Review Summary: Time has changed the band, and you should change with them.
Dark Matter is an album that marks a huge change in sound for The Word Alive. Backing away from their traditional formula proves to be a great shift into a more alternative style, which can be found throughout this album. I thoroughly enjoyed their last effort, Real. When I first heard this album I wasn't quite sure what I thought of it, but it grew on me over time. Here's why:
Dark Matter is full of extremely catchy choruses and hooks that will stick in your head. Although many of the lyrics are somewhat cringe-worthy, they are definitely well written and reek of purpose and feeling. A great example of this can be seen in the third track, "Face to Face." Since most of the songs on this album are basically singing only, many fans could be let down. However, there are many heavy(ish) tracks that any fan of their first album, Deceiver, could enjoy. "Trapped", "Grunge", "Dark Matter", and "Sellout" all have crushing riffs that should be explored. A track that I believe rises above the others is "Piece of Me." This track features the vocalist from Beautiful Bodies. She really adds to the song and harmonizes well with Telle.
Overall, if you give this album a chance, it will probably grow on you. The Word Alive have definitely made a shift in sound, but one can definitely track the progression of this band from album to album. The only thing that holds this album back is a few songs with immature lyrics, and some generic power-chord choruses.
Songs to check out: Trapped, Sellout, Piece of Me, Dark Matter
Songs not to check out: Suffocating, Insane
