Tyler Carter and Michael Bohn started their musical ambitions years ago through their first band Woe, Is Me. However, due to complications within the band, they chose to leave. After their departure, they wanted to create a sound that was different in the metal-core scene, looking to their past for foundation and looked towards the future at what they could become. Promptly named for their past , Issues have started doing just that. By mixing in R&B with the traditional metal-core style, they released their Black Diamonds EP & Hooligans single to see if this was the sound people wanted to hear. They both received mixed reviews from old Woe, Is Me and new ones alike, so they decided to stick with it. With the release of their new self titled album, the same formula applies but I’m here to break down the positives and negatives of the album to help give you a better understanding!
Now if you are looking for something different to listen to, Issues will fit the description. While keeping to their metal-core roots that they originally started in, they added in several different mechanics into their material. One of the more notable differences in addition to their instrumentals is the turntable. This is an additive that isn’t generally seen in this particular genre. This either benefits their songs or brings down the quality of it, but I will get to that shortly. Another key difference is Tyler’s clean vocals. When Issues released their EP, they incorporated R&B style vocals which Tyler Carter is known for doing in most of his solo career. However, there is a clear difference between the clean on their EP vs their self titled album. Tyler’s voice is more profound and you can tell that there is more soul in the words that pass through his lips in each song. It sounds like he’s in his comfort zone, as opposed to adjusting his voice to fit the metal-infused instrumentals, like in the Black Diamonds EP. Now let me get into what some of the tracks have to offer.
The Langdon House is probably one of the more interesting pieces on the album. Primarily for one reason: It’s based off of American Horror Story! It’s not everyday that the inspiration of a song comes off a television series. It’s also clearly fitting. The lyrics are rather morbid and somewhat twisted, something that you wouldn’t normally hear from the likes of Issues. The atmosphere is also eerie, and I feel like I’m watching the show as I’m listening. There’s the possibility of this song becoming a music video, with several possibilities of how it could be panned out with several scenes maybe off the show to add to the atmosphere. Incorporating a fair share of both screams and clean vocals, as well as an appropriate toning for the instrumentals and timing of the turntable make this a great and unique track.
Issues have done songs in the past that featured other vocalists such as Chris Fronzak from Attila. This album has another featured artist for their song Tears of a Runaway, Pt. 2, going by the name of Nylo. She is a wonderful addition to the song, bringing a softer touch to their track list. She displays wonderful harmony with Tyler Carter and if I didn’t know any better, her voice matches his voice rather well. Michael Bohn doesn’t have as much of a presence in this track, but this is fitting as the song is more of a ballad than your typical run of the mill metal-core track. The only thing I don’t entirely understand is why the track is titled as Part 2. Is the first part of this song a track that might appear on Tyler’s future solo album? Is it a single that was never released? It’s a big question but not one that hinders the album…
The final track in the album, Disappear (Remember When) is probably my personal favorite and for good reason. The song itself has a hidden back story behind it, one that was mentioned by the band and Tyler Carter but not completely explained. The song is dedicated to one of their friends, Rachel, who passed away recently. The song was dedicated to her and it’s made clear within the chorus.
Remember when I didn’t need you? Well I need you now,
To hold my head 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
As I stated, it’s unclear what the history is, but the song is beautifully written and is properly addressed for the situation. The song itself is generic, switching off between clean vocals and screams, but I was surprised towards the end. The instrumentals changed from their metal-core sound to more of a hard rock style. After one round of the chorus, the instrumentals stop and a gospel choir enters! Of all the things that could be incorporated into this band’s album, a gospel choir was the last thing that I expected. Given the theme of the song, it’s very fitting and I highly enjoyed singing along with it as I clapped my hands to the rhythm! These key features make this one of the best on the album.
Now every album has there fair share of ups and downs. This one is no different. One of the things that I noticed is the lack of screams from Michael Bohn. There are several songs, The Settlement and Personality Cult, where he shows more dominance but overall, it’s about Tyler Carter. I’m not sure if it’s a marketing ploy from Rise Records or if this was a mutual agreement within the band, but I was expecting more from him. Tyler also has auto tune incorporated in certain tracks, which is a shame cause he has an amazing singing voice. There are also several tracks that aren’t entirely up to par with the rest of the album. Late comes off as more of a generic pop song with simpler lyrics and electronic background music, something I would expect from the likes of Jason Derulo or Chris Brown but not Issues. Old Dena which was made by Scout, is also one of these tracks. Being only a minute and a half long and consisting of nothing but electronic synth and turntable techniques, it comes off as more of a filler track than a full-length song. It doesn’t fit in with the album either.
Despite those couple details, Issues’ self titled album is a solid one. It shows that change in the metal-core scene isn’t a bad thing and it certainly shows that they are moving forward in a positive direction. Being in the Top 200 on the Billboard charts as of yesterday, these guys are on their way to the big leagues in their respective genre. Being a fan of Issues myself, I was definitely disappointed with this album. Although it is a required taste and not a sound that people are used to hearing, I would still recommend people check them out if they haven’t already! You can purchase Issues‘ new self-titled album on iTunes, Best Buy, FYE, and other select retailers!
-AlexRM
NewFuryRating: 8.3/10
