A Day to Remember has always thrived on balancing catchy melodies with heavy, hard-hitting breakdowns, but their latest album feels like a push-and-pull between their past and present. While there are clear moments where the band taps into their signature energy, other parts feel restrained or overly polished, lacking the rawness that made their earlier work so compelling.
The production is crisp and modern, with massive riffs, punchy drums, and anthemic choruses designed for arena-sized singalongs. At times, the album leans into a nu-metal and radio-rock influence, with big, open moments that create a stadium-filling atmosphere. However, this polished approach also removes some of the grit that made their earlier albums feel more unfiltered and unpredictable. There’s a noticeable effort to blend their heavier and softer sides, and while some tracks achieve this balance well, others feel stuck in between—either pulling back when they should go full force or feeling like they’re trying too hard to recapture their past sound.
That being said, when the album hits, it hits hard. Some of the heavier moments bring out raw, crushing riffs that showcase the band’s ability to still pack a punch, and a few tracks stand out for their intensity, unexpected darkness, or nostalgic callbacks to their Homesick-era sound. The bass is thick and booming in places, creating a solid foundation, and the drumming varies between simple yet effective beats and thunderous, driving rhythms that push songs forward. There are even some surprising influences that creep in, from futuristic synth elements to moments that echo the heaviness of bands like Behemoth or Gojira.
However, not every song lands. Some tracks feel a little empty, as if they’re missing an extra layer of depth—whether it’s a lack of bass, a too-clean mix, or vocal melodies that don’t fully take off. Others fall into familiar pop-rock patterns that, while catchy, don’t carry the same weight as the band’s best work.
Lyrically, the album touches on themes of perseverance, friendship, and personal struggles—staples of ADTR’s writing. Some songs feel genuinely heartfelt, while others come across as a bit forced, almost as if the band is trying to replicate past successes rather than evolving naturally.
Overall, the album delivers a mix of highs and lows. There are moments that will undoubtedly resonate with long-time fans, as well as some experiments that hint at new directions for the band. But there’s also a sense that this record plays things a little too safe at times, smoothing out the rough edges instead of embracing the chaotic energy that made A Day to Remember stand out in the first place. It’s a solid listen, but one that might leave fans divided.
RATING: 7/10
NOTABLE TRACKS:
Silence
To The Death
Flowers
Bad Blood