There are flashes of brilliance here, with 'Cold' and 'Terrifier' displaying some real metalcore competence. The mix is on point, it really sounds fantastic. Vocally though?... they kinda let off the gas on a lot of this - mostly the cleans. Dark Divine has it in them, they've shown it, but you gotta fight all 12 rounds if you wanna win.

As Parkway drives toward more arena anthem rock, there are bound to be some detractors. That's all good when they get it right as there are some absolute bangers on this album. Unfortunately, there is some garbage that goes along with changing your sound, notably the nu-metal stuff at the tail end of 'Darker Still'. But, the bangers!... the first 6 songs are gold, so that's worth the price of admission :D

There are some absolute gems here. The production is perfect, and Ava has a beautiful voice. While there are some delete-able songs (has there ever been an album in the genre without them) ...sigh)), where the writing is on point, you have undeniable 10s. I've had Million Dollar Baby, Cold as Ice, and several others blasting on repeat for days now. The high points on this album are nothing short of stellar.

How old are these guys? I mean, this is basically pop-punk with some heavier riffs sprinkled on top so if I was 15 and this was 2003 maybe it would be good. But that ain't the case. To give credit where it's due, the production and musicianship are both on point, so if you're into the pop-punk genre (calling this metalcore is a big stretch) then have at it, you won't be disappointed.

Thought this would be a lot better after seeing the video for Godforsaken, which is a great song but, unfortunately, one of the few highlights on Anno 1696. The arrangements could be tightened up and the synths are also overwhelming on much of the album.

I still don't know the titles of any of the songs. It's a metalcore opera from start to finish with not a bad part worthy of mention, so I just listen to it start to finish on my hour-long commute and that is my compliment and complaint at the same time. Is anything memorable? Not really. Is everything engaging? Damn right. Invent Animate writes some stellar riffs and knocks 'em off with superb professionalism.

I know music nerds can appreciate this, and certainly I get it. This album is very creative with talented musicians. However, and I think I can speak for most people, catchy vocal hooks or turn-arounds are a good thing. Not easy with a jazz/metal infusion, I know. As it stands, it's step away from their EP "Under The Veil" (which was lovely!), but hopefully it's a step they can turn into something special. It's not there yet.

I used to play guitar. I imagine after the kids are gone in a couple years and I start a basement band with my approaching senior status fellow metal heads, Avenade is kinda what it would sound like. It's like when Spinal Tap can finally do there rock opera, Saucy Jack.

The only complaint I has about this is they didn't engage those vocal/musical hooks, that they are so clearly capable of, more. Engage your Taylor Swift! Jokes aside, the chorus sections of songs like 'Decent' and 'Poison For The Lost' are fantastically catchy, and their single/title track reminds me of everything Gojira ever did right. All in all, one of 2023's metal highlights.

Nothing to add, it's just the GOAT so had to slap a 100 on it

Extremely fun album, even when it's dark or vulnerable, which is what gives 'Blame My Ex' it's charm. Truly engaging lyrics and vocals that clearly paints their picture. I'll throw a shoutout to whoever produced this, nice job. It's a really smooth sounding album that, just recorded as stripped-down rock, sounds absolutely full and dynamic. Top tier alt rock, so have a shower beer with this one!

There is no doubt that CBR has some real talent and creativity, which really is the saddest part of this album. There are so many sounds on Black Rainbows that just made me think the speakers on my system were shot. Abrasive is the term that comes to mind. Connie has some real smooth music, but nothing here would reflect that. Did she start hanging out with a cr@ckh3ad producer or something? I dunno, but this ain't it.

Technically, all of these songs are really good. Honestly, this is such a conflicting album as that it can come across as brilliant or meh, depending on your mood that day or how much weed you've smoked (that's just me, admittedly). The writing and musicianship is top notch, though, no question about that. It's certainly worth giving 'The Death We Seek' a try.

It took a while for this album to register, but when you get it... YOU GET IT. So much emphasis is put on vocalist Courtney LePlante that the rest of the band takes a back seat. But that's where genius lies. While the vocals are amazing, the musicianship behind them is absolutely top tier. The groove on Summit, the creative string arrangements on Secret Garden and other songs, the tight, djenty guitar riffs through ought, etc... this album delivers something unique and powerful. If you're a ... read more

LOVE LOVE LOVE THOSE FUNKY BASS LINES :D

Keep em coming, Jessie Ware!

I was really looking forward to this after hearing 'Shivering', the collaboration with Spiritbox, which is incredible. While there are a few other highlights, most notably "From the Ashes' (which really is a beautiful song), for the most part this is just stale pop-punk from the early 2000's with some dub mixed in.

'Fatalism' is a real solid metalcore album, definitely in the conversation for the best of the year. 'Parasites' is an absolute hardcore banger, and 'Dissipate'... absolutely sick. Of course, there's more, but to make a long story short... great work, Polaris.

Nija was such a great album, what happened here? Orbit Culture just decided to become an over amplified symphony instead? The mix is terrible, boo... Somewhere in there is a good album but there's a pile of unnecessary sound drowning it.

Absolutely amazing album. Her unique and emotional vocal delivery really set Meg apart. Every song is creative in it's own way, which makes the album quite colourful in the best way. 'Tourniquet' slowly draws you in to it's hypnotic trance, 'Death Of Me' with it's Tori-esque vibe is enveloping, 'Done' offers some great bass lines and over the top vocals; these are the stand outs for me, though every song has it's own character while retaining the motif of the album - honesty and vulnerability. ... read more