Artist: Issues
Album: Issues
Genre: Metalcore
Label: Rise Records

Back in 2012 I excitedly wrote a review on Issues’ debut EP, Black Diamonds. At the time no one really knew how the band would do in the long run, as it seemed they rose to stardom so quickly only due to some of the people in the group (Tyler Carter, specifically). Since then, they have been on a plethora of tours, released some singles and had a few dramatic lineup changes. So what has two years of being a band done for this group? Well for starters, it’s not what I had expected.

Black Diamonds was Tyler Carter’s time to get his anger and frustration out on Woe, Is Me. The EP was, for the most part, very aggressive. I loved the energy in “King Of Amarillo,” and I hoped to see more of that passion in future songs. It’s not much of a surprise that they didn’t keep that same energy on this album though. That drama seems to be behind Carter, and that anger isn’t really there anymore.

My main thought after listening to a few songs is “Tyler Carter Hour.” This isn’t necessarily a bad thing though, as he is a talented vocalist. There is definitely no shortage of clean vocals on this album. He has done everything and more to separate himself from Woe, Is Me, and if you didn’t know he was in that band you wouldn’t know it just by listening to this.

“Sad Ghosts” is the leading track on the album. It initially incorporates some of that heaviness we heard on Black Diamonds mixed with electronic elements. They also kept the record scratching effect, which can be heard numerous times throughout the entire album. This is still one of the heavier tracks, and fans have plenty to look forward to after it ends. All of the songs contain elements of metalcore, hip-hop and R&B. All except for “Old Dena,” which completely exits the metalcore world and is an interlude produced by Scout. It sounds like something that should be on a rap album, and doesn’t really mesh well with the band’s sound.

There’s no doubt that Carter can write a catchy hook. He uses his wide taste in music to manipulate the lyrics in ways that you don’t usually hear on metalcore albums. One track that highlights this is “Personality Cult,” which is also one of my favorite songs. Another favorite track of mine is the last one, “Disappear [Remember When].” This isn’t a heavy song by any means, but what makes it one of my favorites is the lyrics. The song closes the album out with what sounds like a church choir singing, “Remember when I didn’t need you // Well I need you now // To hold my hand up high // Say it’s all better child // Remember when I was alone and crying out // You will be missed // But I know that you’re all better now.”

If you had any concerns that Issues would end up sounding like old Woe, Is Me, then you don’t need to worry. While the band isn’t nearly as aggressive as they were on their EP, they certainly have taken the time to craft a sound unique to themselves. Though I am still not 100% sold on the hip-hop, I found this album to be very entertaining. I would love to hear more of that passion and energy we heard on the EP in future singles though.

SCORE: 7.5/10
Review written by Kriston McConnell

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Kriston McConnell

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