Review Summary: Playing this album for more than ten years.
Rather than competing to have the most technical guitar work, 10 Years invigorate radio hard rock/alt metal through the medium of songwriting in their classic album, The Autumn Effect. Their atmosphere, combined with legitimately surprising twists in songs makes for an entertaining listen. The album is also stuffed with strong, catchy choruses from beginning to end. In conjunction with the hook filled riffs and inviting melodies, it’s a difficult album to turn away from. The lyrics, edgy guitars, and unique melody work can perfectly coexist within the moody painting they form. The album is much too nuanced to be your everyday, run of the mill butt rock release. Yet, at the same time, the melodies on offer allow 10 Years to blend easily alongside other mainstream metal acts such as Chevelle, Earshot, Breaking Benjamin, Ra, etc.
The emotive side of this album is much better compared to Breaking Benjamin’s Phobia, which came out a year after The Autumn Effect. Jesse bleeds the poetic lyrics on offer, with beautiful harmonies, and occasional bursts of blistering, high notes. Jesse Hasek’s singing style is also naturally melodic and heartfelt, a motif that carries the album. He may not have the strongest voice in the scene, but he excellently navigates dynamics and range, while having a unique voice. He brings his A game, and the pay off is huge.
There is no singular element that makes 10 Years stand out, which they can attest to proudly. Each song is distinct in its own way, making fairly straightforward songs much deeper. The gritty tone of the guitar, the remarkably memorable lyricisms, the tight snare - need I go on? Colours in the album provide an enticing spectrum of intrigue. There has never been a time when I didn’t enjoy The Autumn Effect. It may not have been the most aggressive on the scene compared to similar albums at the time, but it is not an album to be skipped. It will forever be one of their best, and most iconic moments in time.
