Common Suffering Explained

Common Suffering
Type:studio
Artist:Harm's Way
Cover:Harm's Way - Common Suffering.png
Studio:Studio 4, Pennsylvania
Genre:Metalcore, industrial metal
Length:34:47
Label:Metal Blade
Producer:Will Yip
Prev Title:Posthuman
Prev Year:2018

Common Suffering is the fifth studio album by American hardcore band Harm's Way. It was released on September 29, 2023, through Metal Blade, as their first studio release in nearly five years.

Background and singles

The record was produced by Will Yip at Studio 4 in Pennsylvania[1] and features a guest appearance by King Woman.[2] Thematically, the album explores personal struggles with mental health, relationships, politics, and corruption. Both "unrelenting brutality and quieter, reflective moments" act as mouthpieces for their topics.[3] According to the band, the album title is a nod to the previous three years of "chaos, misanthropy, paranoia, disorder, confusion and anxiety".[4] Guitarist Nick Gauthier revealed that the band did not want to "settle on parts" and double down on "too obvious" directions but instead worked on it until they became "creatively satisfied".[5]

On July 18, 2023, the band announced the album and released the opening track "Silent Wolf", which talks about a growing distrust in "governing bodies and systems of power in our current cultural climate".[6] On August 16, the band released the second single "Devour", a "pummeling whirlwind of blistering" about a toxic relationship and its aftermath.[7] An accompanying tour through North America was announced the same day, starting on October 18.[8] A third and final single "Undertow" featuring King Woman was released on September 7. The song looks at the "cycle of life and death" and the acceptance of the latter, as it brings people closer to "humility".[9]

Critical reception

Jeanette Grönecke of Metal.de thought the band had not intended to deliver a "concept album" or changed up their ways all that much but still got the message across through their "brute" signature style.[10]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Harm's Way – "Silent Wolf". Breihan. Tom. Stereogum. July 18, 2023. September 28, 2023.
  2. Web site: Harm's Way announce new LP 'Common Suffering,' share "Silent Wolf". Sacher. Andrew. BrooklynVegan. July 18, 2023. September 28, 2023.
  3. Web site: Harm's Way Take Stock of 'Common Suffering' on New Album. Slingerland. Calum. Exclaim!. July 18, 2023. September 28, 2023.
  4. Web site: Harm's Way's New Album, Common Suffering, Coming This September, First Single "Silent Wolf" Out Now. Keenan. Hesher. MetalSucks. July 18, 2023. September 28, 2023.
  5. Web site: Harm's Way Announce New Album, Unleash Lead Single "Silent Wolf": Stream. Hadusek. Jon. Consequence. July 18, 2023. September 28, 2023.
  6. Web site: Harm's Way Unveil New Album 'Common Suffering'. Rogers. Jack. Idobi Radio. July 18, 2023. September 28, 2023.
  7. Web site: Harm's Way announce headlining tour, drop brutal new song. Hartmann. Graham. Revolver. August 16, 2023. September 28, 2023.
  8. Web site: Harms Way level up creatively on 'Common Suffering'. Knotfest. September 27, 2023. September 28, 2023.
  9. Web site: Harm's Way – "Undertow" (Feat. King Woman). Brodsky. Rachel. Stereogum. September 7, 2023. September 28, 2023.
  10. Web site: Harm's Way - Common Suffering Review. Grönecke. Jeanette. Metal.de. September 22, 2023. September 28, 2023.

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