Review
Issues' "Beautiful Oblivion" dropped on October 4, 2019, heralding a bold transformation in the band's sonic landscape. Diverging from their past, this album is their first without the raw power of Michael Bohn's vocals, pushing instead into a versatile blend of genres. This record fearlessly straddles the lines between nu metal and progressive metal, while threading through the intricate textural waves of neo-soul, R&B, funk, electronica, and pop.
With the unclean vocal reins handed to guitarist AJ Rebollo, the screaming is dialed back, letting the polished production by Howard Benson take the helm. Fans will feel the pulse of heavy, chugging guitars and downtuned riffs weaving a melodic djent tapestry. Despite criticisms of repetitive choruses leading some tracks into a lull, the album's cohesive blend of experimentation and musical prowess is undeniable. Tracks like "Tapping Out," "Drink About It," and "Flexin'" not only showcase their catchy hooks but also cement their heavy-hitting essence. "Beautiful Oblivion" is a testament to Issues' brave foray into uncharted musical territories, making it an engaging journey for both new listeners and seasoned fans. - Dante