Released 7 years ago this October
The Act
The Devil Wears Prada · 2019
44 min · 12 tracks · metalcore
A dynamic blend of melodic metalcore and introspective lyrics that navigate the complexities of youth and existential dread.
Top tracks — play these first
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Switchblade — Kicking off the album with urgency, Switchblade encapsulates the band’s blend of aggression and melody, setting a compelling tone for the entire record.
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Chemical — This track stands out for its intricate guitar work and haunting lyricism that delves deep into themes of addiction and self-reflection, showcasing the band's growth.
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Wave of Youth — With its anthemic chorus and relatable themes about growing pains, Wave of Youth captures the essence of the album’s exploration of youthful struggles.
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Numb — Numb features contrasting heavy instrumentals with vulnerable lyrics, illustrating the tension between external pressures and internal battles faced by many young adults.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and production but remains within the established metalcore framework.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features tracks that alternate between heavy riffs and melodic choruses, while the second half shifts to more introspective themes and softer instrumentation.
- Several tracks employ a dynamic range, with abrupt transitions from quiet verses to explosive choruses, enhancing the emotional impact of the lyrics.
- The use of layered vocal harmonies is prominent throughout, with clean vocals often contrasting against harsh screams, creating a textured sound.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic emotional journeys
- introspective late-night reflections
- steady, consistent energy levels
- gradual builds and payoffs
Where this album fits
- Career context
- The Act marks The Devil Wears Prada's seventh studio album, following their 2016 release, Transit Blues. At this point in their career, the band was exploring more melodic elements while maintaining their heavy sound, reflecting a maturation in their songwriting and thematic focus. This album also showcases a shift towards more personal and introspective lyrics.
- Stylistic neighbors
- August Burns Red· Parkway Drive· Killswitch Engage
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Isn't It Strange?
The song shifts perspective midway through to confront feelings of disillusionment directly, creating a stark contrast with earlier verses.
This structural change emphasizes a deeper engagement with the subject matter, transforming a general observation into a poignant moment of personal reflection.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Switchblade 2:53
- 2 Lines of Your Hands 4:10
- 3 Chemical 3:50
- 4 Wave of Youth 3:51
- 5 Please Say No 3:19
- 6 The Thread 4:48
- 7 Numb 4:21
- 8 Isn't It Strange? 2:55
- 9 Diamond Lost 3:32
- 10 As Kids 3:41
- 11 Even Though 4:05
- 12 Spiderhead 3:30
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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