Born of Osiris’ new record, Through Shadows, is a bold, emotionally resonant return for a band that’s always balanced technical prowess with thematic ambition. This album reasserts their place in the progressive metalcore scene while pushing deeper into more introspective and melodic territory. It’s not just another display of virtuosic riffing and synthetic textures; it’s a thematically driven experience rooted in the contrast between light and darkness, aggression and beauty, collapse and rebirth. There are still djent-heavy riffs and laser-sharp electronics, sure, but they serve the bigger emotional arc rather than just showing off.
From the opening tracks, “Seppuku” and “Elevate”, the album feels urgent, erupting with the kind of precision riffing and layered electronics that have long defined their sound. Still brutal, still fast, but structured in a way that prioritizes mood and message over sheer force. The guitar work of Nick Rossi and Lee McKinney is intricate and mechanical, weaving through the polyrhythmic drum patterns of Cameron Losch and underpinned by the band’s signature keyboard flourishes. Yet the production allows every layer to speak clearly, revealing a maturity in an arrangement that suggests a band is deeply aware of its strengths.
The title track, “Through Shadows”, serves as a thematic spine, encapsulating the tension between despair and determination. It’s not just a showcase of musicianship, but also a reflection on the internal battles that push people forward. This recurring motif binds the album’s disparate sonic elements together; even in the most blistering passages, there’s a sense of catharsis rather than nihilism. In that sense, it shares spiritual ground with Northlane’s “Alien”, though Born of Osiris is less dystopian and more philosophical, searching for meaning rather than warning of its absence.
Vocally, the album takes some risks. Ronnie Canizaro’s harsh vocals remain dominant, but the clean sections feel far less ornamental than on previous records. This duality is most effective when paired with dynamic instrumental shifts: tracks like “Torchbearer”, “A Mind Short Circuiting”, and “Transcendence” showcase a band stretching the boundaries of their sound, layering dissonance with atmospheric breaks and embedding philosophical reflections within crushing breakdowns with surprising grace. These songs don’t just follow a linear structure; they evolve, often unpredictably, creating a sense of movement that mirrors the album’s central themes. These moments of clarity give the album breathing room, offering the listener emotional access points without compromising the overall intensity.
Another standout is “Activated”, which features Spencer Chamberlain of Underoath. It breaks from the album’s heavy, dark tone with a catchy clean chorus, synth layers, and even a saxophone solo. While some fans may find it too polished or pop-leaning, its energy and boldness make it memorable. With “Dark Fable”, the album reasserts its darker, more electronic identity. This is one of the most layered tracks on the album, with synth textures that border on cyberpunk. The lyrics draw on mythical imagery but remain grounded in emotional truth. The band seems particularly adept at marrying fantasy and pain, using the language of myth to speak about very real human anxieties.
But let’s be honest: Through Shadows isn’t perfect. Some choruses do fall a little flat, especially when compared to the sheer sonic weight of the verses. Certain tracks, such as “The War That You Are”, “Inverno”, and “In Desolation” edge toward predictability and struggle to land emotionally, like they’re following a well-worn formula rather than breaking new ground. And fans who fell in love with the relentless, hyper-complex chaos of The New Reign might find this record a bit too tempered, too measured. There’s also a tension between the album’s melodic aspirations and its metalcore roots; a push-and-pull that doesn’t always resolve neatly. However, these shortcomings don’t derail the listening experience, but they underscore the risks the band is willing to take in pursuit of growth. Still, I think that’s the point. This is Born of Osiris stepping into a more intentional creative space. They’ve always had the chops, but now they’re wielding them with more emotional clarity. There are moments on this album that feel genuinely earned, and that’s not something I say lightly about a band once known primarily for technical excess.
That said, by the time the album reaches its closer, “Blackwater”, there’s a sense of culmination, both musically and emotionally. The track doesn’t end with a bang, but with a reflection, almost like the final exhale after a long, turbulent internal journey. It’s a fitting conclusion for an album that leaves a strong impression: Born of Osiris is evolving. They’re exploring themes of transformation, decay, and endurance with a maturity that’s been building for years. Through Shadows isn’t a reinvention, but it’s a confident step forward for a band that refuses to stay stagnant. And in a genre where so many bands burn out chasing trends, that evolution feels more important than perfection.