Album Review: Words That Burn – Cut Throat Culture (Blood Blast Distribution/Believe Digital)

Irish alternative/metalcore band Words That Burn will release their new album ‘Cut Throat Culture’ on the 16th of March 2023 via Blood Blast Distribution/Believe Digital.

One of the hottest bands coming out of the Irish scene right now, Words That Burn are absolutely killing it in recent times and that’s not changing with this new album. An absolute beast of an album that sounds and feels like a major step-forward for the group. Not just in how brilliantly it is produced but by just how accessible it is. Though fear not, it is still a crunchy and crushing blast of heavy. It just happens to be damn anthemic a lot of the time.

Kicking off with a pair that deliver immediately, Den of Lions and Sunshine. The former is Words That Burn at their most dangerous and destructive sounding. While also having perfect layers of melody. Whereas the latter goes for a ‘singalong and bounce along’ vibe with its massive sounding chorus. If you want to hear where Words That Burn are at right now, these first offerings will tell you a hell of a lot.

Play God comes next and Words That Burn extend their atmospheric chops and lean into more technical areas. Filled with drama, but also quite devious as it turns intensely heavy in an instant, it is one of the more eclectic offerings on the album. Although the melodies of Sirens are certainly quite attention grabbing to, even if this is a track that is all about its chorus. It is well worth mentioning here that the vocals on this album are immensely satisfying.

As is the instrumental parts of Word That Burns too, let it be known, as the combination of punchy riffs and thrashing drums add some meat to the symphonically-tinged The Cavalry Ain’t Comin.’ A stunning example of the forward momentum that the band has on this record.

Forward momentum that carries them into the latter half of the record with aplomb. Jumping between savage heaviness and anthemic alt-airiness on the thrilling You’re on Your Own. Following that up with the dazzling and experimental sound of Fire At Will, the synthy brilliance of To Night, and the chaotic blend of crunching instrumentals, zesty vocals, eccentric effects, and burgeoning atmosphere that comes on Thicker Skin.

Which just leaves Michael to put the final stamp of quality on things and what a stamp it is. Categorised by the thump of heaviness at the start that gives way to chuggy groove and then explodes with intense ferocity. The trademark melodic shifts are expertly weaved in here, resulting in a finale that couldn’t possibly sound bigger.

It’s the perfect closer to a pretty damn perfect example of Words That Burn in 2023. Continuing to showcase why there is such a strong buzz around them.

Words That Burn – Cut Throat Culture Track Listing:

1. Den of Lions
2. Sunshine
3. Play God
4. Sirens
5. The Cavalry Ain’t Comin’
6. You’re On Your Own
7. Fire At Will
8. To Night
9. Thicker Skin
10. Michael

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