Code Orange - Forever ALBUM REVIEW

            Pittsburgh metalcore outfit Code Orange return for the their third record, which is ultimately their heaviest yet. Originally formed under the name Code Orange Kids, they released their debut LP, titled Love is Love/Return to Lust in 2012, followed two years later by I Am King under their new name. This time around in January of 2016, now under a major label, the band immediately quiets skeptics who predicted they would sell out by releasing an album that is the aural equivalent of a swift punch to the jaw.

            While their previous outings leaned more towards the hardcore punk side of metalcore, Forever finds the band embracing extreme metal more than ever before. Opening with a mysterious and distorted speech snippet on the title track, the album roars out the gate with low tuned heavy guitar riffs, a driving tempo, and harsh vocals by the band's lead vocalist and drummer, Jami Morgan, which sets the scene for most of the songs on the album (the opening minute of "Real" is absolutely exhilarating). 

             While the band stays consistent for the entire record, they do experiment with other genres. Take for example "Kill the Creator" and "The Mud," where the group brings in electronic influences, both harsh and otherwise, or "Ugly" where an early 80's post-punk/gothic rock twist can be heard. Furthermore, Forever does incorporate clean vocals, notably on "Bleeding in the Blur," an accessible highlight of the album, on which guitarist and vocalist Reba Meyers paints a bleak and sinister picture in an almost grunge soundscape.

             Forever is only 34 minutes long, however it is complimented by its visceral immediacy and a willingness to experiment and progress the Code Orange's sound forward. This ensures the album never outstays its welcome or leaves the listener disappointed that there isn't more of it. I myself have only began exploring the band's discography within the last two months, however I'd be lying if I said I wasn't excited for their next project. Don't let the major label push you away, this is the real deal.