Image: The Amity Affliction [Offizielles Pressefoto, Tom Brown]
The Amity Affliction can certainly be considered one of the most consistent forces in the post-hardcore and metalcore scene. However, following the departure of vocalist and founding member Ahren Stringer—whose vocals shaped many of the band’s most defining records—the group had to find its footing again over the past few months. With House Of Cards, the band now returns with their first full-length release in this new lineup, featuring Jonathan Reeves as the new vocalist alongside Joel Birch.
A new dynamic? Definitely. Major changes? Vocally, yes—but musically, they stay true to themselves, and that’s a good thing. TAA are known for having a very loyal fanbase, much of which has been with them since the early days. And as is often the case, changes are usually met with mixed reactions by the “old guard,” so sticking to the core formula—at least for now—makes perfect sense.
New lineup, familiar sound
Thematically, however, House Of Cards is heavy material. On this record, frontman Joel Birch processes the loss of his mother. This is certainly one of the reasons why the band’s now ninth studio album carries such emotional weight—and that’s by no means a negative.
Right from the start, the first track “Kickboxer,” which hits hard after the intro “Vida Nueva,” makes it clear where things are headed. The song is heavy and showcases the band’s expanded vocal range. The screams are powerful, and the instrumentation drives the track forward with intensity. Songs like “Bleed”—which arguably marks a new peak in heaviness within the TAA universe—and the album closer “Eternal War” follow a similar direction. On these tracks, Joel Birch’s way of processing trauma is laid bare so intensely that you can almost feel and internalize his emotions yourself.
A new voice adding depth
Jonny Reeves’ vocals complement Joel Birch’s perfectly. A standout example is “Heaven Sent,” where their interplay really shines. It becomes especially clear here that the band made the right choice in selecting their new vocalist. The title track also reflects this dynamic and delivers everything you’d expect from a classic The Amity Affliction song. Critics who were skeptical about the lineup change will likely be proven wrong by arrangements like these.
Never change a running system…
…but still be bold enough to evolve. That seems to be the guiding idea behind House Of Cards. The Amity Affliction have embraced the challenge of a new chapter, faced it head-on, and mastered it impressively. They haven’t lost any of their heaviness, while at the same time elevating the production of their ninth studio album to a new level. But that’s not all: thematically and atmospherically, House Of Cards also stands out. Their most personal—and arguably most outstanding—record to date already has the potential to rank among the very best in the band’s discography.
