Death By Admiration - Seventh Day Slumber

Album Review: Death By Admiration – Seventh Day Slumber

Release Date: January 28, 2022
Label: Rockfest Records
Format: Digital, Streaming
Key Themes: Addiction, heartbreak, redemption, spiritual warfare

1. Album Overview

Death By Admiration is a bold statement by Seventh Day Slumber, tackling raw emotional struggles with themes of heartbreak, spiritual resilience, and personal transformation. This 10-track album spans 35 minutes and features collaborations with The Word Alive (Death By Admiration) and Relent (Snake Mouth), adding a unique dynamic to the band’s modern Christian rock sound. The album is steeped in post-grunge tones with hard-hitting guitars and introspective lyrics, making it both a sonic and spiritual journey.

Score: 88/100 (Great)

2. Technical Mastery

• Instrumentation: The guitars are sharp and impactful, especially in tracks like Snake Mouth and Landmines, with heavy riffs that cut deep. The rhythm section complements the tone with precision, particularly in the driving beats of Fatal Love.
  Score: 85/100 (Great)

• Vocals: Joseph Rojas’ impassioned delivery is a central feature of the album. His gritty vocal style is particularly effective in emotionally charged tracks like What I've Become and Can't Say Sorry Enough. Guest features, like The Word Alive’s distinct vocal style, bring a refreshing variation.
  Score: 87/100 (Great)

• Audio Engineering: The production blends the band’s grunge-inspired roots with modern rock polish. Every instrument is crisp, and the vocal layers are masterfully woven into the mix, creating an immersive listening experience.
  Score: 86/100 (Great)

3. Artistic Depth

• Lyrical Analysis: The lyrics pull no punches, exploring heavy themes like addiction (Snake Mouth), regret (Can't Say Sorry Enough), and perseverance (Light The Way). Lines like, “I’m haunted by what I’ve become, but grace is stronger than my pain” (What I've Become) highlight the album’s central message of redemption.
  Score: 89/100 (Great)

• Genre Innovation: While firmly rooted in Christian rock and post-grunge, the band incorporates elements of alternative metal and modern rock. The collaboration with Relent brings a subtle rap-rock edge to Snake Mouth, giving the track a standout character.
  Score: 84/100 (Good)

• Cohesion: Despite its thematic variety, the album maintains a cohesive sound and narrative. The transitions between tracks feel purposeful, particularly moving from the heavier Halos to the introspective ballad Can't Say Sorry Enough.
  Score: 88/100 (Great)

4. Audience Appeal

• Replay Value: With its mix of anthems and emotional ballads, Death By Admiration has broad appeal. Songs like Landmines and Some Things Never Change balance accessibility with depth, ensuring the album remains engaging across multiple listens.
  Score: 86/100 (Great)

• Target Demographics: The album is a natural fit for fans of Christian rock, post-grunge, and alternative metal. Its introspective themes also resonate with listeners seeking music that addresses struggles like addiction, faith, and recovery.
  Score: 87/100 (Great)

5. Standout Moments

• Memorable Lyrics:

  • “Admired by the world, but dying inside.” (Death By Admiration)

  • “The lies I believed held me down, but I’m finally breaking free.” (Light The Way)

• Iconic Riffs/Solos: The opening riff of Halos is a sonic gut punch, while the guitar solo in Fatal Love demonstrates both technical skill and emotional resonance.

• Unique Production Effects: The layered vocal harmonies in Some Things Never Change give the song a reflective, almost hymnal quality, setting it apart from the heavier tracks.

6. Final Verdict

Death By Admiration is a powerful offering from Seventh Day Slumber, balancing heavy instrumentation with heartfelt lyrics. Its bold themes and engaging sound make it a standout release in the Christian rock genre. While it doesn’t stray too far from their established sound, the album’s guest features and production elevate it to new heights.

Overall Score: 87/100 (Great)

Qualitative Rating: A raw and redemptive rock album that resonates deeply.