REVIEW: The Amity Affliction – ‘Let The Ocean Take Me’

June 4th, 2014

Kriston McConnell

Artist: The Amity Affliction
Album: Let The Ocean Take Me
Genre: Metalcore
Label: Roadrunner Records

It may be hard to believe, but The Amity Affliction have been together since 2003. They didn’t release their first studio album until 2008 though, and they didn’t really pick up in popularity until their third album Chasing Ghosts came out in 2012. In that short amount of time though they have earned themselves a huge, passionate fan base. Even if you hadn’t heard of them before 2012, you probably did after Chasing Ghosts came out. If you still aren’t familiar with them, then that will change after Let The Ocean Take Me comes out on June 6.

“It’s like there’s cancer in my blood / It’s like there’s water in my lungs / And I can’t take another step / Please tell me I am not undone / It’s like there’s fire in my skin / And I’m drowning from within / I can’t take another breath / Please tell me I am not undone.”

Judging from the response from fans, this chorus from “Pittsburgh” hits a nerve with many. It’s one of the best choruses the band has ever written, and so far it’s one of my personal favorites this year. It’s no secret that frontman Joel Birch writes about his experience dealing with depression and anxiety. He’s stated as much, and after his near death experience at Warped Tour last year he has a new perspective to write from. Singing about suicide, depression and anxiety is a subject that a lot of teens and young adults can relate to. Birch’s ability to take those thoughts and anxieties and translate them to something deeply relatable is the biggest reason why they’ve become as successful as they are.

“Don’t Lean On Me” is the second single, and also happens to be another great song. It has a solid chorus as well, and comes with a specific message directed at those who’ve reached out to the band who also suffer from things like anxiety and depression. These aren’t the only two awesome songs on the album though, so let’s dive into the other memorable tracks. The next ‘big hit’ track on the album is “Death’s Head.” This is one of the heavier songs, and it deals with surviving a near death experience. Though “Pittsburgh” is easily my favorite track on the album, this one falls into second. Aside from the lyrical content, the chugging guitars to open up the song helps set it apart from the rest of the songs.

“My Father’s Son” and “Give It All” are two more tracks that are worth mentioning. These two highlight the the band’s lyrical creativity. Birch has a way with words, and his lyrics have always been catchy. The band has honed in on a specific sound over the last few years, and it’s definitely working for them. Unlike some other albums out there, the titles of the songs give a pretty good indication as to what the message is. “Give It All” talks about giving everything that you can until you can’t give anything else. This is the second song that uses a choir to sing the main chorus, and in this instance it closes out the song.

Let The Ocean Take Me is much like Chasing Ghosts in that it has a handful of really great singles, but then the rest of the tracks aren’t on the same level. That doesn’t mean those songs are bad though. In fact, all of the songs are good; there are just a few that are great. The only real downside is that those songs tend to sound a lot like some of the songs on Chasing Ghosts. Either way, The Amity Affliction are one of the most unique bands out there right now. They have a specific voice in the “core” community that can’t be confused with anyone else’s.

SCORE: 7.5/10
Review written by Kriston McConnell