REVIEW: Misery Signals - Absent Light
I decided to start writing album reviews again. I used to have an entire blog completely dedicated to reviewing albums, and to my surprise, a lot of people got enjoyment out of them. Then I got a full time job, and couldn't keep up with posting fresh content on the blog regularly. Since then, I've still been getting requests from people to review albums, as well as local bands to review their own music. Regretfully, I haven't been able to find the time or motivation to do solid write-ups.
So, this is me basically saying fuck that, I'm gonna start writing more again. On a more casual basis, anyway.
What better way to start out with one of the pioneers of modern metalcore, Misery Signals. Anyone who knows me knows that these guys are one of my favorite bands that ever existed...since early high school I've been worshipping them. Of Malice and the Magnum Heart literally changed the way I look at music. Without that album, who knows what the music I'm currently writing would sound like?
2008's Controller was the last thing we heard from MS until Absent Light was announced this year. That's 5 years ago. FIVE. I don't think anyone understands what kind of pain I've been enduring for FIVE YEARS (no pun intended...any Misery Signals fan should get the reference). Have no fear, because Absent Light was well worth the wait.
What we have here is a straight up, no holds barred, classic Misery Signals album, with clear signs of maturity and growth. We got the heavy, the technical, and the melodic aspects that they are all known for in one little package, with a few bonuses. For instance, the addition or a stringed section enhances the sound, making appearances in a number of the tracks, creating an amazing ambient and epic feel that was never there before. Frontman Karl Schubach explores more of his melodic side with more clean vocals, and even some falsetto parts thrown into the mix. And to top it off, every song sounds different. There isn't a pair of tunes that share too many similarities on Absent Light. This is something MS has always been extraordinary at, but is especially strong here.
Starting out with A Glimmer Of Hope, we get one of the most epic build-ups I've ever heard. Screaming at the top of his lungs with goosebumps-inducing melody in the background, Karl lets the listener know that even though it's been a while since the band has done anything new, they've been hard at work creating something passionate. The track builds up into Luminary, the first song that was released off of Absent Light. One listen through the tune and you can assume that you're in for a ride for the next 9 tracks. Listen to the last minute of Luminary and you'll understand what I mean. The song gets violent, to say the least. Hashtag m0sh br0.
The album comes to a stellar close with Everything Will Rust, which is reminiscent of the classic MS tracks Difference of Vengeance and Wrongs, which was the closing song from Of Malice, and Mirrors, the title track of the 2006 release. Misery Signals just know how to leave a lasting impression on the listener when closing a CD. The song is just so filled with emotion and melody that you can't help but almost shed a tear. It just goes to show that you don't need to be tough and heavy to pack a punch in a metalcore song. Everything Will Rust is definitely where Absent Light shines.
What more is there to say, really? Misery Signals is back, and they aren't playing games. Absent Light is absolutely perfect from start to finish. Maybe I'm biased because I'm one of the biggest MS fans I know, but you owe it to yourself to check this album out if you're a fan of the genre. It's stellar.
Other notable songs: Carrier, Lost Relics, Ursa Minor
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