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Bring Me the Horizon's 'amo' is a diverse album for a diverse band

by Brandon Carson Bring Me the Horizon is a band that is not tied down to a certain genre; the group never said they would make metal music for the rest of their career, and yet their own fans are criticizing them because of their musical evolution showcased in their latest album, amo. Back in 2006, they released Count Your Blessings, their first full-length album. It’s a wild, sporadic deathcore record that shatters the earth with double bass and heavy riffs. But apparently, BMTH did not want to be viewed as a metal-core band forever, as they started to transition from that to a more pop sound. On their third record, There is a Hell Believe Me I’ve Seen It. There is a Heaven Let’s Keep It a Secret, the deathcore sound is still prevalent, but we hear more open chords, choirs, orchestras, and even electronics. But it wasn’t until 2013’s Sempiternal when their fans saw the real progression. Jordan Fish, a new member in the band, added synths and electronic progressions to the sound no one had heard from them before. It was nowhere near as heavy as their last three records, and even had ballads like “And the Snakes Start to Sing.” Flash forward to 2015, BMTH released their fourth record That’s the Spirit. The screaming, guttural growls and double bass were gone. That’s the Spirit saw the band in a new light; not pop stars, but alternative rockers. Heavy guitars were still there, but the riffs were groovier and driving. Many fans were confused and some even felt betrayed. On their new full-length album amo, the band goes further down the rabbit hole of experimentation. There are eerie experimental songs, fantastic rock songs, and a vast diversity in genres. However, the album is a bit tainted by corny lyrics and generic melodies.

Same band, new sound

amo amo

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