By James Locke
After nearly calling it quits during the Covid pandemic, the upcoming Make Them Suffer self-titled album stands as a testament to the band’s resilience, showcasing their rapid evolution into one of the best metalcore acts today. With the addition of Alex Reade on this fifth album, a fresh dimension is introduced to their sound, with each track bringing something exciting and unique. From crushing breakdowns to colossal melodies and raw vocal performances, it’s clear that they have further sharpened their style into something fresh, intense, and undeniably their own.
The album opens with a theatrical brief instrumental, The Warning, blending symphonic textures with a techno edge that channels the cinematic energy of early 2000s soundtracks that made me feel like I was watching an action scene from The Matrix or Mission Impossible.
Taking me further down nostalgia lane, Weaponized features a heavy, captivating riff that transported me right back to the epic soundtracks of the original 90s Doom and Quake video games. The chorus showcases Sean’s raw screams alongside Alex’s ethereal vocals, creating a powerful fusion of cinematic rhythm and metalcore brutality. Meanwhile, Oscillator unfolds intricate layers of emotion and musical intensity, highlighting themes of screen addiction and mental health struggles. The song is impossibly catchy.
Doomswitch, which was originally released in 2022, features Alex and Sean trading brutal harsh vocals over yet another powerful and melodic riff, while Alex’s clean vocals are haunting yet angelic. The track’s message delves into the toxic cycles and burdens people face in the rat race of life. But it’s not all doom and gloom—the outro acknowledges the uncertainty of self-perception and the importance of the inner strength needed to confront and overcome personal struggles, serving as a powerful reminder that resilience lies within!
Arguably the heaviest track on the album, Managod reintroduces the synth-heavy soundscape from the earlier tracks. Sean’s aggressive stop-and-go vocals pair perfectly with Alex’s unfiltered screams, delivering a hard-hitting, head-bang-inducing performance. The music video and lyrics probe into the dynamics of media and government overreach, contemplating their influence on personal thought and independence. More than just a musical journey, this track delivers a thought-provoking message that echoes long after the last chord fades.
An eerie, melodic piano intro combined with rising ethereal synths creates an epic build-up to Epitaph—my favorite song on the album! Alex delivers her most mesmerizing vocals yet, but the real highlight comes just before the breakdown, as Sean surprises listeners with gentle vocals that contrast strikingly with his usual commanding vocal presence, adding an unexpected layer of emotion. This track plays on the idea of how other life forms might perceive humanity’s choices in the future.
Fans may be familiar with Ghost of Me, an absolute powerhouse that adds to the already impressive track list. With seamless transitions and Alex on the keytar, it’s another testament to the band’s exceptional ability to blend a multitude of elements—and it’s f*cking epic!
To wrap things up, Make Them Suffer is one of the standout albums of the year, embodying a new level of intensity and purpose! Each track compels you to lose control and sing along, and as a fellow Aussie, I am incredibly proud to see such impactful music emerging from our shores! The band’s delivery of powerful messages in such a raw, unique style is truly special, and it’s hard to predict which songs will become the biggest live anthems as Make Them Suffer continues to dominate stages worldwide!
Rating: 9.5/10!
