Ryan Murray | Co-Owner | Chief Editor | Contributor | Photographer
r.m.music84@gmail.com
In This Moment’s upcoming album “Godmode”, releasing Friday, October 27th via BMG, plunges listeners into a harrowing abyss of darkness and despair. A visceral and haunting masterpiece, it serves as a cathartic release of emotions that have festered during the lockdowns.
The band’s evolution may not have been as swift as some might have hoped, but as the saying goes, good things come to those who wait. Having listened to them since their debut album “Beautiful Tragedy” back in 2007, I can say I’ve loved the journey and the progression over the years. Having initially burst onto the scene with a metal-core sound, the band gradually transformed into a fusion of nu-metal and an almost industrial-tinged soundscape. This sonic metamorphosis culminated in 2020’s “Mother,” which showcased some of the band’s most impressive work to date.
“Godmode” takes a relentlessly heavy, dark and even progressive approach that propels the band into uncharted territories. With an unapologetic embrace of heaviness, some dark pop vibes, and experimentation, as well a shift into the inclusion of some time changes, In This Moment emerges heavier and more foreboding than ever before.
Maria Brink’s revelations about the album’s creation only intensify the sense of looming darkness. The extended timeline allowed the band to marinate in their own agony, and collaborating with producer Kane Churko added a layer of malevolence and new found depth to the project. “Godmode” manifests a profound and unsettling power, fueled by an unrelenting aggression that seeps through every track.
This album doesn’t just depart from the band’s previous works; it plummets into the abyss of their most haunting and nightmarish visions. “Godmode” is a chilling and intense descent through the darkest corners of their artistry, promising a listening experience that will leave you both unnerved and transfixed. Another interesting point is the addition of an 8-string for the first time ever and different tunings, which adds an incredible depth to the work as well. With these elements in play, “Godmode” has the potential to become a nightmare-inducing opus, one that will haunt your psyche long after the final notes fade into silence.
“Godmode” sets the stage and offers a more playful side to Maria’s vocals during the choruses, while entire verses hear visceral screams of release, while lead single “The Purge” easily set the stage for a descent into the shadows, putting Chris’s new programming into play, adding even more depth and darkness. This track sees a sarcastic aggression, being fed up with the chaos the world is plunged into.
Björk cover “Army Of Me” stands as an edgy and dark reinterpretation, evolving into a unique composition that transcends the label of a mere cover, while “Sacrifice” stands poised to deliver a profound emotional journey, drawing inspiration from the realms of Tool and Prodigy, promising a captivating exploration of catharsis.
More downtempo, yet equally powerful tracks like “Skyburner” boast achingly beautiful melodies, with Maria’s vocals floating above the soundscapes, memorable choruses and melodic hooks that keep you crawling back for more.
Songs such as “Sanctify Me” and “Everything Starts And Ends With You” bring a contemporary edge, graced with some of the most powerful riffs we’ve ever heard from ITM. Meanwhile, “Damaged” (featuring Spencer Charnas) offers a barrage of enormous hooks, a burst of intense vocals in the verses, and an astounding vocal synergy between Maria and Spencer, showcasing their incredible harmonies.
On the flip side, “Fate Bringer” introduces an element of destiny and inevitability into the narrative, with a darker pop ambiance that seems like the result of a unique collision between Lady Gaga and the world of metal.
Concluding this remarkable masterpiece is the powerful “I Would Die For You”. This hauntingly beautiful post-apocalyptic epic is a synthesis of the ethereal and transcendental. The intricate layering and meticulous arrangements on this track elevate the album to a profoundly impactful conclusion.
“Godmode” transcends the boundaries of conventional music, offering an other-worldly experience that extends far beyond mere auditory pleasure. In This Moment has consistently pushed the envelope with their innovative and distinctive sound throughout their career, but with this album, they have undoubtedly reached the pinnacle of their artistic expression.
Verdict: 4.5/5
Ethereal Metal 
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