Am I Invisible
BornBroken
The opening track, “Time Pays No Respect,” sets the tone for the album with its unforgiving exploration of time's relentless march. The guitars, sharp and unforgiving, grind through the verses while the drumming keeps pace like the ticking of a clock, reminding listeners of the inevitability of death. The lyrics dive into the futility of resisting time, painting a bleak picture of humanity's struggle against an unstoppable force. The chorus, drenched in sorrow, resonates with the pain and inevitability that time brings, making this a powerful opener that prepares the listener for the emotional weight of the album.
The title track, “Am I Invisible,” delves into the dark corners of isolation and existential despair. With an atmosphere as cold as it is crushing, the song's lyrics ask a haunting question: Do I even matter? The track’s churning riffs and visceral guttural vocals reflect the frustration of feeling unnoticed and unmissed in a world that seems indifferent. As the chorus builds, the song captures the desolate emotions of being trapped in one’s own mind, searching for validation yet met with nothing but silence. The emotional intensity and brutal instrumentation combine to create one of the album’s most memorable moments.
“Will You Remember” continues the journey into self-reflection, but this time through the lens of memory and legacy. The track reflects on the importance of living in the present and creating moments that matter. The guitars carry a heavy, almost melancholic tone that contrasts with the fierce vocal delivery, offering a sense of urgency. The lyrics challenge the listener to live authentically, to let go of corruption and silence, and to remember the moments that truly count. It’s a track that balances brutality with a deeper message of healing and forgiveness, making it stand out as a moment of introspection amidst the chaos.
“Scabs & Scars” pulls the listener into the emotional wreckage of relationships, focusing on the pain of love and betrayal. The song's slower, heavier grooves echo the weight of the subject matter, as the lyrics reflect on the irony of hurting those closest to you. It’s a raw, emotional track that touches on universal themes of love, regret, and the lessons learned through suffering. The vocals, a mix of tortured growls and more melodic moments, perfectly convey the anguish and frustration at the heart of the song, while the guitars deliver riffs that are both punishing and deeply emotional.
Closing this selection is “The Day I Die Inside,” an instrumental track that provides a haunting and introspective end to the emotional journey. The absence of lyrics allows the music to speak for itself, and it does so with incredible power. The slow build-up of guitars, drenched in atmosphere, and the crescendo of drums give the track a feeling of finality. It’s a deeply emotional piece, reflecting the internal death of the protagonist as they lose their sense of self. The track encapsulates the existential crisis that runs through the album, offering a moment of reflection and closure.
"Am I Invisible" is a masterclass in modern death metal, balancing technical prowess with emotional depth. BORNBROKEN has crafted an album that not only delivers in terms of heaviness but also resonates on a personal level. The mix of aggressive instrumentation and introspective themes makes this a standout release in 2024, marking the band as a force to be reckoned with in the genre.
8 / 10
Excellent
Songwriting
Musicianship
Memorability
Production
"Am I Invisible" Track-listing:
1. Time Pays No Respect
2. Am I Invisible
3. Will You Remember
4. How Strong You Are
5. Conflicting Lies
6. Scabs & Scars
7. 7 Mondays
8. Fold
9. Age of Anger
10. The Day I Die Inside
BornBroken Lineup:
Mike Marino - Bass
Michael Decker - Vocals/ Guitars
Carlos Ojeda - Drums
More results...