Lostprophets

The Betrayed

Ask any Lostprophets fan how long they'd been waiting for The Betrayed and they'd more than likely tell you that forever was an understatement. After what felt like endless delays and unfortunate circumstances with labels and producers, the fourth studio album from the Welsh six piece has finally arrived…and it's not what many expected.

"If It Wasn't For Hate We'd Be Dead By Now" submerges listeners straight into a mix of heavy bass and rough feedback that announces the arrival of what the band themselves have proclaimed to be the finest, darkest and most real album of their career. Just to affirm their statement they follow the opening track with the lean towards hardcore "Dstryr/Dstryr".

Refusing to pin themselves down to just one genre, The Betrayed branches out in subtly different directions with every new song. Infectiously catchy choruses are peppered into a range of songs, from power ballads to ambient piano, all the way to an unexpected ska sound in "For He's a Jolly Good Felon". They even find time to flirt with radio friendly pop-punk before gliding back into their more familiar heavier territory.

Obviously shooting for an epic final track, Lostprophets finally hit the nail right on the head with "The Light That Burns Twice As Bright...". Following what seems to be a band tradition, the closing song is slightly different again, building gradually and crashing to a intense climax supported by glorious percussion. By the end you're finally left with the proper kind of satisfaction that the rest of the album somewhat lacks.

Almost half a decade after their last offering, 'Liberation Transmission', Lostprophets have gathered together a diverse collection of songs almost assuring that no matter what your tastes, you can find a part of The Betrayed to enjoy. The only concern is there being enough of their old sound to make it the triumphant return that fans have waited ever-so-patiently for.

-- Bella