To Aly & Fila music is their life and for us, their exclusive sound has become an illustration for the uplifting trance in the industry. The Egyptian inhabitants are flag-bearers of trance music globally and have diligently spent the last decade of their lives building an inspiring career as triumphant DJs, producers and label-owners. Their Future Sound of Egypt record label has turned out to be a propagation ground for rising stars and a home to their own productions.

Given some classics such as ‘We Control The Sunlight’, ‘Lost Language’, ‘Eye of Horus’ and ‘Coming Home’, they’ve played a major role in keeping the trance picture alive and kicking. And now, after 3 exigent years in studio, song-writing and finding that inimitable spark, following their much acclaimed debut album, ‘Rising Sun’, Aly and Fila proudly present their latest release, ‘Quiet Storm’. For Aly and Fila, there is, by no means, time to wait for the storm to pass – because they always seem to be right in the middle of it.

According to them, they’ve never stopped improving, instead they’ve just always evolved. Though often imitated, the significant breaks and melodies of Aly and Fila have never been done better by anyone else. About the album the duo said they’ve been working on it patiently since a long time, because they really wanted to create a big impact, like a quiet storm emerging. Without any doubt the 16 huge tracks in ‘Quiet Storm’ portray unbelievably new avatars of Aly and Fila’s production skills including their collaborations with talented artists such as John O’Callaghan, Giuseppe Ottaviani, Arctic Moon, Solarstone, vocalists Susana, Chris Jones, Jaren, Sue McLaren and many more.

Here is our take on the turbulent Quiet Storm:

The Quiet Storm takes you into a new world right from the very beginning as if you have found yourself somewhere in the middle of a desert storm and you’ve got nowhere to go. Kicking in with the sentimental and touching “Laily” with a new voice of Karim Youssef giving it an ethnic touch, it may remind you of Saawariya, but as the song progresses with its sensuous lyrics, you’re bound to feel a rapid adrenaline rush leaving you curious for the next track to come in. Nothing could be better than this epic intro for the most awaited album of 2013.

With next track you will realize that they have taken a new progressive and mellow direction. “Running Out Of Time” featuring Chris Jones is a wonderful track with haunting vocals, layered over echoing synth chord progressions and to add to the ecstasy, chopped samples of vocals are blended with the backdrop of the production very well. The breakdown, having a magnificent guitar riff is definitely very unusual from what fans would anticipate from Aly & Fila. Very warm and pleasant to listen to, you won’t be able to get those lyrics out of your head for many days.

“Mysteries Unfold” is the most recently released single from the album whose brilliant, warm and trancy feel is very danceable and relaxing at the same time. For vocals, the delightful Sue McLaren is on board and has added her magic again with her loving words and splendid performance. For those who are not afraid of 138 BPM, the duo has been creative and delivered an Uplifting mix as well. With pumping basslines, energetic drive and a really emotional and delicate breakdown with melancholic piano contrasted to the amusing and very euphoric synths that lead the track to a climax which will get your hands thrown in the air for sure.

A featured production on Armin van Buuren’s legendary A State of Trance 2013 compilation, “Speed Of Sound” took everyone’s heart away as soon it was first heard on his radio show. A Very pleasant and soothing tune with the angelic vocals of Tricia McTeague floating on it, you will be taken on a journey of thoughts of your own beautiful life. Given a perfect place in the album, it will put you in a relaxed mood instantly when you hear it and build you up for the upcoming tracks.

The next track needs no words at all. Nailed the dance floors already at major festivals around the world with its Uplifting Mix as well as Future Disciple Remix, “Fireisland” is one tune that no trance fan would ever like to forget. Done in collaboration with one of the purest trance producers in the industry, Rich Solarstone it has definitely got purity from the very moment he brushed his hands over elements of the track. Although it’s the original mix which is included in the album, it plays a major role in getting you a feeling of pure bliss and serenity.

“End Of Road” will straight away lift your mood towards a joyful feeling with its strong pumping beats and melodic vocals by Jaren. The lyrics of the track are quite motivating in themself and the build does the rest to make it uplifting as well. A very genuine breakdown, that will just make you sing the lyrics loud.

“Daydreaming”, a track done with the very talented Arctic Moon, serves its purpose of being added in the middle of the list. Kicking in with intense punching beats, it progresses towards a very emotional breakdown that may even make you cry.  Rebuilding perfectly,  it will leave your mind  lost in your thoughts. As the name speaks for itself, “Mother Nature” is a pure bliss with vocals from Rafif and acts as an ideal interlude in between. With its serene and pleasant tune, you’ll  feel a calming and peaceful sensation till the next uplifting masterpiece gets in.

Yes. The next track is one of the most anticipated IDs played by Aly & Fila previously at prestigious shows like A State of Trance 600. According to the duo,  it’s their favorite track from the album, “First Sun” is one of our favorites as well. With those punching beats right at the beginning, it will give you an indication of an astonishing breakdown to come.  The breakdown, as predicted, will definitely take you to cloud nine,  giving you an energetic  feeling. It will remain on the favorites list for many uplifting trance  DJs for a long time.

“Your Heart Is Mine” is their collaboration with the very renowned John O’ Callaghan. It begins with a normal and a typical bassline with vocals by Eli but later turns to an adoring masterpiece with its groovy beats. Perfect for playing at a club or festival in the middle of an uplifting set. The title track “Quiet Storm” with the beautiful vocals of Sue McLaren is not as appealing as the other tracks but still manages to make its space with its groovy beats between the other tracks. “City Of Angels” is another high BPM production from the duo with an amazing breakdown comprising of guitar riffs.

Already having received a lot of support  from major DJs on their radio as well as live shows, “Brilliant People” is Aly & Fila’s collaboration with Giuseppe Ottaviani. A banger tune kicking in with pumping beats. It uses ever-shifting female harmonics to create a somewhat dizzying effect. Also featured in Giuseppe Ottaviani’s Magenta album, it’ll just could be on of your favorites for a long time.

Critically acclaimed and whole heartedly accepted by the passionate trance fans of Aly & Fila, “Without You”, featuring Susana has recently been a hit single by the duo. Very uplifting and filled with emotions, it has been a part of several DJ sets already.

“Quiet Storm” graduates towards the end with another uplifting production. “Tula” will steal your heart away from the very moment you listen to it. An uplifting tune with a remarkable breakdown that manages to send out an unfathomable feeling behind it. The stunning euphoric synths along with progressive chords used during breakdown and the in-your-face beats make it one of their best productions..

Quiet Storm ends greatly with the shining vocals of Sue McLaren demonstrating the end of the silent storm.

Here is the album playlist, but you really need to listen to the full album if you don’t want to miss something really good:

Quiet Storm is OUT NOW on Armada Music, and you can buy the album, here.