Afterlife reviews from around the world

Grade/rating: A+ ... To quote every other review of this band's music, "If you're into Rush, then Afterlife is a band for you." Personally, I was never a fan of Rush's albums, instead simply appreciating the decades of singles that landed on the airwaves. Yet, with all the similarities Afterlife's music has with that of Rush's, something has really grabbed my attention on this nine-track masterpiece -- yes, masterpiece. Performing prog-rock at its finest, Afterlife take the classic melodies of Rush and Led Zeppelin and create a fresh and modern heavy rock sound that bleeds with both incredible sing-along melody and exceptional song-writing -- like Fates Warning's guitar-based prog manages to do.

Jarrod Cox assumes the vocal and bass duties, just as Rush's Geddy Lee has done for so many years, and not without cueing in on Lee's vocal sound. Not to worry though, Cox's vocals don't tend to maintain the high-pitched status of the legendary Lee -- phew! In fact, I'm going to commit what some readers may call blasphemy: If Rush were to release a perfectly balanced album that would appeal to the largest number of fans, this is exactly what the album would sound like. (Please, no hate mail!) But seriously, this former Rush tribute band should be gracing your CD collection, whether you're into classic rock or modern prog. Have I made myself clear yet?

OUAS e-newsletter (US) (by Wes Royer)

Adventurous. Melodic. At times, exotic. These are the qualities that characterize the music of Afterlife. A progressive rock band of Los Angeles musicians, with backgrounds in Rock, Classical, and Jazz. Here is what one of the prominent rock magazines ILL LITERATURE #14 (US) has to say about Afterlife.


"This trio of gifted players have some serious playing time under their belts but collectively have been jamming to covers for several years before deciding to create their own compositions. Highly reminiscent of Rush, these guys even have a bass player/keyboardist who sings and his tone isn't that far off from Geddy Lee's either. Influenced by the classic bands of yesteryear AFTERLIFE create some dynamically moving songs that are worth checking out if you prefer your bands with some skillful playing and a prog rock feel."

 


"US three-piece AFTERLIFE precedes an excellent reputation, and frequent comparisons to Canadian gods Rush aren't that far off the mark. Top notch instrumentation and meticulously worked out arrangements make it clear that these guys are mining the exact same territory Geddy Lee and his men did so successfully in the late 70's / early 80's This tape belongs in every decent collection. Get it!"

ROCK HARD, Germany's biggest hard rock magazine.

Attention! For those of you in Germany and surrounding countries - check out issue #129 of ROCK HARD, who have picked AFTERLIFE to appear on their "Unerhoert!" Vol. II CD, sort of a "Best of the Unsigned" comp. The disc is free and comes with the magazine. The guys contribute the song "Demon Hour" and are featured in print as well! Also, for those of you in Germany who do not want to send money across the Atlantic, please take note that copies of "Afterlife" can now be ordered directly from:

Powermad Distribution

c/o J. Edelmann

Ringweg 9

69151 Neckargemuend-Dilsberg

GERMANY

(Send DM 30.- per CD, incl. postage and handling. Cash only, please!)

"These three musicians are all well-educated and belong to the group of super instrumentalists, and by so are in a league with the big guys, which gives the impression of Afterlife being a musician's band. Here you have more shifts and changes in tempi, than the last 100 released progressive metal-albums, but since the musicians play so well, it avoids getting on your nerves. Just like on Rush's early releases Hemispheres and A Farewell to Kings, Afterlife is not restricted by their technical abilities, but also knows how to blend their music with great melody lines, which should satisfy any rock fanatic."

...Metalized #31 (Denmark)

"...these guys emphasize catchy songs which are executed throughout with skill and dexterity. Another important trademark is the band's intelligent use of melody. If Afterlife continue in this fashion and the labels start to take note of their qualities, this three-piece will almost certainly be making some serious waves on an international level. Anybody who enjoys truly refreshing, passionate, intense, and well thought-out music...should not hesitate to invest in this exceptionally well-produced CD and discover a promising new band."

...Heavy, Oder Was!? #33 (Germany)

"This trio from Southern California sounds like an up-to-date version of Rush from their glory days...progressive rock with definite 1970's roots."

...Mindview #38 (Belgium/Holland)

If you're into Rush, then AFTERLIFE is a band for you! From the music structuring to the vocal style and range, the heavy Rush influences really stand out in their mix. The tape begins with "Falling Apart", a tune filled with great playing abilities and even has some pretty cool bass runs in the lead section. "The Wasteland" has a little more of a modern rock feel to the writing, along with the Rush overtones. The third song, "Seasons", jumps off into a totally different direction, constructed around happy acoustic chords and leaving the technical style behind to create a song focused more on commercial intentions. The last two songs, "Demon Hour" and "Minor Seconds", both pick up the progressive pieces to bring AFTERLIFE back to their real identity.

BALLBUSTER #4 (US)

"Four out of four stars - "Demolition" section"