The Band
Awaken I Am is an Australian metalcore, progressive rock/post-hardcore band formed in 2011. Following many lineup changes and the tragic death of their guitarist, Connor Verner-Oakley, they have now recorded a new work as they are expanding their fan base.
Band Members
- Jimmy Alexander – vocals
- Ryan Oxford – guitar
- Luke McKenzie – drums
The Album
Awaken I Am’s fourth studio album, The Only Way Out Is Through, was released on June 27, 2025.
The Songs
1. Take Me Under. The first track of the album starts very softly. The chorus gets a little heavier. Catchy song. About a love relationship falling apart. Nice drumming and guitar riffs, a bit of djent. One of my favorites.
2. Turn to Stone. This was this album’s fifth single. Released on November 22, 2024.
It has a calm beginning, yet it has heavy moments too. Here, the bass stands out to me. Nice distorted metalcore guitar riffs that reminded me of Erra.
3. Somebody Else. The pain of letting go of a love connection that was never meant to be.
Good guitar solo and song, great drumming.
4. Relic. This was the album’s first single, and it was released a long time ago, on May 5th, 2023.
This was the first song I listened to by this band.
Beautiful vocals that make the song more heartfelt. Solid breakdown. For me, it’s a metalcore power ballad.
5. Afterlife. Another single. It was released on May 30, 2025.
One of my favorite songs, I love all the instrumentation behind the vocals, which sounds fascinating. Vocals are delightful too, melodic and nice tone. Absolute banger.
6. 52. Instrumental. I love it. Sounds somber and mysterious, and it transitioned to the next song flawlessly.
52 is the total number of cards in a deck, plus the next song is House of Cards.
7. House of Cards. This was the third single. Released on February 9th, 2024. Neat drumming, fills and all, solid bass.
8. Tightrope. This was the second single released on August 4, 2023.
Metalcore ballad, pleasant breakdown, good hook. This song and their overall style remind me of Bad Omens.
9. Upside Down (feat. Nerv). This single was released on Apr. 12, 2024.
Here they count with the American rock band Nerv.
Good song and breakdown. Both bands’ singers sing in turns. Both bands complement each other well.
10. The Looking Glass. Instrumental. Weird, like industrial, space-vibe, and sounds that repeat themselves in a loop, synths.
11. Vacant. Another single, released on Apr. 25, 2025.
The last track of the album and my favorite. Great hook.
Final Thoughts
Awaken I Am has released a lot of singles since 2023, and with this album, they grouped them all and recorded this new work, along with a couple of new songs.
The general lyrical theme is about relationship problems, breaking up, etc.
Their songs are very melodic, like metalcore ballads with djent guitars, small breakdowns, and catchy choruses. The voice provides that emotional tone, yet the music in the background is heavy and tasty. Cool album.
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Tracklist
- Take Me Under
- Turn to Stone
- Somebody Else
- Relic
- Afterlife
- 52
- House of Cards
- Tightrope
- Upside Down (feat. Nerv)
- The Looking Glass
- Vacant