Lay Of The Autumn is going to be the first metal symphonic band I review for 2025. Lay Of The Autumn is an exciting new Italian symphonic power metal band led by Davide Scuteri, (Ravenword and Choirs Of Veritas). The Milan Italy, bands’ debut album, Of Love and Sorrow was released on Rockshots Records, on October 25th, 2024.
Lay of the Autumn is made up of members: Iryna ERIA Boyarkina, on lead vocals; Davide Scuteri, is the composer of the music and he plays keyboards; Cesare Ferrari, plays bass guitar; Davide Lovecchio, plays guitars; and Michele Olmi, plays drums. Additional musicians include: Andrea Gambaro, who performs growl vocals on the tracks, “Thrown Away” and “Of Love And Sorrow”.
The album commences with “When It Rains”, which opens to a downfall of rain, set to warm and inspired piano keys. A fantastic, over 2 minute instrumental prologue, that definitely sets the stage for this tremendous album.
“Flowing Tears”, gives us our first listen to Iryna ERIA Boyarkina’s voice. First , more rain, and beautiful piano. Then, rumbling drums and Iryna sings, “Do you remember, the first time, we met? It was raining. And we were dancing in the rain”. The symphonic background electrifies the soundscape, with choirs, strings, and other orchestration. The drums are amazing, and the lead electric guitar is pulsating. Fantastic, electric guitar riffing, along with symphonic orchestration, choirs and powerful music. An absolutely astounding start to this first, symphonic metal album of the year. Then, the pace slows to soft piano and acoustic guitar. Oh, what a wonderful way to close this song.
“Lost in Yours Eyes”, opens with cool synth keyboards and drums, along with driving electric guitars. Arjen Lucassen level music, driving at an amazing pace. So happy I found this band! Iryna, has a beautiful voice. She hits more of the high notes than most of the ladies in her genre. Her angelic sound is high pitched; however, the lyrics she sings can be plainly distinguished well. A close to six minute powerhouse symphonic metal showcase, in the style of old Xandria music. This is the music I remember they used to make with Manuela Kraller. Iryna does not have the power-vocal that Manuella had, but Iryna’s voice is softer and more delicate.
“After All This Time, Always”, opens with soft, high pitched piano. Iryna sings, “When I was young, I used to look at her secretly. I was enchanted by her red hair, caressed by the wind. I was hiding in the trees and waiting. For the moment I would have met her: “It will be the most beautiful magic”. Admiration for someone full of character and beauty, and someone who would make a great friend. Iryna continues, “She was my life, the only one. The only bloom I’ve ever loved. Shadows around me cover my mind. From the day when Lily died”. Then, the power metal returns, with a very powerful wash of orchestration, including lead electric guitar, and drums; building a symphonic, epic, cinema soundscape. The lead electric guitar shredding is absolutely amazing. Iryna returns to close the story, “I still remember our childhood, together. All the laughs and all the crying. When “forever” was now. But our stories were not meant to intertwine. She chose the other, then she got married. And our “forever” became “never”. One of the best songs on an album, of greatest symphonic metal/cinematic hits. A wonderful and magical story. Good to know there are still composers like this making great symphonic metal.
“Thrown Away”, opens like the other songs, with powerful keyboards. I think keyboards are essential to the metal symphonic genre, and this band and composer absolutely understands the power of the keyboard. Iryna sings, “I was the water in the desert of your heart. You were by my side until the spring dried up. I denied myself to drink so that you were fully quenched. While I was drowning in your lies”. Then, Andrea Gambaro, sings growling vocals, “Now the desert is wet with tears. My heart is broken, turned to dust. Chained by the memory of your ghost. In my restless days I realize that I’ve been thrown away”. Iryna returns, “I still regret the warmth of your embrace. You smiled at me while you were stabbing me in the back. You’ve been the mermaid’s song. Calling me into your arms to die in my loneliness”. Andrea Gambaro returns with nasty vocals, “I am crushed by the weight of your lies. You pierced my chest and disappeared. I was rejected and abandoned. In my sleepless nights I realize that I’ve been thrown away”. Iryna returns to close the song, “I see the world of tomorrow devoid of light. I stand in front of the ruins, the ruins of my life. My world collapsed when you threw me away”. A powerful song of mutual abuse.
“Undergo Deconstruction”, opens with more wonderful keys, before the dam breaks open and the orchestration, choirs, electric guitars, bass and drums build a mountain of metal symphonic mayhem. Another of the best musical sounds on the album. Iryna sings, “I learned the higher you fly, the greater the pain when you fall. You built yourself a perfect world full of shining stars. And you believed they were yours”. A full throated opera of compelling vocals and epic sounding music. Iryna returns to deliver the closing, “Nothing lasts forever, close your eyes, it will fade away. Time swallows what you love in this eternal change. Undergo deconstruction, renew the concept of self. When you look deep in yourself, who remains is you. You don’t have a soul; you are a soul. You have nothing else!” The absolute truth!
This album is full of beautiful harmonies and warm melodies throughout, its epic expanse. Every song is a keeper. Absolutely no throw aways. On “Love You to Death”, Iryna sings “When I look into your eyes. Everything wrong goes by. ‘Cause I’m a black star into the night. I feed my light with your shine. Here in the starry sky. Your eyes shine brighter than the stars. Would you guard this heart of mine? Carin’ about it, like it was your own. Another day, another night. I still remember when. We were two souls entwined in one. When the sun fell in love with the moon!” A powerful love song that this album absolutely needed.
This album has been full of first rate, epic, metal symphonic, atmospheric music. So why not give the composer the opportunity to dazzle us even more? That is what the sole instrumental song, “Si Sta Come D’Autunno Sugli Alberi Le Foglie”, does. The title is an adaptation of Giuseppe Ungaretti’s poem, comparing the falling soldiers of war, to the falling leaves of autumn. Poetry and beautiful music interwoven with skill…who could ask for more? Not me…The electric guitar shredding, mixed well with the keyboard playing, make this a definite album highlight.
“Of Love and Sorrow”, is a fantastic return for Iryna. She sings, to powerful symphonic roars of music, reaching for the pinnacle, “It’s something to be ashamed of. It’s something that needs to be hidden. Eradicating the truth by smiling. There is no chance to accept it. You have to deny it three times. Sweep the dust under the carpet. And everyone will love you. They made a fetish out of happiness. But in their heart there is emptiness. Pretending to spread positive vibes. A deep denial of emotions. They wear a mask of negation. But the lay of autumn comes like a scythe. Embrace what life makes you feel. Without fear. Release your tears. Don’t deny the other side. Dive into this ocean of regret. Don’t hold the breath. Because we’re made. Of love and sorrow, of darkness and light”. Wow! Powerful lyrics set to amazing music.
“Who is to Blame”, is a rough ending to a beautiful album. The story takes a darker turn as Iryna sings, “The wolf disguised himself as a lamb. To devour your sense of justice”. She continues, “The essence of the world has been lost. In this endless war to catch your soul. Ask yourself who is to blame? How can they do it without shame? A mass homologation. It’s a deep annihilation. Ask yourself if your own thoughts. Are really yours or not…” The album closes with powerful choirs and the symphonic metal soundscape, trailing off into the distance.
Lay of the Autumn’s debut album, Of Love and Sorrow, is everything I had hoped it would be. This is an amazing album that everyone who loves symphonic metal music, with female fronted vocals, will appreciate. This is the music I remember from the past, brought back to life in the present. This may be one of the best symphonic metal albums I have heard, that was released last year. Give Of Love and Sorrow a chance, and I promise you will enjoy it.
Album Track List:
- When It Rains -2:27
- Flowing Tears – 5:52
- Lost in Yours Eyes – 5:51
- After All This Time Always – 5:44
- Thrown Away – 5:53
- Undergo Deconstruction – 5:55
- Love You to Death – 6:20
- Si Sta Come D’Autunno Sugli Alberi Le Foglie – 5:02
- Of Love and Sorrow -5:59
- Who is to Blame – 5:39
The album, was mixed and mastered by Ettore Rigotti, (Disarmonia Mundi), at The Metal House Studios. The album was recorded at Davide Scuteri Music Studios. All music and lyrics were written by Davide Scuteri. All arrangements by Davide Scuteri and Lay Of The Autumn. Voice and backing vocals recorded by Iryna ERIA Boyarkina at Ivan Boyarkin studios. Growl voice recorded by Andrea Gambaro at Andrea Gambaro Studios. Instrumental track, “Si Sta Come D’Autunno Sugli Alberi Le Foglie”, was mixed and mastered by Simone Mularoni at Domination Studios. Cover artwork, logo and layout by Mattias Norén at www.progart.com. Photos by Flarescape – www.flarescape.com.
Band Website and Social Media Links:
https://www.facebook.com/LayOfTheAutumnOfficial/
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/lay-of-the-autumn/1738869756
https://open.spotify.com/album/7uDV5AH1IVBYFLqCyZH2xK
https://www.amazon.com/Love-Sorrow-Lay-Autumn/dp/B0DFJH3XY2
https://www.Rockshots.eu
YouTube and Music Video Links:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCJUEXLEzS0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrLCqPsIhu0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ho0alCHlMCA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wl4Ram9KpdY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5x76WP5sqWE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCytrnam5Lc