Sleeping With Sirens' seventh studio album, Complete Collapse, is out today via Sumerian Records.
Photo: Ashley Osborn
After more than a decade, six studio albums, and thousands of shows, Sleeping With Sirens have outlasted many of their peers while crafting an undeniably unique path through modern alternative rock. Complete Collapse processes life in modern times. Speaking on the album, lead singer Kellin Quinn explains: "We're coming to terms with the new reality we're in. Things have changed so rapidly, and we’re all doing our best to process it. There’s a feeling of heaviness to the record, both in sound and emotion. We’re trying to figure out what’s going on and where we’re going. We’ve seen so much stagnation, but also a lot of change that wasn’t necessarily for the better. We’re realising now that our voice, and what we’re able to say or should say, needs to come through the music. It’s not about what you can say on Instagram or Twitter, it’s about what you’re saying through your work."
The new album continues to hone the band's mix of unflinchingly honest lyricism, unforgettable riffs, and pulse-pounding percussion while exploring new creative frontiers. Several guest appearances from alternative rock's brightest stars help Sleeping With Sirens amplify their voice and bring this seventh studio album to life. The album's lead single, Crosses, features Spencer Chamberlain from Underoath, which tackles themes of identity and self-confidence. Charlotte Sands appears on Let You Down, Royal & The Serpent joins on Be Happy, and Dorothy is featured on the romantic anthem Us.
The band's storytelling through songs continues on Complete Collapse. They touch on family issues, anger, and depression. Longtime fans may also recognise some stories and themes on this record that connect with previous releases from the band. For example, Family Tree features lyrical and thematic references to A Trophy Father's Trophy Son from Let's Cheers To This (2011). As Kellin says, "This record bridges the gap between our first and last records."
With the new album out, the band is looking to the future. While exploring what Sleeping With Sirens can sound like moving forward, the band is also making an effort to let fans know that they won't abandon the things they've come to expect. Kellin says: "If a song like 'Us' takes off, that may open new doors for us, but if something more familiar like 'Ctrl + Alt + Del' works, we’ll pursue that. After fourteen years, we want to be a band people respect, and I think we’re well on our way."
Listen to Complete Collapse on Spotify and Apple Music. Follow Sleeping With Sirens on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
by Emmi Sollie
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