I had trouble balancing the elation and dread that sprung up when I heard about this album's impending release. Fightstar had long been the unsung musical heroes I'd preached about to anyone who would listen, but their extended hiatus had me (and many others) worried that we may had hear the last of them. Naturally, I was excited. But I was worried, as well. When bands take such a long time off, their comeback releases are often disappointing.
In the case of "Behind the Devil's Back," nothing could be further from the truth.
Fightstar has returned to form with a sharp-edged, bone-cracking release that feels, for all the world, like they never went on hiatus at all. The album taken as a whole displays a subtle and effortless blending of the synth elements experimented with in 2009's "Be Human," combined with a take-no-prisoners aggression that feels like a natural progression from 2007's "Deathcar." All this unbridled violence is juxtaposed with passages of fragile beauty, giving BTDB perhaps the harshest edge and most ethereal atmosphere of any Fightstar record to date.
In other words, it's Fightstar, but MORE.
"Sharp Tongue" opens with perhaps the most brutal riff in the band's repertoire, lifting off into dreamlike melodies and a triumphant chorus reminiscent of much of the material on "Grand Unification." 5/5
"Murder All Over" benefits from above average vocal interplay between Charlie and Alex, and electronic accompaniment that lends a haunting texture to the proceedings. 3/5
"Behind the Devil's Back" Proudly displays the group's Deftones influence through the vocal writing, and plays with harmonic minor intervals that gives the song an exotic feel. The jagged, jarring admixture of distant, fragile vocals by Alex and blistering guitars gave me chills the first time I heard the bridge. 4/5
"The Blackest of Birds" Has a powerful, emotional chorus that unfortunately feels somewhat unearned after the comparatively dull verses. Charlie's harsher but not-quite-screamed vocals in the pre-chorus saves the song from being a total disappointment, however. 2/5
"Overdrive" explores similar sonic landscapes as seen in "Be Human," though with greater confidence than many tracks on that effort. A deliciously 80's breakdown takes this one over the top. 4/5
"More Human Than Human" Is the song I've always wished Fightstar would write, and they finally did. Alex handles the vocals on this reverb-heavy, unapologetic rock ballad. An unexpected pleasure. 4/5
"Animal" deserves more praise than could fit in this review. More time is needed to be sure, but it might be my favorite song they've ever released, perhaps after "Mono." It carries the listener through the all the beauty and violence Fightstar is capable of producing at breakneck speed without feeling forced for a second. I seldom find myself able to listen to it just once. 5+/5
"Titan" Starts on a floating, seductive note, showing off Omar's sophisticated, nearly jazz-like drumming before quickly descending into an onslaught of screams, smooth falsetto, and sharply spoken vocals that would no doubt put a big smile on Chino Moreno's face if he heard it. The delicate bridge leading to the incredibly heavy outro is Fightstar mosh pit fare at its best. 4/5
"Sink With the Snakes," Clocking in at under 3 minutes, lean, mean, and not interested in making friends. A refreshingly unique main guitar riff combined with a surprisingly pleasant chorus that nevertheless feels completely at home, along with the undeniably fist-pumping pre-chorus make for such an interesting and effective mixture of moods that I actually can't believe the song isn't twice as long as it is. 5/5
"Dive" gives Charlie room to show off his ability to melt panties from 50 meters away, aided by hypnotic synths and drums. The bridge quickly takes a turn for the eerie before launching into another wonderfully heavy bit of riffing that closes out the album on a confident, completely unpretentious note.
Sweet Jesus, this is a good album.
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Editorial Reviews
Fourth studio album by the British post-hardcore rock band. Featuring the single 'Animal', the album debuted at #19 in the UK Albums Chart.
Product details
- Is Discontinued By Manufacturer : No
- Product Dimensions : 5.55 x 4.92 x 0.47 inches; 3.25 ounces
- Manufacturer : Fightstar
- Original Release Date : 2015
- Date First Available : July 31, 2015
- Label : Fightstar
- ASIN : B0128CRLM2
- Number of discs : 1
- Best Sellers Rank: #88,567 in CDs & Vinyl (See Top 100 in CDs & Vinyl)
- #40,235 in Rock (CDs & Vinyl)
- Customer Reviews:
Customer reviews
4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
82 global ratings
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Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on October 23, 2015
Reviewed in the United States on November 26, 2015
I was a huge fan of these guys when they first burst upon the U.S. scene back in 2006 with the amazing Grand Unification. A superb album in it self, it contained ethereal vocals and melodies and heavy driving guitars, while skimping on the overly emo metaphors that were prevent at that time.I will admit I lost track of the band after that, only occasionally seeing the later albums in Amazon as imports with outrageous prices to I never bothered. Until I heard about this album. Until I saw the artwork. Until I heard the first single. Holy Smokes, this thing slays. It's a lot like the first album but dialed to 11. VERY heavy, but retaining the vocal delivery I adored so much from the first album. The only thing that keeps it from being perfect is the length. Too short!!!! Anywho, pick this up.
Reviewed in the United States on January 7, 2016
Fighstar is back with a fantastic kick in the gut album. I've been a fan of this band since I lived in England in 2004. Now back in the U.S. I have kept up with new albums and tour dates. Sadly they don't tour the U.S. This album is a great return to their older sound, and I would highly recommend this band to anyone that like melodic, well written lyrics and heavy guitars. Love this band!
Reviewed in the United States on October 22, 2015
A solid comeback album.
Reviewed in the United States on January 13, 2016
This is my favorite Fightstar album yet. Extremely heavy riffage paired with delightfully catchy melodies. You'll find yourself setting this on repeat.
Only downside is it clocks in at a mere 37 minutes. For being out of the game this long it would have been nice for them to throw a couple extra tracks our way.
Only downside is it clocks in at a mere 37 minutes. For being out of the game this long it would have been nice for them to throw a couple extra tracks our way.
Reviewed in the United States on October 19, 2015
This whole album is perfect and long overdue from the band. Ten tracks and a heavier sound in parts to their previous albums this is still classic Fightstar. Perfect vocals and songs and in time this could be my favourite from them as it certainly ranks high amongst their other studio albums.
The whole album is perfect and the only song I didn't love as much as the others was The Blackest of Birds but it's still a good track.
Fun Fact: After 5 years away and two solo acoustic albums lead singer Charlie Simpson had to spend time perfecting his scream again!
The whole album is perfect and the only song I didn't love as much as the others was The Blackest of Birds but it's still a good track.
Fun Fact: After 5 years away and two solo acoustic albums lead singer Charlie Simpson had to spend time perfecting his scream again!
Reviewed in the United States on January 30, 2017
My only problem with this album, it's not long enough!! Fightstar just gets better with age.
And here I am again, 6 years later and still blown away by this album. Fightstar perfection!
And here I am again, 6 years later and still blown away by this album. Fightstar perfection!
Top reviews from other countries
patrick
5.0 out of 5 stars
love it.
Reviewed in Canada on February 24, 2016
Excellente album, love it.
Richard M
5.0 out of 5 stars
Outstanding
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 15, 2016
This album is a breath of fresh air and exactly the kind of record I wanted then to create. Mix Silverchair and Deftones with downtuned beefy guitars and bass plus excellent synthetic and dynamic vocals and this is why this album will long remain a better for some time.
Fightstar do heavy well in a controlled manner with sweeping melodies to balance. Standout tracks like 'behind devil's back' and 'animal' are excellent.
If it takes the band just as long to put out new material again then it will be well worth the wait. Even the extra experience of Charlie going exta-curicular with Busted, may not be a good sign but if it means he can make £ to return to make material like this then more power to him and others in the band for their side interests too!
Let's hope for more to come... which could propel this band to the stratosphere. ....
Fightstar do heavy well in a controlled manner with sweeping melodies to balance. Standout tracks like 'behind devil's back' and 'animal' are excellent.
If it takes the band just as long to put out new material again then it will be well worth the wait. Even the extra experience of Charlie going exta-curicular with Busted, may not be a good sign but if it means he can make £ to return to make material like this then more power to him and others in the band for their side interests too!
Let's hope for more to come... which could propel this band to the stratosphere. ....
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Yvon
5.0 out of 5 stars
Un retour glorieux après 6 ans d'absence
Reviewed in France on December 8, 2015
Fightstar a toujours eu ce petit plus, ce sentiment intime que même dans les morceaux les plus classiques et faciles d'accès, quelque chose de plus profond pointait le bout de son nez. Ce sentiment se renforçait lorsque l'on découvrait avec émerveillement de véritables petites pépites telles Grand Unification Part 2 ou Mono par exemple.
Cet album, après 6 ans de silence de la part du groupe est purement et simplement le manifeste que Fightstar est un très, très grand groupe de métal.
Cet album arbore fièrement des sonorités Deftoniennes, renforcées par l'arrivée massive et élégante de l'utilisation de guitares barytones (7 cordes).
Le tout est fort, poignant, juste, maîtrisé avec des écarts constants entre mélodies puissantes, envoutantes contrebalancées par des moments acides et hargneux.
Les samples digitaux et les claviers aux sonorités des jeux ou films des années 80 issus du projet solo d'Alex le guitariste, apportent une texture toute particulière et bienvenue !
Foncez les yeux fermés, mais gardez les oreilles bien ouvertes, cet album est un album d'une qualité rare de nos jours !
Bien à vous.
Cet album, après 6 ans de silence de la part du groupe est purement et simplement le manifeste que Fightstar est un très, très grand groupe de métal.
Cet album arbore fièrement des sonorités Deftoniennes, renforcées par l'arrivée massive et élégante de l'utilisation de guitares barytones (7 cordes).
Le tout est fort, poignant, juste, maîtrisé avec des écarts constants entre mélodies puissantes, envoutantes contrebalancées par des moments acides et hargneux.
Les samples digitaux et les claviers aux sonorités des jeux ou films des années 80 issus du projet solo d'Alex le guitariste, apportent une texture toute particulière et bienvenue !
Foncez les yeux fermés, mais gardez les oreilles bien ouvertes, cet album est un album d'une qualité rare de nos jours !
Bien à vous.
剣鉄也
5.0 out of 5 stars
くっそ名盤!
Reviewed in Japan on October 23, 2015
興奮を隠しきれないタイトルですが、言いたいのは、かなりリピートしてしまう恐れのある名盤だということ。
元バステッドのボーカルが結成したバンドで、あまり本気にしてなかったのは事実ですが、いやー聴いてみたら驚きです!非常にカッコいいバンド。
デフトーンズやスライスが好きな私からしたら、くっそやられたという感じですねー(≧∇≦)
ヘヴィネスとスクリーモにからむアンビエントなフレーズ、そしてクリーンボイスとのバランスの良さ!今年個人的には1番のアルバム!
あと、シンプルに曲が凄く書けている。
騙されたと思って、シングルカットはされていない「The Blackest of birds」をyoutubeとかで聴いてみたら、分かりますよ(≧∇≦)
スバリ、オススメのアルバム!
元バステッドのボーカルが結成したバンドで、あまり本気にしてなかったのは事実ですが、いやー聴いてみたら驚きです!非常にカッコいいバンド。
デフトーンズやスライスが好きな私からしたら、くっそやられたという感じですねー(≧∇≦)
ヘヴィネスとスクリーモにからむアンビエントなフレーズ、そしてクリーンボイスとのバランスの良さ!今年個人的には1番のアルバム!
あと、シンプルに曲が凄く書けている。
騙されたと思って、シングルカットはされていない「The Blackest of birds」をyoutubeとかで聴いてみたら、分かりますよ(≧∇≦)
スバリ、オススメのアルバム!
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars
This my first review and I feel like if I'm to write one then this is it
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 19, 2015
This my first review and I feel like if I'm to write one then this is it. This is an incredible album. Everything about it is the band really going for it. I love the vocal harmonies Charlie seemed to of brought in and the synth Dan and Alex seemed to have really works with this, even using it in places guitar might not of fit as well. Charlie is still one of my favorite screamers even from the busted days.
I listened to this on the way home from the train station so I had nothing to distract me and I feel that helped me really get into this. From the punch in the face of the first track to the long outro of the last I just got absorbed into it. Album of the year for me hands down.
I listened to this on the way home from the train station so I had nothing to distract me and I feel that helped me really get into this. From the punch in the face of the first track to the long outro of the last I just got absorbed into it. Album of the year for me hands down.
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