Poppy is absolutely living up to her name, not only with the “poppy” elements in her music but also with the raw, heavy sound that defines her style. She’s able to effortlessly blend an impressive range of genres into her tracks, creating a unique sound that’s as diverse as it is dynamic. One moment you’re hit with industrial, metallic riffs on “Have You Had Enough?”, and the next, you’re swept into black metal blast beats on “They’re All Around Us.” Then, she seamlessly shifts into groovy, infectious nu-metal vibes on “New Way Out,” before delving into 80s-inspired dark synthwave on “Crystallized.” As if that wasn’t enough, she even incorporates soulful R&B elements into the mix. The blend of all these genres feels surprisingly cohesive, each piece fitting into the larger whole in a way that never feels forced.

The band backing her on this album does an incredible job of bringing her vision to life. Every instrument plays a crucial role in making this album feel complete and expansive. The guitar riffs, in particular, have a rich, crunchy heaviness to them, recalling some of the most intense moments in modern rock. For example, the riffs on tracks like “The Cost of Giving Up” and “Nothing” are reminiscent of Bring Me The Horizon’s metalcore era, dense and powerful. Meanwhile, tracks like “Surviving on Defiance” showcase just how impressively intricate these riffs can get, weaving complexity and ferocity into every bar.

The drums on this album are equally as massive, adding weight and grandeur to the sound. On songs like “Vital” or “Push Go,” the drums create a forceful presence, giving the album an overall bold, punchy feel. At the same time, tracks like “Negative Spaces” display a more nuanced side, with the drums playing in a way that feels both tasteful and intricately layered. The bass, too, is a standout throughout the album, providing a smooth yet heavy foundation that anchors the sound. It really shines on tracks like “Negative Spaces” and “Halo,” where it pairs seamlessly with Poppy’s vocals to create a powerful, intoxicating combination.

Poppy’s vocal performance is nothing short of extraordinary. She has an incredible range, effortlessly moving between soft, ethereal singing and blood-curdling death metal screams that could rival some of the best in the genre. Her versatility is showcased across multiple tracks, but some of the standout moments include “They’re All Around Us,” “Crystallized,” “Nothing,” and “The Center’s Falling Out.” Her screams are raw and intense, and as a female vocalist, she stands out in a field typically dominated by men, proving she has the vocal power and range to compete at the highest levels.

One of the most impressive aspects of this album is the way Poppy integrates atmospheric elements into her songs. The use of synths, eerie background textures, and subtle creepy flourishes adds so much life and depth to each track. These sonic layers create a distinctive atmosphere that makes the album feel immersive and alive, complementing Poppy’s vocal range and adding an extra dimension to the overall sound.

Beyond the powerful instrumentation and vocal prowess, Poppy’s songwriting is sharp and thoughtful. Her lyrics are well-crafted, adding an emotional weight to the tracks that pairs perfectly with the album’s varied sonic palette. It’s clear that a lot of care went into every detail of this album, making it one of the most impressive and cohesive releases of her career.

Poppy has truly done something remarkable with this album—she’s made death metal more accessible to pop listeners while also making pop more aggressive, all without pandering in the slightest. Her ability to mix genres, from metal to synthwave to R&B, and make it sound like it was always meant to be that way is a testament to her musical vision and talent. This album will undoubtedly resonate with fans of bands like Bring Me The Horizon, Linkin Park, Evanescence, Kylie Minogue, Hole, Architects, The Cure, and more. Poppy has clearly done her homework, and she understands the assignment.