Our top 10 Asking Alexandria songs introduce us to a British band famed for its metalcore sound, which blends in hard rock, heavy metal, post-hardcore, and screamo elements. Asking Alexandria was formed in 2006 by Ben Bruce, who currently serves as the band’s backing vocalist and lead guitarist. Initially, the band was formed and situated in Dubai, where Ben Bruce realized it barely achieve international success. The band settled for the idea of giving its music another shot in England. Ben Bruce added to the band lead vocalist Danny Binns, bassist Joe Lancaster, rhythm guitarist Cameron Liddell, drummer James Cassells, and Ryan Binns on the synth forming a six-piece act.
However, a lineup change saw Asking Alexandria lose bassist Joe Lancaster to With One Last Breath, a metalcore act, and Danny Binns. The band quickly found a replacement for Lancaster, having Sam Bettley take on the bassist role. Asking Alexandria signed a recording contract with Sumerian Records, where the band released its album Stand Up and Scream (2009). The album featured several reputable ballads, including “The Final Episode (Let’s Change the Channel),” “Not the American Average,” and “A Prophecy.” Stand Up and Scream (2009) went on to peak at number four on the Billboard Top Heatseekers Chart and number twenty-four on the Billboard Top Hard Rock Albums Chart.
Following the album’s success, the band toured the US alongside other bands like Evergreen Terrace, Unholy, For the Fallen Dreams, The Word Alive, and Alesana. Asking Alexandria later released the album Reckless & Relentless (2011), which peaked at number seven on the UK Rock Chart. The album was also successful in Australia, having it peak at number thirty on the Australian Albums Chart, prompting the band to attend the “Soundwave 2011 Festival” in Australia. Lead vocalist Danny Worsnop stated that the album’s sound felt like a blend of Slipknot and Mötley Crüe.
In December 2012, the band went through a scary moment when lead vocalist Danny Worsnop tore his vocal cord. However, he visited the doctor and canceled all events to rest his vocals. After he healed, Asking Alexandria released its album From Death to Destiny (2013). Danny would, later on, announce his departure from Asking Alexandria to focus on his band We Are Harlot. Asking Alexandria was left to pick a new lead vocalist, settling for Ukrainian Denis Stoff, a former member of the metalcore band Make Me Famous. Denis took on the lead vocalist role for nearly all songs in the band’s album The Black (2016).
With differences between Worsnop and Asking Alexandria settled, Worsnop returned to the band forcing Stoff to depart from the band’s lineup. Since Worsnop’s return, the band has released three albums, with the most recent being See What’s on the Inside (2021). While the band has been majorly described as a metalcore act, Ben Bruce revealed in an interview that the band’s sound shifts from album to album. That explains why some of the songs by Asking Alexandria prominently feature elements of electronicore, screamo, post-hardcore, heavy metal, and hard rock. Here are the top 10 Asking Alexandria songs from the band’s seven studio albums.
#10 – Here I Am
Ushering us to the top 10 Asking Alexandria songs is the melodic hit “Here I Am.” The song is featured on the band’s album The Black (2016), with vocals delivered by Denis Stoff. “Here I Am” starts with Ben Bruce’s statement, “In a world tainted by hate and negativity, stand out, shine bright, and always be proud of who you are.” The song is a straightforward anthem towards embracing self-confidence. “Here I Am” peaked at number eleven on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Chart.
#9 – Alone in A Room
“Alone in A Room” is one of the greatest releases from the band’s 2017 eponymous album. The song alludes to lead vocalist Danny Worsnop’s psychological condition. “Alone in A Room” has its video show Danny attempting in vain to connect with his fellow band members. The song blends pop, alternative rock, and post-hardcore to deliver a unique sound from the band.
#8 – Closure
Reckless & Relentless (2011) featured some of the best ballads from Asking Alexandria. One of the great songs from the album is the ferocious and incendiary hit “Closure.” The song is delivered in a strong melody that affirms Asking Alexandria’s brilliance on the instruments. “Closure” finds the band balancing its metalcore sound with some prominent hard rock sounds.
#7 – Into The Fire
“Into The Fire” finds the band coming back even stronger with the return of its past lead vocalist Danny Worsnop who believed that Denis Stoff was just ‘warming his seat.’ The song alludes to finding ways of transforming one’s character flaws and other shortcomings into strongholds. Like most of the songs in the band’s 2017 eponymous album, “Into The Fire” was about Worsnop’s life. The song blends punchy and down-tuned rhythms with Danny Worsnop’s clean and melodic vocals in what feels like the band’s shift to an alternative rock sound. “Into The Fire” peaked at number thirteen on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Chart.
#6 – A Prophecy
Number six on our top 10 Asking Alexandria songs is the tuneful hit “A Prophecy.” The song is one of the iconic releases from the band’s metalcore and post-hardcore album Stand Up and Scream (2009). The song’s intro shows how Worsnop’s scars serve as a constant reminder of where he comes from, signifying how strong he has been even though the past doesn’t seem to fade. “A Prophecy” features Asking Alexandria playing instruments in a dark alley on a stormy day.
#5 – I Won’t Give In
“I Won’t Give In” was the first song to feature Denis Stoff, an ex-member of Make Me Famous as the lead vocalist following the short departure of Worsnop. The song was featured on the band’s album The Black (2016). Ben Bruce would not hide his disappointment in the parting of lead vocalist Danny Worsnop with this song’s lyrics pointing towards the sad yet inevitable departure. The song charted at number sixteen on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Chart.
#4- The Death of Me
The uplifting messages in songs like “The Death of Me” from the band’s album From Death to Destiny (2013) signified the evolution of the band to greater lyrical content. The song deals with Danny Worsnop’s past experiences and struggles with drug abuse. While drug abuse had Danny live a horrendous life, he reveals that he was depressed and struggled with the tough-touring time with Asking Alexandria. He uses this song to defiantly refuse to let drugs be his cause of death, signifying rejuvenation to a better life. Asking Alexandria released several versions of the song whose lyrics differed a little bit.
#3 – The Black
While vocalist Denis Stoff might have had a short career in Asking Alexandria, he left quite a mark having him featured on some of the best Asking Alexandria songs of all time. The young and energetic singer blends guttural growls and clean vocals in “The Black,” the album titled song of the band’s 2016 album. Ben Bruce adds glamour to the song with his backing vocals having the two deliver an awe-inspiring outro to the song.
#2 – The Final Episode (Let’s Change the Channel)
“The Final Episode (Let’s Change the Channel)” remains one of the greatest Asking Alexandria songs from the album Stand Up and Scream (2009). The song was certified gold by RIAA, proving how greatness in the metalcore scene. While the song is classified as a metalcore ballad, it features electronicore sounds that make it unique. Worsnop revealed that the song is about people who are not good to deal with whom you wish to avoid.
#1 – Moving On
Number one on our top 10 Asking Alexandria songs list is the hit “Moving On,” a power ballad featured on the band’s album From Death to Destiny (2013). The song finds the band expressing to the world the sacrifice it takes to become a star on the stage. Asking Alexandria also reveal what it takes to maintain one’s glory on the stage citing all toxic coping mechanism used by some artists and how to overcome them. The band is not shy to point on the ill attitude its members possessed for a long time showing the transition from reckless living to an inspirational lifestyle.
Feature Photo: Stefan Bollmann, Attribution, via Wikimedia Commons
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![Rob De Luca of Spread Eagle, Sebastian Bach & UFO: 10 Albums That Changed My Life From humble East Coast origins to grandest stages worldwide, veteran bassist Rob De Luca has seen and done it all. De Luca first hit the local Boston rock and metal scene in the late 80s after meeting guitarist Paul DiBartolo, bonding over Van Halen before forming Bang. Regional success came quickly, but eventually, the members of Bang went their separate ways, with De Luca and drummer Tommi Gallo heading to NYC and hooking up with Ray West and, later, DiBartolo to form Spread Eagle. By 1990, Spread Eagle was on the fast track, with a contract through MCA Records and a self-titled debut album poised to crush skulls. But poor timing and MCA's sad indifference left Spead Eagle out in the cold despite being a hard-boiled answer to Guns N' Roses's West Coast sleaze. Spread Eagle's first chapter came to an end in '95. As for Rob De Luca, his nimble fingers and gift for melody and songwriting kept him moving forward. Soon, he found a gig with former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach and the legendary outfit UFO. And in 2010, after coupling up with Ray West and his cousin Rik De Luca, Spread Eagle retook flight. During a break from Spread Eagle's increasingly busy touring schedule, Rob De Luca dialed in with ClassicRockHistory.com to run through the ten albums that changed his life. But only after adding, "I made a playlist of these songs, including some I've written or co-written. Do you hear any of these albums' influence on me?" Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3LWJuhDrE8JmzhsmTeIDUq 10) Gentlemen by Afghan Whigs (1993) Here's an entry that was so important to me. This may be the darkest break-up album of all time. Greg Dulli has been in many projects, but I feel Gentlemen is his zenith. Somewhat undefinable at times but always profound and honest. Listen to "Gentlemen," "Fountain and Fairfax," and "What Jail Is Like." 9) In on the Kill Taker by Fugazi (1993) By this time, I had been sucked in and spit out by the major-label record industry. Glam came and went; grunge was history, too. I was searching for new sounds. When I heard Fugazi's twin guitar approach, I knew this was what was missing. Fugazi may be considered a less polished sound than the albums above; however, once you "get it," it hits you like a ton of bricks, and there's no going back. From the moment I heard Fugazi, I went to every NYC show after. It's easily some of the best concerts of my life, and possibly my favorite bassist in Joe Lally. And their DIY ethics refused to charge us more than $5 a show! In on the Kill Taker is a powerful album demonstrated in songs such as "Smallpox Champion," "Great Cop," and "Public Witness Program." 8) Appetite for Destruction by Guns N' Roses (1987) I discovered many of these albums (sometimes long) after they were released. However, I was at the right place at the right time for this one. Steve Ostromogilsky had a Berklee College of Music lunch card and used to sneak out sandwiches for me. One day, he invited me to hang out at his place and listen to music. As we got off the train, he put Sony Walkman headphones on my ears and said, "Hey, check out this brand-new group." A song like "It's So Easy" was so different from the popular Sunset Strip sound at that time. Me and about 499 other informed rockers were lucky enough to see them on their first East Coast tour at the sold-out Paradise on Commonwealth Avenue, Boston (the same street Aerosmith started on). I saw Gn'R every tour after until I took a break when Buckethead joined. Gn'R is the band I've been lucky enough to see the most times live, almost 100! Everyone on this album is just stellar. Axl [Rose] had the tones, power, melodic sensibilities, and foresight to do what no other singer did then. Slash's playing was beyond memorable. Duff [McKagan] is one of the most underrated bassists in rock history, and learning his Appetite basslines is a masterclass. Steven [Adler] had the natural swing, and Izzy [Stradlin] was the secret weapon songwriter. Everything that's been heralded about this gem is deserved and true. Check out "It's So Easy," "Out Ta Get Me," and "Mr. Brownstone.' 7) Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (1975) Another contender for my favorite album and band of all time. Using The Beatles machine (same recording studio, engineer, record label), Pink Floyd made what I feel is their strongest, most cohesive album (my second favorite of theirs would be Animals). This list mainly consists of bands with an instantly recognizable sound. Floyd is certainly no exception to that! This album included a solid handful of undeniable rock radio classics, bookended by two halves of the mind-blowing song "Shine on You Crazy Diamond.' That song was written about former band member and founder Syd Barrett. It would be hard to live in a world without this album. Check out "Welcome to The Machine," "Shine on You Crazy Diamond (parts 6-9),' or even better yet, listen to the whole thing in one sitting! 6) Decade by Neil Young (1977) About this time, I started playing guitar. As a beginner, it was comfortable jamming to this album because the chord changes were simple—a great "first ten years" retrospective of Neil's stunning, unique songwriting. Neil is a treasure who always writes from the heart and stands up for what's right. Check out "Southern Man," "A Man Needs a Maid," "Down by The River," and "After the Goldrush." 5) Highway to Hell by AC/DC (1979) When I heard this album, I was firmly "me." My life would be 100% focused on hard rock music forever. AC/DC are like air; they're ubiquitous. Everyone knows them and their incredible songs. However, as a young teen in Wilmington, Delaware, I only had WMMR 93.3 FM Philadelphia and a few friends to inform me about the world of Rock outside my bedroom. AC/DC had not gone mainstream, and their albums were available primarily in the USA as imports. To put things more in perspective, I only knew two people in the world who had heard of AC/DC. A friend had an import that we played in Steve Buckley's basement, which sounded ripping. When Highway to Hell was released, WMMR started spinning the title track, and I immediately bought the album, listening to it every single day after school. Then WMMR announced AC/DC was coming to the Spectrum in Philly, supporting Ted Nugent! I liked Ted but loved AC/DC, so my good friend Mick Cummins and I bought tickets, and he drove us up to the Spectrum (where we saw most of our concerts). Bon Scott was in fine form, and the band went over great. Although the crowd knew Ted better, Angus [Young] wouldn't let anyone upstage him. I'll never forget it! Unfortunately, Bon would be gone in 6 months. Check out "Walk All Over You," "Touch Too Much," "Shot Down in Flames," and "If You Want Blood (You Got It)." 4) Toys in the Attic by Aerosmith (1975) By the time I heard this, I was now in my teens. I had a childhood friend up the street, Jim Linberg (we're still good buddies). His older sister had a great album collection, including Toys in The Attic. Once I heard that groove, my taste changed. I lost interest in rock music that didn't have some sort of "swing" feel to it. I think Rocks is a slightly better Aerosmith album (and possibly my favorite album of all time), but both are perfect or very close. Check out "Uncle Salty," "Adam's Apple," "No More No More," "Round and Round," and "You See Me Crying." 3) Alive! by Kiss (1975) When I was still a little kid, I asked for Cheech and Chong's Up in Smoke album for Christmas. The entire family came over for an enormous feast, and I dropped the needle. When my mother heard the content, she turned off the album and said I had to exchange it. My mom was cool, but I was young and knew much more about life than she suspected. Anyway, the next day, she drove me back to the store. In the music section, promoted on an "endcap" was a Kiss Alive! display. I had never heard of Kiss, but that cover picture told me I had to have it! My first foray into hard rock. Check out “Strutter.” I went through my Kiss phase very quickly, I believe in a matter of months because I discovered the previous entry, Aerosmith's Toys in the Attic. 2) Honky Chateau by Elton John (1972) When I was a wee lad, my parents bought a used Volkswagen camper van from my uncle Ozzie. My favorite Elton John album is Yellow Brick Road, but Honky Chateau is great and easily one of his best. It sent me down a lifelong rabbit hole of loving everything about the 1970s partnership between Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin. The simple beauty of voice, the master songwriting, the perfect backing band, the clear, unobtrusive recordings, and always Bernie's incredible lyrics. The day this album was released, Elton became an unstoppable force that conquered the music industry. Check out "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" and "Rocket Man." 1) Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles (1967) Another tape that was included in the VW Camper. The van had a bunch of music tapes, and one was Sgt Pepper. I was too young to understand the sophistication of the music, but that was one of the many skills of The Beatles. They attracted listeners at every level, even little kids. I still feel that immediate connection to Sgt Pepper; now, I hear so much more. It's an album that changed the world and the world of music. Check out "Lucy in The Sky with Diamonds," "A Day In The Life," and "Fixing a Hole."](http://www.classicrockhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_1815495569-1-300x200.jpg)
