Make Them Suffer - 'Make Them Suffer' - Album Review

In the fragile and uncertain reality of the modern metal world, a badly managed lineup change is capable of completely breaking up a band. On the other hand, a suitable and well-handled transition has the power to reinvigorate and open up exciting new chapters and opportunities which is definitely the case with Make Them Suffer. Come late 2022, The Aussie heavyhitters had already amassed plenty of experience and support, albeit with limited regional reach and fame, but it was Alex Reade's joining that sent ripples across the local scene and transformed the band into an international juggernaut almost overnight.

Two years ago, when news broke about Melbourne sweethearts Drown This City splitting up, it was hard to remain indifferent to the premature loss of such promising act, but even more so to the potential waste of Alex Reade's immense talent and stage presence. The last thing I want to do is undermine Booka Nile's role in Make Them Suffer's more recent past, deny her own qualities or delve into speculations surrounding her departure, but ultimately this seemed to be the case of perfect timing and planetary alignment leading to what was easily the most crucial line-up change across the metalcore scene in years.

The immediate result was a strikingly re-energised and uncontainable Make Them Suffer 2.0, embracing both their traditional deathcote roots and futuristic industrialised aspirations, and giving Reade full freedom over soaring backing vocals, maniacal screams and frantic keyboards, all culminating in the nuclear lead single 'Doomswitch'. Since that key release, Make Them Suffer have shared some of the most unforgettable keytard-fuelled metalcore ragers leading to the logical grand premiere of their self-titled album, a solid contender for 2024's Album Of The Year title, and a modern genre classic that is hard to ignore.

The initial reception of 'Doomswitch' was expectedly and overwhelmingly positive and the rest is history. The Perth quintet followed up in style with 'Ghost Of Me', their only release in 2023 but one that marked their crucial joining in the ever-expanding SharpTone Records family, a much more fitting label for their current focus. Following that, 2024 saw Make Them Suffer drop three more electrifying singles 'Epitaph', 'Oscillator' and 'Mana God' to completely seal the fate of their upcoming record to change the game for them and for the genre. Nothing against How To Survive A Funeral (2020) but for all its many positives, the album did not add that much to the table and felt a bit predictable and flat at times, whereas Make Them Suffer is thrilling, purposeful and just so much better in every aspect.

The addition of Alex Reade marks an audible shift from their earlier, haunting, deathcore-ish piano foundation towards a much more futuristic, pulsating, synthesiser-led sound that feels considerably more organic to Make Them Suffer's energy, drive and future ambitions. Moreover, as a proven singer with fantastic range and charisma, Alex Reade adds a richer, fuller and much more diverse counterbalance to Sean Harmanis' signature growls. This natural vocal partnership leads to a truly outstanding band synergy that also translates perfectly into their supercharged live performances, and ultimately is essential for any modern metalcore outfit that wants to stand out from the crowd and leave a mark.

With all that in mind and two years of meticulous preparation, there is no surprise that Make Them Suffer was so heavily anticipated and is already receiving such favourable reviews. The intensity, drive and consistency across the entire LP are exemplary and almost unparalleled in recent years. Spanning over eleven thunderous teacks, there are no skips or missteps, not a sign of hesitation or doubt, but a striking display of confidence and deliberation. From the turbulent intro of 'The Warning' and 'Weaponized' through all familiar ragers and new arena anthems, all the way to the relentlessly djenty closing pair of 'Tether' and 'Small Town Syndrome', it is a no-bs, right-in-your-face record that ticks absolutely all of the boxes for any electronic-led modern metalcore connoisseur.

Make Them Suffer's new label profile introduces them as "A band fluent in endurance and innovation, thriving against varying states of flux for over a decade, it’s in 2024 that Make Them Suffer arrive at their most galvanised era to date." and this is arguably the best way to describe the reinvigorated and recharged band that two years ago reemerged from the growing shadows of potential mediocrity and glooming resolution, to start anew with truly uncontainable force and purpose. This is Make Them Suffer 2.0 - harder, better, faster, stronger in every aspect and ready to occupy the top of the modern Australian scene.

Make Them Suffer - 'Make Them Suffer'

Country: Australia

Released: 8 November 2024

Label: SharpTone Records

Tracklisting:

1. The Warning

2. Weaponized

3. Oscillator

4. Doomswitch

5. Mana God

6. Epitaph

7. No Hard Feelings

8. Venusian Blues

9. Ghost Of Me

10. Tether

11. Small Town Syndrome