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Aporia by Forever Never

Released 20 March 2006 by Casket Records

Subtle yet complex conundrums power this metal debut

Aporia; A figure of speech in which the speaker expresses or purports to be in doubt about a question; An insoluble contradiction or paradox in a text's meanings.

Forever Never’s debut album proves to be less the contradiction than its title may obliquely suggest. Having graced the gig circuit for the last few years, Forever Never have honed a tight powerful sound that despite giving a few reverential nods to their inspirations they have made all their own. Staccato pounding drums and chunky riffs nod towards the polyrhythmic brand of metal favoured by the likes of Meshuggah, songs have the attitude of Pantera and the drive of Machine Head but at no point draw direct comparisons. They’ve managed to come out of the door with a distinct Forever Never feel, and set the benchmark for many an aspiring British band.

Title track Aporia starts things off with pounding drums and guitars that give you a taste of what is to come. Big riffs and a catchy hook dominate as vocalist Renny Carroll sings & screams in all the right places, underpinned by the solid bass action of Kevin Yates. Old favourites This World, As I Lie and Saviour? sparkle with a new polish that rewards resilient speakers, those who have heard these tracks on their previous EP are in for a treat if they turn the volume to 11 to appreciate previously untapped nuances and depths. Better The Epic hits you squarely between the eyes with a double bass kick from drummer Mike Row that will send you reeling, Renny spitting “No. We’ve got to raise our game” venomously one moment, pleading “We must change before we can explain” the next. Never sees guitarists Sam Machin & George Lenox shredding furiously, their guitars squealing in pain as they wring their wretched necks to produce such exquisite music. 0707 is a topical message of defiance against the current terrorist threats, declaring “You won’t ever take over – never, ‘Cause our Smiles will live on – forever!” in this drumkit punishing anthem. Scared to Scarred thunders out of the speakers with a riff that makes way for more of that drum blasting which must see Mike go through a few sticks and skins. Again the guitars scythe through the rhythm and beats with a satisfying tonnage of metal, as does New Arrival which pounds on you from the off, a homage to new beginnings and liberation, “Evolving into something free”. A nice little solo in the middle of this song balances some dirty bass riffage from Kevin. Reversal is a more reflective song slowing the pace but threatening to burst into life at any moment as it unravels it’s theme of redemption. Drowning is another thrumming and bass heavy number, as it’s title suggests a last breath before Silent Elegy To The Living closes things with an introspective edge and another anthemic chorus.

For those that have been waiting for this full length album there will be no disappointments. A great album from yet another band that proves there is an all too often overlooked well of British talent. The quality of the production from Dave Chang gives the punchy dynamic sound their music cries out for and deserves as well as depth that will keep you coming back to discover more. Yes, it’s very metal but it’s also so much more….

Lineup;
Renny Carroll - Vocals
George Lenox - Guitar
Sam Machin - Guitar
Mike Row - Drums
Kevin Yates - Bass

Produced & Engineered by Dave Chang

Track Listing;

Aporia
This World
Better The Epic
Never
0707
As I Lie
Scared To Scarred
New Arrival
Reversal
Saviour?
Drowning
Silent Elegy To The Living