There comes a point, it seems, for a lot of bands where they decide to go in a direction that would seem directly opposed to their core sound, or sound with which they are most associated with. Now, and this will not turn into a witch hunt or anything, but these creative directions often split fan bases and in turn lead to a lot of anger, comment, though in balance, often also acclaim. At one such crossroads are Aussie metalcore band The Amity Affliction, and their sixth album Misery (Roadrunner).

As you might imagine with the title of the album being Misery the lyrical content is very heavy and frontman Joel Birch has done a lot of work bringing to light the issues of mental health. The words themselves are at times very poignant, thoughtful and positive. Where they fail to impact is that they’re set against a musical background that make it hard to fully appreciate the obviously earnest message behind them.

‘Ivy (Doomsday)’ is the lead-off track, and right away the new direction of the album rears its head as you are met with the first strains of the electronic elements that will be prevalent throughout Misery, but, in this case as with the majority of the album, rather than the electronica accentuating the song and create a certain mood or feeling, instead clash with the rest of the music in a way that seems forced and overbearing.

The production is derivative and weak; nothing about any of the songs really stands out and you’re just constantly battling in your own head between overbearing dance beats, heavy vocals and clean singing that sounds tired and watered down. ‘Feels like I’m Dying’ is awash with pop sensibilities that, yet again, are so jarring I almost had to laugh at them. If it’s any guide, producer Matt Squire has previously worked with Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato and Panic! At The Disco.

‘Beltsville Blues’ is the only real high point of the whole album arriving with a really driving, bouncy riff, and for the first time, the clean and heavy vocals mesh together well. The track is also saved by not being overburdened with any of the bells and whistles of previous songs.

I am not one to say bands can or can’t do what they want, but, as with recent albums by Bring Me The Horizon and Bullet For My Valentine, the sharp left turn that The Amity Affliction has taken on Misery is a misstep and one which leaves no real lasting positive impressions at all.

5.0/10

KIERAN MITCHELL