From their record label’s website, “SPIRITBOX’s sophomore album, “Tsunami Sea,” builds on the band’s massively successful 2021 debut album “Eternal Blue” which topped charts and dominated critic’s year-end lists, and 2023’s “Fear of Fear” EP which earned the band two consecutive Grammy nominations. The album, co-produced by Mike Stringer and Dan Braunstein, features the band’s signature visceral sound, elevated to new heights of intensity and musicality.” “Fata Morgana” is the first song. The opening tones are punishing, Djent style riffs and the harsh vocals match their deep aggressiveness. Although there are cleans in the chorus, with some nice melodies, which is common in the genre, they don’t wash away that absolutely filthy entrance. “Black Rainbow” enters more another firm, hardened, and brutal riffs, and this time with monotone, clean vocals in the verses and deadly harsh ones in the chorus. “Perfect Soul” still enters with aggression but is also tempered with melody, and the combination of the sharp riffs and charming vocals just works. This song also has a catchy chorus.

“Keep Sweet” is an energetic, burning song that leaves a trail of smoke in its wake, and the transition from sweet, clean vocals, to anger-infused harsh ones happens with the flick of a switch. They also have a real pulse on melody, not those coy ones that often plague this type of music. The title track might be the best song on the album. The riffs are firm, angled, and sharp, but the vocals are gentle and charming. “A Haven with Two Faces” has another strong combination of brutal riffing and gentle singing. The harsh vocals match the music better but the contrast with the cleans is the key to their sound. “Crystal Roses” has very pretty tones, proving that the band is as adept at these types of songs as they are with the brute force of others. The song breathes, even amidst the inherent weight, and it quite catchy. “Deep End” is the closer, and combines both styles perhaps best on the album. The clean vocals are nothing short of gorgeous while the riffs pound away heavily underneath.

I used to be a Metalcore fan many years ago, but what bands are pushing today just doesn’t excite me. It is overly predictable and formulated. This album is anything but. It is modern, energetic, bold, daring, and so much fun to listen to. There’s a reason why this band is so well known and has so many accolades…they just make great music, and this album is another step in their evolution.