After Smoke Clears delivers a bold and adrenaline-fueled statement with Intentions. Out on November 19th, the eight-track album is brimming with ferocity and poignant reflection and affirms the band’s dominance in the UK underground while setting a new standard for the metalcore scene.
Opening with a punch to the face, “Status Game” features Damien Bigara’s dynamic presence. The song merges anthemic aggression with chaotic intricacy and immediately establishes a tension that builds throughout the album.
Intentions takes risks and embraces sonic diversity, evident in “Serenity,” a standout track featuring Jimmy Dahmer of Asleep At The Helm. It’s a notable departure from their usual onslaught and showcases an emotional vulnerability with melodic textures that balance the chaos with an atmosphere of raw sensitivity. In the song, the band explores themes of fatherhood and city life, proving that introspection and heaviness can exist in seamless harmony.
“Animal,” featuring Stephen MacConville of Confessions of a Traitor, is a fierce rallying cry, merging razor-sharp guitar work with guttural vocals. The production, helmed by Meyrick De La Fuente, emphasises every low-tuned riff and visceral breakdown, with moments of sheer brutality juxtaposed by well-crafted melodic lines.
Tracks like “Unintelligent”, “Echoes” and “Daze” capture the band’s command of their craft, delivering unrelenting power without sacrificing cohesion.
After Smoke Clears’ Intentions thrives on its precise blend of intricate musicianship, memorable hooks, and defiant energy. It’s a metalcore masterpiece that doesn’t just demand to be heard, it refuses to be forgotten.
