Review from Death’s Embrace:
1. Intro
2. 黑白
3. 無明火
4. 迷失的瞬間
5. 蝴蝶
6. Last Party
7. 黑思想
There’s no universe in which Alpha Tone could be mistaken for death metal. Their sound is big, melodic and built for arenas, mixing J-rock energy, 80s heavy rock swagger and pop-metal polish. Shout-out to 16-year-old Aurelius on lights, who nails the atmosphere and gives their set a stadium glow.
They ease in with an atmospheric instrumental, a slow-burn intro that sets the scene before Zing steps forward to introduce the band. His range is impressive, blending soaring highs and gritty lows.
黑白 hits like an Airbourne song, plowing in with heavy, theatrical 80s-style rock. Zing, sporting a shaggy dichromatic mop of hair, commands the stage with crowdwork: claps, singalongs and a catchy “woah” motif. Keyboardist/programmer Steve couldn’t make it (he’s a pilot and had to fly), so a backing track fills the gap. Frankie takes the song’s bridge vocals, which adds pop flavour, even if not quite the same pedigree as Zing.
無明火 is the high point so far. Frankie shines with creative licks that add real dimension on a song that’s hook-driven and arena-ready. Moz was quiet early on but fixed quickly, and the energy spikes again.
迷失的瞬間 draws a quip from the crowd: “Sounds like a Hong Kong anime rock band.” This track feels made for fight scenes: pounding beats from Crow, theatrical guitar work from Moz and soaring harmonies between Zing and Frankie. The solos aren’t flawless but packed with interesting transitions and tone. The writing is strong – scene-setting, tension, release. As punters wave along, Frankie fires out a solo that leaves the room buzzing.
蝴蝶 evokes the likes of X Japan in its rock drama. Zing grins: “If I’m breathless, you must be too!” A countdown – “Three, two, one!” – then a huge scream and blistering solo from Moz. Crow dazzles on drums with rolls and cymbal flourishes, locking into a metronomic snare. They transition into a Guitar Hero-esque section of shredding and fireworks, Frankie’s fretboard glowing red. Easily “the snazziest guitars we’ve had at an Underground heavy night,” Chris B says.
The final stretch – Last Party and 黑思想 – keeps the adrenaline high with anthemic choruses and bigger riffs, keeping the energy high till the final notes. Alpha Tone leave the stage looking like a band destined for bigger platforms, with plenty of complimentary words for The Underground and a promise to return soon.
–El Jay
