Since its creation in 2008, Make Them Suffer has established itself as a major player in the Metal scene, constantly evolving to offer renewed sounds with each album. Deathcore debut with Lord of Woe et Neverbloom to the melodic Metalcore of How To Survive A Funeral in 2020, the group from Perth, Australia, has continued to reinvent itself. With this eponymous album, the group seems to reach a new peak, mixing raw power and captivating melody in a harmonious way.
An immersive sound experience
The album opens with The Warningan intriguing piece introduced by sacredly inspired choirs, quickly joined by electronic and synthetic elements which culminate in a striking crescendo. This first title sets the stage for Weaponizedwhere groovy riffs combine with the melodic vocals of Alex Reade, contrasting with the guttural screams of Sean Harmanis. This piece perfectly illustrates the contribution of Reade, whose voice brings a welcome freshness, before ending with a powerful breakdown, announcing the intensity of what follows.
With OscillatorMake Them Suffer uses a similar structure, alternating between Reade’s melodic choruses and Harmanis’ raw force. Doomswitcha single released two years ago, confirms that the group’s new musical direction retains its full impact. The keytar and digital elements enrich the sonic complexity, while Harmanis demonstrates great vocal mastery, oscillating between several registers. Nick McLernon, on guitar, shines with a sharp solo, contributing to the perfect balance of the song.
A progression in originality
Although some pieces adopt a repetitive structure, Where God offers a welcome variation, abandoning the sung refrains to make way for Reade’s powerful screams in support of Harmanis. This absence of traditional melody introduces a diversity that renews the listening experience, adding depth to the album.
A strong point of this opus lies in Epitaphwhere Reade fluidly alternates between clean vocals and howls, delivering a gripping performance. This title mixes elements from previous albums with futuristic sounds which give the whole thing a unique texture. In No Hard Feelingsthe fast tempo and refined instrumentations allow Reade to shine solo, highlighting the synergy between the two vocalists, one of the group’s major assets.
On Venusian BluesHarmanis takes care of the clean vocals, offering an honest performance, although less captivating than Reade’s. However, his versatility is a testament to his experience, and he navigates between vocal techniques with ease. Jordan Mather’s drumming brings raw intensity to Ghost of Mewhere Harmanis deploys deep and sharp growls.
A powerful conclusion
The last two titles, Tether et Small Town Syndromeconclude the album on a strong note, demonstrating the technical mastery of Make Them Suffer. The complementarity between the voices of Reade and Harmanis, McLernon’s punchy riffs and an impeccable rhythm section illustrate a rare musical symbiosis, where each member finds their place perfectly to offer a coherent and inspired performance.
This self-titled album marks the start of a new phase for Make Them Suffer. The integration of Alex Reade seems to have allowed the group to find the perfect balance between raw strength and melodic softness. Although some tracks follow a familiar structure, the album stands out for its careful production and harmony that highlights the group’s artistic maturity. With this release, Make Them Suffer confirms its place of choice in contemporary metal.
Make Them Suffer will be available from November 8.
