Crashing down from the platform of supremacy must hurt. English metal band Asking Alexandria has done that and more with their record See What’s On The Inside. A fall from grace is forming, a rattle in the gears is causing problems, and this band, which was predominant in a scene swimming in imitators, is churning out mediocrity at a rapid pace, and it’s a shame.

This band had their days of brilliance, their moments in paradise. They had the giant hand on authority, drenched in adoration, and they could have elevated to a hallowed status. But it’s all falling to pieces, crashing around them and the fans who stood by. And See What’s On The Inside seems like a record failing to open its eyes. It feels heavy on the ears in a disparaging way.  

Lyrically, leading singer Danny Worsnop tries and fails to craft synergy. He seems to have placed words together that don’t work. They seem bloated and simple, and the songwriter who once was a weaver of magic, has used half-hearted sentences to try to get his point across. It is a shame, as Asking Alexandria had it all, the melodies and the prowess.

Moments of tenderness do seep through, but they’re rare. The instrumentals catch on and have been meticulously crafted, but we know these musicians have it in their locker. They’re more than able to entice and excite the crowds. They’re masters at what they do, designing riffs and using their instruments to the limits.

These songs do not work, none of them have the hook we expect. “Alone Again” opens with rushed vocals and a riff we’ve heard before. The lyrics have no urgency or imagination. “Never Gonna Learn” again goes the same way and is uninspired. “Find Myself” has no real progressive hooks to write home about. Warsnop tries to construct melody here, but it’s been done a million times before.

Asking Alexandria fails to light up the metal scene like they have so many times. This album is a mismatch and one full of broken pieces.

-Mark McConville