Rising Alma return with “Cracking the Moment”, an ambitious and emotionally charged work, an album that cements their position as one of the most exciting modern/alternative hard rock acts out there. Formed in 2021 and fronted by a charismatic female vocalist, this multinational band has already shown their potential through the “Ongoing Hope” EP and “Awake”, but here, they’ve gone all in. The result is an 11-track wild ride, where raw power meets heartfelt emotion, executed with confidence and precision. The guitars bite hard, the melodies soar high and the rhythm section sounds more dynamic than ever. Tracks shift seamlessly from driving riffs to moments of reflection, keeping the listener hooked from start to finish. Vocally, the singer feels every lyric, making each chorus resonate with authenticity. Production-wise, “Cracking the Moment” sounds crisp and organic, allowing each instrument to breathe. The riffs are punchy and modern, while the solos add just the right amount of fire. The arrangements are clever, never overcrowded, always serving the song. You can hear how far the band has come — they’ve refined their sound without losing that spontaneous, real energy that made their earlier work so engaging. Rising Alma prove that alternative hard rock can still sound fresh, vibrant and full of meaning when done with honesty and passion – they’ll remind you of many bands, ranging from Evanescence to Tool. “Cracking the Moment” is powerful, melodic, deeply human — the sound of a band breaking their own limits and stepping confidently into their prime. Rising Alma have truly cracked their moment.
♦ 8/10
Dimitris Zacharopoulos
