ALBUM REVIEW: Rock Bottom – Scream Blue Murder

In 2016, Coventry four-piece SCREAM BLUE MURDER burst onto the scene with debut album Hollow Stories, a collection of tracks which showcased a unique hard-hitting but melodic brand of metalcore, and had an overwhelmingly positive response. Since then, the band have signed to record label Stay Sick Recordings (currently one of only two British outfits on their books), toured the US twice, and supported the likes of BURY TOMORROW, CANCER BATS, and OF MICE & MEN. Therefore, in the run-up to the release of follow-up Rock Bottom, there has been much anticipation amongst fans and critics, with the quartet’s front man Aaron Bloomer teasing, “The new album shows exactly the direction we are heading in”, and with a title like the one they have for this offering, it’s pretty much clear that it’s not going to be all sunshine and rainbows.

The first five of the ten songs that make up the album are an even balance of heavy intensity and soft atmospherics, which effectively convey the lyrical content – a frank reflection of the feelings of despair and negativity that often accompany the difficult breakdown of what was once a loving relationship. In addition, it seems that the four-piece have put these tracks together with great emphasis on how they would be received when performed live on stage, with frequent chanting, sing-along lyrics, and choruses that are both anthemic and highly energetic.

However, as proceedings move along, there is an increase – subtle at first, and gradually becoming more noticeable – in the overall tempo, with the sound becoming heavier and less melodic, and Bloomer’s vocal delivery getting further distorted and riddled with aggression. These changes result in a second half of five tracks that are darker, grittier affairs, with frequent unclean roars, and chunkier guitar riffs and bass lines, which makes for a more high-octane brand of metalcore. However, there are still moments of melody present, especially in regards to the choruses, which act rather like rays of sunshine poking through a thick grey cloud.

Overall, Rock Bottom is an enjoyable listen, accurately reflecting the positive developments of SCREAM BLUE MURDER’s approach, both sonically and lyrically, since they brought out Hollow Stories almost three years ago, effectively showcasing a collective who can now seamlessly go from light to dark without the need to sacrifice any of the musical elements that have made them one of the top bands on the contemporary British metalcore scene.

Rating: 8/10

Rock Bottom is set for release April 12th via Stay Sick Recordings. 

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