From their website, front man AARON STAINTHORPE states, “with our debut album we’re showing our love for all things gothic and grand, along with the collective belief that dark music doesn’t have to be confined to the shadows.” The call it “Death Pop,” and it explores the darker recesses of the human condition. The album has ten songs, and the title track is first. It does indeed have that Gothic quality to it, but the harsh vocals keep it aggressive. The clean harmonies combined with the music however are quite catchy. “Grave Intentions” has a similar sound, marking an album that seems unwilling to explore much. Let’s hope that things improve in that category.

“Wasn’t Human” is a bit slower, but the familiar sound from the first two songs comes back again. Nearly half-way through the album now, and there isn’t much variation, although I do like his clean vocals. “Concentric Nightmares” is a darker offering, with an ominous riff. The harsh vocals have a bite to them but the music isn’t overly exciting. They appear to being trying hard, but the riffs are just re-hashed. “Hate Springs Eternal” is more of what I was hoping for. Fat, chunky bass notes and keyboards lead the charge, but the harsh vocals seem unnecessary to me now. I feel the music would be better if they stuck with the cleans. “Parasite” has a little more energy but the soundtrack presented is still very similar to the other songs on the album. The song has a catchy chorus but that is the best thing going for it.

“Let it Fail” has a sturdier riff at first, followed by graceful piano notes. But again, the band is trying too hard with the harsh vocals, and even the cleans sound programmed here. “Widowmaker” has a creepier sound to it, and it’s a bit off the beaten path, being led with sultry bass notes and keys. I wish there was more like this on the album, because it’s a hit. “We Break We Die” has an electronic led sound, and although it is a bit original, it’s too little too late for me. What started off as a fairly exciting and original sound soon drowned because the band presented the same sound song after song. All of the elements you want in this type of music are there for sure, it just lacks heart, and passion.