A DECLARATION OF SOUND

A Declaration of Sound is Aviations' first foray into the prog metal scene. This album is sparse on harsh vocals, but the vocals nevertheless mesh with the other instruments effortlessly and fill the particular niche of "cozy metal" very nicely where many other bands don't.

Although this is their first album, you really can't tell it. The album and the songs within are very nicely put together, with consistent structure and rhythm. Adam's vocals punch clearly through the mix in a really satisfying way, but make way for the other instruments when it's time for those to shine. You can tell the mix is very intentional in where each element sits sonically and in terms of loudness - and although it doesn't sound professionally mastered or overly produced, it was composed and mixed very nicely and fits the niche it filled at the time of release.

The standouts from the album, to me, are "I. Voyages", "II. Arrival", "III. Raised Expectations", and of course, "Outliers". The former three are meant to be listened to in sequence and obviously meant to tell a tale, and the way they flow into one another is effortless in portraying that.

"Outliers" is by far Aviations' most popular song. It flows from a soft, swaying opening into djenty verses, to flowy bridges. It doesn't really have a chorus, but it doesn't need any. It's one of those songs that you can listen to for years and not get bored of it. "Outliers" was remastered in Aviations' 2020 "Retrospect" album and serves as a facelift for the already existing masterpiece with updated composition and mastering to more closely match the band's present evolution.

A Declaration of Sound is Aviations' first step on their evolution as a band, and it'll always have a special place in my heart.