ALBUM REVIEW: Recovery – To Kill Achilles
Scottish post-hardcore band TO KILL ACHILLES have built a name for themselves through their gut-wrenching depictions of real-life experiences and a heavy, alt-rock sound, but their latest album Recovery aims to be more positive, though always heartfelt. While the album isn’t a completely opposite direction, and remains brutally honest, it acts as the antithesis to their previous work, demonstrating that no matter how bleak life can become, there will always be a way out.
Opening the album is …and I’m An Addict, introducing gritty guitars and relentless drums. Vocalist Mark Tindal’s voice is raw and strained, in a way that only emphasises the pain described in the lyrics. As the second chorus begins, everything hits even harder, and while there does seem to be a feeling that we are being eased in gently, it works really well to introduce Recovery. Next is Chemical Counterpart, and if anything was held back during the previous track, it definitely isn’t anymore. With raw emotion and hard-hitting lyrics, it’s clear from the beginning that it will be a difficult listen. With painful verses and a more uplifting chorus, a contrast is created, with the depiction of a gradual recovery, starting at the lowest point and slowly getting better.
If that wasn’t extremely intense already, then Blue begins, a track packed-full of emotion. With beautifully written lyrics, it ends on a heart-breaking note, and depicts an extremely personal story that isn’t easy to listen to. On the other hand, some clean vocals are introduced, and Tindal’s range is definitely proven here, with the band demonstrating how well they can do a fairly different, more mellow sound.
As if the album isn’t devastating enough already, Living In A Memory demonstrates a desperate, gut-wrenching portrayal of grief, and while it is ridiculously sad, it is extremely refreshing to hear this level of honesty and sincerity. Around halfway through the album, the lyrics become more optimistic, and while there are still some desperately sad moments, the more positive spin is definitely welcome at this point. Musically, one of the most memorable songs is No Love Is A Crime, a track with incredible range and an addictive bassline. The bridge is its best moment, and it’s easy to become invested in the lyrics and the story told.
From a song called Rats, a certain vibe is expected, and that is definitely fulfilled here. With a heavier, grimier sound, and gritty guitars, it’s easy to imagine this song hitting really hard live. With some more well-written and uncomfortably relatable lyrics, and high-notes to contrast the screams, it’s a really likeable and memorable song. Closing the album is its title track, Recovery, a dramatic, free-verse style song that breaks the fourth wall. Creating a really unique sound, they seem to blend jazz elements with hardcore, which works surprisingly well. Ending on an emotional high note, the lyrics are candid and inspiring, and extremely heart-felt.
Although it is undoubtedly positive at times, Recovery is still a difficult, devastating album, and it definitely seems to unlock some emotions that didn’t seem to exist before. While certainly not a casual listen, and the main focus is on the lyrics and the message, TO KILL ACHILLES definitely capture a unique, distinctive sound, and there isn’t anything about this album that will be forgotten easily.
Rating: 8/10
Recovery is out now via Arising Empire.
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