Album Review: Allt – Ataraxia (Century Media Records)

Following the release of their critically acclaimed debut album ‘From the New World’ in 2024, Allt have returned with their sophomore album ‘Ataraxia’, out 31st July via Century Media.

It’s quite interesting that this album comes from a more personal and realistic state of mind. Whereas the debut explored societal collapse, survival, and humanity through a fictional post apocalyptic lens, this album draws directly from the lives of the band themselves.

What difference does it make? It gives the album a more relatable feel, delivering potency in distinctive ways. All while not moving too far away from a recognisable alternative metal sound that, if I am being honest, doesn’t wow.

I like Allt, but this record feels like a bit of a step back from the debut. Whereas that album had tons of exciting moments, this follow up has fewer, and sometimes, it sounds downright generic. It is not a bad record, far from it, but I’m not just blown away. Though I do think plenty of others will be, as Allt do have obvious mainstream appeal.

Let’s talk about what I do like though. The record opens with a punchy and passionate effort called New Day. Blending intensely heavy sounds with discomforting melody and aggressive intent. It’s a strong start, setting a high bar, with the likes of Enemy and Ultraviolence meeting it by delivering catchy metalcore infusions and alternative belligerence.

Elsewhere though, Omertà has interesting elements, but lacks a memorable hook, High Hopes’ melody is unimpressive, and Nevermind showcases such a generic chorus that it dulls the heavier impact elsewhere. Though if we’re talking about tracks being exceptionally boring and bland, the title track runs away with it here.

Does it at least end in memorable fashion though? Kind of. It’s another highly melodic track with more contemporary cinematic touches that transforms into a more experimental blast of heavy groove and vitriolic intensity. It’s not the best track on the album, but it’s not the worst either.

It is varied album, and that’s a good thing. Even though it doesn’t wow, it does have hits and those are going to find big audiences. I have no doubt that Allt’s name is going to spread further thanks to this record, and I desperately wish I liked it more. Unfortunately, I can’t pretend, and my overall feeling about the record is that it’s a solid, but flawed effort that doesn’t capture what made the debut special.

Allt – Ataraxia Track Listing:

1. New Day
2. Omertà
3. Nevermind
4. Enemy
5. Ataraxia
6. Ultraviolence
7. Snowblind
8. High Hopes
9. Avalon

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