Sempiternal

In 2006 a new band from Sheffield, UK became the name on a lot of people’s lips, but not always for the best reasons.

Bring Me The Horizon were young, loud and vocalist Oliver Sykes soon became the poster boy for the new metal scene instantly turning them into the love/hate band of the moment.

Debut album Count Your Blessings brought both a following and backlash, claiming fans were only interested in the frontman’s antics.

Fast forward seven years and the band have worldwide success, something completely unachievable if the music didn’t speak louder than their image. Fourth LP Sempiternal speaks loud enough to completely shatter any negativity that used to surround Bring Me The Horizon.

As a whole the album is more structured, but in no way rigid, as several different components synchronise.

‘Shadow Moses’ is the epitome of the new incarnation of the band. Heavy bass lines, predominant drums and Sykes’ signature raw throaty vocals are what fans are used to, and while these soar on this track, it is the new elements of gang chants, smoother vocals and a more structured melodic set up of the song that pushes boundaries.

Pushing them even further is the introduction of a more electronic sound, heard best in ‘Can You Feel My Heart’, highlighting the importance of newest member and keyboard player Jordan Fish. While the softer tones are the surprise of the album there are of course the heavy breakdowns making appearances throughout that won’t disappoint pre-existing fans.

Although previous albums are a hugely supportive foundation in what the band’s reputation has become, Sempiternal can stand solo as a truly outstanding metal record, giving Bring Me The Horizon the untouchable and well deserved air around them.

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