In need of a dose of epic hard rock? Band-Maid delivers with Epic Narratives, their new album, released last September. Review.
EPIC NARRATIVES – BAND-MAID
From the get-go, the bass drum sends out vibrations worthy of the biggest metal and hard rock hits of recent decades. It complements clear and captivating lead vocals, highlighting the thunderous riffs of the guitars and basses that the band makes roar. On this new album, Epic Narratives, the five musicians forming Band-Maid are not turning to subtlety. While their maid uniforms feature lace, as the title suggests they prefer to go full epic. With nearly fifty minutes of sonic power, they’re laying out their plan for world domination. And according to their social media, it’s happening this year. Their polished aesthetic will undoubtedly work in their favour.
Another boost to their plan is their knack for collaborating well, notably by inviting The Warning for a duet on SHOW THEM. Following the already brilliant Magie, Shambles, and the very catchy Protect You, this track really stands out! The two bands merge and harmonise superbly. Whether in English or Japanese, the energy of their songs never falters. They even effortlessly glide between hard rock and pop-infused sounds, as heard in Bestie, The One, and Memorable. Striking a balance between these styles, Brightest Star and Go Easy particularly stand out.
Explosive yet again with Toi et Moi—a little gem not to be missed—Band-Maid reaches the finale of their Epic Narratives. The album closes with TAMAYA!—tailored for radio play—and the instrumental Get to the Top, with its wild rhythm. These tracks are highly evocative of their musical style and almost make us forget their visual aesthetic, which is nevertheless central to the band’s identity. Here, they wrap up this new album with all the epic flair they’re capable of. The promise of the title is more than fulfilled!
