Unleash the Archers songs to check out: 1. Tonight We Ride (think Mad Max) 2. Faster Than Light (silly video, killer song, best UtA breakdown) 3. The Wind That Shapes The Land (8+ min. epic, no video) 4. Cleanse The Bloodlines (heavy) 5. Ghosts In The Mist (new track off their new album, extremely groovy) Bonus!! 1. Star One - Fate of Man (Arjen Anthony Lucassen project featuring Brittney on vocals and Michael Romeo guitar solo. Prog/powermetal song about the Terminator. She kills it) 2. Power Metal Opera Battles - Brindisi (Brittney sings opera) 3. Ayreon - The Sixth Extinction live @ Tilburg (Brittney sings Floor Jansen's parts on an Ayreon song...Ayreon is a whole 'nother rabbit hole for you to go down) 4. Queensryche - Queen of the Reich karaoke (Brittney sings and nails a Geoff Tate/Queensryche song at a karaoke bar after a show. Potato quality video, impressive singing still)
@@teckreactions No worries! I had a hard time cutting it down to 5 tbh. There's so many awesome tracks by these guys. Soulbound, Abyss, Apex, Northwest Passage, General of the Dark Army, Test Your Metal, Carry The Flame, Dreamcrusher, Legacy, I could just go on and on. Tried to pick a good cross section of their stuff in my five suggestions above, but you can't go wrong with any of it. Fair warning though, if you go chronologically through their albums, anything before the Apex album (which Awakening is the opening track of) has some pretty tinny, compressed production. Their sound is miles better, technically and sonically speaking, on their most recent stuff than it was previously.
They are Canadian. Power metal band formed in Victoria , British Columbia in 2007 by lead singer Brittney Slayes (Hayes) and her partner, drummer Scott Buchanan (they had their first child about 18 months ago). Grant Truesdell on guitar and harsh vocals, Guitarist Andrew Kingsley does some clean vocals on other songs. Nikko Whitworth is the bassist seen here, he left in 2018, Nick Miller is the current bass player. "Awakening" is the first track on the 4th album, Apex, a concept album whose story continues on the 5th album, Abyss. Their 6th album ,Phantoma, just dropped last Friday. As you requested, more UTA: "Tonight We Ride", "Abyss", "Ten thousand Against One", "Time Stands Still", "General of the Dark Army". And from the new album, "Ghost In the Mist", "Seeking Vengeance", "Green & Glass", and "Blood Empress".
One of the coolest things about their music is that they're all concept albums. Up to their most recent album, Brittney (the vocalist) has been writing the lyrics as an overarching story that spans multiple albums. All their songs stand as individual pieces but it's cool to follow the story
Tonight We Ride, Cleanse the Bloodlines, The Matriarch, Abyss, Northwes Passage, i could go on and on! I have yet to come across a song by them that I don't love! If you love this, you should 100% check out the group Beast in Black. Blind and Frozen is an amazing song by them. And the lead singer does a cover of Nightwish's Ghost Love Score that is AMAZING. Been waiting on this reaction!
I'm a huge fan of some metal bands as Nightwish, Jinjer, Unleash the Archers. If you want to be blown away by a world-class drummer please react to Wintersun "Sons of winter and stars (TIME I Live Rehearsals At Sonic Pump Studios) REMASTER". It's a masterpiece. Very good musicians and an incredible drummer. Video title is in quotes, YT often removes links in comments. You might recognize some of these incredible musicians.
I watched a couple of your reactions a while ago and very much enjoyed them. I'm so glad I found you again for these guys. Easy sub this go-round, and I'm excited to take the ride with you for this band. Their albums are concepts, and the songs hit so much harder once you capture the storytelling \m/
One word! Perfection! Every single member in this band is a master at their instrument. If you know music you know it is endless hours of training to get this good. And it makes me so happy to see other musicians react to this song and video because they always recognize the talent and skills that goes into this level of mastery. Great reaction man! You made me happy! Love from Sweden! 💙💛💙
Singer Britney Slayes was called into the concept project band Ayreon for their live tour to cover Floor Jansen of Nightwish's parts, as she was on maternity leave at the time. She did a superb job too.
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There should totally be some Ayreon on this channel. I have a feeling he is going to love it.
Since you really want RIDE this journey...you need to kick it off with Tonight We Ride. Follow with Abyss, Cleanse the Bloodlines, Time Stands Still and Soulbound.
Love that you've discovered them! Others have their ideas for more (all great). I'll simply suggest Opera Metal Battles with Britney diving into Brindisi, or an after concert karaoke cover of Queensreich... Bottom line, can't go wrong almost anything from these guys. Enjoy your exploration. Cheers rl 🤘👹🤘
Lovely reaction guys! Love UTA! Saw them live several years ago in a small club in Boston. Amazing show. They are like an updated, modern version of an 80's power metal band. Brittney sounds like the unholy offspring of Geoff Tate and Bruce Dickerson. The song is the first song from the album Apex. Apex and Abyss are futuristic concept albums telling the story of The Immortal and The Matriarch. The Immortal is a cursed all powerful creature (kind of like a genie) who when awakened must serve the person who awakens them. The Matriarch is an evil female who awakens the Immortal to find her sons and bring them to her so she can kill them in a blood ritual so she can achieve immortality herself. This song is about the Immortal being awakened in his mountain home after sleeping for thousands of years. Brittney is playing the part of the Immortal and Grant (harsh vocals) is playing the part of the Matriarch. Brittney has done track by track explanation videos on Napalm Record for both albums. Apex Tracks 1-4 (Awakening explained here) th-cam.com/video/ofm9RneJ1bs/w-d-xo.html. Apex Tracks 5-8 th-cam.com/video/3Y1YzsVEk7s/w-d-xo.html Apex Tracks 9-10 th-cam.com/video/sO4N1RkdB0c/w-d-xo.html Abyss Tracks 1-4 th-cam.com/video/lELBTH5DAWQ/w-d-xo.html Abyss Tracks 5-8 th-cam.com/video/Tay0MCRRCd8/w-d-xo.html Abyss Tracks 8-10 th-cam.com/video/iNT55Ou0txk/w-d-xo.html So many great UTA songs. Some of my favorites are Time Stands Still, Cleanse the Bloodlines, Apex, Waking Dream, Abyss, Legacy, Soulbound, Faster Than Light, and The Wind that Shapes the Land. The Wind that Shapes the Land is IMHO their magnus opus and an amazing song. Unfortunately no music video and no live version with good audio quality so studio is the way to go. th-cam.com/video/mxiBuFNypXw/w-d-xo.html Last my favorite video of Brittney is of her singing Queen of the Reich in a karaoke bar after doing a full show in Scotland. Amazing how good it is recorded on a cellphone. th-cam.com/video/280DRqoGyLw/w-d-xo.html.
If you *really* want to go on a journey, this is chapter 1 of 20. Apex (that this song is from) and Abyss are both concept albums and parts 1 & 2 of an amazing sci-fi/fantasy story. Listening to both back-to-back takes about 2 hours and in that time, you will not only be blown away by the musicianship, but you will hear an incredible story that includes character development, worldbuilding, a redemption arc, some genuine suspense, and the only reference to a gravity slingshot maneuver I've ever heard in a song.
80s Power metal mixed with 90s Metal Core is what I get. Brittany is AMAZING. There is a video out of her doing karaoke after a show, singing "Queen of the Reich" that will blow you away. Brittany also does all her own harmonies/layers. It's called the Brittany Choir!
Any song from the Abyss album. That album is perfect. Personal favorites: 1. Northwest passage (very different song) 2. Legacy 3. Return to me 4. The Wind that Shapes the Land 5. Abyss 6. Soulbound
So psyched that you're into this! Britney is amazing and the guys always rock your face off. My suggestion for next song is 'Cleanse the Bloodlines' - has a sweet video too. If you want something a bit different from them check out 'Northwest Passage' - it's their take on an old Canadian folk song
Great reaction! These guys are awesome, can’t wait for you to do more. On tour this year btw. And I won’t be the first to suggest “Tonight We Ride” next
Earned a sub here. Love when UTA is discovered. Basically the entire Abyss album is fantastic. Personally you HAVE to do “the wind that shapes the land “. It was said by one of the band members that’s their best song.
Fantastic band. Love all their songs and they make great videos. Check out "Faster than Light", "Tonight We Ride", "Northwest Passage", "Abyss", and for a real throwback "Dawn of Ages". Just for starters.
I told you on the first Jinjer reaction to check these guys out, lol. 1: Soulbound 2: Faster then Light 3: Tonight we ride 4: Legacy 5: Northwest Passage and another band you should check out is Infected Rain, criminally underrated band!. i don't want to see you in 2 months checking them out for first time and say you should have done it sooner:)
Unleash the archers are so amazing ! They have tons of stuff you would love and they have a brand new album out as well. Also - you probably would love Majestica - “Above the Sky” and their Christmas Carol album !!!
Welcome to UTA brother. I'd love to hear you react to cleanse the bloodlines, general of the Dark Army or tonight we ride but any and all UTA is awesome! I look forward to seeing more from you.❤
Brittney Hayes & Scott Buchanan(drums) met in 1st year of University in Victoria, B.C. (Capital city of Province of British Columbia & located on Vancouver Island). Brittney used to go watch his band play at the bars and when they broke up she suggested putting a group together & with the guitarist (no longer part of UTI) from Scott's old band the three formed UTI. Yes, Brittney & Scott are real life partners with a baby girl "Lennie" born Oct.4/22 & a big black & white Persian cat "Cowpanda". Brittney was born Brittney Hayes but goes by Brittney Slayes, which, is fairly obvious she does! I love the Cover of the history/folk song "NorthWest Passage" (Google NW.P. for a quick history lesson first😊). One of my favorite videos is for the heavy-rif awesome song "Cleanse the Bloodlines" (with a super storyline as well). Brittney's vocal range is insane in the Mad Max themed "Tonight We Ride" video which they filmed after attending the Burning Man festival in the same area. ❤from 🇨🇦
They are true power metal. Brittney's singing and the band's performance are always first-class. Next Up... Tonight We Ride. I've mentioned them before and hope you will get to them soon, Lovebites, the all-female band from Japan who play power/thrash metal, and Epica, the symphonic metal band from The Netherlands. They will both take you to this same level.
UTA never disappoints . Also I second the suggestion to some Japanese metal too. Don't hesitate to check out Lovebites if you can! The song 'Judgment Day' with their new bassist Fami is a must. Hint: MV-s on their channel usually have lyrics but LIVE they are phenomenal! Check out the vids on their official YT channel and you can thank us later! 😂
I love watching Nikko play bass - they look so relaxed. They said that they were inspired by classical guitar technique and decided to apply it to bass. UTA have another bass player now.
Welcome to the UTA world, my (Rock & Metal) brother from another mother, and greetings from across the pond, Southern Germany! GREAT reaction to this totally awesome song & band with massive musical, instrumental and of course vocal skills by Brittney Slayes! I also love that nice "PRAY FIRST" desk paperweight / shelf plaque in the background, so for all who are curious as well, the message is: "Don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done." - Philippians 4:6 🤘😎
Just dropped ! Ayreon Fate of Man ( 01011001 live beneath the waves live concert ) This features Brittany Slayes as main vocalist absolutely killing it !!
Oh man, you're in for a treat! Welcome to the club. I recommend Tonight We Ride, Test Your Metal, Dreamcrusher, and Time Stands Still from the album Time Stands Still. Off of Apex, you already listened to Awakening, so check out The Matriarch, Cleanse the Bloodlines, Earth and Ashes, Call Me Immortal, and Apex. That feeds right into the album Abyss. Those two albums tell one story together, so I recommend checking them out back to back after you've done your reactions. On Abyss, listen to Abyss, Legacy, Return to Me, Soulbound, Faster than Light, The Wind That Shapes the Land, Carry the Flame, and Afterlife. Which is basically the entire album so just do the whole thing. After that, they JUST released a new album a few days ago called Phantoma. From that album, my favorites so far are Ph4/NTomA, Green and Glass, Gods in Decay, Ghosts in the Mist, Seeking Vengeance, and Blood Empress. They also released an EP a few years ago that has an absolutely stellar cover of Northwest Passage that I very highly recommend! Enjoy!
I'm not very familiar with this band but very power metal sounding. Another band to check out is Liliac. They are 5 siblings. The track many people discovered them was their cover of Holy Diver.
UTA is just so insanely good. I always enjoy listening to them. But, what I really enjoy about watching reactions is seeing someone find an artist or a band that just clicks with them. This was one of my favorite reactions for that very reason.
Haha, Brittney does Slay 😂 She’s had Classical training in singing and has been known to sing Classical on TH-cam; she’s married to the Drummer. They have a great repertoire of songs but the classic one to follow this is Tonight we ride which has Mad Max vibes and you get to hear Brittney’s high notes again!
Great reaction, they are my favourite band ever :) You said 5 songs, I recommend 5, but they have a lot of amazing songs so you can't choose any wrong. Northwest Passage - cover of a canadian folk song in their style Time stands still - older song The wind that shapes the land - their best song ever False walls - big chill song Ghosts in the mist - from the newest album, they released it less than a weak ago
Great reaction. Unleash the Archers are a top notch band, Another band I think you'd really love is Lovebites. Don't live with more regret without checking out Lovebites. The Wolfpack will visit your channel in droves. Lovebites - Shadowmaker (music Video)- th-cam.com/video/Brmoln5Gxus/w-d-xo.html)
For crazy vocals you need Tonight we Ride. For a fun cover, I'd like you to have a look at Northwest Passage which is fun and folky here and there. That's my 25 cents anyway.
I suggest Northwest Passage. There is also a video on UTA's YT page of Brittany singing karaoke in a bar in Edinburgh, Queensryche - Queen of the Reich.
Cleanse the bloodlines General.of the dark army (very early UTA) Abyss Apex Oh and you have to check out Brittany Slayes sings Opera . It's incredible .
Tonight We Ride, Cleanse the Bloodlines, Abyss, and Faster Than Light video wise. For songs without video, Apex, False Walls, Earth and Ashes, and Call Me Immortal. I’d suggest The Wind That Shapes the Land, but it’s the climactic battle of their two album Immortal Saga, so you should listen to the Apex and Abyss albums start to finish to listen to it.
No regrets man! You can’t listen to everything first. Some personal UTA faves: Soulbound , Northwest Passage (a metal cover of a classic Canadian folk song), Legacy, and Seeking Vengeance
Since you're (sort of) regretting not hearing this sooner, you should also listen to Devin Townsend (he's an incredible artist with a HUGE back catalogue). Start with Kingdom live at EMGTV, like most channel do...also check out Leprous - Castaway Angels (incredible vocalist and the band is great too) and Ayreon - The Day The World Breaks Down (12 singers on this one, I kid you not!). Please do so ASAP otherwise you'll be kicking yourself for not hearing them sooner as well. While you're at it, check out Clutch - Electric Worry...great song with a cool harmonica solo. Cheers!
🤘😁🤘 I discovered you, when you stumbled into the DAMNED RABBITHOLE of NIGHTWISH 🤜😵🤛! 😂 My world. But now you took the deep dive. Welcome to "Ladies singing the World " to you. UNLEASH THE ARCHERS, and so much more to come. Enjoy 🤗 alex
More? Abyss from the previous album. I'll add 3 more superb power metal bands that you probably never heard in the US but pretty much define the genre elsewhere. Blind Guardian, with Valhalla live th-cam.com/video/CpK-F4Pc0Pw/w-d-xo.htmlsi=c9RE57Quh1Il0eZh Rhapsody of Fire with Dawn of Victory th-cam.com/video/rXlZZGrbEGU/w-d-xo.htmlsi=sijrYOSlHIjeBykC and Angra with Carry On th-cam.com/video/LqaDmOLRhME/w-d-xo.htmlsi=3rSKHIJxq-jNCE7P The last two, Andrew and Grant, the guitarist you just heard, quote as inspirations in the music they write for UTA. We'll talk about Unlucky Morpheus, a Japanese band in the same line at another opportunity... 😁😁
Matt, your reactions are fantastic! Please check "Cleanse the Bloodlines" by Unleash the Archers. If I recall, this was one of their 1st video-released songs. My daughters and I have enjoyed them since the beginning. All the very best from Brazil to you and your loved ones! PS: Love the "Pray First" plaque on your background.
The style is European power metal, as created by Helloween in the late 80s. Their two Keeper albums are the blueprint for the subgenre. In the USA, power metal is a collective term for different bands: HELLOWEEN - Halloween (Official Live Video) The currently most successful representative is: Blind Guardian - The Bard's Song & Valhalla - Live at Wacken Open Air 2016
Heeee Teck, As a drummer myself, I think the mindfuck about the snare is the dycast rim…. 😜I think its a 14 👍… look in comparrison the hi-hat… Always on point for the reactions! Keep up the good work!😎🤘🥁 drumsalut from Nederland 🇳🇱
Here's my must listen to list for Unleash the Archers: 1.- Tonight We Ride - Time Stands Still album released in 2015. Discovered this band by accident while searching for Iron Maiden cause I liked the thumb nail, such a lucky find! 2. - Awakening (which you listened to) - Apex Album released in 2017. Opening song to a concept album telling a story from start to finish, need I say more about this song... 3. - Apex - Closing song to the Apex Album. Great song that I know you'll appreciate. Such a great ending to a concept album 4. - Abyss - Abyss album released in 2020. Another concept album that is a continuation of the Apex album. Fun music video, and a solid tune. 5. - Legacy - Abyss album released in 2020. An evolution of their sound that showcases their creativity. A more pop sounding tune but great nevertheless. 6. - Ghosts in Mist - Phantoma album released May 10 2024. New stand alone concept album about an A.I. becoming self aware and her journey. Some synths in a lot of songs lending itself to the theme of the concept. Highly creative album with solid 80s sounds. And many more great songs in their discography, but these are my recommendations for new listeners. Mind you these are geared towards my personal tastes. FYI they are my favorite band ATM and have been for a few years now. Hope this helps. Cheers
Legacy Tonight we ride Cleanse the bloodlines Northwest Passage (cover). Those 4 are a good start to your collection and they are different. And for the cherry on top, true story… TH-cam has a video for proof… the ULTIMATE ‘hold my beer’ video, about 6 years ago, after a full concert in Edinburgh, the band went out to a Karaoke bar. Brittany decided to pick up their crappy karaoke mike and do ‘Queen of the Reich’. You’re welcome Also, they JUsT dropped a new album that I haven’t fully explored. It’s a little more prog Metal.
Tommorow at 12:00 (CET) A live concert video of Brittney Slayes - “Fate Of Man” from the Ayreon concert ( 01011001 - live beneath the Waves) will premier on the Arjen Antony Lucassen YT channel. I don’t think you’ve reacted to any of Arjens projects yet most well known are Ayreon and Star One in which amazing and well known musicians /artists/singers from all over the world will perform together It is an immense rabbit-hole with some familiar faces snd many new ones you will want to discover I promise 🤚🏼on ❤ it’s worth your time.
I just saw an interview with Brittney (can't remember the interviewer) where she mentioned that, after her baby was born in 2023, she found she could belt a bit higher than before. She went ahead and put a few of those stratospheric notes on Phantoma (their just-released album), but she's a touch concerned that the new range-extension may have been temporary. For those who doubt the physiology behind this, don't forget that the hormones-of-pregnancy generally act to allow an easier stretching of tendons and/or ligaments. I've treated a pregnant woman who accidentally partially dislocated her jaw by yawning too wide.. I kid you not. Anyway, it is possible that the same hormones allowed for a further stretching of the TA/CT structures in the larynx, I think. I will let the otolaryngologists online take it from there. Great song. Lots of good follow-on titles below.
if you want to see how far they have come, this is a FUN video. It is also the most Canadianly cheesy thing ever. th-cam.com/video/yK61le0_oEo/w-d-xo.html
I understand why reactors do music reactions and more power to them; I get pleasure out of quite a few of them. But a side perk is look at all the new music you discover. I've discovered a lot of great new to me artists too (I adore Beth Hart) so it's a win win! I'm so glad rock isn't dead!!! Maybe we can actually make bands like this mainstream again. I can dream!
Brittney is an absolutely insanely talented vocalist. Also if you like this you should check out Future Palace. Paradise is my favorite song of theirs.
It is Britney SLAYES for a reason......Cleanse the Bloodlines next I would propose....And have a look at the Karaoke One....Queen of the Reich.....to see what she can do after a Gig....
Obviously the next one most people react to is the Tonight We Ride music video, because you don't actually know what Slayes (vocalist) is capable of yet. And after that it's often Faster Then Light or Cleanse the Bloodlines music video. But what I'm going to recommend is _completely different_. I'm going to recommend the Northwest Passage music video. That one makes me weep. Also "Acoustip", because it shows you what the band is capable of outside of metal.
Great reaction. Anyway, can i request your reaction to superb band from japan? The band is call "Lovebites" They all The Beautiful Queens Metal band right now in the earth. They are really really World class musicians. Phenomenal. And they have a lot die hard fans too. The song is "Judgement day" Hope you check out, and can enjoy it too. Big thanks🙏
new to the channel, honestly surprised as a drummer you dont have any reastions to the best drummer in the world right now hands down, El Estepario Siberiano.
I can’t react to it if I’ve already seen all his stuff.
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Oh, so you are getting closer to Ayreon. ;-) Brittney sang on the last Ayreon live show in 2023 as stand in for the highly pregnant Floor. And she didn't dissapoint. I think you might enjoy having a look at Ayreon, especially as a drummer. Ed Warbie is doing some really great work there. The last videos on the official channel are from the last live show. I'll hop on the discord and leave some links there.
I'm surprised I haven't heard anything about Wintersun TIME I live rehearsals at Sonic Pump Studios, very strange for a drummer. Or Land of Snow and Sorrow, Sons of winter and Stars... or did I overlook that?
Solid band, one of the best. This opening track on the Apex album is not even the best- it's rare album with every song being fantastic, telling a story to the climax with Apex, the last track. But, if you're looking for different songs that showcase Brittany's power and range, I suggest: Tonight We Ride (insane highs, cool Mad Max video too), General of the Dark Army (earlier work, but long notes, great video), and my favorite off Apex, The Matriarch. Others have recommended Cleanse the Bloodlines too. And that closer, Apex is very worthy of your time. Enjoy!
Not in the traditional sense. More of a Moeller technique for kick. He does more of a side sweep than a traditional back and forth heel-toe. I've heard some call it "stomp strokes."
NEXT: WOULD BE VERY INTERESTING TO see HOW you react to this NEWLY RELEASED song from a Finnish cello metal band: APOCALYPTICA - ONE feat. James Hetfield & Rob Trujillo from Metallica (Official Video) Yeah? 😎🤟
Unleash the Archers songs to check out:
1. Tonight We Ride (think Mad Max)
2. Faster Than Light (silly video, killer song, best UtA breakdown)
3. The Wind That Shapes The Land (8+ min. epic, no video)
4. Cleanse The Bloodlines (heavy)
5. Ghosts In The Mist (new track off their new album, extremely groovy)
Bonus!!
1. Star One - Fate of Man (Arjen Anthony Lucassen project featuring Brittney on vocals and Michael Romeo guitar solo. Prog/powermetal song about the Terminator. She kills it)
2. Power Metal Opera Battles - Brindisi (Brittney sings opera)
3. Ayreon - The Sixth Extinction live @ Tilburg (Brittney sings Floor Jansen's parts on an Ayreon song...Ayreon is a whole 'nother rabbit hole for you to go down)
4. Queensryche - Queen of the Reich karaoke (Brittney sings and nails a Geoff Tate/Queensryche song at a karaoke bar after a show. Potato quality video, impressive singing still)
I agree
NW Passage might be fun too. But I wonder if people who do not know the original, would understand it.
I wholeheartedly agree, this is the list to go by!
Thanks for the suggestions!
@@teckreactions No worries! I had a hard time cutting it down to 5 tbh. There's so many awesome tracks by these guys. Soulbound, Abyss, Apex, Northwest Passage, General of the Dark Army, Test Your Metal, Carry The Flame, Dreamcrusher, Legacy, I could just go on and on. Tried to pick a good cross section of their stuff in my five suggestions above, but you can't go wrong with any of it.
Fair warning though, if you go chronologically through their albums, anything before the Apex album (which Awakening is the opening track of) has some pretty tinny, compressed production. Their sound is miles better, technically and sonically speaking, on their most recent stuff than it was previously.
Welcome to Unleash The Archers. This is an awesome band with dozen of mind blowing tracks. Enjoy the journey.
Thanks!
"if I smoked I'd have a cigarette"....😂 I'm dying
It was intense!
I died laughing, too!!
They are Canadian. Power metal band formed in Victoria , British Columbia in 2007 by lead singer Brittney Slayes (Hayes) and her partner, drummer Scott Buchanan (they had their first child about 18 months ago). Grant Truesdell on guitar and harsh vocals, Guitarist Andrew Kingsley does some clean vocals on other songs. Nikko Whitworth is the bassist seen here, he left in 2018, Nick Miller is the current bass player.
"Awakening" is the first track on the 4th album, Apex, a concept album whose story continues on the 5th album, Abyss. Their 6th album ,Phantoma, just dropped last Friday.
As you requested, more UTA: "Tonight We Ride", "Abyss", "Ten thousand Against One", "Time Stands Still", "General of the Dark Army". And from the new album, "Ghost In the Mist", "Seeking Vengeance", "Green & Glass", and "Blood Empress".
I've always thought someone should make those 3 albums [Apex, Abyss, Phantoma] into a D&D campaign.
Her voice Slayes!! 😜😜
"Northwest Passage" and "Soulbound" I can leave on repeat
One of the coolest things about their music is that they're all concept albums. Up to their most recent album, Brittney (the vocalist) has been writing the lyrics as an overarching story that spans multiple albums. All their songs stand as individual pieces but it's cool to follow the story
Amazing talent straight from Vancouver Island
Tonight We Ride, Cleanse the Bloodlines, The Matriarch, Abyss, Northwes Passage, i could go on and on! I have yet to come across a song by them that I don't love! If you love this, you should 100% check out the group Beast in Black. Blind and Frozen is an amazing song by them. And the lead singer does a cover of Nightwish's Ghost Love Score that is AMAZING. Been waiting on this reaction!
Welcome to UTA.... Your journey has just begun.... "please keep all feet and hands inside the vehicle" (for your saftey)... !
I'm a huge fan of some metal bands as Nightwish, Jinjer, Unleash the Archers. If you want to be blown away by a world-class drummer please react to Wintersun "Sons of winter and stars (TIME I Live Rehearsals At Sonic Pump Studios) REMASTER". It's a masterpiece. Very good musicians and an incredible drummer.
Video title is in quotes, YT often removes links in comments. You might recognize some of these incredible musicians.
I watched a couple of your reactions a while ago and very much enjoyed them. I'm so glad I found you again for these guys. Easy sub this go-round, and I'm excited to take the ride with you for this band. Their albums are concepts, and the songs hit so much harder once you capture the storytelling \m/
Welcome aboard!
You're in for one hell of a ride. And that being said, Tonight We Ride would be a good addition to the list of songs.
That solo and interlude section has such a Dream Theater sound to it, and I’m all here for it.
One word! Perfection! Every single member in this band is a master at their instrument. If you know music you know it is endless hours of training to get this good. And it makes me so happy to see other musicians react to this song and video because they always recognize the talent and skills that goes into this level of mastery. Great reaction man! You made me happy! Love from Sweden! 💙💛💙
Singer Britney Slayes was called into the concept project band Ayreon for their live tour to cover Floor Jansen of Nightwish's parts, as she was on maternity leave at the time. She did a superb job too.
There should totally be some Ayreon on this channel. I have a feeling he is going to love it.
Your face had a constant expression of pure delight.
I was constantly delighted 😁
The singer is a classically traind mezzo soprano. There's a video on TH-cam where she sings an opera song.
Amazing, right? That bass player's technique is mystifying. This is my favorite melodic metal track of recent memory. Great reaction, Matt!
The dent in his mounted tom LOL. He's frugal. I respect it.
Since you really want RIDE this journey...you need to kick it off with Tonight We Ride.
Follow with Abyss, Cleanse the Bloodlines, Time Stands Still and Soulbound.
Love that you've discovered them!
Others have their ideas for more (all great). I'll simply suggest Opera Metal Battles with Britney diving into Brindisi, or an after concert karaoke cover of Queensreich...
Bottom line, can't go wrong almost anything from these guys.
Enjoy your exploration.
Cheers
rl
🤘👹🤘
they are from Canada, which brings me to Northwest Passage. if you love her voice you will love that song.
Next stop... Tonight we ride
Lovely reaction guys! Love UTA! Saw them live several years ago in a small club in Boston. Amazing show. They are like an updated, modern version of an 80's power metal band. Brittney sounds like the unholy offspring of Geoff Tate and Bruce Dickerson. The song is the first song from the album Apex. Apex and Abyss are futuristic concept albums telling the story of The Immortal and The Matriarch. The Immortal is a cursed all powerful creature (kind of like a genie) who when awakened must serve the person who awakens them. The Matriarch is an evil female who awakens the Immortal to find her sons and bring them to her so she can kill them in a blood ritual so she can achieve immortality herself. This song is about the Immortal being awakened in his mountain home after sleeping for thousands of years. Brittney is playing the part of the Immortal and Grant (harsh vocals) is playing the part of the Matriarch. Brittney has done track by track explanation videos on Napalm Record for both albums.
Apex Tracks 1-4 (Awakening explained here) th-cam.com/video/ofm9RneJ1bs/w-d-xo.html.
Apex Tracks 5-8 th-cam.com/video/3Y1YzsVEk7s/w-d-xo.html
Apex Tracks 9-10 th-cam.com/video/sO4N1RkdB0c/w-d-xo.html
Abyss Tracks 1-4 th-cam.com/video/lELBTH5DAWQ/w-d-xo.html
Abyss Tracks 5-8 th-cam.com/video/Tay0MCRRCd8/w-d-xo.html
Abyss Tracks 8-10 th-cam.com/video/iNT55Ou0txk/w-d-xo.html
So many great UTA songs. Some of my favorites are Time Stands Still, Cleanse the Bloodlines, Apex, Waking Dream, Abyss, Legacy, Soulbound, Faster Than Light, and The Wind that Shapes the Land. The Wind that Shapes the Land is IMHO their magnus opus and an amazing song. Unfortunately no music video and no live version with good audio quality so studio is the way to go. th-cam.com/video/mxiBuFNypXw/w-d-xo.html
Last my favorite video of Brittney is of her singing Queen of the Reich in a karaoke bar after doing a full show in Scotland. Amazing how good it is recorded on a cellphone. th-cam.com/video/280DRqoGyLw/w-d-xo.html.
If you *really* want to go on a journey, this is chapter 1 of 20. Apex (that this song is from) and Abyss are both concept albums and parts 1 & 2 of an amazing sci-fi/fantasy story.
Listening to both back-to-back takes about 2 hours and in that time, you will not only be blown away by the musicianship, but you will hear an incredible story that includes character development, worldbuilding, a redemption arc, some genuine suspense, and the only reference to a gravity slingshot maneuver I've ever heard in a song.
80s Power metal mixed with 90s Metal Core is what I get. Brittany is AMAZING. There is a video out of her doing karaoke after a show, singing "Queen of the Reich" that will blow you away. Brittany also does all her own harmonies/layers. It's called the Brittany Choir!
Any song from the Abyss album. That album is perfect.
Personal favorites:
1. Northwest passage (very different song)
2. Legacy
3. Return to me
4. The Wind that Shapes the Land
5. Abyss
6. Soulbound
Told ya, Unleash the Archers brings it
That's how most feel after the first time...
This is some soul "awakening" music for sure! Just the Friday pick me up I needed.
Thanks for watching, Cory! 💙🧡
I was waiting for this reaction :D LETS GO !
I waited too long.
So psyched that you're into this! Britney is amazing and the guys always rock your face off. My suggestion for next song is 'Cleanse the Bloodlines' - has a sweet video too. If you want something a bit different from them check out 'Northwest Passage' - it's their take on an old Canadian folk song
Great reaction! These guys are awesome, can’t wait for you to do more. On tour this year btw. And I won’t be the first to suggest “Tonight We Ride” next
Thank you! Will do!
Earned a sub here. Love when UTA is discovered.
Basically the entire Abyss album is fantastic.
Personally you HAVE to do “the wind that shapes the land “. It was said by one of the band members that’s their best song.
Fantastic band. Love all their songs and they make great videos. Check out "Faster than Light", "Tonight We Ride", "Northwest Passage", "Abyss", and for a real throwback "Dawn of Ages". Just for starters.
I told you on the first Jinjer reaction to check these guys out, lol.
1: Soulbound
2: Faster then Light
3: Tonight we ride
4: Legacy
5: Northwest Passage
and another band you should check out is Infected Rain, criminally underrated band!. i don't want to see you in 2 months checking them out for first time and say you should have done it sooner:)
Unleash the archers are so amazing ! They have tons of stuff you would love and they have a brand new album out as well. Also - you probably would love Majestica - “Above the Sky” and their Christmas Carol album !!!
Tied to a stag and Black Goat of the Woods are my favorites
Welcome to UTA brother. I'd love to hear you react to cleanse the bloodlines, general of the Dark Army or tonight we ride but any and all UTA is awesome! I look forward to seeing more from you.❤
Thanks for the suggestions and coming along for the ride!
Brittney Hayes & Scott Buchanan(drums) met in 1st year of University in Victoria, B.C. (Capital city of Province of British Columbia & located on Vancouver Island). Brittney used to go watch his band play at the bars and when they broke up she suggested putting a group together & with the guitarist (no longer part of UTI) from Scott's old band the three formed UTI. Yes, Brittney & Scott are real life partners with a baby girl "Lennie" born Oct.4/22 & a big black & white Persian cat "Cowpanda". Brittney was born Brittney Hayes but goes by Brittney Slayes, which, is fairly obvious she does!
I love the Cover of the history/folk song "NorthWest Passage" (Google NW.P. for a quick history lesson first😊). One of my favorite videos is for the heavy-rif awesome song "Cleanse the Bloodlines" (with a super storyline as well). Brittney's vocal range is insane in the Mad Max themed "Tonight We Ride" video which they filmed after attending the Burning Man festival in the same area. ❤from 🇨🇦
They are true power metal. Brittney's singing and the band's performance are always first-class. Next Up... Tonight We Ride.
I've mentioned them before and hope you will get to them soon, Lovebites, the all-female band from Japan who play power/thrash metal, and Epica, the symphonic metal band from The Netherlands. They will both take you to this same level.
Trying to get to them and honor the other suggestions - all within the confines of my technical limitations. Saving up to upgrade the hardware 💵
Trying to get to them and honor the other suggestions - all within the confines of my technical limitations. Saving up to upgrade the hardware 💵
UTA never disappoints . Also I second the suggestion to some Japanese metal too. Don't hesitate to check out Lovebites if you can! The song 'Judgment Day' with their new bassist Fami is a must. Hint: MV-s on their channel usually have lyrics but LIVE they are phenomenal! Check out the vids on their official YT channel and you can thank us later! 😂
I love watching Nikko play bass - they look so relaxed. They said that they were inspired by classical guitar technique and decided to apply it to bass. UTA have another bass player now.
Welcome to the UTA world, my (Rock & Metal) brother from another mother, and greetings from across the pond, Southern Germany!
GREAT reaction to this totally awesome song & band with massive musical, instrumental and of course vocal skills by Brittney Slayes!
I also love that nice "PRAY FIRST" desk paperweight / shelf plaque in the background, so for all who are curious as well, the message is:
"Don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done." - Philippians 4:6
🤘😎
Amen! 🙏🏻
My favorite UTA songs are Test Your Metal, The Matriarch, and Brittney's karaoke of Queensriechs Queen of the Riech.
Just dropped ! Ayreon Fate of Man ( 01011001 live beneath the waves live concert ) This features Brittany Slayes as main vocalist absolutely killing it !!
Oh man, you're in for a treat! Welcome to the club. I recommend Tonight We Ride, Test Your Metal, Dreamcrusher, and Time Stands Still from the album Time Stands Still. Off of Apex, you already listened to Awakening, so check out The Matriarch, Cleanse the Bloodlines, Earth and Ashes, Call Me Immortal, and Apex. That feeds right into the album Abyss. Those two albums tell one story together, so I recommend checking them out back to back after you've done your reactions. On Abyss, listen to Abyss, Legacy, Return to Me, Soulbound, Faster than Light, The Wind That Shapes the Land, Carry the Flame, and Afterlife. Which is basically the entire album so just do the whole thing. After that, they JUST released a new album a few days ago called Phantoma. From that album, my favorites so far are Ph4/NTomA, Green and Glass, Gods in Decay, Ghosts in the Mist, Seeking Vengeance, and Blood Empress. They also released an EP a few years ago that has an absolutely stellar cover of Northwest Passage that I very highly recommend!
Enjoy!
I'm not very familiar with this band but very power metal sounding. Another band to check out is Liliac. They are 5 siblings. The track many people discovered them was their cover of Holy Diver.
General of the Dark Army
UTA is just so insanely good. I always enjoy listening to them. But, what I really enjoy about watching reactions is seeing someone find an artist or a band that just clicks with them. This was one of my favorite reactions for that very reason.
I need more!
Haha, Brittney does Slay 😂 She’s had Classical training in singing and has been known to sing Classical on TH-cam; she’s married to the Drummer.
They have a great repertoire of songs but the classic one to follow this is Tonight we ride which has Mad Max vibes and you get to hear Brittney’s high notes again!
Great reaction, they are my favourite band ever :)
You said 5 songs, I recommend 5, but they have a lot of amazing songs so you can't choose any wrong.
Northwest Passage - cover of a canadian folk song in their style
Time stands still - older song
The wind that shapes the land - their best song ever
False walls - big chill song
Ghosts in the mist - from the newest album, they released it less than a weak ago
Thanks for the tips!
Great reaction. Unleash the Archers are a top notch band, Another band I think you'd really love is Lovebites. Don't live with more regret without checking out Lovebites.
The Wolfpack will visit your channel in droves.
Lovebites - Shadowmaker (music Video)- th-cam.com/video/Brmoln5Gxus/w-d-xo.html)
Trying to get to them and honor the other suggestions - all within the confines of my technical limitations. Saving up to upgrade the hardware 💵
For crazy vocals you need Tonight we Ride. For a fun cover, I'd like you to have a look at Northwest Passage which is fun and folky here and there. That's my 25 cents anyway.
Yes.
Added!
😊 well they have a new album that just came out!
I suggest Northwest Passage. There is also a video on UTA's YT page of Brittany singing karaoke in a bar in Edinburgh, Queensryche - Queen of the Reich.
Cleanse the bloodlines
General.of the dark army (very early UTA)
Abyss
Apex
Oh and you have to check out Brittany Slayes sings Opera . It's incredible .
Tonight We Ride, Cleanse the Bloodlines, Abyss, and Faster Than Light video wise.
For songs without video, Apex, False Walls, Earth and Ashes, and Call Me Immortal.
I’d suggest The Wind That Shapes the Land, but it’s the climactic battle of their two album Immortal Saga, so you should listen to the Apex and Abyss albums start to finish to listen to it.
No regrets man! You can’t listen to everything first. Some personal UTA faves: Soulbound , Northwest Passage (a metal cover of a classic Canadian folk song), Legacy, and Seeking Vengeance
Since you're (sort of) regretting not hearing this sooner, you should also listen to Devin Townsend (he's an incredible artist with a HUGE back catalogue). Start with Kingdom live at EMGTV, like most channel do...also check out Leprous - Castaway Angels (incredible vocalist and the band is great too) and Ayreon - The Day The World Breaks Down (12 singers on this one, I kid you not!). Please do so ASAP otherwise you'll be kicking yourself for not hearing them sooner as well. While you're at it, check out Clutch - Electric Worry...great song with a cool harmonica solo. Cheers!
🤘😁🤘 I discovered you, when you stumbled into the DAMNED RABBITHOLE of NIGHTWISH 🤜😵🤛! 😂 My world. But now you took the deep dive. Welcome to "Ladies singing the World " to you. UNLEASH THE ARCHERS, and so much more to come. Enjoy 🤗 alex
Thanks!
General of the Dark Army, is an old, but very good song from them.
More? Abyss from the previous album.
I'll add 3 more superb power metal bands that you probably never heard in the US but pretty much define the genre elsewhere. Blind Guardian, with Valhalla live th-cam.com/video/CpK-F4Pc0Pw/w-d-xo.htmlsi=c9RE57Quh1Il0eZh Rhapsody of Fire with Dawn of Victory th-cam.com/video/rXlZZGrbEGU/w-d-xo.htmlsi=sijrYOSlHIjeBykC and Angra with Carry On th-cam.com/video/LqaDmOLRhME/w-d-xo.htmlsi=3rSKHIJxq-jNCE7P The last two, Andrew and Grant, the guitarist you just heard, quote as inspirations in the music they write for UTA.
We'll talk about Unlucky Morpheus, a Japanese band in the same line at another opportunity... 😁😁
I'd recommend: cleanse the bloodlines, legacy, Northwest passage, and from the new album green and glass. You can't go wrong with any of them, though.
Matt, your reactions are fantastic!
Please check "Cleanse the Bloodlines" by Unleash the Archers. If I recall, this was one of their 1st video-released songs. My daughters and I have enjoyed them since the beginning.
All the very best from Brazil to you and your loved ones!
PS: Love the "Pray First" plaque on your background.
Cool, thanks!
I was hoping you would react to this one!
Great band , very underrated
The style is European power metal, as created by Helloween in the late 80s. Their two Keeper albums are the blueprint for the subgenre. In the USA, power metal is a collective term for different bands:
HELLOWEEN - Halloween (Official Live Video)
The currently most successful representative is:
Blind Guardian - The Bard's Song & Valhalla - Live at Wacken Open Air 2016
Heeee Teck, As a drummer myself, I think the mindfuck about the snare is the dycast rim…. 😜I think its a 14 👍… look in comparrison the hi-hat…
Always on point for the reactions! Keep up the good work!😎🤘🥁 drumsalut from Nederland 🇳🇱
Thanks, man! That’s a pretty aggressive rim!
Here's my must listen to list for Unleash the Archers:
1.- Tonight We Ride - Time Stands Still album released in 2015. Discovered this band by accident while searching for Iron Maiden cause I liked the thumb nail, such a lucky find!
2. - Awakening (which you listened to) - Apex Album released in 2017. Opening song to a concept album telling a story from start to finish, need I say more about this song...
3. - Apex - Closing song to the Apex Album. Great song that I know you'll appreciate. Such a great ending to a concept album
4. - Abyss - Abyss album released in 2020. Another concept album that is a continuation of the Apex album. Fun music video, and a solid tune.
5. - Legacy - Abyss album released in 2020. An evolution of their sound that showcases their creativity. A more pop sounding tune but great nevertheless.
6. - Ghosts in Mist - Phantoma album released May 10 2024. New stand alone concept album about an A.I. becoming self aware and her journey. Some synths in a lot of songs lending itself to the theme of the concept. Highly creative album with solid 80s sounds.
And many more great songs in their discography, but these are my recommendations for new listeners. Mind you these are geared towards my personal tastes. FYI they are my favorite band ATM and have been for a few years now.
Hope this helps. Cheers
Thanks!
Legacy
Tonight we ride
Cleanse the bloodlines
Northwest Passage (cover). Those 4 are a good start to your collection and they are different.
And for the cherry on top, true story… TH-cam has a video for proof… the ULTIMATE ‘hold my beer’ video, about 6 years ago, after a full concert in Edinburgh, the band went out to a Karaoke bar. Brittany decided to pick up their crappy karaoke mike and do ‘Queen of the Reich’. You’re welcome
Also, they JUsT dropped a new album that I haven’t fully explored. It’s a little more prog Metal.
I like my women like I like my horses. A great set of chompers.
Tommorow at 12:00 (CET) A live concert video of Brittney Slayes - “Fate Of Man” from the Ayreon concert ( 01011001 - live beneath the Waves) will premier on the Arjen Antony Lucassen YT channel. I don’t think you’ve reacted to any of Arjens projects yet most well known are Ayreon and Star One in which amazing and well known musicians /artists/singers from all over the world will perform together It is an immense rabbit-hole with some familiar faces snd many new ones you will want to discover I promise 🤚🏼on ❤ it’s worth your time.
Check out their latest album's closer, "Blood Empress"
The one band that no one ever mentions that UTA channels is Ozzy Osbourne circa Jake E. Lee. So many Jake E Lee licks in this song.
I just saw an interview with Brittney (can't remember the interviewer) where she mentioned that, after her baby was born in 2023, she found she could belt a bit higher than before.
She went ahead and put a few of those stratospheric notes on Phantoma (their just-released album), but she's a touch concerned that the new range-extension may have been temporary.
For those who doubt the physiology behind this, don't forget that the hormones-of-pregnancy generally act to allow an easier stretching of tendons and/or ligaments. I've treated a pregnant woman who accidentally partially dislocated her jaw by yawning too wide.. I kid you not.
Anyway, it is possible that the same hormones allowed for a further stretching of the TA/CT structures in the larynx, I think. I will let the otolaryngologists online take it from there.
Great song. Lots of good follow-on titles below.
if you want to see how far they have come, this is a FUN video. It is also the most Canadianly cheesy thing ever. th-cam.com/video/yK61le0_oEo/w-d-xo.html
Love UTA
I understand why reactors do music reactions and more power to them; I get pleasure out of quite a few of them. But a side perk is look at all the new music you discover. I've discovered a lot of great new to me artists too (I adore Beth Hart) so it's a win win! I'm so glad rock isn't dead!!! Maybe we can actually make bands like this mainstream again. I can dream!
You need to watch tonight we ride
The beginning of the song reminds me a lot of Evolution (The Grand Design) from Symphony X.
Brittney is an absolutely insanely talented vocalist.
Also if you like this you should check out Future Palace. Paradise is my favorite song of theirs.
It is Britney SLAYES for a reason......Cleanse the Bloodlines next I would propose....And have a look at the Karaoke One....Queen of the Reich.....to see what she can do after a Gig....
If Bruce Dickinson and Ronnie James Dio had a baby, it'd be Brittney Slayes.
Uhhhhhhh
Obviously the next one most people react to is the Tonight We Ride music video, because you don't actually know what Slayes (vocalist) is capable of yet. And after that it's often Faster Then Light or Cleanse the Bloodlines music video.
But what I'm going to recommend is _completely different_. I'm going to recommend the Northwest Passage music video. That one makes me weep. Also "Acoustip", because it shows you what the band is capable of outside of metal.
Faster *Than* Light. Can't believe I made that mistake LOL
Great reaction. Anyway, can i request your reaction to superb band from japan?
The band is call "Lovebites"
They all The Beautiful Queens Metal band right now in the earth.
They are really really World class musicians. Phenomenal.
And they have a lot die hard fans too.
The song is "Judgement day"
Hope you check out, and can enjoy it too. Big thanks🙏
Lovebites is on the list. Probably looking at June for more new artists, but I appreciate your recommendation.
Faster than Light and Abyss are great also
new to the channel, honestly surprised as a drummer you dont have any reastions to the best drummer in the world right now hands down, El Estepario Siberiano.
I can’t react to it if I’ve already seen all his stuff.
Oh, so you are getting closer to Ayreon. ;-)
Brittney sang on the last Ayreon live show in 2023 as stand in for the highly pregnant Floor. And she didn't dissapoint.
I think you might enjoy having a look at Ayreon, especially as a drummer. Ed Warbie is doing some really great work there. The last videos on the official channel are from the last live show.
I'll hop on the discord and leave some links there.
If Ronnie James Dio and Bruce Dickinson had a baby it would be called Britney Slays!
I'm surprised I haven't heard anything about Wintersun TIME I live rehearsals at Sonic Pump Studios, very strange for a drummer. Or Land of Snow and Sorrow, Sons of winter and Stars...
or did I overlook that?
Solid band, one of the best. This opening track on the Apex album is not even the best- it's rare album with every song being fantastic, telling a story to the climax with Apex, the last track. But, if you're looking for different songs that showcase Brittany's power and range, I suggest: Tonight We Ride (insane highs, cool Mad Max video too), General of the Dark Army (earlier work, but long notes, great video), and my favorite off Apex, The Matriarch. Others have recommended Cleanse the Bloodlines too. And that closer, Apex is very worthy of your time. Enjoy!
Thank you!
next stop: Cleanse the bloodlines
Test your metal🔥🤘
Another reactor described Brittney as "Shania Twain sings Iron Maiden" LOL. Shania Twain wishes.......
Literally just do album listens - they’re all concept albums. Might as well start in order 🤪
Just a technical observation.
It looks like Scott Buchanan is using heel-toe technique.
Not in the traditional sense. More of a Moeller technique for kick. He does more of a side sweep than a traditional back and forth heel-toe. I've heard some call it "stomp strokes."
NEXT: WOULD BE VERY INTERESTING TO see HOW you react to this NEWLY RELEASED song from a Finnish cello metal band: APOCALYPTICA - ONE feat. James Hetfield & Rob Trujillo from Metallica (Official Video)
Yeah? 😎🤟
If you want to see clean drumming, try some Wintersun videos. Kai Hahto is called human metronome for a reason.
There's more where that came from.