The Awakening
Razor Burn

YoungSide Records, October 2006
Genre: Dark/Gothic Rock
Official Site: www.awakening.co.za 
Rating: 4 out of 5

The Awakening came into existence in March of 1995, began live performances in February of 1996 and have released an average of an album a year since the release of "Risen" in 1997. Passion, beauty and romance are blended with the dark and paranormal to create something quite unique, against the backdrop of South Africa. An emotional journey that has resulted in more than a few line-up changes and an extensive catalogue of diverse, powerful music.

This may be my favorite album from Ashton Nyte. Melodic and haunting a times, always passionate. After a 1;30 minute intro the album begins with a hard hitting "Arrow." There is that dark overtone but something within the guitars brings light and hope in this great first full track. An up tempo metal influenced track which gets you excited for what's next. The next track, Heaven Waits", goes more in the direction of dark wave.  And again with the next track The Awakening gives you another diverse style with a gothic metal track with industrial overtones. "Darkness Calls" is an example of a track with epic proportion. Imagine every style you have heard from Ashton Nyte and add to that an intensity and maturity that is indescribable unless you to listen to this album. Other tracks like "Descent" show a more dark pop influence and quickly became one of my favorite tracks on this album. So much of this album displays an incredible amount of depth which literally pulls you into the album wanting to know the heart and mind of the artists. The album tends to become an experience and not just entertainment.  The Awakening has given us an amazing album full of metal, industrial dark pop, dark wave and overly excellence.

The lyrics and thought provoking and will cause your spirit to move. Many of the tracks have a beginning of hopelessness, loss and despair with the true guiding light being at the end.  The songs may have a dark overtone but it is clear they are going their to bring hope and sight. Ashton Nyte has an amazing voice.  It is full of compassion with a melodic overtone that is hypnotic in nature.

This is a must have album for those looking for something different and not being played every other minute on the radio.  This is a classic in the making for The Awakening!