Album Review: Senses Fail – Hell Is In Your Head (Pure Noise Records)

Senses Fails’ eighth studio album ‘Hell Is in Your Head,’ is set for release on the 15th of July 2022 via Pure Noise Records.

‘Hell Is in Your Head’ is seen by vocalist Buddy Nielsen as a thematic sequel to the band’s 2006 second full-length, ‘Still Searching’. The album finds Nilsen staring into the abyss of mortality, questioning how to live a meaningful life, knowing that you’re going to die.

One of the biggest takeaways from Hell Is in Your Head is how honest and believable Senses Fail’s take on mortality is. How such a dark, yet real, subject is used to tell heartfelt stories through the medium of post-hardcore music. Senses Fail believe in what they are expressing here and that bleeds through to the listener brightly.

An understated start, melody driven but powerful (thanks to the vocals), The Burial of the Dead transforms into an incredible amount of ion on End of the World/A Game of Chess. Where Senses Fail explode with a virulency that will infect all who hear it. Before they really delve into poppier-rock territories with the impressive catchiness of The Fire Sermon and I Am Error.

The darker subject matter is prevalent throughout but it certainly doesn’t detract from the bright brilliance of something like Death by Water or What the Thunder Said. The former showcasing chunky and robust guitars. While the latter is modern, fresh, energised and meaningful, with a massive sounding chorus.

Big sounds are what Senses Fail do so well and Miles to Go doesn’t disappoint, especially as it is absurdly catchy too. Lush Rimbaugh has a really fiery section that sounds immense, the title track with its bassy thrum and sing-along lyrical content, and I’m Sorry I’m Leaving with its power and punch. Awesome stuff.

Leading to Gone Away with Me, the final track on the album and one more ionate and earnest effort that also features some of the album’s most melodramatic melodies. It’s a finale that drips in emotion but also sounds so grand. A very satisfying end.

Senses Fail – Hell Is in Your Head Full Track Listing:

1. The Burial of The Dead
2. End Of the World/A Game of Chess
3. The Fire Sermon
4. I Am Error
5. Death By Water
6. What The Thunder Said
7. Miles To Go
8. Lush Rimbaugh
9. Hell Is in Your Head
10. I’m Sorry I’m Leaving
11. Grow Away from Me

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