The Fear of Fear

Last updated
The Fear of Fear
Spiritbox - The Fear of Fear.png
EP by
ReleasedNovember 3, 2023 (2023-11-03)
Length25:02
Label
Producer
Spiritbox chronology
Rotoscope
(2022)
The Fear of Fear
(2023)
Singles from The Fear of Fear
  1. "The Void"
    Released: April 19, 2023
  2. "Jaded"
    Released: August 25, 2023
  3. "Cellar Door"
    Released: October 13, 2023
  4. "Ultraviolet"
    Released: November 3, 2023

The Fear of Fear is the fourth extended play (EP) by Canadian heavy metal band Spiritbox. It was released on November 3, 2023, through Pale Chord and Rise Records. It is their first EP to chart, peaking at number 116 on the Billboard 200.

Contents

Release

"The Void" was released as the lead single on April 19, 2023. [1] [2] The second single, "Jaded", was released on August 25, along with the announcement of the EP. [3] [4] The third single, "Cellar Door", was released on October 13. [5] [6] The Fear of Fear EP was released on November 3, 2023 through Pale Chord and Rise. [3] [4] On the same day of the EP's release, the band released a music video for the songs, "Ultraviolet" [7] [8] and "Angel Eyes". [9] [10] They also released a music video for the song, "Too Close/Too Late", on November 4. [9] [11]

Promotion

On May 2, 2023, the band was announced as support for the fall leg of Shinedown's Revolutions Live tour along with Papa Roach. [12] [13] They preceded this tour with a performance at Rock am Ring in June. [14]

Reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Dork Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [15]
Metal Hammer Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [16]
Metal Injection9/10 [17]
Wall of Sound9.5/10 [18]

The Fear of Fear received positive reviews from critics. Ali Shutler of Dork wrote "The Fear Of Fear is a tightly wound record that showcases a band growing in confidence and getting increasingly comfortable with what they are." [15] Dannii Leivers of Metal Hammer wrote, "Spiritbox could have easily...[rushed] out Eternal Blue v2, but instead, this is the sound of a band deciding where they want to go, unaffected by the weight of expectation, and taking us along for the ride." [16] Jordan Blum of Metal Injection stated, "its truncated duration prevents it from feeling as epic and substantial as Eternal Blue, but its masterful sequencing...still provide plenty of enticing and inventive connective tissues." [17] Paul Brown writing for Wall of Sound felt that "Whether it’s the soul-crushing heavy hits or the softly delivered melodic rock songs, they always keep us guessing and they’re only getting better with each release they unleash." [18]

The song, "Jaded", earned a Grammy nomination for Best Metal Performance. [19] [20] [21]

Track listing

The Fear of Fear track listing
No.TitleLength
1."Cellar Door"4:43
2."Jaded"4:22
3."Too Close / Too Late"4:41
4."Angel Eyes"3:28
5."The Void"3:40
6."Ultraviolet"4:08
Total length:25:02

Personnel

Spiritbox

Production

Charts

Chart performance for The Fear of Fear
Chart (2023)Peak
position
Scottish Albums (OCC) [22] 47
UK Independent Albums (OCC) [23] 13
UK Rock & Metal Albums (OCC) [24] 5
US Billboard 200 [25] 116
US Independent Albums ( Billboard ) [26] 25

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Meshuggah</span> Swedish extreme metal band

Meshuggah is a Swedish extreme metal band formed in Umeå in 1987. Since 2004, the band's lineup consists of founding members Jens Kidman (vocals) and Fredrik Thordendal (guitar), alongside guitarist Mårten Hagström, drummer Tomas Haake and bassist Dick Lövgren. Since its formation, the band has released nine studio albums, six EPs and eight music videos. Their latest studio album, Immutable, was released in April 2022 via Atomic Fire Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kittie</span> Canadian metal band

Kittie is a Canadian heavy metal band from London, Ontario, formed in 1996 by guitarist Fallon Bowman and sisters Mercedes and Morgan Lander, on drums and vocals/guitars, respectively. Tanya Candler completed the band's early line-up on bass. The Lander sisters have remained the band's sole constant members. Collectively, their material released via independent record labels has sold over two million copies worldwide.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mudvayne</span> American metal band

Mudvayne is an American heavy metal band formed in Peoria, Illinois, in 1996. Known for their sonic experimentation, face and body paint, masks and uniforms, the band has sold over six million records worldwide, including nearly three million in the United States. The group consists of guitarist Greg Tribbett, drummer Matthew McDonough, lead vocalist Chad Gray, and bassist Ryan Martinie. The band became popular in the late-1990s Peoria underground music scene, and they found success with the single "Dig" from their debut album L.D. 50 (2000). After releasing four more albums and touring relentlessly for nearly a decade, Mudvayne went on hiatus in 2010. They reunited in 2021 and continue to perform live.

Metalcore is a fusion genre combining elements of extreme metal and hardcore punk, that originated in the late 1980s. Metalcore is noted for its use of breakdowns, which are slow, intense passages conducive to moshing, while other defining instrumentation includes heavy guitar riffs often utilizing percussive pedal tones and double bass drumming. Vocalists in the genre typically perform screaming, more popular bands often combine this with the use of standard singing, usually during the bridge or chorus of a song. However, the death growl is also a popular technique within the genre.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jacoby Shaddix</span> American musician

Jacoby Dakota Shaddix is an American singer, songwriter, rapper, and TV presenter. He is best known as a founding member and the continuous lead singer of the California-based rock band Papa Roach since the band's formation in 1993.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Papa Roach</span> American rock band

Papa Roach is an American rock band from Vacaville, California, formed in 1993. The original lineup consisted of lead vocalist Jacoby Shaddix, guitarist Jerry Horton, drummer Dave Buckner, bassist Will James, and trombonist Ben Luther.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shinedown</span> American rock band

Shinedown is an American rock band from Jacksonville, Florida, formed by singer Brent Smith in 2001 after the dissolution of his previous band, Dreve. Smith, still under contract with record label Atlantic Records, recruited the band's original lineup of Jasin Todd as guitarist, Brad Stewart on bass, and Barry Kerch on drums. Consistent for the first two album cycles, several lineup changes followed in the late 2000s, eventually stabilizing with Smith and Kerch alongside Zach Myers on guitar and Eric Bass on bass. The group has released seven studio albums: Leave a Whisper (2003), Us and Them (2005), The Sound of Madness (2008), Amaryllis (2012), Threat to Survival (2015), Attention Attention (2018), and Planet Zero (2022).

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

Mastodon is an American heavy metal band from Atlanta, Georgia. Formed in 2000, the band's lineup of Troy Sanders (bass/vocals), Brent Hinds, Bill Kelliher and Brann Dailor (drums/vocals) has remained unchanged since 2001. Mastodon has released eight studio albums, as well as a number of other releases. The band's 2002 debut album, Remission, garnered significant critical acclaim for its unique sound. Mastodon's second full-length release, Leviathan, is a concept album based on the novel Moby-Dick by Herman Melville. Three magazines awarded the record "Album of the Year" in 2004: Revolver, Kerrang! and Terrorizer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Art of Dying (band)</span> Canadian rock band

Art of Dying is a Canadian rock band from Vancouver, British Columbia, formed in 2004 by lead singer Jonny Hetherington and guitarist Greg Bradley. Soon after, the duo added Chris Witoski on rhythm guitar, bassist Matt Rhode, and drummer Flavio Cirillo.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Halestorm</span> American rock band

Halestorm is an American rock band from Red Lion, Pennsylvania, consisting of lead vocalist and guitarist Elizabeth "Lzzy" Hale, drummer Arejay Hale, guitarist Joe Hottinger, and bassist Josh Smith.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lzzy Hale</span> American rock musician (born 1983)

Elizabeth Mae "Lzzy" Hale IV, is an American musician. She serves as the lead singer and rhythm guitarist of hard rock band Halestorm, which she co-founded with her brother Arejay Hale in 1997.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">In This Moment</span> American rock band

In This Moment is an American rock band from Los Angeles, California, formed by singer Maria Brink and guitarist Chris Howorth in 2005. They found drummer Jeff Fabb and started the band as Dying Star. Unhappy with their musical direction, they changed their name to In This Moment and gained two band members, guitarist Blake Bunzel and bassist Josh Newell. In 2005, bassist Newell left the band and was replaced by Jesse Landry.

<i>obZen</i> 2008 studio album by Meshuggah

obZen is the sixth studio album by Swedish extreme metal band Meshuggah. It was released in Europe on 7 March 2008, and in North America on 11 March 2008 by Nuclear Blast. Tomas Haake made his return as a studio drummer for the record after the Drumkit from Hell drum software was used on Catch Thirtythree. It is also the first album on which bassist Dick Lovgren performs despite having been a member of the band since 2004; this is due to the bass having been digitally programmed on the previous album, Catch Thirtythree, and the bass having been performed by guitarist Fredrik Thordendal on the previous I EP. The release of the album was followed by their first world tour. A music video was filmed for a shorter version of the song "Bleed". A two-disc vinyl re-issue was released on 22 March 2019 through Nuclear Blast. A remastered version was released 31 March 2023 for the 15th anniversary through Atomic Fire.

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

Iwrestledabearonce was an American metalcore band formed in 2007 in Shreveport, Louisiana. In their nine years together, they released one EP, four full-length albums, and two remixed releases.

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

Ghost is a Swedish rock band known for its distinctive blend of theatricality, heavy metal, and arena rock. Formed in Linköping in 2006, the band first gained attention with their 2010 three-track demo, followed by the 7-inch vinyl "Elizabeth" and their debut album, Opus Eponymous. This album, nominated for a Grammis and featuring the song "Ritual"—listed by Kerrang! as one of "The 50 Most Evil Songs Ever"—catapulted them to international recognition.

<i>Amaryllis</i> (Shinedown album) 2012 studio album by Shinedown

Amaryllis is the fourth studio album by American rock band Shinedown. It was announced on January 3, 2012, the same day as the first single, "Bully," was released, for release on March 27, with pre-orders opening on January 17. A music video for the song "Unity" was released on March 12. An e-book about the making of Amaryllis, titled For Your Sake: Inside the Making of Amaryllis, was released concurrently with the album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">In This Moment discography</span>

American rock band In This Moment has released eight studio albums, one live album, one compilation album, one EP, 24 singles and 19 music videos.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Spiritbox</span> Canadian heavy metal band

Spiritbox is a Canadian heavy metal band, originally from Victoria, British Columbia, publicly established by guitarist Mike Stringer and vocalist Courtney LaPlante in October 2017. The band's full lineup comprises married couple LaPlante and Stringer alongside drummer Zev Rose, and bassist Josh Gilbert. The band's style incorporates electronic elements and draws from a variety of influences, crossing multiple metal subgenres with its roots in metalcore and progressive metal. Their music is currently released through their label, Pale Chord, via a partnership with Rise Records.

<i>Eternal Blue</i> (album) 2021 studio album by Spiritbox

Eternal Blue is the debut studio album by Canadian heavy metal band Spiritbox. It was released on September 17, 2021, through the band's own Pale Chord Records in partnership with Rise Records. Work began in 2018 but was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which delayed the album release initially slated for April 2020. Spiritbox relocated to Joshua Tree, California, and completed the songwriting process for the album, which former Volumes guitarist Dan Braunstein and the band's guitarist Mike Stringer produced. The recording was finished by Braunstein in February 2021. Eternal Blue contains an array of metal genres and subgenres with electronic elements as part of Spiritbox's dynamic, while singer Courtney LaPlante employs both screamed and clean vocals. The release marks the only studio album with bassist Bill Crook, who left the band in May 2022.

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

Canadian heavy metal band Spiritbox has released one studio album, four EPs, seventeen singles, and twenty videos.

References

  1. Kennelty, Greg (April 19, 2023). "Spiritbox Drops Catchy New Single "The Void"". Metal Injection. Archived from the original on April 19, 2023. Retrieved April 19, 2023.
  2. "Spiritbox Releases New Single 'The Void'". Blabbermouth.net . April 19, 2023. Archived from the original on April 19, 2023. Retrieved April 19, 2023.
  3. 1 2 "Spiritbox Announces 'The Fear Of Fear' EP, Shares 'Jaded' Music Video". Blabbermouth.net . August 25, 2023. Archived from the original on August 26, 2023. Retrieved November 9, 2023.
  4. 1 2 "Spiritbox announce new EP, The Fear of Fear, share "Jaded"". Alternative Press . August 25, 2023. Archived from the original on August 25, 2023. Retrieved August 25, 2023.
  5. "Spiritbox Releases New Single 'Cellar Door'". Blabbermouth.net . October 13, 2023. Archived from the original on October 14, 2023. Retrieved November 9, 2023.
  6. DiVita, Joe (October 13, 2023). "Fans React to Ultra Heavy New Spiritbox Song 'Cellar Door'". Loudwire . Archived from the original on October 15, 2023. Retrieved November 9, 2023.
  7. "Spiritbox Releases 'Ultraviolet' Music Video". Blabbermouth.net . November 3, 2023. Archived from the original on November 4, 2023. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
  8. "Spiritbox share sleek, one-take video for "Ultraviolet"". Alternative Press . November 3, 2023. Archived from the original on November 7, 2023. Retrieved November 9, 2023.
  9. 1 2 "Spiritbox Debut "Angel Eyes" Music Video". The PRP. November 3, 2023. Archived from the original on November 3, 2023. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
  10. Enis, Eli (November 3, 2023). "See Spiritbox's video for heavy-as-hell new song "Angel Eyes"". Revolver . Archived from the original on November 3, 2023. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
  11. "See Spiritbox's gorgeous video for new song "Too Close/Too Late"". Revolver . November 4, 2023. Archived from the original on November 8, 2023. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
  12. "Shinedown Announces September/October 2023 U.S. Tour With Papa Roach And Spiritbox". Blabbermouth.net . May 2, 2023. Archived from the original on May 2, 2023. Retrieved November 9, 2023.
  13. DiVita, Joe (May 2, 2023). "Shinedown Announce 2023 Tour Dates with Papa Roach + Spiritbox". Loudwire . Archived from the original on May 2, 2023. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
  14. von Angrick, Vanessa (June 4, 2023). ""Rock am Ring" 2023 live im Stream: Alle Infos zur Übertragung". Augsberger Allgemeine (in German). Archived from the original on December 4, 2023. Retrieved April 21, 2024.
  15. 1 2 Shutler, Ali (November 3, 2023). "Spiritbox The Fear of Fear EP". Dork . Archived from the original on November 1, 2023. Retrieved November 13, 2023.
  16. 1 2 Leivers, Dannii (November 9, 2023). "Spiritbox The Fear of Fear Metal Hammer Review". Metal Hammer . Archived from the original on November 10, 2023. Retrieved November 13, 2023.
  17. 1 2 Blum, Jordan (November 8, 2023). "EP Review: Spiritbox The Fear of Fear". Metal Injection. Archived from the original on November 9, 2023. Retrieved November 13, 2023.
  18. 1 2 Brown, Paul (November 2, 2023). "Spiritbox – The Fear of Fear (EP Review)". Wall of Sound. Archived from the original on November 2, 2023. Retrieved November 13, 2023.
  19. Enis, Eli (November 10, 2023). "Ghost, Slipknot, Spiritbox, more nominated for 2024 Grammys". Revolver . Archived from the original on November 11, 2023. Retrieved November 10, 2023.
  20. Wilson-Taylor, James (November 10, 2023). "Grammy Awards 2024: Paramore, Spiritbox & Ghost Among Nominees". Rock Sound . Archived from the original on November 11, 2023. Retrieved November 10, 2023.
  21. "Grammy Awards 2024: Metallica, Disturbed And Slipknot Among 'Best Metal Performance' Nominees". Blabbermouth.net . November 10, 2023. Archived from the original on November 11, 2023. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
  22. "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved November 18, 2023.
  23. "Official Independent Albums Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company. Retrieved November 18, 2023.
  24. "Official Rock & Metal Albums Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved November 18, 2023.
  25. "Billboard 200: Week of November 18, 2023". Billboard . Retrieved November 15, 2023.
  26. "Independent Albums: Week of November 18, 2023". Billboard. Retrieved November 15, 2023.