March has been a pretty good month for metalcore. One week after the release of Killswitch Engage's long-awaited "Incarnate," The Word Alive puts out another great effort with "Dark Matter."

Going on a stride after changing directions with 2014's "REAL," it's clear that these guys are writing what makes them happy. I've been following these guys since their early days with 2008's "Empire" EP, and I've been a fan since my middle school days. They're one of the bands that really got me into metal as a whole, so it's great to see them mature over the years in terms of songwriting — however, you may not feel the same way if you're not familiar with their sound. Their discography has had some stylistic changes from album to album, and how you feel about "Dark Matter" may depend on which album you feel more drawn to.

"And look me in the eyes, can you see your lies?
Tell me you don't remember the son that you left behind.
Look into these eyes, I hope you always remember
that you were the sacrifice, that gave me a better life."

(Track 3 — "Face to Face")

In terms of lyrical value, this has got to be their darkest album — hence the reason it's titled "Dark Matter." Yet simultaneously it has a wildly uplifting and cathartic sound to it, possibly due to the majority of vocals being melodic rather than unclean — the style that began on their previous release. The album deals with themes of self-acceptance and inner conflict, but remaining positive through it all.

"You'll never be more than what they say
unless you stand and face the hate.
Always aware of where you came
Lead those around you unafraid."

(Track — "Insane")

The focus on this album seems to be vocalist Tyler "Telle" Smith's astounding aptitude for seamlessly transitioning between melodic singing and hellish screams over catchy hooks. The amount of passion and heart he poured into this album is tangible. However, the dual guitar work of Tony Pizzuti and Zack Hansen is still ever-present with crunchy riffs and pounding breakdowns, with the occasional guitar solo that's sure to tug at a heart-string or two. Daniel Shapiro still holds down the low end with bass, and Luke Holland is tearing it up behind the kit with some funky grooves — no less would be expected of the rhythm section.

One of the things I loved the most — and wish there could have been more of — was the presence of synth and electronic sections. They really only appear at the beginning of some of the tracks, with a subtle string section laid over a chorus here and there — an element more prominent on "REAL."

"There's nothing left but emptiness,
when you realize what you could have been.
Kept searching for the right moment,
when you just have to live in it."

(Track 1 — "Dreamer")

I really have to admit this is an album I thoroughly enjoyed from start to finish — I can't find any major problems with it. It's a step up from "REAL." because the more positive songs on that album that paved the way for this entire record have been given a "edge" to them. The only other thing that would have made this album perfect in my eyes would have been Tyler Smith's unclean vocals. The unclean vocals on this album are all mid- to high range, as opposed to "REAL.," where there was a good blend of screams and growls all across his range, adding to the overall atmosphere and depth of the sound. Now this isn't up to me — it's just my humble two cents, I actually have a huge amount of respect for Tyler Smith; I look up to him. Telle can use whatever range he wants, and the album wasn't produced by the same team that did their previous release. It doesn't have to sound the same.

"These are my last days cause hell has been calling for me!
Why am I crazy? Why am I crazy?
I am a disease and hell has been calling for me!
Why am I crazy? Why am I crazy?"

(Track 11 — "Dark Matter")

Either way, I'm content though. I really do love this album; it channels the melodic vibes you get from Killswitch Engage with some classic "The Word Alive," some old school grunge-style riffs and newer sonic elements similar to the Nu Metal direction that post-hardcore band Of Mice & Men has gone in.

The songwriting on this album is definitely what makes it a powerhouse, but some of the finer details from their last album would have been icing on the cake here. "Dark Matter" is so close to being perfect, but I can put that aside and still love it more than anything The Word Alive has put out so far.

I'd give it a 9/10 — a very strong 9.