We Are To Blame – All I Want To Say (2022)
The idea of a pop vocalist joining a metal band is not altogether unheard of but can seem a little odd. Heavy metal does not lie alongside pop, does it? Then again, perhaps it does. When vocalist Alice Hartvig came across an advertisement for a singer in a metal project, she was sceptical but also intrigued. After meeting with guitarist Johan Karlsson, it was clear that Hartvig was the missing link in the metal puzzle; hence, We Are To Blame was born.
Described by music blog Underground N Proud as a hard-hitting modern metal trio, We Are To Blame brings the sound of old-school metal to a modern-day audience. A strong melding of contemporary pop with classic metal adds an edginess that makes the group quite unforgettable. Influenced by death metal, progressive metal and power metal, there is a powerful darkness to the gritty sound; however, the lightness of Hartvig’s voice threads obscurity into the sonic tapestry. The latest addition to their discography is ‘All I Want To Say’.
Following their well-received track ‘Losing Rhythm’, We Are To Blame brings an “epic metal duet” to their repertoire in ‘All I Want To Say’. As with the majority of metal songs, there is a heaviness and hard-hitting quality to the track; however, ‘All I Want To Say’ brings a refreshing tone to this genre. A melodic arrangement of elegantly layered and textured guitar and piano instrumentation hits you in the chest with its power. Yet, while the melody already has an overwhelming effect, the vocals in this duet are what leave you breathless. The soothing lulls meld with high-powered guitar riffs showing a sophistication and innovation in the band’s sound.
Upon my first listen, I immediately hear a similarity to Evanescence’s ‘Bring Me To Life’. Alice Hartvig’s voice has the spine-tingling sensation we hear from Amy Lee and Tom Englund makes you melt with the Paul McCoy similarity. Yet, while I can make this comparison it is merely that – a mild comparison. When listening to ‘Losing Rhythm’ and ‘All I Want To Say’ I hear We Are To Blame showing their dynamic personality in the tracks – a personality that stands out and far above the rest.
When I found that ‘All I Want To Say’ is an eight-minute single, I was a little overwhelmed. Could I undertake a review of an “epic metal duet” featuring these talented artists? What would I say? What could I write? Would it be any good? After listening to ‘All I Want To Say’ I wonder why I was so nervous. The beauty and elegance of Englund and Hartvig combined with the grittiness of Karlsson and Urban Granbacke’s guitars replaced my nerves with pure joy. An almost palpable grittiness within a soothing pool of exquisite sound.
For more from We Are To Blame check out their official website, Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
