Knocked Loose - You Won't Go Before You're Supposed To - Album Review

I love heavy music, and while I know it isn't for everyone, I find it deeply compelling. The naunces, the raw, often unapologetically unfiltered emotions, and the technical prowess that is so often on display thrill me. I know lots of people miss that and that's fine.

This is especially true for Knocked Loose's latest album, "You Won't Go Before You're Supposed To." Following my review/retrospective on Nine Inch Nails' "The Downward Spiral," I felt inspired to delve into this release, even though its intensity might not be to everyone's taste. I may even branch out and write a few more album reviews, particualrly from the heavier end of the musical spectrum, if this proves to be a popular read.

About Knocked Loose

Knocked Loose is an American hardcore punk band formed in 2013 in Oldham County, Kentucky. The band consists of Bryan Garris (vocals), Isaac Hale (lead guitar, backing vocals), Kevin Otten (bass), Kevin "Pacsun" Kaine (drums), and Nicko Calderon (rhythm guitar, backing vocals). Their previous works include the debut album "Laugh Tracks" (2016), it's follow-up "A Different Shade of Blue" (2019), and the critically acclaimed EPs "Pop Culture" (2014), and"A Tear in the Fabric of Life" (2021).

About "You Won't Go Before You're Supposed To"

Released on May 10 through Pure Noise Records and produced by Drew Fulk, "You Won't Go Before You're Supposed To" marks Knocked Loose's third studio album. Whether classified as hardcore punk or metalcore, the band delivers quick bursts of rage-filled, cathartic noise with more twists and turns than a Formula One race track. The longest track on this 10-song album is under five minutes, yet it encapsulates some of the heaviest, most uncompromising, and intense new music I've heard this year. The title came from a conversation Garris, who suffers from a self-identified "borderline phobia of flying", during a rough flight. While battling his nerves as the plane took off, the woman beside him spoke to him and offered the phrase to reassure him.

The Review

Knocked Loose has embraced a more aggressive and unfiltered approach, unlike many heavy bands that soften their sound as they gain popularity. This album doesn't cater to mainstream tastes, which makes it particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate raw, powerful music. While their earlier works are often highlighted as the pinnacle of their creativity, this album solidifies their place in the hardcore scene, which has seen a resurgence over the past decade.

The album is devoid of ballads or truly soft moments. Even the quieter segments are unsettling and intense, adding to the tension. The closing track hints at a potential future expansion of their sound without compromising their core heaviness.

While many in the hardcore and metalcore scene that Knocked Loose easily fall into look to expand their sound by bringing lighter moments in, Knocked Loose are keen to do the opposite.

From the opening track "Thirst" to the menacing closer "Sit & Mourn," the album maintains a relentless pace. Standout tracks like "Blinding Faith," "Suffocate," and "Don't Reach for Me" are highlights that showcase the band's technical prowess and compositional intricacy. The guest vocals, Poppy's haunting screams and spoken parts on "Suffocate" and Chris Motionless's contributions on "Slaughterhouse 2," enhance rather than dilute the album's intensity. They also fit in nicely, which is often hard to achieve, as the guest spots on an album can overshadow proceedings.

Another highlight is the length - I love a good long and indulgent album, but Knocked Loose realise the importance of musical brevity in their form of brutal and uncompromising hardcore. The longest song on the album is still under the five minute mark and the total is less than 30 minutes. It never outstays its welcome and actually begs repeated listens, that reveal more layers each time.

Final Thoughts

Knocked Loose delivers a technically masterful, intensely engaging, and menacing set with "You Won't Go Before You're Supposed To." It's a must-listen for fans of interesting, intelligent, and uncompromising music. While many bands mellow by their third album, particularly after a mainstream-gatecrashing performance at Coachella in 2023, Knocked Loose has only increased the heaviness and darkness of their sound.

This album easily earns a 5/5 rating—it arrives, dominates, and leaves you breathless.

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Thanks for reading!

Author's Notes: Thought I'd branch out a little. May do more.