© Jonathan Weiner - Pale Chord - Rise Records
Spiritbox’s new album Tsunami Sea isn’t just an album it’s a seismic event in modern metal – with this record, the Canadian band cements their place as one of the most innovative and forward-thinking acts in the genre today.
To go out wholly on a limb and describe Tsunami Sea as a genre-defining masterpiece and a testament to the 'Future of Metal' is less likely to get you a sneer from the more sneery club members than you would think. Such has the quartet's stock risen over the last 18 months, and 2025 could be the year that they truly breakout.
But, before you can say 'we see you bandwagon jumpers' please note that we've done a helluva lot of metal stuff on our dedicated show LOUDER (Mondays and Thursdays from 7pm, and available on RTL Play) and featured Spiritbox a great deal over our 117 (and counting) run thus far and our support for them ain't about to stop simply because Cliff or Suzy are suddenly wearing their tees, or Whitney and Callum have favourited one of their tunes.
For those that were there early doors, this record sees the payoff the band deserve and the recognition they need.
Tsunami Sea was released on 7 March 2025 via Pale Chord and Rise Records. Produced by Dan Braunstein and Mike Stringer, and mixed by Zakk Cervini, the album follows a landmark year for the band. Their track Cellar Door earned them a second Grammy nomination for Best Metal Performance, solidifying their status as a modern metal powerhouse. They also teamed up with Megan Thee Stallion for MEGAN: ACT II, bringing their signature heaviness to “TYG.”
From the opening notes of Fata Morgana it’s clear that Spiritbox is operating on another level entirely. The album is an evolution of their signature sound, a blend of progressive metal, post-metal, and elements of djent (look it up), but with a far more expansive, cinematic quality.
If you've caught their recent live shows online or seen them tear it up throughout 2024, you know what to expect. Tracks like Waves and Into the Abyss feature intricate guitar work from Mike Stringer, whose mastery of both melody and heaviness continues to be a defining feature of the band.
Spiritbox’s genre-blurring approach has propelled them to new heights. Their 2024 tour with Korn, celebrating the band's 30th anniversary, saw them performing in packed arenas worldwide. A standout moment came at Louder Than Life Festival, where guest appearances from Poppy, Tati Shmayluk (Jinjer), and Sam Carter (Architects) added to their explosive set.
Meanwhile, Courtney LaPlante’s vocals have never sounded more powerful or vulnerable. She shifts effortlessly from haunting cleans to unrelenting screams, her voice capturing the emotional core of the album’s themes of personal struggle, resilience, and transformation.
The production on Tsunami Sea is immaculate, with a huge, expansive sound that fills every inch of the mix. It’s a dynamic experience (get a decent set of ear cans and dive right in), each song building in intensity before it peaks in a breathtaking climax.
Though heavy is en vogue right now (Sleep Token, Knocked Loose, it’s clear that this band is not afraid to experiment, pushing the boundaries of metal while still staying rooted in its core identity – and sometimes mistake identity, eh Grammys?).
Every track is a piece of art, blending aggression with atmospheric beauty in a way that feels both fresh and timeless.
It’s no surprise that Spiritbox has been making waves, but what’s particularly exciting is the immense potential the band has for the future. Tsunami Sea feels like a beginning rather than a conclusion, and with the momentum the Canadian noisemakers have thus far gathered, they are poised to continue defining the genre for years to come.
5/5 a modern metal masterpiece.
Tsunami Sea is out now via Pale Chord – Rise Records
© Pale Chord - Rise Records
