I have a special relationship with Reasons Behind, not just because they are Italian like me, but because the first show I witnessed in 2022 was theirs (click here if you want to read my report!). And what an incredible opportunity I have here to review their third record, which will be released in 2023 (yes, I love the number 3). So without further ado, here is my review of “Architecture of an Ego”.
FemMetal Rating
8.5/10
“Architecture of an Ego” is a remarkable record that holds in it several surprises and many different stories. We are transported into another dimension as soon as it begins, and it looks like we are forced to obey some new, strange rules by the future.
And as soon as the record starts, we are transported into another dimension: nothing is just like it is, and nothing is just like it seems. The technology and the future are becoming more and more prominent, and we are now forced to obey their laws. I have never listened to such a strong starting track like “The Fall Of Human Race“, at least not recently. Brilliant choice! The power of the instruments, in contrast with Elisa’s tone, is my favourite element.
Notable and crystal clear (just like my preference) is the production: it is possible to appreciate many details of all the instruments and the voice. The songs are very homogeneous but the lyrics are direct, and they play an essential role in setting the atmosphere and the message. This is easily demonstrated because another great move was to choose “Heart Begins To Break” as the first single. It is the most distinguishable song so far; “… The world keeps turning around / as no one cares the future becomes the past“: these lyrics are magnificent and full of meaning!
But the good is yet to come for “Architecture of an Ego”, with “I³” that features Grace Darkling (Nocturna) and Steva (Deathless Legacy) on it… I am still trying to find the right words to describe this masterpiece… maybe when it’s released, you’ll understand. The combination of these three completely different voices is glorious! Each of these incredibly talented ladies brings something totally unique and yet perfect to the music. Wow! This is the purest form of art.
Some of the guitar solos were very good, others too similar, but they are more than good enough, given that EDM is a very specific and peculiar genre. It’s a bit difficult to hear the bass, but this is compensated with Andrea’s unstoppable drums. The closing track, “Letter To The Last Of Us“, encloses as a eulogy the pain, the loss, and the struggle like Reasons Behind was ready to return us to our present, and Elisa’s voice delivers in an outstanding way the sense of it all.
I had very high expectations for this record and this band, and they absolutely didn’t miss the target. “Architecture of an Ego” is a step forward for Reasons Behind, showing how skilled these artists are. They have created a spectacular record, and I am sure that, when played in live shows, these songs will smash everything!
