The_D

Simply: I'm home.

A surprisingly nostalgic punch to the throat (in the best way). Coming back to the band after not hearing their newer material since 2016, it still feels unmistakably AA. The melodies hit that sweet spot between emotional and explosive. The energy has that familiar spark. As a returning listener, it felt like reconnecting with an old friend who grew up but never lost their edge.

Simply: A great first encounter.

A surprisingly smooth introduction to the band, a blend of agreeable post-hardcore and alt-rock that’s easy to sink into, even if it never quite breaks into “spectacular.” The melodies… pleasant and often catchy. However, many tracks follow a similar formula, making the overall experience feel a bit run of the mill despite how listenable it is. As a first-time listener, happy, even if nothing wow’d me.

You told me think about it. Well I did.

Simply: A good time.

A solid, tightly executed metalcore album that hits all the beats you expect from a veteran band. Rriffing, synth layers, bruising breakdowns and Mike Hranica’s signature blend. It’s polished and cohesive. Which is probably why I found myself adding almost the entire album to a playlist. HOWEVER, it never quite pushed into that “holy shit” territory. Nothing leaps out as a genre-defining moment. It’s good, just comfortably within the lines.