To describe Senses
Fail's brand new release 'Renacer' as a rebirth, reimagining or reinvention of
the band's sound would be in one instance, entirely correct, but in another, a
complete misunderstanding of the New Jersey crew's vision for their direction.
It would appear at first listen that the Buddy Nielsen fronted group have made
a conscious decision to well and truly rip up the rule book, adopting the
hardcore punk sound entirely and emerging from the flames (full poetic Phoenix
style) as an entirely new act. However, despite the album's title 'Renacer'
(which loosely translates from Spanish to 'a revival' or 'a resurrection'),
that could be a red herring. Sure, the songs here are beyond expectation, and
in some cases so far from what certain Senses Fail fans come to know and love
that the transition could be too hard for them to swallow, perhaps deciding to
turn their backs on it in favour of an abundance of soaring choruses (something
that was previously commonplace in SF records) that can be found ten-a-penny in
modern heavy music. The truth is, the sound that is on display here has always
been present in the music of Senses Fail, it just hasn't been at the forefront
of proceedings in the past (except for a few songs here and there), so with
that in mind, it's the same band as it has always been, but this time around
they are ferocious and firing on all cylinders, and 'Renacer' is a passionate,
personal album that is the musical equivalent of a battering ram.
The title track opens the record on a relentless and powerful note, the dark and dangerous heaviness evident from the get-go. The sheer attack from Buddy's aggressive vocals is a shock to the system at times, the confidence behind his voice clear and it seems to have had a positive effect on the rest of the band. The furious pace continues with 'Holy Mountain', which combines verses that spit rage with a clean chorus (the first instance of sung vocals on the album) that is diverse and soothing. The bone crushing guitars set the scene for Buddy to unleash onto, which continues with 'Mi Amor', a hardcore track with screams and melody tearing through it. The fist pumping adrenaline created is overwhelming at times, and that really is superb.
'Closure/Rebirth' puts focus on Buddy's heartfelt and personal lyrics, the content of which seem to show he has regret for some events in his past. That helps the music become relatable, something that is more and more relevant in modern heavy music (especially hardcore) with themes of change/moving on pushing this track to especially emotive territory.
'The Path' is full of guts, the distorted bass backing up Buddy's chaotic vocals as the song sways and builds, groove metal tones and even a pop-punk style chorus (which is an unsettling but effective inclusion). The song is full of attitude, the album at this point feeling like a real outlet for Nielsen (which isn't a negative at all). The wonderful quality of the production is clear, standing out especially on 'Canine', which is heavy and strange, the callous tones a focus as anger and resentment take centre stage. 'Glass' takes a step back from the fury, instrumentals providing a brief rest before the band drop back in with the familiar brutality (which is broken up with a delicate chorus).
'Ancient Tombs' has real swagger as it bounces along, the chorus the most uplifting and hopeful of all that has come before it, making this a very nostalgic song for Senses Fail fans. The devastating edge is still there, however, making it an intense experience. 'Frost Flower' is a short, snappy and devious slice of punk rock, the meaty riffs masterfully delivered is skull crushing fashion. 'Snake Bite' is full of energy and hate, the groovy hardcore guitars cruising along with real direction. It's one the heaviest tracks on the album, and never before has a Senses Fail record felt so continuously satisfying and to the point.
'Courage of the Knife' is old school punk with a modern heavy twist, a shout along chorus and the makings of a Senses Fail classic, the whole album up to this point feeling like a continuous thrill ride that fits all tracks seamlessly together. It's the album finale, 'Between the Mountains and the Sea', that propels 'Renacer' up to the heights of a classic, with a slow build that erupts with all of the animal energy that has been on show for the duration of the album.
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