After their first album and touring activity, now former vocalist Jana left the band and so the vocals on Before and After are performed by bass player Robert "Kuna" Szille. His rather high and a little raucous voice growls aggressive staccato words or phrases in the hardcore-tradition, which fits the band's style very well. The lyrics use many keywords like "freedom" or "future."

Most of the songs on Before and After are up-tempo tracks. The guitars play many evil disonant harmonies, which create threatening atmospheres. Sometimes there appears an impulsive guitar riff, which reminds of new thrash bands like Soulfly or Ektomorf. Guitar solos are usually rather short and then the guitars nail down again their tight riffs. Short, solo bass parts aren't missing either.

Maybe the arrangements of the songs could differ a little more from each other as similar harmonies seem to be a little overused throughout the album. Rhythm is a very important element on Before and After. This fact seems to make the music very suitable for a live gig, though some listeners might think there are too many breaks. But all in all Before and After is an agressive and fast album, which was likely the band's goal.

written by Aziza Schwenke

Playing time: 26:59