Spiritbox - Tsunami Sea (Album Review)

Spiritbox - Tsunami Sea
Released: March 7, 2025

Lineup

Courtney LaPlante // Vocals
Mike Stringer // Guitar
Josh Gilbert // Bass
Zev Rose // Drums

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It is extremely fitting that Spiritbox's second album Tsunami Sea arrives just as a tropical cyclone hits the East Coast of Australia.

In between searching for supplies after panic shoppers ransacked shelves and left little to no toilet paper for the rest of us, this album arrived in my inbox and I couldn't help but immerse myself before running headfirst into the storm with a new soundtrack to get me through. But where does this release stack up compared to the hype surrounding their 2021 debut album Eternal Blue? I guess we'll find out...

'Fata Morgana' kicks things off and an ominous cloud of despair overcomes me as we're lead up to Courtney LaPlante screaming her way back into our lives amidst husband Mike Stringer's signature djent strokes, both of which provide an eerie soundtrack for what's to follow. Almost mimicking the destructive force of a cyclone (hurricane for our US readers), the opener chops and changes from alluring soft sections and numbingly heavy parts that just invoke a sense of dread - but in a welcoming way. It's a fantastic way to commence the record and leads us directly into 'Black Rainbow' which wastes no time in setting us up for more chaos with industrial metal instrumentals, short and sharp screams and a robotic-vocal lead verse which finds Spiritbox treading new ground and honing in on their heavier qualities. LaPlante's up front screaming her lungs out as drummer Zev Rose keeps the momentum turned up to 11, and never ceases from start to climax.

For Spiritbox's elitist critics (you know, the ones that dislike the softer material), you'll be eating your words with this one as it's up there with some of their more brutal offerings in recent years (e.g. 'Angel Eyes' and 'Holy Roller'). However, if you swoon over softer songs, you'll be guided into 'Perfect Soul' with its palatable riffs and Courto's flawlessly enticing vocal display. Since the single dropped in November of last year, it's fast become a repeat offender in my personal playlists and is what I would refer to as "peak performance" Spiritbox at their absolute best. 'Keep Sweet' comes out swinging with riff-city Mike Stringer and another impeccable melodic performance from LaPlante - surrounded by backing beats and production sounds. That all comes to an abrupt end for the bridge when the screams return and we're ready to punch on with the nearest wall. There's a spotlight on blastbeats in the instrumental sections which really immerse you in the music and make you feel like you're riding - wait for it - a tsunami wave from start to finish.

'Soft Spine' still fucks. Whether you listen for the bouncy, mosh-inducing bass, the djent-filled scrapes, atmospheric synth or fierce Courtney unleashes hell upon those who wronged her, there's so much to love about this heavy-hitting anthem. I like to think the song was conceived following the fallout between Spiritbox and Falling In Reverse, but it really works for comparing it to any situation - especially a group of people who have wronged you. It won't be long before you're screaming "YOU ALL DESERVE EACH OTHER!", so stop what you're doing and go give it another spin out of principal. Literal waves guide us into title-track 'Tsunami Sea' which will have prog-metal appreciators in a choke-hold, and those who froth elegant sung vocals grabbing the nearest towel. Spiritbox are more than just Courtney and co, however it's hard to not focus on the voice of this outfit, and the sheer talent she has within her. Like a softly spoken figure, she guides your attention - once again - through waves of emotional outpouring which ebb and flow like the sea in a storm and at various moments, the rest of the band step up to showcase parts of their talents - especially some kick-ass fills from Mr Rose on the kit.

The only downfall of 'Tsunami Sea' is that some vocal parts sound a little too-overproduced, so I'm taking off half a point for that. The flowing waves from the intro greet us at the end and continues into 'A Haven With Two Faces' - proving this album needs to be listened to from start to finish in one sitting. At five and a half minutes, the longest song on the album has the difficult task of maintaining your attention, but by combining the enticing nature of their melodic attributes and the heaviness from their 'core influences, this job is completed with a precision and class that's leagues ahead of their last studio release; the end result catapulting the band into magnum opus levels by the commencement of the third act alone. Not once did I find my mind drifting which goes to show the power Spiritbox has over their captive audience.

'No Loss, No Love' harks back to the heavy and introduces spoke-word sections to the mix. To some, the jarring display of instrumental musicianship between Stringer, Gilbert and Rose makes this action-packed jam worthy of secondary spins, while the bellowing gutturals surrounding them grab you by the jugular and remind you how intense Spiritbox can get. 'Crystal Roses' leads us into EDM territory and finds the band swapping guitars and drums for synths and beats with synthesised vocals that edge on the side of being too-produced. If listened to on its own, you'd be forgiven for thinking it's another collab with a high profiled DJ (like their team-up with Illenium), but as part of this Tsunami Sea experience; it serves as a crossroads that departs from the metal influences and draws you back in for the slower tempo, alt-rock sounds of 'Ride The Wave'; a sexy LaPlante centric offering that builds upon itself towards an EPIC crescendo with signature screams and that PHAT djent riffage and basslines. I was almost ready to write this one off, but when that breakdown kicked in, I composed myself, closed my agape mouth and proceeded to swoon yet again over this band's ability to fool the listener into questioning their musical arrangements. They really are THAT band of our generation.

Spiritbox could really have let the album finish right there, but instead we're heading into overtime with one last rocker that ticks all the right boxes. Anthemic radio rock band vibes? Check. Palatable bouncy riffs with lashings of djent? Check. Courtney LaPlante absolutely soaring high with her delivery and bewitching vocals? Fucking Check. 'Deep End' is not quite the sombre album closer most bands choose to round out their latest collection of music with, but it certainly feels that way by the time the last few moments of its beautifully crafted instrumentals come to climax. The boys also get in on the backup vocal action and I can see this becoming a new fan fav at the band's live shows in future, especially as they rise towards those large scale venues and arenas. Seriously, you're in for a treat when you get to this song in particular - just let it sink into your soul and allow the goosebumps to overtake your body.

I am in awe. From the second we started covering Spiritbox, there was this profound hype surrounding them within the heavy/metal/core communities and since then, they've paved their own paths without following a specific formula, but instead releasing music that's personally their own with signature sounds that are instantly recognisable. The progression between Eternal Blue and Tsunami Sea needs to be noted; it's almost as if we've seen the band jump leagues ahead of their own talent and come out the other side confident in their material, and more importantly, the direction they're embarking on. To some, those signature djent riffs may come across as stale and overused; but for the true fans, they've simply evolved into a beacon of recognition which helps you identify the group - while their evolution and progression successfully introduces other musical elements to the mix.

There is a reason Spiritbox have inspired a generation of imitations and other bands undoubtedly being influenced by their talent; but at the end of the day there can only be one Spiritbox, and this album shows you why they're one of the best new bands on the planet right now.

Rating: 9.5/10
Tsunami Sea is out March 7, 2025 via Pale Chord/Rise Records. Pre-order here.
Review by Paul 'Browny' Brown @brownypaul