When I get the chance to do album reviews, I usually have some type of into to lead into the review. So when I got In This Moment‘s seventh album, Mother, that released today via Atlantic/Roadrunner Records in my hands I gave it a few listens before writing the review and found myself stumped on how to lead into it. Simply said, this album is fantastic. Maria Brink (vocals) joined by co-founder Chris Howorth (lead guitar), Randy Weitzel (rhythm guitar), Travis Johnson (bass), and Kent Dimmel (drummer) worked with Kevin Churko [Ozzy Osbourne, Five Finger Death Punch] in the studio to put together a 14 track album that not brings back the style of metal fans love so much but some new creative pieces that culminate this to grab new listeners as well.
The lead single “The In-Between” is the hard-hitting, haunting music we expect to hear from In This Moment. And it is a spectacular song between the music and the lyrics which provide a call out to songs of the past. If you listen carefully, you’ll catch the nods to “Blood”, “Whore”, and “Beautiful Tragedy”. With a mix of Maria‘s powerful vocals and her distortion backing lyrics and laid in with heavy guitars, bass, and pounding drums, fans will be banging their heads along with each note. “As Above So Below” brought back more of the hard rock style I loved from their older music. Between great composition of guitar riffs from Chris and Randy and Maria‘s vocals, this will be an instant fan with the fans. There were similar hints of 2012s “Blood” in this song, which is probably why I liked it so much.
“Mother” gives us a vocally-led theme with Kent‘s drumming slowly leading the charge. It’s a beautiful anthem of the dedication and sacrifices she’ll give to “Mother”. I really got into that song the more I listened to it. And sticking with that theme “God Is She” has a slick hard rock mix and hypnotizing singing that will draw you right in. The immediate follow-up track “Holy Man” keeps the rock sound has some truly standout guitar work on it. This one doesn’t feel like your typical In This Moment song, which is why I liked it. A nice creative track to keep things fresh for the band.
We get a great guest appearance from Joe Coetla vocalist for DED on “Hunting Grounds”. Both Maria and Joe start off low and deep before blowing the roof off the track. Each of them have their own unique high points in vocals and Joe and Maria make this a stellar song with their teamwork. On top of that guest appearance, we get another in their cover of Queen‘s “We Will Rock You” featuring Lzzy Hale of Halestorm and Taylor Momsen of The Pretty Reckless. And hold your breath people because that cover is done only the way In This Moment could deliver hard, heavy, and amazing vocals. This is the song you’re going to beg to be performed live. Can we please see a tour with those three bands to make that come true? We also get a cover of Steve Miller Band‘s “Fly Like An Eagle” going all the way back to 1976. And once again, In This Moment delivers it in their own style to make it such a loveable cover.
Mother is a fantastic journey through 14 beautifully woven songs. Do yourself a favor and grab your copy today at In This Moment‘s website HERE. You will love it.
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