The quintet Allura have coupled their appearance at the 2007 Vans Warped tour with the release of a four-track EP A Chance in the Winds. Typical metal motif, solid black with grey Old English-style font and skull-themed artwork, adorn the cover. Inside, adjacent to photographs of the band members suspended in mid-performance, Allura have kindly provided lyrics revolving around themes of frustration, anger, betrayal, and the yearning for escape that parallel their heavy sound. “Burst in Flames” initiates the EP with blaring feedback that erupts into thrashing guitars, melds characteristically harsh metal growls with harmonious background vocals, and introduces the frantic speed that defines the sound of the EP. Surprisingly melodic vocals emerge on “From Beneath” and “More Than Just a Name” and accompany frenzied guitar duels and crashing drums. A head-banger’s delight, “Dead Inside” finalizes the EP with intense full-band shouts and metallic screams, but unlike the previous tracks, this closer culminates with more complex and varied instrumental arrangements, and develops an intriguing rhythm.
Allura’s A Chance in the Winds demonstrates promising talent and vigor through its four tracks. While this small sample may not be sufficient to indicate how much Allura will progress or transform the metal genre, time will tell. Take a listen to Allura at www.myspace.com/alluraband to decide Allura’s potential and give them a “chance” to take off.
