Bring Me The Horizon album review

British rock band Bring Me the Horizon released their fifth studio album, That’s the Spirit, on Sept. 11. The album is a continuation in the hard-rock direction they started in 2013 with Sempiternal. That’s the Spirit moved further by incorporating elements of alternative metal, alternative rock, hard rock, electronic and pop rock. In the album, Bring Me the Horizon has been compared to many artists, most notably Linkin Park and Muse.

“It’s a celebration of depression. A way of making light of it. That’s the spirit — it’s quite a depressing phrase when you think about it — the sort of thing you only ever use when you know there’s no positive answer to the situation,” lead singer Oliver Sykes stated, as reported by NME on July 21. According to NME, the album will be “a loose concept album about life’s darker moods.”

The album features four singles, three of which are promotional singles (“Happy Song,” “Throne” and “True Friends.”) The fourth song, “Drown,” was not released as a single for the album.

The album begins with “Doomed,” which is about about being sick of the annoyances of life, with an intensifying chorus that leads to the high-pitched climax “I think we’re doomed.”

“Happy Song” includes a cheerleader chant of the word ”spirit”, as well as the album title, and a loud sing-a-long chorus. It’s the “unofficial title track,” Oliver Sykes also stated to NME.

“Throne” is an anthemic hard rock song with a big sound. It is catchy and uplifting, containing the positive message from the singer that no matter what is done to him, in the long run it will contribute to his legacy, “Every wound will shape me, every scar will build my throne.”

Later in the album is “Follow You,” a slower emotional pop-rock love song about following someone literally through hell for their love.

“Drown,” re-recorded, but retaining its anthemic glory that has made it a staple for Bring Me the Horizon since its release, also appears on the album. The singer’s cries of “don’t let me drown” instantly strikes a chord, with the listener easily being able to feel the singer’s agony. The word choice has the interesting fact that drown sounds like down, as though the singer is asking not to be let down.

Following that is “Blasphemy,” a nice alternative rock song that will get stuck in listeners’ heads with subtle wordplay such as “You’ve got hell to pay, but you’ve already sold your soul.”

Pulling up the rear, “Oh No” is the slowest, another pop-rock song, but more of an anti-ballad. It is reminiscent of  “Waiting for Superman” by Daughtry.

The album is noticeably less aggressive than Bring Me the Horizon’s previous works, but still fun to sing along to. That’s The Spirit includes some high, exciting points balanced with powerful, calmer, slow moments. With 45 minutes to spare, or an intense activity in need of an energetic playlist, rock music fans should definitely check out this album. Although there are some bland moments, the album finishes strong and memorable.