If you’re a heavy music lover, you know that this year has been huge for the metalcore scene! One of my favorite bands ever is Loathe, whose sound blends heavy vocals with dreamy, atmospheric instrumentals to create their diverse, unique sound. Their latest album, “A Stranger to You”, is currently their most controversial; containing some of their sickest breakdowns and most heartbreaking-ballads.
Track 1: Entrance
The album opens with hip-hop inspired vocals featuring themes of hardship and resilience, which prefaces the themes present throughout the album nicely!
Track 2: Block of Flats
Starting off with atmospheric vocals, the song transitions into heavier drums and screams, giving the feeling of being sad and angry simultaneously; I LOVE this juxtaposition and find the song to be a solid listen.
Track 3: Fortress Down
Upbeat drums and vocals contrast beautifully with the lyrics to create a deceptively-danceable vibe! It’s one of those songs you add to a playlist, only to realize it’s another “Hey Ya!” situation.
Track 4: Gemini
Arguably the heaviest song on the album and one of my favorites! Most definitely a moshing song that features a BPM switch midway, making it a super addictive listen!
Track 5: Nothing Like The Knife
A quick interlude that uses “sparkly”-sounding instruments; the song acts as the album’s thematic pivot to heavier themes, but as a standalone can be done without.
Track 6: Harder to Pretend
Another one of the more upbeat songs, I’ve come to appreciate this song’s production from the first listen. The vocals are layered beautifully and the melody is unique, which I really like about the song!
Track 7: “اثينا” (Athena)
Another “sparkly” interlude that integrates hip-hop influences against a somewhat unsettling instrumental. I appreciated its contribution to the story of the album, but as a standalone, I can go without.
Track 8: Revenant
Another of the heavier songs on the album that goes back into the screaming, violent vocals. As a metalcore girlie, I absolutely love this; it scratches an itch in my brain!
Track 9: The Way It Breaks
Easily the most universally enjoyable song on the entire album. This song’s entire vibe is slow and heartfelt, with vocals that blend nicely with slow guitar. I really enjoy this song overall!
Track 10: Meet My Maker
Meet My Maker channels more of an old-school 80s rock vibe that is fun, danceable and moshable! One of my favorites on the album, no doubt; the lyrics and industrial sound made me fall in love with it.
Track 11: Fangs
My boyfriend’s personal favorite, this song is a roller coaster from start to finish. It mixes distorted guitar, harsh vocals, and touches of R&B synths to create what is honestly a masterpiece. Definitely one of my top three off the album!
Track 12: The Ladder
A full 180 from the rest of the album, the song takes on a shoegaze sound. Another heartfelt song for sure, it feels like the realization that a relationship is no longer working out.
Track 13: Gifted Every Strength
The first single released off this album came in swinging with heavy, raw screams and hard-hitting drums. The song transitions between heavy and soft vocals, and features a rhythm change midway, making me fall in love with this single from the first listen.
Track 14: No Stranger To You…
Undoubtedly my favorite song on the entire album, this song actually feels like finding peace after gut-wrenching heartbreak. It is heartbreakingly beautiful, describing the incredible impact someone can have on your life without being meant to be in your life forever. It feels like stepping into a new chapter and letting go of the hurt and pain someone caused you, while still acknowledging the connection you both had. To say I’m obsessed with this song is an understatement!
I could talk for hours about Loathe’s genius throughout the album; the way each song encapsulates a feeling is what made me fall in love with it. If you’re ever willing to branch out, this album is a must-listen for experimental music lovers!