Reviews

Album Review: Jaws of Life by Pierce The Veil

By Taylor Cameron / January 27, 2023

Pierce The Veil are back with their fifth studio album ‘Jaws of Life’, their first release since ‘Misadventures’ in 2016. Staying true to their sound, ‘Jaws of Life’ sounds like the soundtrack to a late 2000s movie in the best way, utilizing nostalgia to their advantage. Pop-Punk, Metalcore and pure rock blend together nicely to create an album of substance and full of unique tracks. “I think this album represents getting out of the harsh grip life has on you and seeing the light again and breaking through” states lead vocalist and guitarist Vic Fuentes, the album being full of content fans can relate to.

Death of an Executioner kicks off the album, a heavy bass line opening the track. Melodic vocals, synths and a mysterious overtone, create something compelling to the ear. While the simplistic guitar solo added the right amount of flare to the song that it needed. Up next is the first single released, “Pass the Nirvana”. The vocals drenched in psychedelic tones, bringing a heavier element to the pop influences coating the track. A bass breakdown fills the bridge, replacing the usual guitar solo, adding a unique touch.

The title track “The Jaws of Life” falls in the middle of the track list, capturing the overall tonality of the album within its deep lyrics. Pierce The Veil is known for creating songs containing lyrical content expressing real life experiences and struggles that their fans can relate to. Something that sets them apart from the common artist of today releasing albums filled with the typical love song.

Sticking with the ballad-like tracks, “Resilience” and “Shared Trauma”, two very different tracks, stand out. Resilience, an acoustic driven track, has a classic pop-rock sound to it, while Shared Trauma reintroduces synth and adds programmed drums to add a unique R&B-esq tone. Closing out the album is “12 Fractures”, a duet sung with Chloe Moriondo (Singer-Songwriter and Youtuber), her vocals pairing beautifully with Fuentes. The stripped back instrumentation blends perfectly with the melodic phrasing of the vocal melody, the electric guitar adding the perfect nuances the track needs to make it interesting. 

“Jaws of Life” encapsulates Pierce The Veil’s iconic sound, while still progressing and introducing new and exciting elements to keep things fresh and unique. Creating an album that old and new fans alike can love, Pierce The Veil have returned after seven years in full force, letting everyone know that they’re back and better than ever. 

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