Spiritbox’s latest EP, The Fear of Fear, deepens the unique soundscape they’ve built, weaving metalcore with melodic atmospheres. It follows their successful debut, Eternal Blue, honing in on the band’s versatility through a mix of heavy riffs and emotional depths. Each of the six songs navigates different shades of the band’s style, balancing aggression with melancholy to deliver a compact but varied experience.
The EP opens with Cellar Door, setting a dark, foreboding tone with Courtney LaPlante’s haunting vocal delivery, a powerful prelude to the intense instrumentation. Spiritbox’s signature balance is evident here, as heavy, djent-infused riffs are countered by moments of melodic openness. Fans of LaPlante’s ability to switch between gentle melodies and guttural screams won’t be disappointed, as she manages to switch effortlessly, particularly in Jaded and Ultraviolet. Both songs exhibit the band’s ability to bring aggression to their music while still allowing space for reflective, softer segments.
Angel Eyes and The Void further push Spiritbox’s genre-blending style. Angel Eyes is one of the EP’s heavier entries, packed with chugging guitars and intense breakdowns, satisfying listeners who gravitate toward Spiritbox’s more aggressive approach. Meanwhile, The Void adds depth by contrasting these heavier elements with an almost cinematic ambience that reinforces the EP’s theme of navigating inner turmoil and fear. The song’s mood resonates with listeners, blending metal with electronic elements, which opens the door to a broader, experimental sound for Spiritbox.
The highlight for many is Ultraviolet, which taps into the EP’s emotional core. Here, LaPlante’s vocals shine as she balances vulnerability with a raw edge. The track reveals Spiritbox’s talent for pairing introspective lyrics with dynamic soundscapes, creating a song that feels personal yet powerful. The carefully crafted production allows each element—from the thunderous drums to the ethereal backing vocals—to stand out, contributing to the track’s haunting, multi-layered experience.
Despite only being six songs, The Fear of Fear effectively expands Spiritbox’s range, showing how they can integrate genres like djent, metalcore, and atmospheric rock. While not everyone will favour the electronic flourishes in tracks like The Void, it’s clear that Spiritbox is exploring beyond the boundaries of traditional metalcore. This EP establishes them as a band willing to take risks, striving to blend the heavy and the melodic in ways that continue to surprise and captivate.
In summary, The Fear of Fear is a well-rounded exploration of Spiritbox’s sonic palette, offering fans a deeper look at their dynamic abilities. The EP is a bold step forward, refining the strengths of Eternal Blue while also daring to experiment with new textures and sounds. For both longtime fans and newcomers, this EP solidifies Spiritbox’s place within the progressive metal scene, marking them as one of the most compelling acts in modern metal.