Pierce The Veil came back in 2022 with Pass The Nirvana, so I figured it's about time I get to talking about them. Their brand of post-hardcore emo was at the core of scene music in the 2010s, with Collide With The Sky as their magnum opus. It also happens to be this album's ten year anniversary, which is one more great reason to talk about it.
I remember when I was just starting to get into rock and metal music, I stumbled across the music video for King For A Day. It was wild to me at the time, when the heaviest song I knew was Bring Me The Horizon's Happy Song. It took me a few months before I finally decided to listen to the album it was on, and the rest is history.
I love the intro track being a prelude that transitions into the second track. Connected tracks is a musical trope that I think is underrated if done well. Of course, Hell Above on its own is a banger of a track, especially with that breakdown.
Many of Pierce The Veil's songs on this record are super high-energy and stay that way. Vic's screams have a very unique texture to it, and coupled with his cleans, makes for a very well-rounded sound. The whole album has a very teen angst vibe to it, seasoned with heartbreak and riot overtones.
There's a good variety of sounds in this record. Fast paced heavy songs like The First Punch and A Match Into Water, slower calmer songs like I'm Low On Gas And You Need A Jacket and Stained Glass Eyes And Colorful Tears, and even a beautiful ballad at the end. I was quite amazed at the range they had, honestly.
I love that they introduced a lot of interesting elements into the record. The acoustic guitar section on Bulls In The Bronx, the intros on I'm Low On Gas And You Need A Jacket and Stained Glass Eyes And Colorful Tears, they shake things up a bit and give the record so much more colour.
It's undeniable how emotional this record is. Rage manifested in songs like King For A Day and A Match Into Water, grief and sadness weaved into songs like Bulls In The Bronx and Hold On Till May, it is a powerful catharsis and musical experience. Singing and screaming along to this record evokes a special feeling many other records can't.
This album is undoubtedly iconic, and very special to a lot of people. The emotion and the sentiment this record holds is immense, and I will always love putting it on when I'm feeling down. It's a beautiful record from start to finish, full of genuine, raw emotion and brilliant songwriting.
Rating: 10/10