Despair. That’s what you’re getting with this album from Anxious Arms—but not in the way you might expect. Rather than an overwhelming sense of doom or outright misery, the band channels their influences from grunge, doom, metal, and hardcore to build an atmosphere of dread and unease. Throughout most of the album, they successfully cultivate this brooding, almost suffocating feeling—until the final moments, when they suddenly abandon all restraint and hit you with an explosion of chaos, kicking in your teeth with unrelenting intensity.
It’s clear that Anxious Arms is aiming to create an immersive experience, one that pulls the listener into their sonic world. And for the most part, they succeed. However, something feels slightly off in execution, and I think the biggest culprit is the vocals. The issue isn’t just the vocal performance itself, but also the way it’s mixed and layered into the songs. The vocalist's artistic choice to lean into slow, drawn-out singing often works against the music rather than enhancing it. At times, his voice feels mismatched with the instrumental, failing to carry the weight the songs demand. Other times, he’s barely audible, lost in the mix. It’s frustrating because when he does let loose and scream, he sounds fantastic. His energy in those moments fully aligns with the intensity of the music, making me wish he leaned into that style more consistently.
Instrumentally, the album has a lot going for it. The bass is the real standout here, adding a significant amount of weight and texture to the sound. It thickens the atmosphere, making the songs feel sonically rich and engaging. The guitars lay down some solid riffs and interesting parts, though nothing particularly groundbreaking or memorable in the long run. The drums, when clearly audible, bring some tight and enjoyable playing to the table. One of the best aspects of the drumming is the use of cymbals throughout the album—there’s a lot of thought put into how they accentuate the mood and dynamics of each track.
In the end, Anxious Arms has crafted an intriguing album, one that’s worth revisiting a few times to fully absorb its nuances. While the vocals hold it back from reaching its full potential, the atmosphere, instrumental textures, and moments of sheer intensity make it a compelling listen for fans of dark, heavy music.
RATING: 7/10
NOTIABLE TRACKS:
Catastrophes
Ever Changing
Wasted Days, Wasted Years