English rockers Bring Me the Horizon return with a well-rounded single, “MANTRA,” which serves as the promo single from their new LP, ‘Amo.’

English rock band Bring Me the Horizon is back… with a “MANTRA.” “MANTRA” serves as the promo single for the band’s “emotional,” forthcoming album, Amo. The record features ‘in-your-face’ sounds from the onset. It’s boisterous, rhythmic, and set in a minor-key.  In the spirit of metal, metalcore, post-hardcore, and etc., that’s awesome.  Perhaps even more awesome is the playful, tortured lyricism throughout. Frontman Oli Sykes makes lots of references to religion, faith, spirituality, beginning at the top of the first verse.

“Do you wanna start a cult with me?
I’m not vibrating like I ought to be
I need a purpose, I can’t keep surfing
Through this existential misery.”

The second verse continues the tortured sentiment, as Sykes delivers a depressing, hypothetical scenario.

“Imagine you’re stood on a beach
Water gently lapping at your feet
But now you’re sinking, what were you thinking?
That’s all the time we have this week.”

Beyond the lyrics, focusing on the vocals themselves, Sykes sounds beastly.  Vocal production helps, but Sykes himself sounds awesome throughout. He exhibits coolness on the verses, contrasting with potent, powerful, whiny, upper register vocals on the chorus. Speaking of the chorus, it summarizes the sentiment of “MANTRA” – people never change, it’s the same old ideas and way of living.

“Before the truth will set you free, it’ll piss you off
Before you find a place to bee, you’re gonna lose the plot
Too late to tell you now, one ear and right out the other one
‘Cause all you ever do is chant the same old mantra.”

The bridge confirms religious contempt, atheism, and skepticism from the band. “All I’m asking for’s a little bit of faith / You know it’s easy to believe…” The change of pace on the bridge is a major selling point. The changes are both instrumental and vocal, with Sykes showing off some falsetto.

Final Thoughts 

As a person who isn’t familiar with the catalogue of Bring Me the Horizon, I was impressed with “MANTRA.” This is a single that’s got the rock/metal edge going for it, but also accessible enough to have success on the pop charts.  Is this longtime band likely to crack the top 40… Eh, it’s doubtful but, “MANTRA” has the potential to do so, for all of the greatness and various reasons aforementioned.

Bring Me the Horizon • MANTRA – Single • RCA • Release: 8.24.18

Photo Credit: RCA