ALBUM REVIEW: Spiritbox – Tsunami Sea

‘…a fantastic sophomore record, seeing the band at perhaps their heaviest, their weirdest, and their most compelling…’

There is no questioning that Spiritbox have cemented their status as modern metal legends by this point. The Canadian four-piece were hotly tipped for glory long before their debut record had released, and since then have only gone from strength to strength; a phenomenal debut LP followed by two brilliant EPs, and sold out shows in major venues either side of the Atlantic

Despite their ever present status, metal fans have been clamouring for a follow-up LP. This year, after much teasing, the band have finally treated the masses, and unveiled ‘Tsunami Sea’. The expectations set by Spiritbox may well be high, but they have certainly been met with this wild, electrifying, and surprisingly vulnerable sophomore effort.

‘Tsunami Sea’ wastes no time showing the audience that Spiritbox mean business. ‘Fata Morgana’ is a driving opening cut, marked by jagged riffs and a cataclysmic breakdown in the climax that rips open the album. ‘Black Rainbow’ turns up the heaviness some more; a horrifying, claustrophobic number, pummelling percussion bludgeons the listener, whilst discordant guitar melodies thrust out from the dark. Atop of this, we are gifted a truly vicious performance from LaPlante, who seemingly transcends, or perhaps forgoes, her own humanity, with ferocious screams and warped vocals.

Lead single ‘Soft Spine’ is a thunderous number, with a fantastic central hook, and bouncing rhythms that demand you to move. ‘No Love No Loss’ is a blistering, demented number, with screeching guitars, immensely heavy choruses, and unexpected spoken word passages set against deep house instrumentals; it makes for one of the album’s real highlights, showcasing perfectly just how the band have evolved their sound in refreshing ways. The title track presents with a perfect ebb and flow of light and dark, with an incendiary breakdown bookended by soaring, serene passages.

As with their previous releases, it’s not all about being heavy for Spiritbox. There are some truly gorgeous melodies in the back half of ‘Perfect Soul’, whilst the introspective and vulnerable lyricism of ‘Keep Sweet’, shining a light on LaPlante’s songwriting talents. Another unexpected twist on the record comes in the form of ‘Crystal Roses’, a gorgeous number with a predominantly electronic focus, as rave-tinged instrumental back LaPlante’s distortion soaked vocals.

‘Deep End’ is a beautiful closing statement with something of an unexpected emo flair; soaring melodies are delivered over the top of anthemic instrumentals, as the band deliver a truly emotive performance. It perfectly encapsulates the themes of loss and moving on that permeate the record, and serves as a wonderful testament to former bandmate Bill Cook, who sadly passed away.

For those who aren’t a fan of Spiritbox, ‘Tsunami Sea’ probably won’t be the great converter; this is an evolution of their sound that still maintains their roots, and keeps a focus on perfectly marrying moments of shimmering emptiness with moments of immense heaviness.

However, for those enjoy what the band have to offer, ‘Tsunami Sea’ makes for a fantastic sophomore record, seeing the band at perhaps their heaviest, their weirdest, and their most compelling. Between poutine and Tim Hortons, Spiritbox remains one of Canada’s finest inventions.

RATING: 88/100 – Mostly Excellent

For Fans Of: Periphery, Northlane, Void Of Vision, rozemary, Loathe

Physical copies are available to purchase here.

Follow the band on social media below:

Instagram // Spotify