A surprise to be sure but a welcome one! Bring Me The Horizon have gone above and beyond on their post-hardcore sound and double down on genre-bending mastery

by Felix Bartlett | May 24, 2024

---

A year ago, as the band topped the bill at Download for the first time, Bring Me The Horizon were also, at the start of making some noise about the second chapter of their POST HUMAN series. It had been long enough: part one, the exceptional ‘Survival Horror‘, had dropped almost out of nowhere almost three years previously, on Halloween weekend 2020. 

Following the above the group have been met with delays, the unexpected departure of Jordan Fish, an arena tour and winning a BRIT Award. After all that, the time has come to announce NeX GEn is finally upon us! It may not have arrived within the timeframe initially hinted at but the hype has certainly not died down as anticipation ran high yesterday afternoon after the announcement the album would be dropping at midnight. As hinted at their latest venture this album does deliver on more of a mid-2000s Warped Tour post-hardcore flavour than its predecessor. A record that has leaned into the bands strengths. “The path of least resistance”, as Oli called it.

So the real question has been where do we go from here? Bring Me the Horizon has mastered the art of doing whatever they want. The six singles released between ‘SURVIVAL HORROR’ and now feature prominently on this new record, each showcasing a distinct style. From the pop allure of ‘sTraNgeRs’ to the unrestrained chaos of ‘AmEN!’ and the surprisingly pop-punk vibe of ‘LosT’, the band continues to defy expectations.

Pop punk emerges as a prominent genre on the record, whether it’s the slacker, Weezer-inspired vibe of ‘YOUtopia’ or the electronically tinged ‘Top 10 staTues tHat CriEd bloOd’. Another notable track, ’n/A’, carries a Green Day quality. Although Horizon had not previously ventured into pop punk, this addition to their repertoire features gang vocals recorded during their last tour, promising instant crowd engagement in live settings.

However, the band doesn’t adhere to a single template. Tracks like ‘liMOusIne’ channel the intensity of Deftones, with ‘AURORA’s softer tones contrasting against the heavy backdrop. Oli Sykes delivers one of his best vocal performances, echoing Chino Moreno. Meanwhile, ‘a bulleT w- my namE On’ featuring Underøath, fulfils long-held fan dreams, even stirring controversy with its bold lyrics.

Following the abrupt departure of keyboardist and producer Jordan Fish, fans speculated whether the band would steer away from their signature electronica. Instead, they’ve embraced it even more. Tracks like ‘[ost] puss-e’ and ‘[ost] (spi)ritual’ highlight these electronic elements, which permeate the entire record. The production is industry-leading, with every beat intentional and purposeful.

This record sees Sykes at his most vulnerable yet comfortable, openly discussing his struggles. On ’n/A’, he speaks to the listener like a counselling session, while ‘DIg It’ lays everything bare. His personal battles are well-documented, but this album represents his most open and cathartic work to date.

The six singles released ahead of the record were bound to be some of the strongest tracks. ‘AMeN!’ is arguably one of the best songs the band has ever written, and ‘Kool-Aid’ serves as a stark reminder of their capability for heaviness.

Bring Me the Horizon occupies a unique position in the music world. They can effortlessly straddle genres, appealing to a diverse range of audiences. Whether headlining Download with heavy tracks or playing BBC’s Big Weekend with pop choruses, their versatility is unmatched. This ability to blend genres authentically is why they are considered one of the best active bands today. Their catalogue, live shows, production, and craftsmanship are unparalleled.

Overall after the immediacy of the first instalment, the latest offering from Bring Me the Horizon may feel overwhelming on the first listen. However, once the band’s artistic vision becomes clear, it becomes easier to digest and more enjoyable to get lost in their innovative sound.

‘NEx GeN‘ seeks out the new while simultaneously nodding to the past. In an era where music can feel disposable, Bring Me the Horizon’s willingness to experiment and take their time is commendable. They have continued with this ambitious project when it could have easily been abandoned for more traditional pursuits.

Once mocked for their looks and metalcore style, Bring Me the Horizon now set the standard for an entire music scene worldwide. They push and bend genres like few others, maintaining authenticity in their sound. They create music they want to hear, setting the blueprint for the industry. As they prepare for the next phase of ‘POST HUMAN‘, expect the unexpected and know nothing will stand in their way.

Verdict: 💀💀💀💀

Listen to the album below: