The Order of Things

The Order of Things is the seventh album, balancing the pressure of heavy riffs with clean vocal melodies that stick immediately. Released in February 2015, produced by Josh Wilbur, known for Lamb of God among others. Hard-chugging guitar, tightly pushed drums and singing that builds emotional swell create a clear arc even within short songs. Coming three years after the last record, it had been a while. It keeps the aggression while opening wide at the chorus. That contrast becomes the whole record's drive, connecting metalcore-derived weight to a broader hard rock accessibility. From the aggression of the advance single “No Knock,” the hook of the opener “This Probably Won't End Well,” the expanse of “The Greatest Generation,” the sarcasm of “Tru-Kvlt-Metal,” to the closing “Criticism and Self Realization,” it was called faster, heavier and more melodic than its predecessor. It's also the last album with bassist Jeanne Sagan, who would leave that same year. A record for listeners wanting sharpness and hooks at once.