Hmmm, this one is an interesting follow-up because, while Drain certainly avoided the dreaded sophomore slump, it didn’t quite manage to blow me away either. This album is undeniably well-crafted, and I want to be clear about that. But, given the reputation and raw energy Drain brought in their earlier work, especially with the intensity and wild nature of their sound, I was hoping for a bit more of that chaos to shine through. The album’s lore and imagery surrounding the concept of “the drain” set up a certain expectation, and while we do get some glimpses of that ferocity we’ve come to love, there are moments where the band feels a bit restrained.
Despite this, the band still sounds absolutely killer. From the second track onward (we’ll leave the opening track out of this for now), the production is solid, and everything is mixed to perfection. Sam has clearly pushed himself with his vocals, and while there are moments where he experiments with different patterns, it mostly works well. It’s great to see the band evolve and expand their sound while still staying true to their roots. The guitars are thrashy as ever, with that signature Drain twang, adding that unique flair to their sound. Meanwhile, the drums are punchy and keep the momentum going, creating a strong backbone for the album’s energy.
That said, some of the tracks feel a bit tamer than what I expected from a band like Drain. While they still carry their signature edge, I found myself wishing for a bit more of the untamed ferocity that made their earlier work so impactful. Still, it’s important to note that this doesn’t take away from the overall enjoyment of the album—there are still plenty of standout moments.
And I absolutely cannot leave without mentioning one particular surprise: possibly the best intermission track in hardcore. Seriously, this one track caught me completely off guard and really elevated the entire listening experience. It’s rare to see a band throw something so unexpected into the mix, and Drain absolutely nailed it with that one.
Overall, while this album doesn’t take the wild, unpredictable leap I had hoped for, it’s still a very solid effort from Drain. The band has clearly pushed themselves creatively and sonically, even if they did dial it back in certain areas. Fans of their previous work will find plenty to appreciate, but those expecting another whirlwind of intensity might find themselves wishing for a bit more of the Drain they know and love.
RATING: 8/10
NOTIABLE TRACKS:
FTS (KYS)
Evil Finds Light
Intermission
Good Good Things
Living Proof