:: Behind Crimson Eyes - Behind Crimson Eyes

Behind Crimson Eyes

Since the release of their debut full-length album ‘A Revelation For Despair’ in 2006, Melbourne based post-hardcore/emo-rock outfit Behind Crimson Eyes have barely had a moment to stand still, with the five piece act seemingly never tiring of playing from city to city both as a headlining act or support to visiting international artists. But over the past three years, Behind Crimson Eyes have taken their time to craft their long awaited sophomore effort. And while the album was initially supposed to be released some five months ago, they have finally managed to get their act together and present their long overdue self-titled album. But for all the anticipation I might have had about a new Behind Crimson Eye’s album, all I can say is that the final outcome is nothing short of a disappointment. Behind Crimson Eyes, who are now a four piece act have never been afraid to change their sound from release to release. But quite frankly, the turn towards a more hard rock orientated sound on their latest release doesn’t sound as convincing as the harder edged post-hardcore sound of ‘A Revelation For Despair’.

The single ‘Addicted’ is certainly one of the album’s poorer examples of Behind Crimson Eyes’ newfound rock sound, with the riffs lacking that all important ‘oomph’, while lyrically the song is as cliché as you would expect given the subject matter. The single ‘Fighting For Our Lives’, the mid-paced follow up effort ‘Armageddonouttahere’ and the fast paced/driving anthem ‘Death From Above’ are certainly stronger efforts from the band, and help rectify the album’s false start. But the trio of tracks in the arena ballad ‘My Love’, the slow ‘Coming Home’ and the thin sounding ‘I Never Wanted This’ only further prove that the album is more than a little short on material the band was known for in the past. The punchy ‘This Is Who We Are’ is given a bit of a boost with its energy and gang sung vocals, but the ballad ‘Stay With Me’ and the abysmally clichéd closer ‘Miss Heartbreaker’ only let the side down once again. I don’t have an issue with a band who wish to reinvent themselves with every release. But in doing so, you have to do it convincingly. Sadly, Behind Crimson Eyes just don’t quite translate as a genuine rock outfit on their latest effort. Perhaps on their next album, Behind Crimson Eyes will manage to make the transition sound complete. But as it stands, ‘Behind Crimson Eyes’ is little more than an album that has a few solid tracks, but a whole lot more filler songs to give fans the impression that they’re getting value for their hard earned money.