The Amity Affliction: Let the Ocean Take Me Album Review
Let the Ocean Take Me, released in 2014, marks a pivotal moment for Australian Metal-Core band The Amity Affliction. Known for blending heavy instrumentals with deeply emotional lyrics, the album further cements their unique sound within the genre. Musically, the band leans into their signature mix of melodic Metal-Core, combining harsh, guttural screams with clean, catchy choruses. The dynamic contrast between Joel Birch’s raw screams and Ahren Stringer’s smooth clean vocals creates a stark emotional pull that resonates with listeners, especially on tracks like “Pittsburgh” and “Don’t Lean on Me.”
The instrumentation is tightly executed, with punchy guitar riffs, atmospheric breakdowns, and a rhythm section that grounds the sound. What sets this album apart is its deft blend of heaviness and melody. The band expertly navigates from hard-hitting, aggressive riffs to moments of ethereal calm, which allows for the emotional intensity of the lyrics to shine. The introspective lyrics focus on themes of mental health, personal loss, and the struggle to stay afloat in turbulent times, further enhancing the album's relatability and emotional depth.
The recording process wasn’t without its struggles. Joel Birch has been open about his battle with depression and anxiety, which heavily influenced the songwriting and recording. The emotional weight of these issues is palpable throughout the album, making Let the Ocean Take Me not just a record, but an emotional catharsis. The band also dealt with pressure from both fans and industry expectations to evolve their sound while staying true to their roots - a delicate balance that, with this release, they seem to have achieved.
In terms of commercial performance, the album was a major success. It debuted at number 1 on the ARIA charts and quickly became one of the band’s most well-received records, praised for its raw emotional honesty and powerful soundscapes. Let the Ocean Take Me has sold over 200,000 copies globally, cementing its place as a defining record in modern metalcore.
