Description
Sikth – The Future in Whose Eyes? – 180 Gram Splatter Vinyl Record
The Future in Whose Eyes? is the third studio album by British progressive metal band Sikth, released on June 2, 2017, through Millennium Night. Known as pioneers of the ‘djent’ and technical metal scenes, Sikth are celebrated for their complex compositions, intricate guitar work, and frenetic vocal delivery. This album marked their first full-length release since their 2006 album Death of a Dead Day, and it introduced vocalist Joe Rosser alongside original vocalist Mikee Goodman, adding a fresh dynamic to the band’s sound. The Future in Whose Eyes? combines Sikth’s signature technicality and aggression with thought-provoking lyrics, exploring themes of human consciousness, technology, and existential questions about society’s direction.
After a decade-long hiatus, Sikth reunited in 2014 and began working on new material, resulting in the 2015 Opacities EP. Building on the momentum from Opacities, the band embarked on creating The Future in Whose Eyes?, their most ambitious work to date. Known for their influential role in the djent movement and progressive metalcore, Sikth took this album as an opportunity to push their sound forward, combining brutal riffs, melodic passages, and experimental interludes with an introspective edge.
Musically, the album is intense and technical, with rapid shifts in tempo, intricate guitar lines, and complex rhythmic patterns. Goodman’s distinctive spoken-word style and Rosser’s melodic vocals create a dynamic interplay, enhancing the album’s narrative and emotional depth.
Key Tracks
‘Vivid’ – The opening track sets the tone with frenetic energy, combining complex riffs with Goodman’s unpredictable vocal delivery. The lyrics delve into societal issues, exploring themes of media manipulation and identity.
‘Century of the Narcissist?’ – One of the album’s standout tracks, this song criticizes self-obsession in the digital age. It features a catchy, melodic chorus from Rosser that contrasts with the harsh verses, capturing the album’s blend of heaviness and accessibility.
‘The Aura’ – This track has an eerie, atmospheric quality, with haunting melodies layered over the band’s intricate instrumentation. Goodman’s lyrics delve into questions of mortality and consciousness, adding a philosophical depth to the track.
‘Cracks of Light’ (feat. Periphery’s Spencer Sotelo) – Featuring guest vocals from Periphery’s Spencer Sotelo, this song explores vulnerability and mental struggle. Sotelo’s clean vocals add another dimension to the track, making it a high point on the album.
‘Golden Cufflinks’ – This song addresses issues of commercialism and the pressures of conformity, with relentless guitar riffs and a powerful vocal performance. The heavy instrumentation and raw vocal delivery make it one of the album’s most intense songs.
‘Weavers of Woe’ – One of the heavier tracks, “Weavers of Woe” combines aggressive guitar work with Goodman’s spoken-word sections. The lyrics are cryptic and dark, adding to the album’s existential and introspective themes.
‘Ride the Illusion’ – A high-energy track, ‘Ride the Illusion’ features dizzying guitar riffs and dynamic drumming. The lyrics challenge societal norms and question the structures that shape human experience.
‘When It Rains’ – This track closes the album with a powerful, emotional tone, featuring a blend of spoken-word sections and soaring vocals. It’s a reflective piece that brings together the album’s themes of uncertainty and inner struggle.
The Future in Whose Eyes? tackles complex themes, including the impact of technology on society, the rise of narcissism, and existential questions about identity and consciousness. Goodman’s lyrics are cryptic and metaphorical, encouraging listeners to question reality, societal structures, and their own beliefs. The album critiques social media culture, explores mental health struggles, and delves into humanity’s relationship with technology, all while maintaining Sikth’s chaotic, avant-garde style.
The production, handled by Forrester Savell, emphasizes the band’s technical precision and brings out the intensity of each track. The intricate guitar work and dense layers of sound are balanced with clean, melodic vocal sections, creating a contrast that highlights Sikth’s evolution.
The Future in Whose Eyes? received positive reviews from critics and fans, who praised Sikth’s ability to innovate within the progressive metal genre. The addition of Joe Rosser’s melodic vocals added a fresh dynamic to the band’s sound, broadening its appeal. Songs like ‘Century of the Narcissist?’ and ‘Cracks of Light’ became fan favorites, and the album was celebrated for its thematic depth and technical prowess.
As Sikth’s first full-length album after a decade-long hiatus, The Future in Whose Eyes? stands as a testament to the band’s impact on progressive and technical metal. The album’s blend of social critique, technical complexity, and innovative sound helped solidify Sikth’s legacy as pioneers of the djent movement and influential figures in modern metal. By exploring contemporary issues with thought-provoking lyrics and intricate compositions, The Future in Whose Eyes? remains a defining work in Sikth’s discography and a significant release in progressive metal.
Digital Download Inside
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Track Listing
Vivid
Century Of The Narcissist?
The Aura
This Ship Has Sailed
Weavers Of Woe
Cracks Of Light
Golden Cufflinks
The Moon’s Been Gone For Hours
Riddles Of Humanity
No Wishbones
Ride The Illusion
When It Rains
