Do you remember where you were when Bring Me The Horizon surprise announced their new album? Because we do. NeX GEn is finally here, and it is magnificent. The second chapter of their POST HUMAN series is a banger, and tearing up the charts since its release on May 24th.
The Sheffield metalcore band has been teasing this release for quite some time, building up anticipation with cryptic social media posts. And out of the blue, they announced the album drop, taking fans by surprise. Oliver Sykes, the band’s frontman, took to social media in a quirky maid outfit to announce the album’s release, driving fans wild with excitement. It was the perfect way to unveil their latest creation.
The full tracklist:
- 1. [ost] dreamseeker
- 2. YOUtopia
- 3. Kool-Aid
- 4. Top 10 staTues tHat CriEd bloOd
- 5. liMOusIne ft AURORA
- 6. DArkSide
- 7. a bulleT w/my namE On ft Underoath
- 8. [ost] (spi)ritual
- 9. n/A
- 10. LosT
- 11. sTraNgeRs
- 12. R.i.p (duskCOre RemIx)
- 13. AmEN! (feat. Lil Uzi Vert & Daryl Palumbo of Glassjaw)
- 14. [ost] puss-e
- 15. DiE4u
- 16. DIg It
Bring Me The Horizon is known for their iconic sound, and POST HUMAN: NeX GEn is no exception. The 16-track album is a brilliant mix of experimental, raw, and fun elements while packing a powerful punch. The band has crafted a sound that pays homage to their roots, yet explores new musical territories. It’s vastly different from their infamous albums Sempiternal and There Is a Hell, Believe Me I’ve Seen It. There Is a Heaven, Let’s Keep It a Secret.
Oli Sykes explained that POST HUMAN: NeX GEn is a concept album with a hidden narrative.
It’s a real concept album, with a full narrative that connects to the first record, but the concept is hidden and buried. Some people aren’t going to be interested, but for some people, it could be like a self-help book. There’s a lot of things in there, some of it’s quite clear, but a lot of it’s cryptic and hidden. People are gonna have to work it out.
NeX GEn is an emotional rollercoaster.
Not all of the songs give that metalcore vibe we all know and love, but that’s okay. Tracks like ‘a bulleT w/ my namE On’ and ‘[ost] p.u.s.s.-e’ are futuristic, electronic fun. Something that we never knew we needed from BMTH.
‘liMOusine’ featuring AURORA is undeniably one of the standout tracks on NeX GEn. This collaboration brings together the ethereal vocal prowess of AURORA and the gritty sound of BMTH. The track gives a nostalgic feel while still sounding fresh and innovative. It is truly a masterpiece of a track, blending the best elements of both artists. Their voices complement each other beautifully.
“DArkSide” plunges into the depths of BMTH’s metalcore origins, delivering a track that is both fierce and unrelenting. From the first note, the song commands attention with its heavy instrumentals. It’s both menacing and exhilarating. The vocals alone are nothing short of raw and powerful. Oli shifts between guttural screams and melodic choruses, showing off his impressive vocal range. The lyrics are introspective and dive deep into the struggles of facing one’s demons.
“n/A” is special for a few reasons. Lyrically, ‘n/A’ is deeply emotional and introspective, but it captures a deep emotional connection with BMTH’s fans. Incorporating the recorded shouts from fans during the band’s recent UK tour, highlights the band’s appreciation for their fans and acknowledges the vital role they play in their success. Hearing the voices of fans shouting “Hello Oli, you f*cking knobhead” adds an authentic and raw element to the song.
Grab your tissues
Perhaps the most gut-wrenching track on the album is ‘DIg It’. Lines like “I hate my f*cking guts right now’, are so powerful and tear-worthy coming from Oli. The combination of instrumentals and raw lyrics resonates deeply with many listeners. Not only is it intense, and relatable, but it’s a perfect example of why the band is still at the top of the modern rock and metal scene.
POST HUMAN: NeX GEn made BMTH the most streamed rock band on the planet.
With the release of the new album, BMTH has reached new heights. It’s a surreal moment for long-time fans who have watched the band evolve from small shows to sold-out arenas. Now, they boast over 14 million monthly listeners on Spotify. Not only is BMTH the hottest thing in the metalcore industry right now, but NeX GEn has over 70 million streams within a week of release, according to Kerrang.
NeX GEn is a record that is different from the rest, but that’s what makes it such a gem. It was definitely worth the four-year wait. So, what’s your favorite song on this 10/10 no-skip album?
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