Plenty of fresh ideas in a chaotic potpourri - A review of The Agonist's Orphans

The Agonist's contemporary take on melodic death metal flirting with metalcore elements has received lots of criticism since former singer Alissa White-Gluz has left the band and joined genre veterans Arch Enemy. The band certainly hasn't deserved so much negativity since the band has found an excellent new singer, developed its own style and continued to do its thing. The thing that keeps the band away from becoming more popular might be the lack of truly impressive songs with memorable choruses and the overall messy songwriting.

Most songs include numerous interesting elements. Let's take opener ''In Vertigo'' for instance. Atmospheric backing choirs meet guttural harsh vocals and melancholic clean vocals, fast guitar solos meet chugging breakdowns and droning bridges, double bass sections meet more percussive elements and there is even a short bass guitar solo in here. The song is brilliant and offers something new to discover even after multiple spins. However, most people will just feel confused by the at times fast, messy and radical changes and transitions. The Agonist's songwriting is certainly an acquired taste.

The band sounds more accessible when it slows down a little bit and focuses on its atmospheric side. ''Mr. Cold'' might be the best example in that regard as the wonderful guitar melodies unfold best in this song and prove how skilled the musicians actually are. The clean lead vocals sound balanced, passionate and vibrant here. The drum play is employed with care and changes pace to vary intensity throughout the tune. The only thing that keeps this song away from being a single candidate is the somewhat stressful chorus that doesn't quite fit with the rest and needs some time to grow.

The highlight on this album might be title track ''Orphans'' which convinces yet again with atmospheric choirs and powerful clean lead vocals. The song is overall on the softer side without lacking progressive drum patterns and a few growls and screams. Those are however employed with care and don't bury or interrupt the overall melancholic atmosphere of this song. If you want to listen to one single song to hear whether you might like this new record or not, this one here would be the best choice.

If The Agonist slowed things down a little bit in order to write more atmospheric, balanced and structured songs, they could finally exploit their full potential that is often overheard. Orphans shows plenty of promise but many tracks include too many transitions, ideas and changes for their own good. The album needs a few spins to get listeners used to the band's unusual style. However, this record certainly is a grower. Fans of progressive metal bands like UneXpect might actually adore this band already while those who listen to bands like Arch Enemy might find this band too artsy. It's an acquired taste and a raw diamond but this album is worth giving it some time and polishing said mineral.

Final rating: 75%