Whether you love them or hate them, it’s no secret that
Bring Me The Horizon are back. After ditching rhythm guitarist Jona Weinhofen
and gaining keyboardist Jordan Fish, the Sheffield metalcore group have finally
released a follow up album to 2010’s ‘There Is a Hell, Believe Me I’ve Seen It.
There Is a Heaven, Let’s Keep It a Secret’. ‘Sempiternal’ has stormed charts
all over the world, reaching number one in both Australia and the UK.
Opening track ‘Can You Feel My Heart?’ instantly
demonstrates Bring Me The Horizon’s change in musical direction due to the
strong synth sounds and hard-hitting vocals, compared to the fast-paced guitar
riffs and weak screaming vocals on their previous three albums. Oliver Sykes’
lyrics have progressed and reflect his personal issues, expressed well in the
lyric “I can’t drown my demons, they know how to swim.”
The most impressive song on the album is ‘Sleepwalking’, as it manages to incorporate keyboards and screaming vocals in a way that most bands could only dream of.
‘Shadow Moses’ was the first single to be released from ‘Sempiternal’, and with its catchy chorus and heavy breakdowns, it’s no wonder that it’s many fan’s favourite song. ‘As The Snakes Start To Sing’ is the slowest song on the album, but the interesting mix of synth sounds and technical guitar riffs make it anything but boring.
‘Anti-Vist’ is strong proof that Bring Me The Horizon still know how to
make angst-filled, fast-paced anthems and would sound incredible played live. ‘Empire
(Let Them Sing)’ features an impressive breakdown and Oliver Sykes’ vocals are
both unique and adaptable.The most impressive song on the album is ‘Sleepwalking’, as it manages to incorporate keyboards and screaming vocals in a way that most bands could only dream of.
‘Shadow Moses’ was the first single to be released from ‘Sempiternal’, and with its catchy chorus and heavy breakdowns, it’s no wonder that it’s many fan’s favourite song. ‘As The Snakes Start To Sing’ is the slowest song on the album, but the interesting mix of synth sounds and technical guitar riffs make it anything but boring.
‘Hospital For Souls’ is a great closing song and as a listener you almost feel a sense of catharsis after hearing the whole of ‘Sempiternal’; it feels like Oliver Sykes and co have managed to rid you of your anger in less than 42 minutes. ‘Sempiternal’ is an album which has turned many people who hated Bring Me The Horizon into fans, which is a huge feat for any band. If you’re only going to listen to one album by Bring Me The Horizon, then this should be it.
