50%
The first Spiritbox album changed my perception of what modern heavy could be. I knew what the members of the band were capable of, as you only had to look at their earlier dalliances in the heavy music world. As well, the EPs leading up to this release experimented with various elements of their sound.
This album has yet to strike me in a similar vein. Sure, it’s vicious when its heavy as well as beautiful when it is soaring and dramatic. But it just doesn’t have the same soul as the first explosive statement that was Eternal Blue. This is metal aimed at the masses, and let’s be honest: I am far from being one of the cool kids anymore. They part I struggle to get is why I just cannot connect with them here like I have previously.
There is still the heaviest of hitters here like opener Fata Morgana or No Loss, No Love and for everyone of them is the softer Crystal Roses or Keep Sweet, though there is a distinct lack of what I can only call soul.
With such a packed release schedule this year bands need to be on the front foot, and although this is what you would expect from Spiritbox, that just isn’t enough to grab or hold the listener’s attention.
