Sakara: Forgetting What Was review

Hitting the ground running comes Sakara with their debut album Forgetting What Was. This 10 song compilation brings together elements of hard and alternative rock and metal. Although an easy enough song to follow, the opening track “Jonah” keeps things simple by kicking things off with a basic introduction to the band and offers a simplistic “getting to know you” approach. It’s with the second track, “Headlines,” that the energy begins to pick up a bit as it kicks off with an almost Tool-like chugging to and rolls into a more pronounced stance and sound. This is followed by the diverse “Standing My Ground” which incorporates heavier metal aspects in the guitar work and incorporates some screaming. “Flesh and Blood,” being in more alternative elements with its mellow yet disconnected guitar work fashioned much in the style of A Perfect Circle meets Kidney Thieves. The euphoric string work is almost entrancing on this as it creates an atmosphere that’s all-too-easy and enjoyable to get lost in. Taking a slower approach is “The Hunger” with melodic highlights and flow that closely resembles that of Incubus and bands of the like with a more acoustic feel. Kicking of the second half of the album is the title track “Forgetting What Was” with its disjointed melodies that work in melding string work and emotive vocals that force you to listen more carefully. Compared to the first half of the album, the second half is a bit more subdued in many ways. There are, of course, tracks that have a little more energy than others like “Heaven Maybe” with its jumping drums and punky tempo and vocals. This track is definitely one that will have you bobbing your head and wanting to sing along. Closing out the album is “Simulation Theory” and its alt rock composure with a jazzier core. There is something innately entrancing about this track that makes you roll with it to its trippy end. Sakara have created an album that combines newer rock ideals with classic alternative elements. The combination of off-beat melodies, techno-fused elements, and vocal diversity makes Forgetting What Was an intriguing sonic journey that recalls memories of the pioneers of the alternative scene while occasionally infusing it with heavier elements and diverse techniques. If they continue to fine tune and diversify their sound, Sakara will only build and improve, making for what’s sure to be an exciting follow up. Rating: 9/10 -Patricia Jones