I didn't fully understand this album at first... now I think it's an AOTY contender.

[@Vixfor_]

This is the way I was getting into that album, definitely a weird and unique experience at first. But damn... The amount of replays I have with this album is insane right now, it's my second AOTY after *Death is Little More* currently.

[@CEO_ofLurking]

same, I don't think anything will top Boundaries this year but this album gives a lot of the same feelings that I got from it, which is probably why I think of it so highly.

[@TuckerMorgan-i1h]

What’s insane is I see most people are having the same opinion as you: not immediate hook but over time liking it more and more. That was not my experience at all. The first time I heard this album I knew nothing this year could top it. It blends aspects of Loathe, Thornhill, and a little Johnny Booth to concoct the most chaotic, disturbed, groovy, punchy album of the year for me

[@ashleighjane]

This!!!!! Your comment is exactly how I feel about it too!

[@gustavhjertman3551]

Second this! 😉

[@chrissangid1973]

So far this one and Cane Hill’s new album are on top for me

[@moresoysauce5489]

You know what it is? It's actually interesting

[@bexerk7585]

The video title mirrors my own experience. It didn't "hit" when I first gave it a chance. Each song seemed to have some harsh or disparate elements that didn't immediately seem great, but the aggression always peaked in a satisfying way or gave way to an unsettling, rhythmic release. After a re-listen some time later the album has been on repeat for the past few weeks for me (quite timely for you to make a video featuring it!). What I considered unrefined initially, was better understood as jagged ferocity with moments of contemplative anguish in moments you're supposed to be catching some breath (which you caught on to far quicker than I did). The album feels cohesive, consistent, chuggy, and great to listen to from start to finish. Glad you checked it out and enjoyed first impression!

[@monkvsiron]

If you haven’t looked into it lyrically, that’ll make it hit even harder 👌

[@BirdOfHermes83]

​@@monkvsironFucking right it will!

[@bossy12379]

The harsh vocals, the mono tone vocals mixed in, and the instrumentals with that bass... I fell in love with this album on the first listen. Definitely in the top albums this year for me.

[@TylerNC72]

Interlubes are so criminally underrated, bands like this and loathe have taken it to another level in modern metal. They create such an eery atmosphere, slowing the pace down for a moment to let listeners breathe whilst simultaneously setting the tone for the coming songs. I think it helps break the songs down so you can really take them in rather than heavy after heavy after heavy song

[@CEO_ofLurking]

I think the reason product placement works for me when it doesn't for a lot of others is because while it's probably the most typically metalcore song on the album, it is the most different from their typical style if you listen their old stuff. But what I like about it is that it reminds of the band while still showing variety and being the most different song on the album.

[@two_days_slow]

This is currently in my top 3 with Allt and Avralize. I absolutely love the somber moments throughout the chaotic aggression.

[@AycliffeGardens]

This is the first time I'm listening and it's definitely hitting. Got some Alpha Wolf aggression to it, some of those spooky-core synths, killer vocals, tasty snare and what a line "God is a sick fuck" is to kick off a song.

[@AyoReece]

Didnt hit too crazy heavy at first but after numerous listens and more and more i too agree that this, is an album of the year contender. Sounds far different from loathe but somehow in someway this album scratched my deep itch i have for new loathe. They have crazy unique sounds in this album. Like Blood Loss ... never heard any song similar to that ever In target acquired, the clock ticking sound they have in there toward the end is so sick and i never see people notice it

[@thedudelebowskycore]

I thought Boundaries was going to coast all year as AOTY.......Then 156/Silence dropped this unexpected masterpiece. I absolutely love the fullness of their sound and the vocal delivery is so different from everything else out there and really matches the unsettling nature of the album cover. Many of the non-singles like "Change Agent" are brutal, groovy, and perfect. 10/10 late-year winner for me.

[@justinknox5493]

Love your reactions man!

[@SteveOGRock]

Cheers Justin!

[@ashleighjane]

I listened to this the day it came out at the gym. I don't normally listen to new albums at the gym, but I just couldn't wait for this. It did not disappoint. And the amount of times I went over to my partner to say how good it was made him listen to it too haha. This is easily top 5 albums for me this year. Where it will land officially though, I still don't know 😅 But it's eerie, it's weird, it's unsettling, it's emotional and it's beautiful. I love it. My only single minor wish is that Craig Owens had a more exciting vocal part. He has an insane range that I wish he was able to showcase. But that's more a personal preference haha. Also, the fact you listened to Wants I Need without commenting on the video of the eye moving in the unsettling way it was is beyond me 😂

[@simong4882]

I knew this was my AOTY when on my first listens I had to stop to check the name of each song as I heard them as every track was awesome. All killer and no filler for me.

[@moresoysauce5489]

I often think I'm "too old" for heavy music when I hear shit like architects and spirit box they're are just infinitely boring to me or annoying, and then I hear this...AND I LOVE IT!!! I personally don't even understand my own music taste anymore. Anyways, this album is amazing. Instantly love it when I find it hard to love other "popular* metal music nowadays...

[@BirdOfHermes83]

I hope you've checked out irrational pull!

[@Roamnroll]

God damn, thanks for yet another gem

[@jamiefitzpatrick3377]

2 Tracks in and i can already understand the appeal. They remind me a lot of early Volumes, which is an excellent thing

[@lisabyford]

OK, I really like the album this is going to be fun!

[@dimiblcd]

0 songs in my top 5 of the year but it's my AOTY xD This album is so complete

[@JohnAndJohner]

I'd heard some of the singles, including Better Written Villain, and I didn't quite get it. It all came together when I listened to the album.

[@gustavhjertman3551]

To me this has been AOTY by miles from the first listen

[@BirdOfHermes83]

It was aoty for me instantly. But I #$@%&*× love 156/silence!

[@joevahkiin2329]

Hello Steve. Ive got a recommendation for you. Will you love me when im dead by Amira Elfeky. Kinda shoegazey, similar to Gore and Breakk.away :) found this song a few minutes ago and Im in love. About the album - I really liked it at 1st, then it kinda got boring, but the singles still fk so much.

[@lovehatetragedy823]

I think Vicious Rain has the AOTY 🥇. 2nd place goes to 156 Silence 🥈, and then 3rd place would be Cane Hill 🥉for me. But the year is not over yet.

[@Deletirium]

I must not be the target audience... the vocals and riffs sound great, but feel like two separate songs from conflicting subgenres, mushed together. To me at least. Maybe I'm just a troglodyte, because I can't stand Knocked Loose either, and everybody seems to think they're the next big thing. I kept waiting to find a hook that would grab me, but it all just kind of passed me by.

[@angryasianjim]

Personally can’t stand knocked loose. The vocalist sounds like a dying cat. That said I haven’t felt any of the conflict of genres as you have. Different strokes.

[@NicholasBoyce]

Love it. Have it just behind Bilmuri in my AOTY rankings. Leap frogged KL into the second spot.

[@manny4prez05]

I can't get into this band. I try and try to like them. Many of my friends can't get enough of them. They're kinda boring. I can't get into the clean vocalist at all either he just doesn't fit this style music or his range just isn't correct. It's one or the other but it's off putting. Also, don't love the way the drums are tuned. I wanna hear them not as a splash and open as they are. Base and guitar drives the sound for sure. They're unique in some good and some bad ways. They just don't stand out. The screamer is very one range to me. Wish them the best. Not gonna not listen to them but it's not in my lists at the moment. Somethings not right though. Somethings missing whether it's vocally or song format, writing. Sorry to the fans of the band ! Just wanted to get it there to my fellow Steve and listeners/followers. Continue crankin those hogs!