The new age of metal is upon us, and all eyes are on Many Eyes, the fresh brainchild of Keith Buckley following the dissolution of one of metalcore’s most iconic bands, Every Time I Die. While this new project may not fully satisfy every old fan of his previous work, it will undoubtedly find a dedicated following among both some longtime followers and a new generation of listeners. Many Eyes offers something fresh, but also carries enough of Keith's signature style to keep things intriguing.

One of the standout features of the album is the band's undeniable gift for writing catchy hooks that are bound to stay stuck in your head for days. The hooks are the driving force behind much of the band's sound, creating moments of melody that pop without ever feeling overdone. While it may not be as sonically groundbreaking as some of the other projects Keith has been involved with—either from his past or contemporaries—there's no denying that these hooks are compelling in their own right.

Keith's vocal performance is the album's centerpiece. His range is on full display here, effortlessly shifting between haunting, melodic moments and raw, ferocious screams. He brings a remarkable depth to every song, from the soaring, anthemic hooks on tracks like “Revelation,” “Future Proof,” and “Speechless” to the more tortured, ethereal tones on “Mystic Cord.” Then there are moments where his vocals turn rapid and abrasive, such as on “Amateurs,” where his harsh screams add intensity to the track. These variations in vocal style—whether it’s the warmth of his voice or its guttural, aggressive quality—are what truly make Many Eyes stand out.

While the vocals, lyrics, and melodies are undoubtedly the strongest elements of this debut, the rest of the band holds their own with some solid instrumentation. The drums, for instance, are tight and groove-driven, holding down the foundation of tracks like “Revelation” and “Enough.” At times, the drumming takes on a heavier, more expansive quality, as heard on “Harbinger” and “Amateurs.” While the drumming is generally solid, there are moments where the speed of the riffs outpace the rhythm section, making it feel like the drummer struggles to fully keep up with the tempo. However, this doesn’t detract too much from the overall vibe of the album.

The guitar work here is equally solid, with the band weaving in various influences that span across genres. There are grunge-inspired riffs on tracks like “Third,” which give the album a raw, distorted feel. Meanwhile, “Servant” brings in some classic rock-inspired elements, and “Enough” incorporates a more nu-metal style riff that is sure to appeal to fans of late ‘90s and early 2000s metal. While the riffs can be playful and heavy, there are moments where they lean a bit too heavily into metalcore territory, which, at times, can make them feel somewhat familiar or generic. Nevertheless, the guitar work is a strong backbone for the album, contributing to its diversity and weight.

The bass, as the album progresses, becomes a more prominent feature. In tracks like “Mystic Cord” and “Speechless,” the bass grows thick and deep, providing a foundation that complements the mood of the songs. Its presence is subtle but effective, adding weight to the overall sound without overpowering the other instruments.

Production-wise, the album excels. The mix is clear and crisp, and there’s a noticeable attention to detail that enhances the listening experience. The songs are fleshed out with just enough variation to keep the album interesting from start to finish. The dynamic range in production ensures that each instrument shines when it needs to, making it a smooth, easy listen despite the heavy subject matter and aggressive tones.

Ultimately, Many Eyes rises to the occasion. While there may have been pressure on Keith Buckley and the band to live up to the legacy of Every Time I Die, they’ve managed to carve out their own identity without buckling under the weight of expectations. The result is an album that blends catchy melodies, fierce vocals, solid instrumentation, and smart production into a cohesive whole. For old fans and newcomers alike, Many Eyes is a satisfying debut that hints at even greater things to come.