Review: Luke Petty
Perth metalcore titans Make Them Suffer have returned with their self-titled fifth album, a follow-up to their critically acclaimed 2020 release, How to Survive a Funeral. Fresh from their grueling Suffer Forever tour, the band has unleashed a collection of tracks that showcase their signature blend of heavy riffs and soaring melodies. Lead single “Doomswitch” has been making waves in the metal community for months, and fans can expect more of the same high-energy intensity throughout the album.
The album kicks off with the ominous “The Warning,” a brooding intro that sets the stage for the onslaught to follow. “Weaponized” then explodes into life with its signature heavy riffs and driving rhythm. While some tracks offer a slightly more upbeat vibe compared to their earlier work, Make Them Suffer remains true to their core sound, delivering the intense metalcore that has captivated fans for years.
Despite lineup changes, Make Them Suffer’s unwavering commitment to their signature metalcore sound remains evident. Keyboardist Alex Reade’s contrasting vocals provide a dynamic counterpoint to Sean Harmanis’ powerful growls. And her synth skills are killer. “Mana God,” the follow-up to “Doomswitch,” showcases Harmanis‘ vocal intensity at a new level. The band describes the album as the culmination of years of creative exploration and growth. “We think this album truly captures our evolution as a band,” they explain. “We’re incredibly excited to share our self-titled record with the world and can’t wait to see what the future holds.”
The previously released single “Epitaph” opens with a chaotic guitar onslaught before Alex Reade’s softer vocals provide a contrasting element. The band then returns to their signature heavy sound with full force. The introspective “No Hard Feelings” follows, featuring a haunting melody and dark lyrical themes. The song concludes with Reade and Harmanis sharing vocal duties, delivering a powerful performance that explores the depths of human despair. The interplay between Reade’s and Harmanis‘ vocals is a standout feature of the song, showcasing their remarkable chemistry and ability to create a truly unique musical experience.
The album’s electronic influence becomes more prominent in the penultimate track, “Tether.” The closing number, “Small Town Syndrome,” opens with a frenetic energy that sees out this incredible album that really closes this one out with a bang.
Make Them Suffer’s relentless pursuit of excellence has solidified their position as a leading force in the metalcore scene. With their latest album and captivating live performances, the band continues to captivate audiences worldwide and cement their legacy as one of the genre’s most influential acts.
