ALBUM REVIEW: JULI – blacktoothed
As a fairly new band in the making, BLACKTOOTHED have been through it all. Most recently, the Leipzig hard rock quartet have undergone one of the most crucial transformations in their career; a name change. There is no doubt that it was a risky move for the group this late in their career after being known as BLACK TOOTH SCARE for many years since their formation in 2007. To celebrate this brand new identity and ultimately this fresh start for BLACKTOOTHED, they’re set to release their latest effort JULI this Friday. As a welcome follow up to 2018’s Seeker, it is evident that JULI is a somewhat unexpected progression. They have set the bar high, seemingly knowing what direction they want their music to evolve. Whilst still incorporating their gritty hard rock riffs into their newer work, it appears as though BLACKTOOTHED are eager to step well away from the metalcore image they portrayed on Seeker.
From the first track, you can automatically grasp that they are keen to inject a wide range of different genres into this LP – there is definitely nothing wrong with changing things up, especially in BLACKTOOTHED‘s case as it works well for them. Whilst the overall themes of the release are quite thought-provoking and personal, the quartet bring a certain ounce of positivity with them, shining a light on mental health and how things certainly do get better. JULI is a strong source for those in need, coming in with spades of relatability in the process. The album is sure to make anybody suffering with depression and anxiety question their actions and how they are affecting their nearest and dearest, which is a very hard-hitting realisation for many.
BLACKTOOTHED are now predominantly a multi-genre rock band, integrating unique elements of electronic pop and heavy metal into their core hard rock sound. Even though they have well and truly shed the unclean vocals of their past, they are undeniably on top of their own game here, adding a slice of individuality into an already saturated genre. Leading track If You Wanna Say So is the definition of multi-genre, with CLUTCH style grooves fuelling Hendrik‘s gravelly vocal hooks all the way. Combined with an unforgettable chorus, this is an astounding debut for the band in their new form. As we move into Saviour, we are met with something a little more synth heavy, which seems perfectly natural for a band of this stature. This is not completely what BLACKTOOTHED want to be known for though, as standout track So Real reveals.
As the album goes on, it becomes more and more evident that the band are keen to stick to their hard rock roots with tracks such as You Never Know and Pulse (featuring the incredible Kassim Auale). In comparison to this, JULI also contains slower, more emotional tracks such as Between You & The World, seriously putting this band on the map. Body Bag and Seasons ultimately boast some of the best hooks on the entire album, showcasing the serious growth of BLACKTOOTHED and their musical capabilities. As we finish with the title song JULI, it is safe to say that we are well and truly satisfied.
If you are already a fan of bands such as SKILLET and STONE BROKEN, we recommend giving BLACKTOOTHED‘s JULI a go! This album is a far cry away from their 2018 release Seeker. Even though this release isn’t quite as impactful as previous work, it is still well worth a listen. Whilst JULI is a body of work that is certainly not predictable, it is truly inspiring that they are keen to tackle many genres head on.
Rating: 6/10
JULI is set for release on July 29th via Arising Empire.
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