Even with four albums to their name, The Birthday Massacre have always been good at holding true to a theme. Each member has a distinct look that unites the group as a whole, each album’s songs feature subject matter and instrumentals that combine to form a definitively dark sound, and even the artwork on each CD cover accurately represents the musical package inside.

Scheduled to be released October 9th, 2012, The Birthday Massacre’s fifth album, “Hide and Seek,” takes the themes of childhood innocence, loneliness, and emotional exploration one step further into darker territory.

Although old fans will be delighted by the tried and true signature synth and metal blend, “Hide and Seek’s” overall character and depth are what set it apart from previous TBM records.

Tracks like “Cover My Eyes,” “The Long Way Home,” and “In This Moment” play as gloomy, metal lullabies. While this is not necessarily unfamiliar territory for a TBM record, the songs come across as far darker and more mysterious, calling to mind images of wandering, being lost in unfamiliar territory, and nostalgia of the past.

While “Hide and Seek” is synth heavy in nature like all TBM records, a handful of upbeat, guitar-heavy tracks do manage to stand out. Whether it’s the screaming vocals on “Down” or the lively and animated intro of “One Promise,” fans will be sure to appreciate the balance they bring to “Hide and Seek’s” emotional spectrum.

Overall, “Hide and Seek’s” lyrics and vocals are intense yet soothing and the instrumentals are fun, grindy, and unapologetic. The album manages to delve deeper into the emotional realm without straying from that undeniably synthrock-y metal experience that is listening to a Birthday Massacre record.

The Birthday Massacre will be embarking on a North American tour at the end of October to promote “Hide and Seek.” William Control and Aesthetic Perfection are slated as supporting artists.

(Source: examiner.com)