By Jolee Flatman
After hearing that Canadian five-piece Obey The Brave’s new album was to affirm them as a major heavyweight in the metalcore genre, my hopes were set high. ‘Balance’ is the guys’ fourth full length album to date, with it demonstrating the stylistic diversity and complexity they have to offer. In my opinion, the album as a whole, except for one or two songs, screams Beartooth-esque vibes. For fans of Beartooth (of course), The Amity Affliction and The Ghost Inside.
One of the first important things to mention is ‘Balance’ is very conventional of the metalcore genre. Combining elements of clean vocals and growls, with intense riffs and catchy choruses. If you are into this genre be sure to check this album out – you will not be disappointed. However, do not be put off at this stage if you are not the biggest fan of this style. The album has diversity and can offer something for everyone. With one or two tracks conveying a hardcore vibe, nasty BLEGHS, and true aggression.
Although many tracks on the album share similar aspects, such as a fade in opening, or each chorus explicitly mentioning the track title, the album is not repetitive. Obey The Brave have put together a very clever album, one that conveys continuity, but difference at the same time. Each song doesn’t blend into one another or become understated by other tracks. ‘Cold summer’ opens with an unusual start, the sound of a motorbike engine being switched on, followed by an isolated and singular cowbell like sound. There is nothing wrong with this start, but personally I didn’t think it complemented the song. It seemed very out of place, and somewhat unnecessary.
As mentioned earlier, many tracks share aspects. The majority of tracks consist of a catchy chorus, clean vocals, crushing riffs, aggressive growls and a short-lived breakdown towards the end, which is followed by the final chorus.
Three songs in particular stood out for me, these were ‘Reality Check’, ‘Calme Le Jeu’ and already released track ‘Balance’. ‘Reality Check’ for sure has to be my top pick from the album. It has more aggressive vocals, two nasty BLEGHS, and projects hardcore vibes. It stands out on the album and demonstrates how Obey The Brave’s sound is flexible.
- ‘Balance’ is released on 19 July. You can get your copy HERE.
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