Review AS EVERYTHING UNFOLDS “Did You Ask to be Set Free?”

As Everything Unfolds is a UK-based band formed in 2013 by Adam Kerr and the band’s former vocalist and guitarist, Alex Paton. While their music may have flown under the radar for some people, the band’s steady rise has proven noteworthy. After releasing two EPs that laid the groundwork for their debut album, “Within Each Lies the Other” (2021), the band has returned with their third studio album, “Did You Ask to Be Set Free?”, released in April this year.

The twelve-track record delves deeply into the complexities of human nature and emotional struggle. Addressing themes such as addiction, self-sacrifice, fractured relationships and burnout, the album poses the central question reflected in its title: is freedom something we truly desire or ultimately fear? Tracks such as “Gasoline” encapsulate this tension, exploring inner conflict with lyrical intensity and sonic force.

Musically, As Everything Unfolds crafts a dynamic fusion of alternative rock, modern metal, and post-hardcore. While maintaining a distinct identity, the album spans a broad stylistic range. More melodic and accessible moments, such as “Break It Away”, showcase Charlie Rolfe’s clean vocals, providing a polished and emotionally resonant contrast to the heavier material.

This contrast is essential to the album’s impact. Songs such as “Set in Flow” blend introspective passages with powerful, driving riffs, with Rolfe alternating between clean singing and harsh growls. This interplay creates a compelling tension that mirrors the fractured emotional states explored throughout the record. While this dynamic is familiar within the genre, it is executed effectively and purposefully here.

The opening track, “Denial”, sets the tone with its balance of melody and aggression. Meanwhile, “Idols” emerges as one of the heaviest tracks on the album. Meanwhile, “Reverie” introduces a marching rhythm layered with subtle electronic elements and a more accessible flow. Then, “Edge of Forever” shifts the atmosphere towards darker, more melancholic territory.

“Did You Ask to Be Set Free?” is a multifaceted album that juxtaposes thunderous guitar work and aggressive vocals with electronic textures and moments of emotional vulnerability. Its versatility reflects the unpredictable and often turbulent nature of the human experience. While it may not break entirely new ground, the album delivers a strong collection of well-crafted, emotionally charged songs that resonate through their sincerity and intensity.