Hailing from Sheffield, England, While She Sleeps have worked hard to live up to the legacy of some of the great artists that have emerged from the “Steel City”. Releasing their first EP in 2010 and with subsequent LP releases in 2012 and 2015 they have become one of the UK’s leading forces in Metalcore.
This LP is, in my opinion, their best yet and whilst exploring new avenues in terms of melody and harmony the music remains firmly rooted in what WWS do best.
On first listen, I was left battered and bruised by the intensity of the thing. Song after song hitting hard both musically and lyrically. However, as you sit back and let the sonic attack subside you begin to pick out just how clever this album really is.
Yes, we have the trademark harsh screaming of Loz Taylor’s vocals, but linked in here is a more harmonious and melodic vocal provided by Matt Welsh, sure it’s gritty, but hell this is WSS. Then like a fine wine, some subtle flavours appear, in the stunning guitar work of Matt and Sean Long. Melodies soaring through the hard riffing and ear-splitting drumming. It is pure genius ….
The songs themselves are just what is needed in today’s climate, challenging, political and laced with passion. The band have really stepped things up a gear both musically and lyrically to create an opus worthy of hometown heritage. This is what the fans have been looking for and WSS have delivered it in spades.
This is a great album, no doubts about it. From the onslaught of the opener and title track “You are We” to what will surely be a crowd pleaser and singalong “Empire of Silence” through to the closing “In Another Now” with its challenging lyrics, the listener remains gripped. While She Sleeps have come of age with this album and firmly plant themselves at the forefront of the genre that they are so proud to represent.
Be challenged, be amazed, be battered, but above all have respect for a fine album.
Its’s a 5/5 from me.
