A Review Of The Relinquish The Quiet Album By ANOXIA

How do you describe an album so amazing that it brings you to tears as soon as you start listening to it?  Beautiful. Magical.  Mesmerizing.  Powerful.  Emotional.  BRILLIANT.

This is the masterpiece that Chrystal James and ANOXIA have created.  Relinquish The Quiet is a result of Chrystal and her band’s blood, sweat, and tears for many months leading up to the release of this full-length album. Chrystal’s songs tell a story that is not only personal, but relatable to the listeners.  She truly makes you feel like she understands the struggles we all deal with, because she has battled through them herself. There is solidarity and empathy in this common bond.

Based out of Maryland, ANOXIA is a hard rock band led by frontwoman Chrystal. She is backed by her “Guardians” – “Relic” (guitar); “Dust” (guitar); “Shadow” (keyboard/synthesizers); “Ash” (bass); and “Void” (drums)

The whole album was recorded, mixed, and mastered at Deep End Studios in Middle River, Maryland. All lyrics were written by Chrystal.  Most of the music was written by “Relic”.  He and Tony Correlli collaborated in the studio.  One of the songs on the album, “Fail Me”, was contributed by “Dust”.  Another track, “Tuum Exspiravit”, was originally written by “Shadow”, and the original composition was recreated in the studio. 

One of the awesome things about this album is the variety of the songs.  Each track is unique.  Some are heavier than others. But even those that aren’t quite as heavy have an unmistakable rock element that any headbanger will enjoy.  The guitars and bass, the keyboards and synths, and the drums all combine and blend with Chrystal’s breathtaking yet powerful vocals. This album is just the perfect marriage between intriguing melodies and sublime singing.

Relinquish The Quiet is a concept album.All of the songs together are meant to tell a story.  It’s a tale of battling through pain, sorrow, fear, darkness, loss, and heartache and becoming a strong, capable, powerful, fierce warrior in the end. The songs inspire the listeners to find the strength and the power that is inside each and every one of us.

I’d like to give some of my thoughts about the tracks on this album – my interpretation of the meanings behind the songs.  First off, there are excerpts between many of the songs, most of them spoken, called “Soundscapes”.  They add a mysterious element to the album and tie together nicely with the songs.  Most of them are named after the ANOXIA “Guardians”.

Resurrection
This track has been remastered from its previous form, and the difference is remarkable.  It is crisp and clean, and sharper.  To me, resurrection is a song about longing for someone who is no longer there.  Despite missing that person, you are somehow free to move on.

Fail Me
This is a song about someone trying to hold you back from your destiny.  You are stronger, however, and will fight through and overcome this struggle.

Tears, I Bleed
There are multiple themes in this song. Generally, it is about a relationship gone bad. Someone is trying to get over the pain and heartbreak, but at the same time is hoping the other person is hurting the same way.  It is also a song about strength and moving on.

Earthbound
Earthbound is an emotional song that is a reflection on the sacrifice and the consequences we face in our lives after giving up on things we love.  It’s about giving too much and not receiving enough to meet our needs – the lack of reciprocal love, and the lack of boundaries we have, even within ourselves.

All For You
Tying together with the theme of the previous track, this tells the story of realizing that you’ve been doing everything in your life for someone else.  But now it’s time to break free and do what you need to do FOR YOURSELF.

YANA
The title stands for “You Are Not Alone”.  This song, to me, seems to be about people who are suffering and think they’re all alone and nobody understands. But this is not the case. There is always someone there who understands and maybe is going through the same struggles, and can help lead you out of the darkness.

Relinquish The Quiet
The title track is also the album’s ultimate anthem.  It represents anyone who has suffered in silence but is now breaking that silence to speak their truth.  It’s the final triumphant outcome.

Tuum Exspiravit
In Latin, this can have several meanings, including:  “Your time has expired”; “Your ghost”; “The ghost of you”; or “Your essence”.  All of these are fitting for this wonderful song, as it has a haunting yet beautiful ambience.  This song is simply exquisite.

ANOXIA had an album release show Saturday, July 8th at Baltimore Soundstage. It was an amazing night. Other bands who performed were 51 Peg, Rise Among Rivals, Amathia, Distance To Dawn, and Lunatic High. All of the bands were awesome! The performance of Chrystal James and her Guardians was magical. It was her triumphant return to the stage with her own band singing her own songs after a long hiatus, and it fittingly reflects the theme of the Relinquish The Quiet album. Chrystal has battled and overcome so much, and she never, ever gave up. She is an inspiration for many. I’m so glad I was at the show so I could be a part of the magic.

I will be listening to every track on Relinquish The Quiet for years to come. If you want the full experience of this album, I highly encourage you to get a physical copy.  There are elements not included in the digital version, including a surprise at the end of Tuum Exspiravit.  Chrystal and her people should be so proud of the work they put into this project.  It is simply wonderful. I’d like to close out this review with something she shared with me.  It is something she has always and forever will quote:  “If anyone ever truly wished to know me, all they have to do is listen to my music.”

You can find ANOXIA on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

PHOTO CREDIT: Beth Starner Photography

Relinquish The Quiet track listing
“HEX”
Resurrection
Fail Me
“Relic”
Tears, I Bleed
“Dust”
Earthbound
“Shadow”
All For You
YANA
“Ash”
Relinquish The Quiet
“Void”
Tuum Exspiravit