Review: Luke Petty
Like resilient flora, The Devil Wears Prada have truly blossomed, thoughtfully adapting their sound to resonate with the modern listener’s craving. While the raw intensity of their earlier, scream-heavy style has been tastefully tempered, this artistic evolution marks a significant, positive shift for the five-piece from Ohio. With a hefty seven tracks already unveiled, the album’s rollout has felt less like a sudden reveal and more like the steady, impressive unfolding of yet another epic chapter in the band’s formidable résumé. Flowers.
Following a brief, cinematic prelude designed to heighten anticipation, “Where the Flowers Never Grow” erupts, immediately plunging the listener into a captivating, rhythmically heavy experience. The track thunders forward with a compelling, forceful momentum, yet is simultaneously elevated by Jonathan Gering‘s triumphant synth work, which wraps the composition in an unexpectedly buoyant, pop-adjacent pulse. This heavy/light dynamic is masterfully anchored by Giuseppe Capolupo’s commanding drum presence and Jeremy DePoyster‘s distinctive, raspy vocals. While the song retains its occasional bursts of aggression and surprising breakdowns, it stands out as one of the album’s most pronounced explorations of pop-influenced structure. Any reservations about metalcore shifting towards more accessible sounds are instantly dispelled: the track is executed with brilliant precision. The ferocious breakdowns and Mike Hranica‘s scorching screams blend seamlessly with the bright, driving synth and rhythm, blooming into a vibrant, colorful bouquet encased in barbed wire. It is an exciting, intriguing, and instantly compelling opener to the record.
The pervasive, futuristic synth motif continues its journey through the album, leading seamlessly into “Everybody Knows,” where it forms the backbone of this dynamic alt-rock offering. While The Devil Wears Prada have always been celebrated for their willingness to experiment, Flowers arguably presents their most diverse palette yet. In this track, the band consciously steps away from the crushing weight of heavy screams and relentless blast beats, yet they miraculously maintain the core of their unmistakable identity. This creates a natural and effortless flow that binds it tightly to the songs that follow.
That cohesion carries into the album’s singles, with “So Low” standing out as an inspired and visceral choice. The track is a powerful, shoutable blend of catchiness, heavy themes, and palpable, pounding angst. It opens with a delicate, twinkling synth melody that is quickly joined by the elastic snap of the drums, which complement each other beautifully.
The poignant lyricism peaks with “For You,” a yearning, theatrical anthem for the hopeless romantic. Gering‘s descending keys and the stinging guitar melodies unleash powerful waves of angst, which Hranica‘s vocals cut through with heart-piercing sharpness. This goosebump-inducing track is a searing exploration of unrequited love and the tumultuous stages of grief.
The opportunity to wallow in heartbreak is short-lived, as we are immediately thrown into the thrash-influenced chaos of “All Out.” The distorted, abrasive riffage on this track bursts forth like a highly anticipated explosion after five songs of restraint. This surge of sheer heaviness definitively scratches an expectant itch, confirming that even amidst the whimsical synths and catchy melodies, TDWP can still deliver chugging, aggressive gym bangers.
The synthetic textures return with undeniable force as “Ritual” gently emerges. This is the standout track where ferocious, powerful riffage and irresistible pop danceability are fused into one compelling structure. The Devil Wears Prada expertly nurture these two opposing forces, allowing them to blossom into a brilliant, captivating hybrid. More than just a song, “Ritual” is the band’s bold, definitive statement, proving their effortless mastery over both aggression and accessibility. This one gets played on repeat.
It would be remiss not to address the passing of founding drummer Daniel Williams, particularly in relation to the track “When You’re Gone.” With its chilling, mournful riffs and viscerally pained vocals, the song immediately evokes deep themes of grief and confusion. It powerfully seems to memorialize Daniel‘s presence, providing a brilliant, shared moment of collective remembrance for the band, industry, and fans.
Emerging from this pause, “The Silence” follows with a heavy, synth-pop offering. Its rhythmic, eerie atmosphere strongly evokes an underground nightclub: red strobes flash, sticky floors fade, and the hypnotic bass draws you into its atmospheric allure. The lyric “I don’t wanna be found” reinforces this imagery, suggesting comfort found in uncomfortable, hidden places.
The record seems headed for a predictable conclusion until “My Paradise” erupts with an unexpected, vibrant trap-like beat. Rising above this modern rhythm, the chorus delivers triumphant, soaring riffs and ascending keys that blend seamlessly with the grating vocals. This powerful fusion immediately evokes potent feelings of self-love, passionate resolve, and hard-won success. It serves as a superior, high-energy closer, ending the album on a definitive euphoric peak.
Through a captivating mosaic of metalcore, thrash, pop, and trap influences, The Devil Wears Prada have delivered their most profoundly ruminative work to date. Flowers is raw, unflinchingly honest, and deeply insightful, providing a window into the taxing reality of fame while maintaining universal relatability. If you haven’t listened to this one yet, definitely give it a playthrough.
FLOWERS – IS OUT NOW
https://tdwp.ffm.to/flowers
