few seconds of "This Night Has Opened My Eyes And I Will Never Sleep Again," it is quite obvious that Aria is capable of pulling off some extremely chaotic, European-influenced metal.
Aria's technical prowess and knack for creating infectious metallic tunes shines brightly during every track. There is nary a dull moment during "As If Forever Really Exists," thanks to the thoughtfully interwoven guitar picking and explosive percussion section. Vocalist Paul Genet attacks the listener's ears with stomach-churning growls, and manages shows some range with raspy, high-pitched screams, while some standout bass lines anxiously await their discovery. The music is completely precise, and has been carefully arranged in order to create some impressive song structures built around more than one devastating breakdown. Add in the crisp and well-balanced recording quality, and the outcome is one chaotic, yet oddly controlled metallic blend.
"As If Forever Really Exists" carries a definite dark vibe, and may not be the album for fans of less extreme metal and metalcore. For the rest of us, though, Aria has succeeded in developing an easily definable and pleasant sound. The music is ballsy and heavy, without sacrificing the band's integrity by indulging in the recent trends. If you consider yourself a fan of extreme music, comparable to A Life Once Lost or God Forbid, then make sure to pay some attention to "As If Forever Really Exists."
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