Hawthorne Heights – Zero
Reviewed by Annette Schaefer
Being an eight-year long fan of Hawthorne Heights I was pretty happy see the band putting out a new record this summer. It’s been three years since Skeletons was released and it was refreshing to see something new. The band’s latest album Zero definitely brings something new to the table with 15 new track and an over arching tale that make up the album.
The album begins with a slow and dark intro track introducing listeners into the dystopian story. The pace quickens though by the first full song “Memories of Misery” with quick drums and energetic guitar riffs. Zero holds the energy bringing a mix of old and new Hawthorne Heights sounds. Many songs feature a lighter and bouncier vibe that was noticeable in more recent albums such as Skeletons while bringing things back a bit with dark guitar solos and even a few screams.
There are more than a few stand-out tracks on this latest release including “Dark Side” with its pulsing beat and low range vocals and even “Put Me Back Together” with its vocal grit and nostalgic background screams. Overall the album feels like a happy medium for Hawthorne Heights between their emo sound from the early years and their pop rock sound that they played with after the death of screamer/guitarist Casey Calvert. Also, singer JT Woodruff’s vocals seem to have more edge and greater versatility on this album.
On the other hand the album seems to lose momentum during the last half with somewhat forgettable tracks such as “Lost in the Calm” and “Taken by the Dark”. While Hawthorne Heights seems to have found a fitting sound for themselves they still have yet to pull off a truly great record, but this album does give me a lot of hope for them and their future. There a band that has been able to survive personal tragedy and the tough sides of the music industry and it’s awesome to see them continue to thrive.
Overall Rating: 3/5
Recommended Tracks: “Dark Side” and “Put Me Back Together”
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1 Comment
Are you guys even aware of the fact that after Skeletons, the band released two great EP’s – Hate, and Hope, and were planning to add a third EP to make it a trilogy?
Cause from this review & what you posted on tumblr you’re making it seem that they sat on their butts after Skeletons.