Artist: Five Hundredth Year

Production: Wall of Sound Studio/B.J. Perry (I Prevail, The Product)

While society has at times struggled to learn how to accept people whose ideas and interests are different from their own and the social norm, those who experience unjustified prejudice often experience the same emotions as their fellow citizens. The gripping exploration into how people who have distinct interests and views do experience those same desires and sentiments as their peers is showcased in ‘A Rose from Ashes,’ the new EP from hard rock-metal band, Five Hundredth Year. The Fenton, Michigan-based group’s release captivatingly mixes creative vocals and instruments to emphasize that despite their heavy metal sound that not all listeners appreciate, they too experience such harrowing emotions as feeling isolated and fear of failing.

‘A Rose from Ashes,’ which features the powerful vocals of former lead singer and founding band member, John Pampreen, begins with the enticing track, ‘Awaken In Silence.’ With the support of lead guitarist Ben Moss, guitarist Jonathan Immers, bassist and backing vocalist Brenda Bennett, keyboardist and backing vocalist Mike Heil and drummer Zach Hanus, the dynamic introductory song proves the group is truly confident in their skills and passion for distinct music. Fueled by energetic guitars, clever drumming and an alluring mix of intensely sung and hoarsely yelled lyrics that are captivatingly fueled by Bennett’s harmonizing vocals during the chorus, the well-executed hard rock track reflects the talent of all the band members. ‘Awaken In Silence’ powerfully showcases that the group feels broken down by disbelief, as Pampreen relatably sings that he feels like he’s laying alone, and will do anything to bring his sanity back.

The record then leads into another noteworthy and gratifying track, ‘Blame.’ While the entry is at times gritty and harsh, the interlacing melodic and gentle vocals and instruments powerfully showcase the group’s battle to overcome their feelings of despair, and recapture their hope to overcome their addiction and reclaim their lives. As Pampreen notes that he feels as though he’s falling apart, and his addiction is taking its toll, he philosophically ponders how he can let his damaging behaviors go. The all-too-relatable and painful meaning will surely resonate with many listeners, particularly through the singer’s gentle vocals, particularly when he states he can’t believe his harrowing situation has taken control of him.

The next entry on ‘A Rose From Ashes’ is the typical heavy-metal and hard-rock song, ‘Breaking Point.’ Fueled by the music genres’ classic singing and instruments in its introduction, Pampreen enthrallingly relates how he’s losing control, and is being pushed down further into the hell he’s living. Bennett’s backing vocals provide a gentle contrast to the group’s lead singer’s voice, as he sings about reaching his breaking point. He also encourages the woman he’s involved with to leave behind his hate for him, and also insightfully admits that he’s terrified to open his eyes, because he’s afraid of failing.

The acclaimed hard rock-metal band also alluringly features Pampreen’s intense singing on the track ‘Stand Up,’ during which he contemplates the meaning of his truth as it comes to light. As he also powerfully notes that the person he’s drawn to is really just a shadow fleeing from him in the night, he also explores why she thinks she has the right to continuously infiltrate his life, even at a distance. The emotionally polarizing experience and relationship makes him contemplate where the relationship and his life are going next.

Another noteworthy entry on ‘A Rose from Ashes’ is ‘Reflection,’ which instantly shows the hard rock-metal band’s continued intensely through its intriguing guitar introduction. Pampreen then passionately reveals that he initially feels like there’s nothing left in him. But after some insightful soul searching and reflecting on what he has become, he realizes there’s something deep inside he can’t see. With a clear vision of where he wants to lead his life, he determinedly sets out to break the chains that are holding him back.

The similarly-themed, heavy-metal infused track, ‘Violent Descent,’ also explores the singer’s revelation that life is calling out to him. As he enthralling realizes that he’s holding onto his memories, particularly the moments that have influenced the person he has become, he determinedly tries to save his soul from further dispair.

‘A Rose from Ashes’ powerfully ends with an unexpected, but equally captivating, cover of Swedish singer Tove Lo’s adult contemporary song, ‘Talking Body.’ The cover once again showcases Pampreen’s gentler and more serene vocals as he reveals that he likes the feeling of being with the woman he cares about. The intriguingly intense interpretation of the track also captivatingly features his distinct declaration that he will do what she wants to keep her with him.

Although society has at times had conflicted feelings about accepting people whose ideas and interests conflict with their own and the social norm, those who experience unjustified prejudice often do experience the same emotions as their fellow citizens. The gripping exploration into how people who have unique interests and views do experience those same desires and sentiments as their peers is enthrallingly showcased in Five Hundredth Year’s new EP, ‘A Rose from Ashes.’ The hard rock-metal group’s release captivatingly mixes creative vocals and instruments to emphasize that despite their heavy metal sound that not all listeners appreciate, they too experience such harrowing emotions as feeling isolated and fear of failing.

For more information on Five Hundredth Year, visit the band’s Facebook, Twitter and YouTube pages. Listen to ‘A Rose from Ashes’ in its entirety below.

Written by: Karen Benardello