Review Summary: Embrace the current and ride the wave. 🏄‍♂️
After DBA’s previous album, they got busy releasing constant singles that were not attached to an album. Through this process, they inserted more EDM and trance elements into their pop based metalcore aesthetic. They’ve come along way from their boy band-meets-metalcore roots. What remains intact? Heavy riffs, excellent drumming, and an intense vocal performance from their growler. We also see an abundance of modern, autotuned vocals.
Unfortunately, DBA’s singer has proven to be unreliable. It’s especially evident in this album, since the vocals are so overproduced that they often sound like A.I (especially in choruses). They’re prettily put together, but it can’t help feeling like a hodge podge of technical wizardry. This is done, I expect, because their singer has a hard time with live performances. For years their singer (who is also the producer and songwriter) has been neglecting higher notes while live. While we appreciate Pontus for being the core of DBA, fans keep saying how they miss the previous singer. Gathering different vocalists is clearly no problem considering the large assortment of vocalists featured on this album, so what gives? It’s a mysterrrryyyy. 🎶
The Affliction is another day at the office for DBA, though including various featured vocalists and raps is a fun addition for this release. Their music is as catchy as ever. Songs have plenty of energy, and hooky choruses to keep songs in your head. Aside from the rapped segments, it’s DBA as you’d expect. DBA remain relevant and a rather exciting act to watch, as they continue to push their sound forward, with an always evolving sound. Their pop based metalcore continues to be legendary, considering how few bands can successfully produce this aggressive, yet pretty sound.
Old fans will have to get used to this new, much more modern take on DBA’s formula. Certain tracks that include featured guest vocalists in the choruses barely sound like DBA songs. However, it’s time for a twist. DBA, for a long time, were giving us exactly what we expected of them. The Affliction is slightly different, and that’s to be celebrated. We’re still getting exciting material from this band in 2024, which is quite an accomplishment considering the vocalist changes they’ve gone through. The future awaits!
