Album Review: The Acacia Strain – Step Into The Light

Keeping Metal Brutal

The Acacia Strain is a metalcore band from Chicopee, Massachusetts that was formed in 2001. They are known for their aggressive, heavy sound and dark lyrical themes. Their latest album, Step Into The Light, was released in May 2023, and it continues their tradition of delivering brutal, uncompromising music that will satisfy fans of the genre.

The album starts off with the track “FLOURISHING,” which immediately establishes the band’s signature sound. The guitar riffs are heavy and relentless, the drums are thunderous and the vocals are harsh and intense. The song is a great opener, setting the tone for what’s to come on the rest of the album.

One of the standout tracks on Step Into The Light is “CHAIN,” which features guest vocals from Jacob Lilly of Chamber. The song starts off swinging, in no time it launches you into a barrage of crushing riffs and guttural screams. The breakdown towards the end of the song is particularly brutal, with chugging guitars and pounding drums that will make you want to start a mosh pit in your living room.

Another highlight of the album is “FRESH BONES,” which was the first single released from the album. The song has a catchy, almost groovy riff that will get stuck in your head, and the chorus is surprisingly melodic for a band known for their heavy sound. The lyrics are also particularly poignant, with vocalist Vincent Bennett addressing his struggles with mental health and the importance of seeking help when you need it.

Overall, Step Into The Light is a strong addition to The Acacia Strain’s discography. While it doesn’t necessarily break any new ground for the band, it delivers exactly what fans of the genre have come to expect from them: heavy, aggressive music that will leave you feeling like you’ve been punched in the face. The band’s songwriting has also matured over the years, with more emphasis on melody and lyrics that tackle important issues like mental health and self-worth.

If you’re a fan of metalcore or heavy music in general, Step Into The Light is definitely worth checking out. It’s an album that demands to be played at maximum volume, and will leave you feeling energized and ready to take on the world.