Description
Only Living Witness – Innocents – Cassette
Released in 1996, Only Living Witness’s Innocents is the second and final album by the Boston-based metal and hardcore band, showcasing a unique blend of heavy riffs, melodic vocals, and an intense, introspective approach to lyrics. Known for combining elements of grunge, alternative metal, and hardcore punk, Only Living Witness carved out a distinctive sound that was heavy yet melodic, aggressive yet introspective. Innocents marked the peak of their creativity, blending raw power with thought-provoking themes and tight, complex musicianship.
Fronted by the unique vocal style of Jonah Jenkins, Innocents is a journey through darker emotions and philosophical reflection, touching on themes of isolation, resilience, and personal struggle. This album highlights the band’s ability to transcend genres, making it a favorite among fans of alternative metal, hardcore, and grunge who appreciate both intensity and melodic depth.
The sound of Innocents combines the power of hardcore with the melodic sensibilities of grunge and alternative metal, with dense guitar riffs, complex drumming, and emotionally charged vocals. The production balances the rawness of hardcore with a refined, atmospheric sound that complements the album’s introspective tone.
Guitarist Craig Silverman brings driving riffs and melodic leads, blending the heaviness of metal with the emotional weight of grunge. The guitar work is dynamic, ranging from aggressive power chords to more nuanced, atmospheric passages that add depth to each track.
Jenkins’ vocal style is a defining element of Innocents, with a voice that moves seamlessly from melodic crooning to intense, shouted passages. His delivery is emotional and sincere, capturing the themes of struggle and resilience in a way that feels personal and relatable.
Drummer Eric Stevenson and bassist Roy Costa create a tight rhythm section that adds weight and depth to the songs. Stevenson’s drumming is both powerful and intricate, and Costa’s basslines add a grounding intensity that complements the guitar work.
Innocents is lyrically rich, addressing themes of isolation, introspection, and the complexities of human resilience. Jenkins’ lyrics delve into personal and philosophical issues, often exploring the tension between vulnerability and strength, creating a deeply resonant experience.
Several tracks touch on themes of solitude and existential questioning, exploring the feelings of being an outsider or struggling with one’s inner conflicts. This sense of introspection adds a contemplative layer to the album, balancing the aggression of the music with a thoughtful, reflective quality.
Despite its darker themes, Innocents also conveys a message of resilience, capturing the inner strength needed to confront personal struggles. Tracks like ‘Strata’ and ‘December’ reveal a sense of endurance and resolve in the face of hardship.
Jenkins’ lyrics are both poetic and direct, capturing complex emotions with clarity. His storytelling weaves themes of hope, struggle, and redemption throughout the album, making it a journey through both the darker and lighter aspects of human experience.
Notable Tracks
‘Knew Her Gone’: This track opens the album with a powerful riff and Jenkins’ emotive vocals. The song deals with themes of loss and longing, set against a driving beat and a memorable chorus that encapsulates the album’s balance of heaviness and melody.
‘No Eden’: One of the album’s standout tracks, ‘No Eden’ combines intense instrumentation with melancholic lyrics. The song captures a sense of introspection and resilience, making it both a fan favorite and a defining piece of Innocents.
‘Strata’: This track features powerful guitar riffs and Jenkins’ compelling vocals, capturing themes of resilience and inner strength. The intensity of the music and lyrics create a cathartic listening experience, embodying the album’s mix of aggression and contemplation.
‘Deed’s Pride’: With its grungy feel and dynamic rhythm, ‘Deed’s Pride’ explores themes of identity and self-worth. The song’s lyrics and complex musical arrangement highlight the band’s ability to tackle personal themes within a heavy, energetic framework.
Innocents has become a cult classic within the alternative metal and hardcore scenes, praised for its unique blend of heavy and melodic elements. Although Only Living Witness disbanded shortly after the album’s release, Innocents has remained influential among fans of 90s alternative metal and post-hardcore music. The album’s introspective lyrics and intense sound have inspired later bands, particularly in the realms of alternative and metalcore.
While Only Living Witness may not have achieved mainstream success, Innocents is cherished for its emotional depth and its seamless blending of genres, serving as a testament to the band’s originality and the authenticity of their sound.
Innocents by Only Living Witness is a powerful album that stands out for its mix of heavy riffs, introspective lyrics, and melodic depth. With themes of isolation, resilience, and self-discovery, the album offers listeners a cathartic experience, resonating with those who appreciate music that balances aggression with emotional honesty.
For fans of alternative metal, grunge, and hardcore, Innocents is an essential listen, capturing a unique moment in the 90s metal scene. Its legacy as a thought-provoking, genre-blending album has endured, making Innocents a timeless piece of Only Living Witness’s powerful yet short-lived career.
Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic seal
Century Media Records
Track Listing
No Eden
Knew Her Gone
Deeds Pride
Placid Hill
Some Will Never Know
Strats
Hunk Crane
Down Pour
Total Fartiete Reverent
