3rd August 2024

Review: “Through the Ether” by Mass of Amara

“This is our second full EP release, which consists of five tracks, including the interlude “The Ether,” which serves as the intro to closer, “Storm.” The lyrics were written by our vocalist Ella [Rosario], who explores reactions to life’s problems and occurrences; those we sometimes don’t feel prepared to face, but we arrive at the right moment to help us grow and keep moving forward. Sometimes it’s hard to cope with certain emotions and the best way to power through is to express them by letting ourselves feel and analyze what is going on inside our heads. The inspiration behind the EP title, “Through the Ether”, is derived from the infinite unconscious that we can tap into in a time when we are ready to heal a part of ourselves, as well as to acquire information about what we are capable of.” ~ Mass of Amara

Built on the song writing partnership of guitarist Preston Hexx and vocalist Ella Rosario that began in 2021, Mass of Amara are a Melodic Progressive Metal band from San Antonio Texas. Rounded out by drummer Joseph Briones and guitarist duo Victor King and Joshua Guerra, the band released their first single “Army of Me” in 2022 and then followed it with a three track debut EP titled “Vessel” that same year. 2023 saw the five piece unveil two further singles in “Rebirth” and “Revelations” before make their live debut in December, all the while writing sophomore record “Through The Ether“…

Mixed in house by Hexx and adorned by cover art from Rosario you could be forgive for thinking that this record was something of a demo; rest assured that it only takes a couple of seconds to realise that it is anything but. Mass of Amara clearly have some very talented individuals on board and instantly bring Jinjer and Spiritbox to mind with their downtuned heavy guitar crunch and harsh unclean vocal venom in the first verse of opening track “Unspoken“. DJent fuelled riffs from eight string guitars are the order of the day, the low end rumbling like an earthquake tremor. From that arises a soaring, delicate clean vocal passage with a suitable soundscape before diving deep into the mire once more. Ambient melodic passages laced with programming offer another dimension, the bands commercial appeal frighteningly obvious from the first listen with the contrast between the melodic and the heavy pushing extremes at both ends of the spectrum.

Repeating the patterns of the opening cut but with a meandering, unhinged and almost Jazz inspired melodic passage instead of a programmed one, “Ripped” hits like a freight train in its heaviest moments. Putting plenty of bounce in the mosh pit, its something of a showcase for Rosario, who it has to be said is a vocalist of supreme capabilities. Imagine Megan Targett of Vexed and Hayley Williams of Paramore in the same body and you get the picture, sickly sweet cleans on one hand, vicious uncleans on the other. An award winning formula that will require work to keep balanced in the long run.

The lush atmospheric touches continue into “Ascended” which has a lethal Deathcore style breakdown in it as well as some throat ripping banshee wails as the extremes in the bands sound push out even further. A 24 second interlude “The Ether” adds an ethereal touch as the introduction piece to “Storm” but didn’t really need to be severed, the shriller vocals and blasting from Briones perhaps hinting at a Black Metal influence somewhere along the line. Dark and brooding with the odd violent mood swing, this savage finale has a bit of Gothic atmosphere and groove to it. In all honesty, this isn’t meant for public consumption. It’s meant as a promo to ship to labels and get a record deal. It’s that good [8.5/10]

Track Listing