The Even Order - The Awakening
It never ceases to amaze me how talented my friends are.
The Even Order is the solo project by Justin Schulze, and his debut offering The Awakening is a concept album that focuses on our journey of self-reflection and how life experiences shapes and changes who we are fundamentally. The music is heavy but the lyrical content is much heavier in terms of depth and introspection. After listening to the album first time around, I heard some heavy kick-ass songs, but I had no idea I was only scratching the surface. Yes, more great songs to rock out to, but after digging in deeper there was so much more. Like an onion, The Awakening has layers upon layers that can be peeled back.
I can confirm that these songs were written from a really personal place, but even though they’re drawn from personal experiences they’re relatable. I can practically guarantee that there’s at least one track on The Awakening that appeals to everyone at some point in their life. Societal expectations, individuality, peer pressure, anxiety, superficiality, pain - you name it, The Awakening has it. (Don’t take my word for it, for a more in-depth breakdown of each track on YouTube)
Musically, the songs on The Awakening are powerful and ardent, with a wide array of musical influences on display. Metal riffs, classical composition, and Spanish guitars are all represented. The task of comparing The Even Order sound was a little daunting, only because of those eclectic sources of inspiration. Take one part Anthrax, a few scoops of Devin Townsend, a handful of Testament, sprinkle a dash of Mastodon, throw in a bunch of guitar solos and voila! You’ve got yourself a killer bowl of The Awakening.
Any disappointment I had in the length of this album was mitigated by the efficiency in communicating the subject matter. The length of the story does not matter, as long as the story is told properly. Each theme is as concise as it is enlightening. Sure, I’d love to have more than 8 tracks on an album but luckily Justin has 11 albums worth of songs written already, so there will be no shortage of The Even Order tunes in the foreseeable future.
I wasn’t looking for more than great songs from The Awakening, but I got much more than that; I got to challenge my perception of life, as well as my perception of my self.
Come for the killer songs, stay for the lyrical content.
The Even Order are here for everyone.
And this is the awakening.
“Take me to the hospital I think I’m gonna die
Think I’m making all this up, hell this ain’t no lie”
The Even Order - Panic Attack
