Ever since British heavy metal band signed to Sony, hardcore fans knew the days of the band's old sound were numbered. What followed was a slowly morphing sound that was most noticeable when they released 'That's The Spirit' back in 2015, but even then this album seemed to be a perfect bridging point between the modern music industry and their own roots. Only, this time around, no one quite expected their new sound to be so completely different and so...mainstream.
What I find so interesting, is just how much the band recognise that there's been a backlash that's slowly added up over the past three years. They've been rather vocal about it in interviews too with Oli Sykes, the band's frontman, saying “People might not think we’re as heavy any more, but for us, it’s important that every song gets the hair on the back of your neck up”. They've even gone as far as putting in a song ironically entitled 'heavy metal' on the album, a track that takes a dig at some of their 'fans' who now refuse to listen to their new music.
“People might not think we’re as heavy any more, but for us, it’s important that every song gets the hair on the back of your neck up”
It's because of all this, apparent negativity, that no one really expected the album to do as well as it has - let alone end up scoring them their first UK Number One Album! For sure there are some hidden gems on the album but when I had a sit down to listen to the entire thing as a piece of work, it really seemed to just flow incredibly well. It's this charm to the entire album that I think has really done enough to push the band over this milestone and it's certainly something the band will never forget!
As many longtime fans of the band will already know, you can find interviews of the band from early on in their career joking that they wanted to write a number one album. Since the news broke out the band has said, 'Thanks for buying it and streaming it and showing us support – it really means a lot to us. Thank you very much, we love you.'
Whatever you make of the band and their new direction, it's clear to everyone that they won't be stopping anytime soon!
Oh the backlash when a band changes their "sound" after a few albums. It's like they're not allowed to grow up!
Great read!