Album Review: As I May – Karu (UPRISING! Records)

As I May is a four-piece modern melodic metal band from Mikkeli, Finland – formed in 2016. The band released their debut album ‘Speak No Evil’ in 2017, and got the attention of the record label Rockshots Records, who decided to sign As I May for the release of their 2nd album ‘My Own Creations’, which was released in the summer of 2019.

Worldwide lockdowns forced As I May to postpone most of their plans but it gave them time towork on a brand-new opus called ‘Karu’ – a venture into more modern and direct in-your-face songs, which caused UPRISING! Records to sign the band on a worldwide deal.

Karu will be released digitally, on LP (red/black marble, limited to 300 units) and CD formats on March 4th, 2022, via UPRISING! Records.

If you’re new to As I May, prepare to be blown away. This is a band who crafts fascinating, electric and eclectic modern metal. Kicking off with Charged, the stompy groove and aggressive vocals might seem a bit part for the course, albeit bloody class sounding. Hold on though, As I May are about to turn the track on its head with inclusion of clean singing and melody. This is a track that transforms into a heavy metal anthem.

Take a breath, it’s needed. As I May don’t hold back again on the more emotive Breaking Myself Away. The darker tone fits nicely with the catchy chorus. Before Rotten digs into the dirt and filth to uncover a nauseating level of heavy groove. High Octane takes a moment to hit a high gear but when it does, it’s stompy groove and an anthemic chorus. The more ‘rap’ style vocals are interesting although likely to polarise.

Then Under the Gun mix of choppy and sharp guitar parts, head-bang inducing percussion, and spitfire vocals ensures the half-way point is passed in style.

There’s so much more melodic metal goodness to come though. As I May providing an array of wide-ranging soundscape experiences. From the daringly danceable Devil Rides with Me to the powerful energy of Broken and impressive mix of haunting melody and crushing metal noise that Black Ink exudes.

Last but not least is Choke Me. A track that sees As I May go out in an electrifying bang. One last anthemic bang.

As I May – Karu Full Track Listing:

1. Charged
2. Breaking Myself Away
3. Rotten
4. High Octane
5. Under The Gun
6. Devil Rides with Me
7. Broken
8. Black Ink
9. Choke Me

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