Review by Dave Tolley / The Threshold
Pierce The Veil is an American rock band from San Diego California and was formed in 2006 by brothers Vic (lead vocals and rhythm guitar 2006-present) and Mike Fuentes (drums 2006-2017). Other members of the band Jamie Preciado (bassist 2006-present) Tony Perry (lead guitar 2006-present). The band has released five albums since their debut in 2007. Their third album Collide with The Sky featured their first hit single King for A Day. The album debuted at number 12 on the billboard 200 giving the band their first gold certified single. Thanks to TikTok the song shot to No. 1 on Billboard’s Hard Rock Streaming chart. With their last album being released in 2016 (Misadventures) they have returned with a post hardcore, pop punk, fuzzy guitars, and emotional album that says we are back! The Jaws of Life brings back those days of alternative rock and grunge. The band enlisted the help of Brad Hargreaves of Third Eye Blind lay down the drum for this album. It was produced by Paul Meany the frontman for Mutemath and mixed Adam Hawkins.
Why you always saying let the good times roll? Kick your mind open like a punk rock show. Uppercut bleeding to the soffit nose. If you didn’t come home injured, would you say it was a good show? Vic sings until his guttural scream in the song “Pass The Nirvana.” This song delivers what you would expect from the band, they have not missed a beat since 2016. “Even When I’m Not With You” is a mid tempo love song with a heavy drum loop. Vic asks the question what is love besides two souls trying to heal each other. The album is filled with so much diversity in their songs it’s hard to have just one favorite.
The Jaws of Life is another song that shows that diversity. It’s softer with a more delicate sound giving way to those teenage years. The album closes out with an acoustic and melodic duet featuring vocalist Chloe Moriondo. 12 Fractures has a slow vibe with that old school feel. It is a great closer to this album. With multiple awards and nominations from iHeartRadio Music, Kerrang Awards, and Golden Gods to name a few. From their Warped Tour, Europe, Asia, North and South American tours Pierce The Veil has been around the world delivery their amazing sound. Their Jaws of Life tour will start in Mexico with dates in Colombia, Chile, and Brazil. If you want to see them in the US this year as of now you have a chance at Blue Ridge Rock Festival in September or When We Were Young in October.
I give this album 4 out of 5. A must have for any fan of Pierce The Veil whether you are new or old.
