THE WORD ALIVE

Violent Noise FEARLESS Phoenix’s metalcore troupe get themselves some identity issues

This is The Word Alive’s first release as a trio under Fearless Records, albeit with only two of the founding members remaining, reinforcing the notion of a constantly shapeshifting line-up. Producer Matt Helm (Asking Alexandria, From First To Last) is back at the helm at the behest of the Arizona natives and production is slicker than abrasive predecessor 2016’s Dark Matter; arena-ready opener Red Clouds and ode to That’s The Spirit-era BMTH War Is Evermore beg for radio play while brooding and memorable Why Am I Like This, weaves melodic passages underpinned by ephemeral synths. Heavier bursts emerge midway through the album courtesy of Stare At The Sun’s vitriolic clatter as well as the cathartic belligerence and throat-ripping vocals surging through riff-centric My Enemy, but ultimately such sonic disparity forces TWA into a noman’s land, straddling the shaky ground between metalcore and mainstream alt-rock. FOR FANS OF: ASKING ALEXANDRIA, BLESSTHEFALL, OF MICE & MEN