Spiritbox has been making waves (no pun intended) in the metal scene for some time now, steadily rising to new heights. With a recent massive show at Alexandra Place and the release of their new full-length Tsunami Sea, the question is: are they about to break through the stratosphere, or are they in danger of being dragged under by their own success?
Let’s start with a seemingly random yet surprisingly relevant tangent—bear with me. In the late ’70s and especially into the ’80s, the term “arena rock” emerged to describe the more commercially popular rock bands of the time—bands like Journey, Foreigner, and Van Halen. These were the bands that dominated the airwaves and defined an era. Their music wasn’t just for die-hard rock fans; it was for everyone. It was massive, anthemic, and, most importantly, accessible without losing its edge. Fast forward to today, and we’re seeing a similar shift in heavy music. Arena Metal is slowly but surely becoming its own force, led by bands like Bring Me The Horizon, Architects, and now Spiritbox, with Tsunami Sea serving as their full-throttle entry into this new wave.
The new album is more than just a statement—it’s a tidal wave of sound and emotion, showcasing the band at their most refined and ferocious. The opener, “Fata Morgana,” sets the tone for the entire album, and it feels like a mission statement for the band as a whole. Frontwoman Courtney LePlante delivers an extraordinary performance, seamlessly switching from ferocious screams to hauntingly beautiful, light vocals. The contrast has never been so pronounced or so beautiful.
Rather than break down each song, I’ll say this: Tsunami Sea flows seamlessly from track to track. I’m no ethnomusicology expert, but the album’s title fits perfectly. Listening to it feels like floating on a tumultuous sea, with huge waves of vocals and crushing riffs overwhelming you one moment before soft, beautiful moments of calm wash over you, only to build back up again and crush you once more.
There are a few standout tracks worth highlighting. “Soft Spine,” the first single, is an unrelenting piece that channels pure anger without ever feeling overblown or forced. Another standout is “No Loss, No Love,” the third single, which is the heaviest track on the album. It features spoken-word sections that lead into some of the most powerful vocals from LePlante to date—almost reminiscent of her work in Iwrestledabearonce.
The album closer, “Deep End,” is another standout. Moving away from the relentless heaviness of the earlier tracks, it showcases LePlante’s stunning vocal range and emotional depth. Dedicated to the late bassist of the band, this one feels especially poignant, and I can see it becoming a regular closer for their live sets in the years to come.
That said, Tsunami Sea isn’t without its missteps. “Crystal Rose,” for instance, feels like it’s trying a little too hard to channel Pendulum. While I love both bands, I don’t need Spiritbox to sound like someone else. The electronic elements work in some places, but this track leans too heavily into a drum-and-bass vibe, losing some of the raw, emotional weight that makes the rest of the album so impactful.
Still, minor hiccups aside, Tsunami Sea is a testament to how far Spiritbox has come—and just how much further they can go. This isn’t just another great metal album; it’s a defining moment for modern heavy music, proving that arena metal is here to stay. If Spiritbox keeps this momentum, they could very well be the next genre-defining band of our time.
Go check it out here
Spiritbox Announce North American Tour – Tix here
