It’s been three years since this Dutch quintet (based in Rotterdam) have released their last studio album. If you are wondering whether this terribly long wait is worth it, I have but one word to say about that: YES!
“Pearls in Dirt” (Asrai’s 3rd studio release) is a beautifully written album which shows how Asrai has bloomed and blossomed from their debut album “As voices speak,” through the magnificent second studio album entitled “Touch in the Dark.” This new album is more intense, more passionate and more diverse than their previous work, yet it retains that Asrai element: a highly 80’s influenced new wave-meets-old punk rock vibe.
Take the opening track “Delilah’s Lie:” a powerful and dark number, with heavy guitar works accompanied by a very low-toned singing from Margriet. In my opinion, a good opening song for this album since it shows how Asrai has matured. The next song “Your hands Go Cold” is, like the previously mentioned track, eerie and dark; an aggressive gothic metal track that would fit perfectly on any psychological thriller soundtrack. Keeping with this ghastly and heavy atmosphere is, in my opinion, the most aggressive track on the album: “Awaken.” Heavy riffs, pounding drum beats and disturbing keyboard parts are all accompanying the angry and fast-paced singing; which, once reaching the chorus mellows down a little to a rather haunting dirge. Asrai’s very own angry and war-like song is what I would call it (if you missed that from my description, the war sirens during the first 15 seconds of the song will make that clearer).
Aside from these heavier tracks, there are tracks where that 80’s new wave and punk rock influences are more present. For example the song “Go” shows the “fun” side of Asrai. With the new wave synth effects (performed brilliantly by another female member of the band, Manon) along with the danceable rhythm (drummed by none other than Karin, Margriet’s twin sister) it is a great party song which is sure to have you singing along. Alongside this track is another catchy tune (and one of yours truly personal favorite) entitled “Sour Ground.” This is where those new wave elements I’ve spoken about earlier truly shine. The song is very poppy and, contrast to most of the songs on the album, very lively. The bass (done by Martin) along with the keyboard parts give this song a rather synthpop feeling. Of course, seeing that Asrai’s roots lie in the 80’s and that several members have played in different new wave and punk rock bands, it becomes apparent from where these elements are derived from.
Like “Touch in the Dark” (Asrai’s 2nd studion album), this album also features a more passionate and melancholic side. The track “Something I said” starts off with a clean guitar part (beautifully played by Rik) that, for a moment, reminded me of Nancy Sinatra’s “Bang bang (my baby shot me down).” It then goes into a passionate chorus (again those 80’s semi-poppy elements are present) where Margriet’s high-toned vocals are extremely uplifting; she truly shines on this track. Finishing off my review with the most melancholic and breath-taking track off the album: “Stay with me.” This track is rather slow-paced and mellow; a very simple composed song. It’s this simplicity along with the melancholic orchestral part and the gloomy lyrics that will envelope you and have you cornered in its peaceful and grey sorrow; a true highlight from this album.
Asrai’s Pearls in Dirt was recorded at Excess studio and additional recordings were done at the Gate Studio with Sascha Paeth (famous for his work with Kamelot, Epica and After Forever to name a few). Furthermore, it is the first album the band has released through Season of Mist (after signing to them late 2006).
If you are into gothic metal in the vein of The Birthday Massacre or (late) Apoptygma Berzerk, Be sure to check out this very diverse, energetic and amazing album: you will not be disappointed.
