ALBUM REVIEW: Glamour & Gloom – Tenside

Having been a band for approaching 15 years, TENSIDE decided that this time round, following on from the success of their previous record Convergence, they would take even more control of everything that is TENSIDE. Taking on another DIY approach to their recording, and also this time taking more control over where the record goes, the artwork, and the subsequent work promoting the record it’s safe to say the German metalcore four piece has taken on a large project for themselves.

Glamour & Gloom is the subsequent result of all this hard work. And for a band with 7 previous records under their belt, this is certainly the best the band have ever sounded. Immediately kicking off with a title track that sticks to the tried and test formula like bark to a tree, but there is a confidence about TENSIDE on this record. Indeed, in their attempt to make every aspect of their sound amplified even further the band have taken everything apart to shine and sharpen. As a result, there is a triple A final touch to Glamour & Gloom and it shines as a result.

The traditional metalcore blueprint is adhered as if it were law, and this has been the case for TENSIDE throughout the majority of their career. Taking the time to step back and assess your strengths can result in coming back even stronger afterwards, and with songs like Cannibals and Only the Brave boasting arena sized riffs and choruses, it shows that TENSIDE are still very much growing and perfecting their art. There are clear cues coming from the leaders of the metalcore genre, and even if TENSIDE haven’t quite made the cut to call themselves truly unique, in the same way that BURY TOMORROW have improved and built upon solid foundations, so to have TENSIDE.

There are gripes to be had with the record, especially with how similar so many of the songs can begin to feel, especially in the first half of the record. With an abundance of strong choruses this is somewhat mitigated, but it could well take multiple listens to fully begin to discern song from song without prompting. There are dynamic moments within Glamour & Gloom, such as the more subtle verses in Voyage of the Damned or indeed in the far more arena rock vibes as All Black Everything kicks in to round off the record. These moments are excellent alternative flavours to the meat and potatoes sound that TENSIDE have made their calling card, and if these are flavours of what could come in the future then it is more than welcome.

Throughout Glamour & Gloom the overwhelming enjoyment comes from the polish and crystal clear production. Sounding like a real triple A venture, the German band have worked hard to hone their sound and build the best possible version of TENSIDE we have seen in 15 years. With this record as a kick start to their next decade as a band, it is not hard to see TENSIDE taking this sound to even larger crowds than they have been entertaining recently.

Rating: 7/10

Glamour & Gloom is out now via Ivorytower Records. 

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