Review Summary: While most people don't think this bands deserves the light of day, Bring Me The Horizon release an album that's worth listening to more then just for the fun factor and breakdowns.
Sheffield's Bring Me The Horizon have been in the spotlight ever since their release of their debut album Count Your Blessings. Their debut was welcomed by scene kids and br00t4l breakdown lovers alike, but disregarded by most. This isn't going as far as saying their debut is
bad because it simply isn't. It's just a different style, which it seems BMTH changes up with every album.
I've heard multiple arguments regarding their style changes, and usually it revolves around Oli's vocals being fried, so he can't preform like he used to. Whatever the real story is behind their sound change, it's for the better.
"There Is A Hell, Believe Me I've Seen It. There Is A Heaven, Let's Keep It A Secret" is the 3rd studio album to date, released by metalcore outfit BMTH. It incorporates a lot of small changes that you will not find on Suicide Season (2nd album), such as the use of orchestra originated instruments and a choir.
Now a lover of the genre might scoff at that, but to be honest, Bring Me The Horizon know what they're doing.
The album opener and best track of the whole album, titled "Crucify Me" is a pristine example of the band utilizing their new skills and style. The synth isn't overly used, nor is it cheesy and irritating like Attack Attack! or any other similar bands. The guitar albeit, is still chug oriented, and there's not much change with that aspect throughout the album. There are a few solos, like on the track "Blacklist", but usually they aren't complex or long, which is a little sad, considering this band used to be able to shred, something which they apparently tend to avoid nowadays.
Drums have been slowed down, due to the fact that this album is generally slower then their sophomore release. But they're still impressive, solid beats throughout the album, and they do sound better/different then your average mediocre metalcore band. Don't take this wrong though, the album has many fast parts, there's just a lot more ambience and slower parts then there were in their last release.
One new and interestingly enough thing about BMTH, is the fact that their album isn't breakdown riddled, at least that's what it
seems. Although there is a breakdown for almost every track, it doesn't feel like all you're hearing is breakdown. The use of ambience in between fast parts is really refreshing, giving the listener a chance to reflect on what they've heard, and prime for the next fast paced chorus or riff.
The vocals have also improved not only on style, but also lyric wise with this release. Whether it's the poetic soft singing of canadian acoustic singer Lights, the shouted gang vocals, or the appearances of other featured artists like Josh from You Me At Six, or Josh from the Chariot, this album doesn't fail to offer a variety of emotions and thoughts.
This album is not without error though, as some songs do tend to sound the same, reverting back to Suicide Season oriented mistake of repetition (yes I'm looking at you Visions, Home Sweet Hole, and Anthem).
I also find myself wishing the guitar work was a bit more interesting, but it doesn't take away from the overall feel of the album, just certain parts I find myself wishing there was a bit more complexity within the song structures.
Overall, I'd say this is easily their best release, and it seems with each listen, this album only becomes better.
