ALBUM REVIEW: Make Them Suffer – Make Them Suffer

Australian metalcore maestros MAKE THEM SUFFER may have been through a few changes in recent times but they’ve used this to their advantage to transform into a rejuvenated lineup and a fresh sound with their latest self-titled album under SharpTone Records.

It’s been four years since their last full-length, How To Survive A Funeral and in that period the five piece have edged their fans for a long time, with five singles to get to grips with before the final version, which for some might leave them still hungry for something fresh after all this time. Across their 12 years and six albums, MAKE THEM SUFFER have become renowned for their standout distinctive guitars and memorable melodies and it’s fair to say the group now incorporates a broader array of synth elements and more sophisticated production, guided by production from Jeff Dunne [DISTURBED, ICE NINE KILLS].

How To Survive A Funeral adhered to a simpler, more classic metalcore style with fewer layers and less complexity than the current album, helping the band establish a strong base and whilst there is more to unpeel on Make Them Suffer, that doesn’t necessarily equal something particularly unique or captivating in such an oversaturated space of a sub-genre.

The release initiates with The Warning, straight into Weaponized, both of which are very of the current style akin to BRING ME THE HORIZON or newer ARCHITECTS, leaning heavily on spooky electronic elements alongside melodic riffs. Addressing significant themes such as governmental control and the subtle yet powerful influence of our technological devices and their algorithms, Harmanis underscores the importance of drawing on personal experiences for authenticity in art, fostering a deeper connection with the audience – something often missing in this genre.

The juxtaposition between vocalist Sean Harmanis and keyboard player Alex Reade’s voices help keep both deathcore and metalcore enjoyers occupied but sometimes the switch from one to the other can feel a little abrupt and doesn’t help songs keep momentum, and it starts to feel like the structure is the same from track to track. Mana God and Epitaph are clear stand outs on the record, blending the likes of modern THE PRODIGY with early PARKWAY DRIVE, whilst tracks like previously released single Oscillator allow Alex’s cleans to take centre stage and Epitaph is dominated by her intense screams.

Venusian Blues starts with calming, dreamy elements before escalating into a striking bridge, and rapid guitar riffs immediately draw you into Ghost Of Me. Tether presents a particularly interesting guitar line, adding a fresh twist to their sound but towards the album’s end, Reade’s vocals begin to sound somewhat repetitive, leaving a desire for more of the powerful scream duets that feature prominently throughout the forty minutes.

If meat and two veg metalcore were a thing, MAKE THEM SUFFER have perfected the formula but with so much power and dynamism across the genre in other recent releases, its hard to see this self-titled record as a standout for 2024.

Rating: 6/10

Make Them Suffer is out now via SharpTone Records.