Hollow Bodies

Last updated

Hollow Bodies
Blessthefall's "Hollow Bodies" Cover.jpg
Studio album by
ReleasedAugust 20, 2013 (2013-08-20)
Genre
Length46:15
Label Fearless
Producer Joey Sturgis
Blessthefall chronology
Awakening
(2011)
Hollow Bodies
(2013)
To Those Left Behind
(2015)
Singles from Hollow Bodies
  1. "You Wear a Crown But You're No King"
    Released: June 25, 2013
  2. "Déjà Vu"
    Released: July 30, 2013

Hollow Bodies is the fourth studio album by American metalcore band Blessthefall. It was released on August 20, 2013, through Fearless Records and produced by Joey Sturgis. [1] [2] It is the third album to include lead singer Beau Bokan, second album to include rhythm guitarist, Elliott Gruenberg and the first to include the same members in consecutive albums.

Contents

The band announced the album on June 10, 2013, and published the album cover and track list. [3] On June 25, the song "You Wear a Crown But You're No King" was released as the first single. [4] A video of interviews with the band members in the studio was released on July 24 that also showed a preview of the second single "Déjà Vu" which was released on July 30. [5] On August 13, the entire album was streamed through Billboard.com. [6]

The album debuted at No. 15 on the Billboard 200 and reached No. 1 on the Hard Rock chart selling 21,888 copies in the first week, up over 10,000 from their previous release. [7] The album has sold 58,000 copies in the US as of August 2015. [8]

Background and promotion

In 2011, the band released their third album Awakening to mostly positive reviews and began numerous tours to support the album. [9] In late 2012, they revealed they had begun writing new music and were hoping to release their fourth studio album in mid to late 2013. It was announced on Twitter that Joey Sturgis would produce the album. [10] The band entered the studio in April 2013 and confirmed the album was complete on May 21. [11]

The band played at the Vans Warped Tour 2013 on the main stage for the first time and played the song "You Wear a Crown But You're No King" which was later released as a single on June 25, 2013. [12] On July 24, a studio update video was released which discussed the writing recording process. The band stated in short interviews that the album will be different than anything they've ever done; that the album takes on a much heavier mood and sound. [13]

The second single, "Déjà Vu", was streamed through altpress.com on July 29, 2013, and was officially released the following day. [14]

It was announced that Vic Fuentes of Pierce the Veil was working on a song with the band. [15] It was later revealed to be the track, "See You on the Outside" which was streamed through Hot Topic on August 8, 2013. [16]

On August 13, the entire album was streamed through Billboard's website, allowing fans to listen to the album before the official release date. [17]

Composition

Phil Freeman of Alternative Press wrote that "this is digitally crunchy modern metalcore" that contains "clean vocals" that "soar over beds of synth while hoarse spittle-flecked roars are bolstered by hammering, downturned guitar riffs." At HM , Anthony Bryant told that this "is another example of the group’s expert harmony of symphonicism and vicious instrumentals". [18] Andy Biddulph stated that blessthefall has "creat[ed] a perfect marriage of electronica and metalcore." [19] On the subject of lyricism, Freeman wrote that it "is overwrought but not embarrassingly so—the end of the relationship is compared to the collapse of an empire, but somehow it works." [20]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
About.com Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svg [21]
Alternative Press Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [20]
HM Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [18]
Music Connection 7/10 [22]
Outburn 8/10 [23]
Rock Sound 9/10 [19]

Hollow Bodies has received positive reception by music critics. At Alternative Press , Phil Freeman called it "an ambitious, impressive album." [20] Anthony Biddulph of Rock Sound affirmed that this album "isn't a simple step up, this is the album that will define their career." [19] At HM , Anthony Bryant wrote that "this album is a blistering example of why many have come to love Blessthefall and shows that, despite its hiccups, this group is still the undisputed ruler of the post-hardcore scene." [18] Nathaniel Lay of Outburn stated that the release "carries on their tradition of putting out exciting albums that are worthy of praise and recommendation." [23] At About.com, Chad Bowar called the album a "step forward". [21]

Track listing

No.TitleLength
1."Exodus"5:28
2."You Wear a Crown But You're No King"3:43
3."Hollow Bodies"4:17
4."Déjà Vu"4:17
5."Buried in These Walls"3:46
6."See You on the Outside"4:14
7."Youngbloods" (featuring Jesse Barnett of Stick to Your Guns)2:56
8."Standing on the Ashes"3:12
9."Carry On" (featuring Jake Luhrs of August Burns Red)3:15
10."The Sound of Starting Over"4:08
11."Open Water" (featuring Lights)6:59
Total length:46:15

Personnel

Charts

Chart (2013)Peak
position
US Billboard 200 [24] 15
US Independent Albums (Billboard) [25] 3
US Top Alternative Albums (Billboard) [26] 2
US Top Hard Rock Albums (Billboard) [27] 1
US Top Rock Albums (Billboard) [28] 4

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blessthefall</span> American metalcore band

Blessthefall is an American metalcore band from Phoenix, Arizona, signed to Rise Records. The band was founded in 2004 by guitarist Mike Frisby, drummer Matt Traynor, and bassist and vocalist Jared Warth. Their debut studio album, His Last Walk, with original vocalist Craig Mabbitt, was released April 10, 2007. Their second studio album, Witness, with current vocalist Beau Bokan, was released October 6, 2009. Their third studio album, Awakening, was released on October 4, 2011. Their fourth studio album, Hollow Bodies, was released on August 20, 2013. To Those Left Behind is the band's fifth studio album, released on September 18, 2015. Their sixth studio album, Hard Feelings, was released on March 23, 2018. Following Traynor's departure, Warth became the band's only remaining original member. In May 2023, the band returned from a brief hiatus with the release of "Wake the Dead", their first song in five years.

<i>Witness</i> (Blessthefall album) 2009 studio album by Blessthefall

Witness is the second studio album by American metalcore band Blessthefall. It was released on October 6, 2009, through Fearless Records. It is the band's first album with Beau Bokan on lead vocals and final album with original guitarist Mike Frisby. The album was co-produced with There for Tomorrow drummer, Christopher Kamrada. This album includes a post-metal entrance, "2.0", and some songs without any screams or death growls.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Asking Alexandria</span> English rock band

Asking Alexandria are an English rock band formed in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and now based in York, North Yorkshire, consisting of guitarists Ben Bruce and Cameron Liddell, drummer James Cassells, lead vocalist Danny Worsnop, and bassist Sam Bettley.

<i>Reckless & Relentless</i> 2011 studio album by Asking Alexandria

Reckless & Relentless is the second studio album by English rock band Asking Alexandria. It was released on 5 April 2011 through Sumerian Records and was produced by Joey Sturgis. Announced on 22 December 2009, recording for the album began in June 2010 at the Foundation Recording Studios in Connersville, Indiana and ended in the fall of that year. The songs "Welcome", "Reckless & Relentless", "To the Stage", "Dear Insanity", and "A Lesson Never Learned" make up the short film Through Sin + Self-Destruction, which features the band's "party hard" lifestyle.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blessthefall discography</span> Discography

Blessthefall is an American metalcore band from Phoenix, Arizona, formed in 2004. They have released six studio albums, two extended plays, twenty singles, and twenty-two music videos.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Issues (band)</span> American rock band

Issues is an American metalcore band based in Atlanta, Georgia, founded in 2012. The band currently consists of guitarist and vocalist AJ Rebollo, bassist and vocalist Skyler Acord, and drummer Josh Manuel. They are known for their combination of metalcore, nu metal, pop and contemporary R&B.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Basement (band)</span> English rock band

Basement are an English rock band formed in 2009 in Ipswich, Suffolk, England. Their first studio album, I Wish I Could Stay Here, was released in 2011. The next year, Colourmeinkindness was released, charting on the Billboard Top 200.

<i>From Death to Destiny</i> 2013 studio album by Asking Alexandria

From Death to Destiny is the third studio album by English rock band Asking Alexandria. It was released on 6 August 2013 through Sumerian Records and was produced by Joey Sturgis. The band released the first single titled "Run Free" on 13 August 2012. The second single titled "The Death of Me", and a third track "Killing You", were released in March 2013.

<i>Savages</i> (Breathe Carolina album) 2014 studio album by Breathe Carolina

Savages is the fourth studio album by electronic band Breathe Carolina released on April 15, 2014 through Fearless Records in the United States. Upon the album's release, it debuted at No. 22 on the US Billboard 200, No. 4 on the Alternative Albums chart, and topped the Dance/Electronic Albums chart, selling 14,000 copies in its first week. The album spawned six single; "Savages", "Bang It Out" featuring pop duo Karmin, "Sellouts" featuring Danny Worsnop of the metalcore band Asking Alexandria, "Chasing Hearts" featuring Tyler Carter of metalcore group Issues, "Collide" and "I Don't Know What I'm Doing". The album features a more electronic and dance influence rather than the electronic rock and post-hardcore influences seen on the group's previous albums. This is the first album released without former member Kyle Even.

<i>8:18</i> 2013 studio album by The Devil Wears Prada

8:18 is the fifth studio album by American metalcore band The Devil Wears Prada. The album was released on September 17, 2013, through Roadrunner Records. It is the first album without founding keyboardist James Baney, and the final album with founding members Chris Rubey and Daniel Williams. It topped the Christian charts and came in at No. 20 and No. 6 on the Billboard 200 and rock charts respectively, selling 16,000 copies in the first week.

<i>Unconditional</i> (Memphis May Fire album) 2014 studio album by Memphis May Fire

Unconditional is the fourth studio album by American metalcore band Memphis May Fire. It was released on the March 25, 2014 by Rise Records and distributed by Fontana Distribution. The deluxe edition was released on July 17, 2015.

<i>Disgusting</i> (album) 2014 studio album by Beartooth

Disgusting is the debut studio album by American rock band Beartooth. It was released on June 10, 2014, through Red Bull Records and UNFD Records. The single "Beaten In Lips" was released on May 13, 2014, along with the pre-order for the album.

<i>The Resistance: Rise of The Runaways</i> 2014 studio album by Crown the Empire

The Resistance: Rise of The Runaways is the second studio album by American metalcore band Crown the Empire. The album was released on July 22, 2014, through Rise Records and was produced by Dan Korneff. It is the band's first album to not feature keyboardist Austin Duncan, as well as the last album to feature lead guitarist Benn Suede, who departed from the band in 2015. It is also the last concept album the band have written.

<i>Reincarnate</i> (album) Album by Motionless in White

Reincarnate is the third studio album by American metalcore band Motionless in White. It was released on September 15, 2014, through Fearless Records in the UK and a day later worldwide. It was produced by Dan Korneff and Chris "Motionless" Cerulli. Reincarnate is the last Motionless in White album to be released on Fearless Records.

<i>Hold On Pain Ends</i> 2014 studio album by The Color Morale

Hold On Pain Ends is the fourth studio album by American metalcore band The Color Morale. It was released on September 2, 2014 through Fearless Records, and was produced by Mike Green and Courtney Ballard. This marks the band's first album on this label following their departure from Rise Records.

<i>To Those Left Behind</i> Album by Blessthefall

To Those Left Behind is the fifth studio album by American metalcore band Blessthefall. The album was released on September 18, 2015, through Fearless Records and was produced by Joey Sturgis. It is their last album to be released on this label before the band signed to Rise Records in 2018. The first single, "Up in Flames" was released on July 9, 2015, while the band was on Vans Warped Tour 2015.

<i>The Young Souls</i> 2015 studio album by Myka Relocate

The Young Souls is the third and final studio album from American metalcore band Myka Relocate. Released on 30 October 2015, the work was released on Artery Recordings and was produced by Erik Ron and Joey Sturgis.

<i>The Black</i> (album) 2016 studio album by Asking Alexandria

The Black is the fourth studio album by English rock band Asking Alexandria. It was released on 25 March 2016 through Sumerian Records and was produced by Joey Sturgis. It is their only album to feature second lead vocalist Denis Stoff, who replaced original lead vocalist Danny Worsnop. Worsnop returned to the band in October 2016. The album was preceded by the singles "I Won't Give In" released on 26 May 2015, "Undivided" released on 25 September 2015, and the album's eponymous track "The Black" released on 2 February 2016. The first song on the album, "Let It Sleep", was released on 3 March 2016, with a music video for the track being released the following day.

<i>13 Voices</i> 2016 studio album by Sum 41

13 Voices is the sixth studio album by Canadian rock band Sum 41, released on October 7, 2016. It is the first Sum 41 album to be released through independent label Hopeless Records after the band fulfilled their contract with major label Island Records. It is also Sum 41's first album to feature drummer Frank Zummo, who replaced original drummer Steve Jocz, and their first album to feature guitarist Tom Thacker. The album also features the return of longtime lead guitarist Dave Baksh. The album is also their first as a five-piece band, as it features both Baksh and Thacker on lead guitar. On May 11, 2016, the band announced that they had signed to Hopeless Records to release the crowd-funded project.

<i>Hard Feelings</i> (album) 2018 studio album by Blessthefall

Hard Feelings is the sixth studio album by American metalcore band Blessthefall. The album was released on March 23, 2018, through Rise Records. It was produced by Tyler Smyth and the band themselves. It is their first album to be released after the band signed to Rise Records in 2018. It is also the last album to feature the band's founding drummer Matt Traynor before he left the band in August 2018.

References

  1. Kraus, Brian (April 6, 2013). "Blessthefall recording new album with Joey Sturgis". Altpress.com. Retrieved July 29, 2013.
  2. "BLESSTHEFALL Reveals Album Artwork and Track Listing for New Album 'Hollow Bodies' « News «". Puregrainaudio.com. June 10, 2013. Archived from the original on June 15, 2013. Retrieved June 18, 2013.
  3. Whitt, Cassie (June 10, 2013). "Blessthefall announce new album, 'Hollow Bodies'". Altpress.com. Retrieved July 29, 2013.
  4. "Blessthefall Premiere New Song, "You Wear a Crown But You're No King"". Revolver Magazine. June 25, 2013. Retrieved July 29, 2013.
  5. Jonathan Barkan (July 24, 2013). "[Exclusive] Blessthefall 'Hollow Bodies' Studio Update" . Retrieved August 9, 2013.
  6. "Blessthefall, 'Hollow Bodies': Exclusive Album Premiere". Billboard. October 22, 2011. Retrieved August 13, 2013.
  7. Stagg, David (August 28, 2013). "Blessthefall's 'Hollow Bodies' tops Billboard Hard Rock chart". HM Magazine. Retrieved August 29, 2013.
  8. "Upcoming Releases". Hits Daily Double. HITS Digital Ventures. Archived from the original on August 25, 2015.
  9. Grischow, Chad (October 11, 2011). "blessthefall: Awakening Review – Metalcore outfit's latest suffers from too much of a good thing". IGN. Retrieved July 29, 2013.
  10. "Twitter / joeyismusic". Twitter.com. Retrieved July 29, 2013.
  11. "Twitter / blessthefall: We are done tracking album". Twitter.com. Retrieved August 8, 2013.
  12. Bird, Michele (June 25, 2013). "Blessthefall release "You Wear A Crown But You're No King" lyric video". Altpress.com. Retrieved July 29, 2013.
  13. "Blessthefall post 'Hollow Bodies' studio update – Alternative Press". Altpress.com. July 25, 2013. Retrieved August 8, 2013.
  14. "Song Premiere: Blessthefall, "Déjà Vu" - Alternative Press". Altpress.com. July 29, 2013. Retrieved August 8, 2013.
  15. Ableson, Jon (August 20, 2009). "Vic Fuentes (Pierce The Veil) Collaboration w/ blessthefall?". Alter The Press!. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
  16. "STREAM: Blessthefall "See You On The Outside"". Infectious Magazine. Retrieved August 8, 2013.
  17. "Stream New Blessthefall Album". Billboard.
  18. 1 2 3 Bryant, Anthony (August 13, 2013). "Blessthefall – Hollow Bodies". HM . Retrieved August 16, 2013.
  19. 1 2 3 Andy Biddulph. "Blessthefall – Hollow Bodies | Reviews | Rock Sound". Rocksound.tv. Archived from the original on August 18, 2013. Retrieved August 13, 2013.
  20. 1 2 3 Freeman, Phil (2013). "blessthefall – Hollow Bodies". Alternative Press . Alternative Press Magazine, Inc. September 2013 (302): 83. ISSN   1065-1667 . Retrieved July 26, 2013.[ full citation needed ]
  21. 1 2 Bowar, Chad (August 20, 2013). "Blessthefall – Hollow Bodies Review". About.com. Archived from the original on April 13, 2014. Retrieved December 19, 2013.
  22. Album Review: Blessthefall – Hollow Bodies Aug 29 (August 29, 2013). "Album Review: Blessthefall – Hollow Bodies". Musicconnection.com. Retrieved August 30, 2013.
  23. 1 2 Lay, Nathaniel (2013). "Blessthefall: Hollow Bodies (Fearless)". Outburn . Octavia Laird and Rodney Kusano. Nov/Dec 2013 (71): 61. ISSN   1542-1309. Archived from the original on December 19, 2013. Retrieved December 19, 2013.
  24. "Blessthefall Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved October 22, 2017.
  25. "Blessthefall Chart History (Independent Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved October 22, 2017.
  26. "Blessthefall Chart History (Top Alternative Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved October 22, 2017.
  27. "Blessthefall Chart History (Top Hard Rock Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved October 22, 2017.
  28. "Blessthefall Chart History (Top Rock Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved October 22, 2017.