Confessions of a Traitor: Confessing the Truth Posted September 14, 2022 By RyanAdams_NRT, Staff Reviewer
What You Need To Know
Punishing Myself Before God Does is the debut studio album from Confessions of a Traitor (C.O.A.T.). The United Kingdom-based metalcore band has been hard at work making "aggressive music for positive people" (their slogan) for the last few years. In 2022, they signed with Facedown Records to release this record. Previously, their music was available on streaming services as well as the artist-supporting platform Bandcamp.
What It Sounds Like
The new album plays to the band's strengths and shows noticeable growth. Musically, Confessions of a Traitor are a metalcore band through and through. With producer Andrew Wade (Wage War, A Day to Remember) at the helm, their sound is dynamic.
Most of the lyrics are screamed by lead singer Stephen MacConville with incredible range and ferocity. Most choruses are backed by two backing vocalists, making gang vocals a strong aspect. Fans of modern metalcore will love this record.
Spiritual Highlights
Facedown Records says that Confessions of a Traitor "wears their hearts on their sleeves." This is especially true in their songwriting. The band's passion for positive and eternal change is evident throughout the album. The album's main concept revolves around mental health, from anxiety and grief to depression and more.
Songs like the title track and "Heart of Stone" tackles struggles of self-worth in light of eternity. "Lovecraft" proclaims a powerful truth "What we do in life echoes in eternity." Some songs are more positive in theme, like "Peacekeeper," where they claim, "We rise by lifting others/If you're going through hell/keep going." Culminating in the closing track, "TVA," the band calls for us to live life at the moment and treat every day like a deadline.
Best Song Punishing Myself Before God Does presents some of the band's best music thus far. The guest feature of Brian Wille from metalcore band Currents was a great addition to the single "Forever Hollow." Certain songs explore certain experiences in further detail. "To Care For Those Who Cared For Us" goes into the struggles of grief. "Forever Hollow" tackles the feeling of apathy and calls for change.
The best song that exemplifies the band's mission is "Peacekeeper." It carries the musical heaviness that Confessions of a Traitor holds strongly plus the positivity empowering the listener. Lyrically, it is also a prayer to God of honest reflection, saying "God, I need to heal/I need to feel/I’ve put myself through hell." This is a true gem for metal fans.
Confessions of a Traitor takes us through a journey of metalcore excellence and injects positivity into the relatable struggles we go through. Facedown Records brings out the best in the band, from the unique style of singing, the intense breakdowns, to the impressive vocals. Metal fans will enjoy what they hear, but if they listen, the hopeful truths found within will encourage them.
In previous music released independently, a softer, more melodic track has been present, which is absent this time. I think they could have benefitted from having a break from the unrelenting heaviness. Nevertheless, this is Confessions of a Traitor's best music yet and their future is exciting to anticipate.
