Sienna SkiesA Darker Shade Of Truth

Sienna Skies should be a familiar name to most. 10 years into their career and a replaced singer, they’re set to drop their fourth record A Darker Shade of Truth. It’s one of their strongest offerings to date though, and that’s thanks to vocalist Thomas Pirozzi’s willingness to move outside fan’s expectations. However it’s not without its failings. The instrumentation throughout A Darker Shade of Truth isn’t too far removed from the usual metalcore tropes. Some tracks like Clear Eyes, Full Hearts still seem lost in the 2006 era and the same breakdown double kick and strum patterns are present.

It’s one of their strongest offerings to date though, and that’s thanks to vocalist Thomas Pirozzi’s willingness to move outside fan’s expectations.

But the vocals are varied enough to make them seem slightly fresh and make for an enjoyable listen, particularly on Divided. The synths and effects aren’t overdone which can be an easy trap. For fans of metalcore though, A Darker Shade of Truth will more than satisfy. There are elements of The Ghost Inside on Corporate Cross, and the higher pitched vocals are more than welcome. It’s hard to innovate in the metalcore genre and there are hints that Sienna Skies are willing to make an attempt. A Darker Shade of Truth is an enjoyable run-through and it’s admirable that Sienna Skies are still continuing to provide their fans with new material. If genre kings The Amity Affliction had thrown out a record like this they might not have weathered so much criticism. Based off that, maybe it’s time to give Sienna Skies another chance.

Standout Tracks: Quarterlife, Divided, Palliative
Stick this next to: The Amity Affliction, Blessthefall, Dream On Dreamer