As someone who doesn’t spend a huge amount of time immersed in this particular corner of metal, “Decades” offers an interesting introduction to a modern metalcore sound built around exceptionally polished production, heavy instrumentation and a prominent electronic backbone. From the opening moments, the album establishes an aggressive and precise identity, combining crushing guitar tones with punchy synthesizer textures and a strong contrast between harsh and clean vocals. As the record moves into its middle stretch, that initial impact gradually begins to wear off. The songs increasingly settle into a predictable commercial metalcore formula with similar structures, rhythms and ideas causing several tracks to blend together. The guitar work is particularly straightforward, relying heavily on familiar chugging riffs rather than intricate or technically demanding guitarwork. While this approach certainly makes the material accessible, it leaves little room for surprise or experimentation. The lyrics also lean heavily into the darker and more provocative aesthetic that is characteristic of metalcore. The “edgy presentation” isn’t necessarily something I can criticize too heavily, as it is very much part of the genre’s identity, although it’s an aspect of metalcore that I personally don’t find particularly appealing. Still, combined with the relatively safe songwriting, it contributes to the feeling that the album sometimes prioritizes its established formula over taking creative risks. The album’s final section brings some welcome variety, breaking away from the formula that dominates much of the record. Just before the closer, “Sunglasses at Night” takes on Corey Hart’s 1983 synth-pop classic, shifting toward new wave, electronic and dancefloor-oriented sounds. The change in direction feels refreshing, especially after the consistency of the preceding tracks and highlights a more adventurous side of the band. The album then closes on a strong and memorable note, bringing the record to a satisfying finish. Ultimately, “Decades” is a well-produced and polished addition to the modern metalcore landscape. Its greatest strength lies in its ability to blend heavy guitars, electronic elements and contrasting vocals into a cohesive, radio ready package, even if that formula occasionally becomes too predictable. The album is at its most compelling when it steps outside those familiar boundaries, and its late album experimentation shows that there is more creative potential here than the safer middle section initially suggests. A little more of that willingness to take risks could have turned an already polished release into a far more distinctive one.
♦ 7,5/10
Panos Niko
