Album Review

Senses Fail – Renacer

• 19th Mar 2013

After their longest break from studio releases so far, Senses Fail are back with their latest album ‘Renacer’. Following what seems to be a trend for older bands in the alternative scene, this release sees a redefinition of Senses Fail. Following the departure of Garret Zablocki, one of Senses Fail’s key song writers, remaining original members Buddy Nielsen and Dan Trapp decided it was time for a change. ‘Renacer’ translates in Spanish to, “to be reborn” and although it sounds cliché it seems an appropriate title for the new direction of Senses Fail.

As soon as this album kicks off you can sense the definite change in sound, the guitar work feels more spacious and has a deeper more intrusive Metal grind to it. This could be attributed to working with producer Shaun Lopez (Deftones, Saosin) instead of Brian McTernan (Set Your Goals, Circa Survive) who had produced the last 3 albums. The album is not devoid of Senses Fail guitar work however, it is woven neatly into the tracks to break up the slugging Metal tempo and the occasional Hardcore beat downs. This change in sound, although a shock to the system to a Senses Fail fan, should not put you off. It doesn’t take long to get use to and the more you listen to it, the more Senses Fail you find within it.

The most striking thing about this album is Buddy Nielsen’s redefinition lyrically and vocally. Well known for self-medicating with the personal elements he includes within his lyrics, it comes as a shock to notice this album takes a sharp turn around. Lyrically this is a much more positive album, instead of taking the usual route of letting the audience identify with his own journey, he projects outwardly, passing on a message of self-reflection, learning to be happy and motivation. This creates a juxtapose dynamic within tracks like ‘The Path’ and ‘Closure/Rebirth’, a new aggressive sound mixed with a positive message. Vocally Buddy pushes tighter metal growls and a heavier vocal presence while also experimenting with language in tracks like ‘Mi Amor’ which is predominantly in sung in Spanish.

There are a large amount of bands at the moment trying to reinvent themselves under the guise of rebirth, and one could say it’s all getting a bit tiresome, if it wasn’t for the fact that these releases are so good. If you are going to reinvent yourself this is the way to go. This album is not one to miss if you’re a fan of Senses Fail.

Venue: Renacer
Support Band: Staple Records