Review Summary: I don't think they've got a clue about what's best, for anybody except themselves
Get Scared has had a hectic history marred with conflict; ranging from the singer leaving to form Blacklisted Me with his at the time girlfriend, returning to Get Scared shortly afterward, and a cavalcade of drama involving a multitude of other bands and record labels. However; all of this hasn’t detracted from the quality of their music. In fact, Get Scared’s third album “Demons” is their most focused, sincere, and heaviest album in their discography; as it deftly blends a newly acquired penchant for ambiance with soaring choruses, improved lyricism, and more complex instrumentation.
The biggest notable change is the absence of naivety and teenage cynicism in the overall tone of this record that was big characteristic of previous releases; make no mistake, this is a dark and gritty album, especially by Get Scared’s standards. As the album’s lyrical focus drifts into mature approaches to betrayal, false prophets, and addiction.
” I can't buy into a profit dressed like a poet
And if you talk to God I'm sure that he'll tell you he knows”
- “R.I.P.”
Carved out my dignity and left in despair
You know I gave it all, embraced the fall
I sewed myself together just to slit the throat of pressure
- “Buried Alive”
This more mature approach allows this new, sincere approach to actually be taken seriously and doesn’t come off as contrived or forced.
Nicholas Matthew’s vastly improved vocals give extra impact as he experiments with a multitude of styles here; his tenor cleans contrast in an infectious way with the grungy instrumentals and brings a newly acquired sense of melody to the band that was mostly absent in previous releases. While his natural voice is catchy, and he reaches surprising heights throughout the album, it’s some of the experiments in vocal stylings that help separate his performance from his contemporaries; In album closer and highlight “R.I.P.” he channels his inner Chester Bennington with a surprisingly competent and newly developed throaty yell before skillfully utilizing his vibrato to great transitional effect into the chorus. Backing vocal melodies are sprinkled throughout the songs, usually in the choruses or shortly after and these almost always add additional depth to each of the passages. His harsh vocals dominate a multitude of the verses, and often he sticks to his middle and lower registers; his delivery is crisp and his sturdy control over his screaming tone is more than noticeable here.
Instrumentally, the closest comparison that can be made is to Red’s sophomore effort “Innocence and Instinct”, but with a metalcore edge. The guitar tone is crunchy, and the abundance of finely structured riffing is melded quite well with the bass which is an unexpected standout on the album. As with most modern bands in the genre, several songs make use of the ever omnipresent breakdown; but not too many that it detracts from the overall atmosphere conveyed, and they all hit hard. In previous efforts from the band, keys and strings were used, but they were enjoyable in an “over the top” fashion; here they are far more subdued, and deliver a far greater level of ambiance than before. Before their purpose was to be the centerpiece of a song section, to add to the pseudo-“creepy” atmosphere that the band used to try and give off. Here they’re mixed behind the instrumentals in a way that’s meant to bring the guitars and bass to the forefront instead.
While the overall product is superb, that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few things left to be desired. The drumming, while competent, is also just that; bar a few creative fills, it never strives for anything unique. Along with this, occasionally the dip into their older, over the top nature; this leads to some out of place sections tonally, and the track “Relax, Relapse” which is complete filler. The lyricism has some decidedly cheesy moments as well, ironically at the same time as said bombastic instrumentals come back into the picture.
This is Get Scared’s best work by a mile, and signs that they’re willing to break out of the mold that they’ve been comfortably nestled in since 2008, and are ready to reach new heights. If they can continue to improve on their improved utilization of harmonies, catchy melodies, and vastly improved production quality, then they’ll more than likely become regarded as one of the best bands in the modern metalcore scene.
