ALBUM REVIEW: Violent Noise – The Word Alive

2016’s Dark Matter release saw Arizona’s THE WORD ALIVE springboard themselves up the ranks of the metalcore elite with their fresh approach and more mature sound, but since the announcement that two long standing members in bassist Daniel Shapiro and drummer Luke Holland have left the fold question marks have been hovering over the longevity of their future. Despite these events this year sees the now three piece due to release their fifth studio effort on May 4th via Fearless Records.

Red Clouds wastes little time getting the ball rolling with punchy riffing and an energetic vibe. The one-two combo of crystal clear vocal melodies and seething screams gets everything off to a positive start. Why Am I Like This continues the tempo but takes a rather different, more emotive approach with an early 2000’s nu metal, accessible song structure before Stare At The Sun picks up the pace with a heavier sentimentality. The chorus is undeniably huge and the intricate lead work seamlessly integrates into background with the exclamation point coming in the form of ASKING ALEXANDRIA‘s Danny Worsnop.

I Fucked Up brings further bouts of lively riffing and memorable vocal passages before slamming you in the face with a punishing breakdown for good measure. This energy cascades into War Evermore which features quirky prominent bass lines and passionate sing along segments which are guaranteed to get a crowd enticed. Human hits the breaks a little as a steadier pace as vocal effects echo through the verses. The raw emotion rises to the surface as the clever use of Sincerely Collins‘ bursts of rapping creates an intriguing combination.

I Don’t Mind brings more catchy, upbeat riffing and an abundance of energy to the table reminiscent of OF MICE & MEN, the chorus is undoubtedly going to be ingrained in the memory hours later. The brief little spurt of impressive leadwork is a nice touch despite it’s fleeting nature. Real Life has all the hallmarks of an album single with a pop punk mood and electronic experimentation before Lost In The Dark follows a similar melodic route. THE WORD ALIVE definitely have the recipe for snappy, melodic hooks nailed down to a fine art.

My Enemy sees the return of the downtuned heaviness and vicious screams intertwined with powerful vocal sections teeing up the infectious intro to Run Away. This track displays similar traits to the previous tracks and at this stage feels a little too familiar and combined with the curtain closing Lonely feels like a bit anticlimatic, There is no doubt that the emotion and passion are exhibited in spades but Lonely feels like it would have been more appropriate at an earlier time with the following track as a bit of a “pick me up” rather than leaving Violent Noise on what feels like a bit of a depressing note.

The talent and creativity is clearly evident as sparks of brilliance are displayed throughout Violent Noise but the album becomes rather formulaic and predictable as it progresses. Some moments really grab your attention and THE WORD ALIVE are at their best when they up the tempo and throw a grenade piled with riffs in your direction. It is a shame that this effort doesn’t quite achieve that sweet spot on too many occasions. The decision to wrap the album up in this fashion was quite a perplexing one as it kind of derailed the upbeat vibe that was boiling up throughout the album. If you love impassioned lyrics and memorable hooks Violent Noise just may be the answer you are looking for but it may not appeal enough to lovers of the heavier side of metalcore.

Rating: 7/10

Violent Noise is due for release on May 4th via Fearless Records.

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