This Friday, I urge you to take a seat and let the tidal wave of Spiritbox’s Tsunami Sea pull you under as it not only rides the currents of the genre but reshapes them entirely.

Words by Felix Bartlett | March 05, 2025

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Where to begin with Spiritbox’s Tsunami Sea? It would be far too easy to say that this album is an undeniable triumph that not only exceeds expectations but sets the bar to a new height whilst also serving as an album that will ultimately shape the metal scene today as we know it. And yet, that’s exactly what it is. Hell if you caught their sold out show at Alexandra Palace then you know exactly what I’m talking about.

Building on the foundation of their Grammy-nominated debut Eternal Blue, the Vancouver Island trio has unleashed a sophomore record that to call it just a collection of songs would be an injustice. No, much like its title, this is a seismic event that shakes you to the core. From the churning, tempestuous opener ‘Fata Morgana’ to the liquid drum & bass-infused ‘Crystal Roses’, Tsunami Sea is a masterclass in balancing raw heaviness with serene beauty.

Courtney LaPlante has cemented herself as a force to be reckoned with with her vocals once again serving as a revelation, oscillating between guttural screams and ethereal melodies with effortless precision. Previously released singles ‘Soft Spine’ and ‘No Loss, No Love’ were a wise choice in ramping up the anticipation for this release, giving new listeners a taste of her venomous lyricism and emotional depth and long time fans a tantalising taste of how just hw heavy this album will be.

What sets Tsunami Sea apart is its thematic and sonic unity. The album’s water-inspired motifs—both lyrically and musically—flow seamlessly, reflecting themes of depression, anxiety, and resilience. Tracks like ‘Ride the Wave’ and ‘Black Rainbow’ feel like they were crafted to be arena-ready anthems, while ‘Perfect Soul’ and ‘Keep Sweet’ deliver the melodic metalcore Spiritbox that fans have come to know and love, but with a fresh, innovative twist. While the title track and ‘A Haven With Two Faces’ offer moments of calm amidst the storm. The band’s experimentation with electronics, djent riffs, and prog-metal intricacies feels more confident than ever, creating a soundscape that’s as unpredictable as it is cohesive.

Upon initial listening, the album’s final stretch is what stood out the most. ‘No Loss, No Love’ shifts between glitchy electronics, spoken word, and crushing riffs, while ‘Crystal Roses’ almost abandons metal entirely, driven by a stunning drum & bass beat and haunting melodies. The track provides a sprinkling of Fish’s influence that feels welcome and fitting this time around—unlike his contributions to Architects’ latest album, where in this writers opinion I found his style occasionally edged too close to his Bring Me The Horizon days for comfort. ‘Ride the Wave’ closes the album on a high note, building from a pulsing rhythm into a towering, cathartic anthem that feels destined to crown main stages at festivals across the globe.

Spiritbox has always been ahead of the curve, but Tsunami Sea cements their place as one of modern metal’s most exciting acts. Heavier, weirder, and more ambitious than ever, just like the title this album serves as a tidal wave into the metal scene, setting a new standard for the genre. This Friday, I urge you to take a seat and let the tidal wave of Spiritbox’s Tsunami Sea pull you under as they not only ride the currents of the genre but reshape them entirely.

Verdict: 💀💀💀💀💀

For fans of: Jinjer, Make Them Suffer, Rolo Tomassi 

Tsunami Sea is released March 7, 2025 via Pale Chord in partnership with Rise Records.