Review
Twenty One Pilots' *Trench*, released on October 5, 2018, is a remarkable journey into themes of mental health, suicide, doubt, and the struggle for control over one's insecurities. As the fifth studio album by this American musical duo, it is the follow-up to their successful album, *Blurryface*.
The band’s imagination runs wild in *Trench*, exploring a fictional universe centered around a city named "Dema" and ruled by nine "bishops". A character named "Nico" is a personification of Tyler Joseph's insecurities from the previous album. The narrative unfolds through the eyes of a group called the "Banditos", who aim to liberate the citizens of Dema from the oppressive bishops.
This album is a genre-blending extravaganza, merging alternative rock, alternative hip hop, pop rock, electronic rock, R&B, reggae, electropop, and rap rock. Tracks such as "Jumpsuit" and "Levitate" effortlessly mix hard rock and rap, while "Morph" is a true standout with its jazz, rock, rap, and reggae fusion. "My Blood" shines as an indie pop and rock song that highlights Joseph's vocal range, and tracks like "Neon Gravestones" and "Bandito" bring depth to the album with rap and piano-heavy ballads, respectively.
Critics around the world applauded *Trench* for its ambition and cohesive production, deeming it a more mature and fulfilling work compared to *Blurryface*. On Metacritic, it holds an impressive average score of 81, signifying "universal acclaim". Notable reviews came from publications like *Kerrang*, *NME*, and *AllMusic*, praising the album's personal and creative richness, and its ability to balance ambition with accessibility.
Commercially, *Trench* was a resounding success, hitting number one in various countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Spain, and the Netherlands. In the United States, it debuted at number two on the *Billboard* 200 chart and was later certified Platinum. The album's achievements solidified its standing as Twenty One Pilots' highest-charting album in several regions.
In conclusion, *Trench* stands as a testament to Twenty One Pilots' unyielding ability to create deeply personal and conceptually rich music. Its thematic depth, genre diversity, and well-crafted production make it a captivating listening experience. This album marks a significant milestone in the band's career, demonstrating their growth and maturity while keeping their emotional intensity alive and well. - Jasmine
