Artist: Code Orange
Title: Forever
Label: Roadrunner
Release Date: 1/13/17
"Code Orange is FOREVER!" screams Jami Morgan during the title track on Code Orange's newest full length. There aren't many current bands that can make such a bold claim and be taken seriously. However, Code Orange has absolutely no problem musically backing up that line and as such, Forever serves as an appropriate album title.
Much like their 2014 offering I am King, Forever is a musical "fuck you" to complacency and the copy cat culture that plagues music. Code Orange frequently assaults the listener with a barrage of distorted guitars, pummeling drums, vicious screams, abrupt transitions, and haunting electronics. While these elements make up the core of "Forever", there are other surprises that seemingly come out of left field but fit quite nicely in the sequencing of the record. Tracks like "Bleeding In The Blur" and "Ugly" provide moments of respite from the heavier songs and are definitely album highlights. I cannot emphasize enough how important these songs are to the overall listening experience of Forever. Oftentimes, metal/hardcore records offer very little in terms of dynamics and simply bludgeon the listener from beginning to end. While some bands can execute this beautifully, most bands end up putting out records where all the songs sort of blend together. With that in mind, the variety offered on Forever ends up making the record sound that much more punishing and most importantly, MEMORABLE. This results in a complete album experience that warrants multiple listens..
One of the defining characteristics of Code Orange is their ability to avoid being pigeonholed. Forever continues this trend by mixing a variety of influences into their tracks. If I were to describe the heavy songs on this record to a seasoned listener of underground music, I would say they sound like Unit 731, Blood Has Been Shed, Turmoil, Disembodied, and KMFDM beating the shit out of each other while tripping on acid. I think it's safe to say that most people getting exposed to Code Orange at this point have never listened to those bands and that's the beauty of this record. It quite possibly could serve as a gateway to some of the classic heavy bands that most people haven't heard. I can't help but think that Roadrunner's backing will get this record in the hands of new listeners. With that being said, this record is NOT for everybody. It's dark, polarizing, uncomfortable, and will probably be too overbearing for the average music fan.
Terms like "game changer" and "genre defying" have been tossed around in regards to this record and I honestly agree. The reach of Roadrunner Records coupled with Code Orange's existing popularity in underground music totally cement these claims. In fact, there is even a metalcore "revival" happening in hardcore and I believe Code Orange is largely (unintentionally) responsible for this. After they dropped I am King in 2014, tons of bands popped up out of nowhere featuring slam parts and chug chug wee wee riffs. Coincidence? I think not. I firmly believe Forever will have a similar effect on underground music.
One of the defining characteristics of Code Orange is their ability to avoid being pigeonholed. Forever continues this trend by mixing a variety of influences into their tracks. If I were to describe the heavy songs on this record to a seasoned listener of underground music, I would say they sound like Unit 731, Blood Has Been Shed, Turmoil, Disembodied, and KMFDM beating the shit out of each other while tripping on acid. I think it's safe to say that most people getting exposed to Code Orange at this point have never listened to those bands and that's the beauty of this record. It quite possibly could serve as a gateway to some of the classic heavy bands that most people haven't heard. I can't help but think that Roadrunner's backing will get this record in the hands of new listeners. With that being said, this record is NOT for everybody. It's dark, polarizing, uncomfortable, and will probably be too overbearing for the average music fan.
Terms like "game changer" and "genre defying" have been tossed around in regards to this record and I honestly agree. The reach of Roadrunner Records coupled with Code Orange's existing popularity in underground music totally cement these claims. In fact, there is even a metalcore "revival" happening in hardcore and I believe Code Orange is largely (unintentionally) responsible for this. After they dropped I am King in 2014, tons of bands popped up out of nowhere featuring slam parts and chug chug wee wee riffs. Coincidence? I think not. I firmly believe Forever will have a similar effect on underground music.
VERDICT: Code Orange took the musical blueprint they created on I am King and managed to improve upon it in a major way. Forever sees the band coming into their own and cementing their place in heavy music. This record is a must listen. "Code Orange is Forever"
Top Tracks: "Bleeding In The Blur", "The New Reality", and "Forever"
To learn more go here:
http://codeorangetoth.com/
To learn more go here:
http://codeorangetoth.com/
