“Fine, maybe I’ll pretend right now // But I swear to God I’m gonna change the world // I promise you // Someday we’ll tell ourselves ‘Oh my God this is paradise!’”

On July 17th, post-hardcore quartet Pierce the Veil released their newest album, Collide With The Sky. While it still stays true to the band’s tried and true blend of pop, hardcore, and post-hardcore aesthetics, it also features some pretty big stylistic departures from their previous releases.

The first track of the album is more of an introduction (don’t turn your cross-fade off or you won’t get the full effect of the transition into the second track) with eerie background noise, transitioning into a blindingly fast guitar riff. The band’s trademark technical riffs and driving drum beats are still there, but with a somewhat heavier, more aggressive edge. This heavier side of Pierce the Veil is showcased throughout the album, and even manifests itself in an interesting breakdown in “King For a Day.” Maybe touring with so many heavy bands rubbed off on them at some point?

Collide With the Sky is not by any means a hardcore album of course. Vic’s high voice weaves in and out of layered harmonies and instrumentals throughout the album, creating a full and unique sound that the band has perfected through the years. Their latest release seems like a natural, albeit aggressive progression from their 2010 release Selfish Machines. It also features guest vocals from Kellin Quinn (Sleeping with Sirens), Jason Aalon Butler (Letlive.), and Lindsey Stamey (Oh No Fiasco) on three tracks. The album as a whole features very technical, fast paced instrumentals that occasionally sound like ghosts of PTV’s former band, Before Today.

Lyrically, Collide with the Sky is a new high point for the band. Though never one to shy away from metaphors, singer Vic Fuentes pours his soul out in a more straightforward way than on previous albums. He sings of love, partying, and the heartbreaks that occur as you grow older and wearier of the world. It’s relatable to pretty much anyone, and it’s catchy to boot.

The two stand out tracks on the album, aside from the previous released singles (“Bulls in the Bronx” and “King for a Day”) are definitely “Tangles in the Great Escape” (feat. Jason Aalon Butler) and “Hold on Till May” (feat. Lindsey Stamey). “Tangles in the Great Escape” is an interesting take on the band’s music, featuring the raw emotional voice of Butler. In a way, it blends the styles of both Pierce the Veil and Letlive. Into a listenable, yet very unique blend of soulful, gospel-like post-hardcore. “Hold On Till May” is another song that is just easy to listen to. With romantic lyrics, and soaring instrumentals, it’s sure to be a new fan favorite.

Overall, Pierce The Veil has reached a new high point as a band. Though Collide With the Sky features a few stylistic departures from what fans are used to, it’s done in such a sophisticated way that it’s sure to win over new fans as well. Check it out if you’re a fan of older Pierce the Veil, Sleeping With Sirens, or Letlive.