Black Heart (Within the Ruins album)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Metalcore music albums |
Black Heart represents the sixth full-length release from the American metalcore group Within the Ruins, officially launched on November 27, 2020. This album introduces Steve Tinnon as the new lead vocalist, who joined the lineup in 2018 following the departure of longtime frontman Tim Goergen due to health-related reasons. Mirroring the approach taken on its predecessor, Halfway Human, Black Heart was commended for its fusion of clean singing with conventional screams and death growls. During its initial week, the album moved 850 copies and entered the Billboard Top 200 Album Sales chart at position #186.
Background and promotion
On December 13, 2018, Within the Ruins revealed on their Instagram account that they had returned to the studio to work on a new album originally expected to be released in 2019.
Following a delay of nearly two years, the official release date was announced on September 25, 2020, coinciding with the debut of the lead single and its music video, "Deliverance."
Subsequently, on October 26, 2020, a music video for the album's title track "Black Heart" was unveiled. Vocalist Tinnon characterized this song as "a deeply personal and angry composition" that serves as a thematic cornerstone for the album, expressing excitement about both the track itself and its visual presentation.
Critical reception
The record received favorable critiques from music reviewers. Dustin Peterson of Brutal Planet commented:
"Within the Ruins incorporates Meshuggah's distinctive 'Djent' style characterized by abrupt starts and stops and irregular rhythms, blending it with elements drawn from classic metal and video game-inspired sounds. At times, the guitar work evokes tones similar to those found in the 'Ninja Gaiden' soundtrack on an 8-Bit Nintendo system. The band's combination of intensity, speed, and precision ranks among the top acts within this genre."
Likewise, JP Pallais from Everything Is Noise expressed admiration for the group:
"Within the Ruins consistently produces high-quality music amidst a saturated market. Their sound merges technical metalcore, deathcore, progressive metal, and melodic death metal while maintaining a strong focus on musicianship. Despite the aggressive nature of their music, they skillfully integrate melody and atmospheric elements."
Personnel
Within the Ruins
- Steve Tinnon – lead vocals
- Joe Cocchi – guitars, production, engineering, mixing
- Paolo Galang – bass guitar, clean vocals
- Kevin McGuill – drums
Additional personnel
- Jim Fogarty – production and engineering
- Scott Lee – associate producer
- Fernando Lemus – vocal engineering
- Josh Wickman – mastering and mixing
- Cameron Gray – artwork design