What do A Perfect Circle, Tool, Marilyn Manson, Alice In Chains, Mastodon, and Stone Temple Pilots have in common (besides some of them sharing band members)? Their spirit is alive and well within Freakbreed’s refreshing and versatile hard-rock onslaught, Emerge.
With Emerge, Freakbreed has crafted an album that doesn’t just pay homage to the titans of rock and metal but channels their essence in a way that feels both nostalgic and innovative. One standout track we love, “Tunnel Rat,” evokes the haunting presence of Layne Staley, reminiscent of Alice In Chains’ Dirt. The gritty vocals and sludgy guitar riffs create an atmosphere that transports listeners back to the grunge-laden ’90s, making it a standout track that showcases the band’s ability to tap into the raw emotional depths that defined that era.
Tracks like “Take It” and “Bruise by Bruise” further cement Freakbreed’s prowess in drawing inspiration from Alice In Chains, specifically their self-titled 1995 album. “Bruise by Bruise” doesn’t stop at just channeling AiC; it also pulls in the brooding, complex layers reminiscent of Tool and A Perfect Circle. The seamless integration of these influences results in a track that is both familiar and refreshingly unique, demonstrating Freakbreed’s skill in blending different sonic elements.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Emerge is how Freakbreed manages to conjure the spirits of various artists and eras across the album, sometimes even within a single song. This dynamic approach keeps listeners on their toes, never knowing which musical direction the band will take next. It’s a testament to their versatility and deep understanding of the genre’s history.
“After the Storm” takes a particularly hard-right turn, landing listeners in what feels like a surreal, hard-hitting party hosted by Trent Reznor, Marilyn Manson, and Chris Cornell. The track’s industrial beats, darkly melodic undertones, and intense vocal delivery make it a complex and compelling piece that stands out in an already diverse album.
Despite these clear influences, Freakbreed manages to maintain a distinct identity throughout Emerge. The album never feels derivative; instead, it synthesizes these inspirations into something that is greater than the sum of its parts. Each track offers a new layer, a new perspective, making Emerge one of the most interesting albums of 2024, period.
And let’s talk about the production – it hits with such intensity and listenability that you would immediately assume it was a major label release but that’s the thing – it’s entirely self-produced. It’s rock by committee, if you will.
The album is produced and engineered by David Hunsaker and Nick Huff, with Huff also handling the mixing duties. It was mastered by Trevor Nokes, ensuring that every track has a polished yet powerful finish. Vocals are a shared effort between Nick, David, and Cory Peterson, with Peterson singing the majority, providing a cohesive yet varied vocal landscape that enhances the album’s dynamic range.
All songs on Emerge are written by David and Nick, who also play multiple instruments throughout the album. David’s skills on drums, guitars, and bass are complemented by additional bass from Scotty Francis and additional vocals from Angela Murphy. Mike Lomax brings extra percussive texture with his djembe, and Brad Lewis contributes to the arrangement, adding further depth to the album’s sound. Nick also takes on the role of art director, ensuring that the visual presentation matches the album’s bold sonic identity.
In a landscape where many rock albums can feel formulaic, Freakbreed’s Emerge is a bold declaration of the genre’s enduring power and versatility. It’s an album that invites listeners to explore its depths repeatedly, discovering new nuances with each play. Freakbreed has not only captured the spirit of rock’s past but has also paved the way for its future, making Emerge a must-listen for any true rock aficionado.