SharpTone

Aussie metal within the past decade has approached levels of greatness and heaviness that other types of metal and grooviness haven’t touched. The balls-to-the-wall action reaches a perfect counterpoint with Make Them Suffer’s self-titled album. Between the emotional gravity and cyberpunk-esque approach to synths, it creates a perfect amalgamation of chaos and the roots of metalcore.

But to understand the inheritance of their evolution and the genre as a whole, we must take a direct and qualitative approach to the album and look track-by-track to see whether or not this album does hit.

“The Warning”- 4

The prelude of the album establishes the latter production within synth work. Between the groove-oriented bass and drum work, it puts a metaphorical cherry on top with the cyberpunk style of the electronics.

“Weaponized” – 5

This song punches you in the face with the technological build-up into the heavy and rhythmic riffs from Nick McLernon. On top of that, the melodic choruses ebb and flow throughout the chorus. I like the thematic style of this album, with the whole idea of Moore’s law being a basis for a commentary on mental health. It also sets the stylistic sound of the record with an apogee of cyberpunk, hardcore, and metalcore.

“Oscillator” – 3

This is probably the weakest single out of the four due to its flawed approach to hardcore songwriting. With the lack of hooks and pretty vanilla riff work, it just never really hit me in the feels or even made me get a reaction. I think it lays a good foundation, and I’m sure there’s someone out there who likes it — or even gets it better than I do.

“Doomswitch” – 3

It’s the same problem with this track, where they took an idea, but for some reason, it just never really affected me like other songs (with the same concept) being executed well. I think it’s also the melodic approach with the choruses, which oddly sounds boring. Again, maybe I don’t understand it, and it’s just a progressive approach that others may take kindly to.

“Mana God” – 5

Speaking of the hardcore-punk approach, “Mana God” really fleshes that philosophy out with even more cybernetic synths and punchy nu-metal riffs. However, they change it up with time signature changes and chaotic riff-downs that hit right in the pocket. The full adrenaline rush of the track reminds me of newer Bring Me the Horizon and masters Doomswitch and Oscillator.

“Epitaph” – 5

This song really transcends the metalcore genre with the return of the synths that create a precise groove. I love the usage of the bass being forwarded into the mixing and the guitar being used as a bass. I think it’s a really great mix-up of traditional metal and music production. The choruses have a nice melody with a diversion of the ear using lower chugging riff work.

“No Hard Feelings” – 4

MTS touches on a newer side of melodrama and melodic approaches within the track. It feels very 2000s with their more lucid-feeling melodies and instrumentation. It really felt like something off of Diamond Eyes, with clearer production. This also marks the turn to more explicit lyrical concepts of mental health.

“Venusian Blues” – 5

I absolutely love this song, with a more emotional take on the metalcore sound they convey throughout the rest of the album. The guitar in the mix feels oddly full and lingers on a doom or stoner metal presentation. I always really liked their heart-on-their-sleeve works from How to Survive a Funeral, and they perfectly convey it.

“Ghost of Me” – 5

Probably one of the best singles on the album, it’s a great combination of their well-established metalcore structure and a newer approach to the hardcore-punk sound, feeling like more atmospheric guitar work. I really like the emotion heard in Harmanis’ vocals, and the way he can carry a melody is so perfect.

“Tether” – 3

The second-to-last track is kind of forgettable, sounding too much like Venusian Blues or No Hard Feelings. I think if it were before those songs, it would have been fine. But since it comes after and there aren’t really any good hooks, it feels super empty. However, I’m sure someone would dig this song if it were the first track they listened to.

“Small Town Syndrome” – 5

What a strong closer, with its in-your-face attitude and the lyrics being super creative. Instrumentally, it combines elements from Weaponized and Mana God to create this fast-paced, almost nu-metalcore sound that is instantly filled with energy. Lyrically, it’s super unique, creating a violent take on the whole “get me out of this small town” narrative, crafting a twisted industrial aesthetic.

Usually, bands will end an album with a more arena-esque sound to create a nice sense of satisfaction, but this is perfect and allows for a reminder that they aren’t done making music.

Final thoughts

Overall, this record combines a lot of elements I love and recreates the wheel on a lot of tired concepts. It’s because of this that I stand on business to say this is the metalcore album of 2024. I’m super excited to see what they conceptually do after this — whether they return to the nice symphonic sound of How to Survive a Funeral or come back with more gym playlist material.