We asked the biggest While She Sleeps fan we know what their thoughts were on the latest Sleeps release, Self Hell.
"This is certainly the biggest change to the band's sound. This is a genre blending album, with While She Sleeps themselves saying they're not even sure what genre it is. Almost like what BMTH had with "That's The Spirit" (not a necessarily a bad thing, but a big change to previous albums). The steps can definitely be seen/heard from So What? through to Sleeps Society into Self Hell.
Opening the album is PEACE OF MIND, A short soundscape-esque introduction to the rollercoaster twist of genres about to unfold, gradually building tension to give way to the powerful riff of LEAVE ME ALONE. A good mix song with aggressive hints to the older albums but also with techno mixed in? A bold move, but it works. Its a hard one to explain, but give it a listen and you'll get what I mean.
Next up is RAINBOWS. Catchy vocals throughout with genre mashing verses and chorus, but with a damn gorgeous breakdown mid song. Sean's effect pedal comes into play for the second half giving the distinct tone associated with this band. SELF HELL, this is a good all round song, majority clean with slight heavier verses, in all honesty this sounds like it could have been from So What? (which is personally my favourite album of theirs). What does need a special mention is the gradual dropping riff before the break. That, is top tier. You can see why this song became the name of the album. It's a banger.
Following this, WILDFIRE. This chorus has been in my head since the album release, everything about this song is just on point. This song has an up-tempo, almost throwback pop/punk, mid 2000's sound (but in a good way). Then, with a half time break leading into a short WSS signature style solo to fade out end. My personal favourite song on the Self Hell album.
NO FEELING IS FINAL, a transcending instrumental soundtrack that, if you close your eyes feels like it takes you off to somewhere in space or a deep in the forest, before introducing almost a heartbeat towards the end. This feels like it should be in every movie soundtrack. Ever.
Bringing us back down to earth is DOPESICK, this one is lyrically powerful, and you can instantly connect to the vocals with lines like "The loneliest place in the world's your mind". The intro does sound suspiciously close sound to a certain punk bands song about a guy called Adam. But that can be forgiven for the lyrics and the melodies through this one.
Kicking the sombre mood away is DOWN. The siren intro sets the tone, with vocals packing a punch, a more aggressive song with the perfect tempo to be a great one to see live. It's not all angry though as this does have a really clean chorus and a very WSS style guitar solo. A quick pause then it's a Malevolence take over for the heavy hitting end.
Now starts the haunting intro for TO THE FLOWERS. This song hits you in the feels from the start, (and the video has made the internet cry). Full of epic guitar work and mixed with pure musical and lyrical beauty throughout, this is definitely the powerful anthem of the album. Hats off lads.
OUT OF THE BLUE is very aptly named, it starts as what feels a random mash up of soundscapes but has a compelling undertone that kind of makes you want more, then picking up the pace before blending into a distorted finish. The menacing tones of ENEMY MENTALITY begin and mixed with lyrics like "Your crocodile tears wont fool anyone" it feels like this song has a real edge to it. This is definitely one I cant wait to hear at a gig. The aggressive undertones through the song form into almost a carnival style drums build up into short breakdown to end. Nice.
To wrap up the album, is the Holymotherloving, most beautiful song called RADICAL HATRED/RADICAL LOVE. This is vocally amazing, with both Loz on his own and the gang vocals over a sombre yet uplifting melody. Is it possible to be in love with a song? Hell yes it is. After the initial listen, this album is growing on me with every play through. With heavy riffs to techno and everything in between. Self Hell is definitely worth checking out, its certainly pushing boundaries, maybe too far for some? Either way, get out and see these guys. They do EVERYTHING themselves and are
one of my most respected bands for that."
Words: Frank Iszard
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