Album Review: Aarlon – Dafan (Aspiration Records)

Aarlon is an Indian alternative rock/metalcore band based in New Delhi, India. One of the few bands in India who bring metal in their mother tongue. They will release their debut album ’Dafan’, a journey through the gamut of emotions a human being can experience in his lifetime shackled in the cages of a capitalist society, on March 27th, 2022 via Aspiration Records.

A melancholic blast of alt-metal with metalcore/post-metal touches, Aarlon make one hell of a landing with this debut album. Notable from the very start because they choose to have vocals sung in their own language, Hindhi. So that is very cool.

What is also very cool is that Dafan is intense, heavy and emotive sounding. A combination that shouldn’t necessarily come through as strongly but really does. This is an album that will make you feel but also make you head-bang and pit. A powerful showcase of just what Aarlon are about and one sure to excite a lot of people.

It doesn’t take too long for the quality in this record to shine through either. Vidroh sounding immense and with a soaring chorus, Panchhi delivering something with deep melancholy at its core, Rok Lo really shows the post-infusion side of the band off while also being heartfelt and heavy, and Tu’s melodrama touch is very much reminiscent of 90’s alt-metal.

The first half of the album is simply captivating and really makes Aarlon stand out from the pack.

The second half then begins with Saavan, a melodic and dreamy sounding listen with some glorious highs. It’s then followed by the excellent Aania, a track that will bring some tears even without understanding a world of Hindhi. A phenomenal example of how Aarlon use post-metal to enhance their alternative sound. One of the nicest and emotionally touching songs you’re likely to hear this year.

Inquilaab is the penultimate track and sees the group get nasty and heavy with a nu-metal infused blast of metalcore. Before wrapping up this album of the year contender with the title track, the cherry on top of this delicious cake. A finale that goes big, goes deep and goes into parts of the soul that you didn’t know existed.

What. An. Album.

Aarlon – Dafan Full Track Listing:

1. Vidroh
2. Panchhi
3. Rok Lo
4. Tu
5. Saavan
6. Aaina
7. Inquilaab
8. Dafan

Links

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