ALBUM REVIEW: The Jaws Of Life – Pierce The Veil
PIERCE THE VEIL are one of the most important bands in the alternative scene, and despite not releasing anything for seven years, the San-Diego based trio are just as relevant now as they ever were. Known for their tragically haunting lyrics and unique spin on post-hardcore, they are making their comeback with The Jaws Of Life, an album that is sure to prove their place in the scene once again, and leave a huge impact on their adoring fans. The problem with having such a dedicated fanbase is it’s so difficult to please everyone, and finding a balance between your classic sound and trying something new enough to stay interesting is a near impossible task, but if anybody can manage it, it would be PIERCE THE VEIL.
Death Of An Executioner, the opening track, immediately proves that this album is switching things up a bit, with siren sounds and fast, rhythmic drums to build tension. Vocalist Vic Fuentes’ voice cuts through the chaotic instrumental, clear and strong, with the upbeat chorus already one to remember. While it’s pretty different to everything else the band have done, they still have that balance of incredible lyrics and addictive instrumentals, which makes their songs so good. Next is Pass The Nirvana, the first single, and one of the album’s heavier tracks. Intense guitars open the song, with vocals ranging from deep and dramatic in the verses, to hard-hitting screams in the chorus. It almost feels like this song was made to be heard live, as screaming along to the chorus can only be imagined as cathartic. That being said, the bridge is probably the best part.
Quickly changing the pace is Even When I’m Not With You, with a modern, alt-rock sound and meaningful, optimistic lyrics feeling like a mature progression for the band. Emergency Contact proves the range of this album, a nod to some of their older ballads with that raw, beautiful honesty in the lyrics that PIERCE THE VEIL are known for. Debatably one of the best songs on the record, it perfectly captures a yearning, aching feeling, and the focus on the vocals in pre-chorus make the whole song hit a bit harder.
The title track is very typically PIERCE THE VEIL, especially in its lyrics, with a harsh, sad honesty. This song is immersive and suspenseful, with a cathartic release at the end. A main factor of many PIERCE THE VEIL songs are their distinctive guitars, and this album is no different, especially standing out on Damn The Man, Save The Empire, which keeps the sound upbeat and devastatingly intense. This album also certainly showcases Fuentes’ vocals, especially in Flawless Execution and Resilience, and everything he can do with his voice. Switching things up, once again, is Shared Trauma, a moody track that uses synths and rain sounds to immerse listeners in what feels like a deeply personal outburst. Closing the album is 12 Fractures, another painful, hard-hitter with beautiful imagery and some incredible female vocals to give it a new dimension.
After an almost seven-year wait, PIERCE THE VEIL have demonstrated why they are, and always will be, one of the most loved bands in alt-rock. While it’s incredibly difficult to meet the high expectations they’ve set, The Jaws Of Life is an amazingly unique album that fans of the band are going to love. Not only have they kept their distinctively angsty sound, but they’ve adapted perfectly to the changing scene with a fresh take.
Rating: 9/10
The Jaws Of Life is set for release on February 10th via Fearless Records.
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