IN REVIEW: Billy Talent - "Afraid of Heights"

(NOTE: For the purposes of this review, I downloaded the "mastered for headphones" version of Afraid of Heights thanks to the voucher that came with my copy of the CD. While this is a bonus only some will take advantage of, I believe it's an incredible gesture that, in an age where more and more bands seem to care less and less about the quality of the music people like me are paying for, is deeply appreciated. So thanks to the band and Klipsch for making it possible and making it sound bloody fantastic, even though I opted instead to use my Sennheisers for the test run. Seriously though, this version of the album is a gift in more ways than one, and I can't think of many CDs I bought in the last fifteen years that wouldn't benefit from this sort of treatment.)

The fifth record by Cancon mainstays Billy Talent finds them furthering the maturation process they eased into on their third and fourth LPs, while continuing to stretch their musical boundaries. In addition to the hallmark sounds the band implemented in the early stages of their career, there are elements of modern new wave, gnarled classic rock (you really notice the uptick in guitar solos here) and sweeping stadium bombast. Like latter period platters by fellow festival vets Green Day and Muse, there's no shortage of big riffs and soaring choruses on Afraid of Heights. It's a necessary evolution thanks to their still growing international popularity and, rather than slink away from a larger role, here they tackle both the music and the message head on; the end result really could be their best record yet, one that not only shows how far they've come but also proves that their reputation as a world class rock band is well earned.

July 29, 2016 • Warner Music Canada
Highlights Afraid of Heights • Ghost Ship of Cannibal Rats • Rabbit Down the Hole