Album Review: Fading By Degrees

When Auckland band Illuminus released their debut, Until The End in 2012, it was their unique sound that received rave reviews by many.

This latest offering, Fading By Degrees has the same progressiveness that will keep the fans happy. Bringing back crunchy riffs laced with elements of their well-used piano, strings and Electronica, Illuminus captures a beautiful harmony of Rock and Metal that is equal without any one instrument taking spotlight for too long.

Tracks like Timeless and Enlightened have amazing potential, a promising start with individuality but my one gripe has to be the vocals.

Vocalist and Guitarist Aidan Dickens has an unusual but ordinary tone. If I closed my eyes, I could almost hear a similar vocal style to former Million Dead frontman, turned solo artist, Frank Turner and I became hopeful for what was to come.
Sadly it didn’t stick and it’s a shame.

One too many times throughout listening I became confused as to how Aidan’s style fits into each song’s elements. With such amazing riffs, it’s really hard to pretend that I wasn’t bothered by such monotonous impairment as Rock and Metal are two of my favourite genres of music! But without prominent vocals, the overall sound became blurred despite the enormity of brilliant and obviously talented musicianship.

Overall I was gutted, because Fading By Degrees is a well-crafted offering that is lyrically compelling and different. It may not have been my cup of tea vocally, but to fans of their first album this will surely please.