Sensational new music from alt-metal band A Million Little Fires hits this season in the form of a highly-anticipated full-length album. Violent Halos is as conceptually profound and gritty as its title and artwork suggest, and the opening track alone sets the bar exceedingly high.
Somewhat blending new-metal, progressive, alternative-anthemic punk rock, Make Them Listen is an explosive new anthem, with distinct vocals and atmospheric to intense metal musicianship lighting up the space along the way. It’s an earworm, provocative and topical, and it feels incredibly poignant right now.
The unmistakable weight and pace of w.r.a.t.h follows, a familiar dose of angst and intensity akin to the renowned sound of A Million Little Fires. Then we move beautifully into the reflective poetry and warmer rock embrace of the lyrically fascinating, electronic-metal fusion of K(no)W. The humanity and heart of the project resounds, with a twist of something mainstream accessible to mildly soften the blow.
“What if the pain is too much..?”
Ten new tracks make up the album Violent Halos. Versatility is essential, but never at the cost of identity – A Million Little Fires maintain their creative voice every step of the way.
Sit still & wait is mighty, from Papa Roach to Rage, diversity rings loudly, but the song remains grounded amidst its story and confrontational, topical truth. The contrast between melody and distortion is a huge art of the appeal of the sound. Then we get the hugely evocative emotional depth of Drown in her HEART, another memorable dose of worthy songwriting and performative passion.
The songwriting is second to none throughout this alternative metal album. BROKEN pieces is unmistakable, dreamy and delicate, atmospheric and thoughtful, and perfectly well-placed to break down the volume and grit of the playlist. The fierce drop into Falling Back afterwards utilises juxtaposition perfectly – a forceful scream and outcry, with another catchy chorus of unity, and a tempo and tone that naturally raise the pulse.
Stylistically this album is a gem to let ring out in full, but conceptually there’s a lot to unpack – ideas and fragments, statements, moments; some of which are instantly accessible, and some of which shine with a little more clarity the second time around. The themes are important, and the vocals and musicality always connect to these – a genuine band, expressive and reactive in their artistry.
Cinema is another track that stands out, perhaps for its ambient softness and vulnerability, but also for the immense drop into the pace and power of the hook. It’s a boldly satisfying song, but also a lyrically fascinating, original one – traits the band intertwine consistently well.
For Bury all my Sins, AMLF get truly introspective and relatable in their pain and longing – an emotional journey that’s hypnotic and heartfelt; a personal favourite. Then to finish, Find Our Someday settles into a trippy production of hazy synths, tones, and intimate vocals, as we lean into the values of optimism, possibility, and positivity, to wrap up the halos side of this juxtaposed journey. The track is gentle then intense as ever, and the outcry feels piercingly authentic, deeply moving, and effectively like a crescendo conclusion to this journey.
The work of a real band, recognisable and intentional in their artistry – Violent Halos bridges the gap between heavy rock and relatable songwriting and tunefulness, and highlights the talent, unity, and power of A Million Little Fires, in taking on the modern scene with humanity, and skill.
Album Out Everywhere Now. Find A Million Little Fires on Instagram & their Website.
