Released 10 years ago
The Shadow Side
Andy Biersack · 2016
49 min · 13 tracks · rock music
An exploration of emotional turmoil wrapped in anthemic rock melodies and introspective lyrics that resonate deeply.
Top tracks — play these first
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Homecoming King — This opening track establishes the album's thematic core, blending reflective lyrics about identity and vulnerability with a powerful rock sound that sets the tone for the entire record.
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We Don’t Have to Dance — With its catchy hooks and upbeat rhythm, this track contrasts the darker themes present in the album and offers a sense of liberation and defiance.
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Beautiful Pain — This song encapsulates the struggle between suffering and beauty, showcasing Biersack's lyrical depth while combining melodic elements with emotional intensity.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases a mix of energetic and introspective tracks, reflecting Biersack's artistic evolution.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features high-energy tracks with driving rhythms, while the second half shifts to more introspective and slower tempos.
- Several songs incorporate layered vocal harmonies, creating a rich texture that enhances the emotional weight of the lyrics.
- The album includes a cover of 'Paint It Black', which introduces a different sonic element compared to the original compositions.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- 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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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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
- steady mid-tempo reflective moments
- introspective exploration of emotions
- cathartic release through anthemic melodies
- for late-night contemplation
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced instant gratification
- seek standalone hit singles
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on May 6, 2016, The Shadow Side is Andy Biersack's debut solo album after his work with the band Black Veil Brides. This transition marked a significant moment in his career, showcasing his artistic evolution and desire to explore personal themes outside the band's established sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Black Veil Brides· Motionless in White· Asking Alexandria
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Homecoming King 4:55
- 2 We Don’t Have to Dance 3:13
- 3 Ribcage 3:51
- 4 Stay Alive 4:08
- 5 Love Was Made to Break 3:25
- 6 Beautiful Pain 3:32
- 7 Put the Gun Down 3:45
- 8 Drown Me Out 2:51
- 9 Paint It Black 4:12
- 10 Break Your Halo 3:30
- 11 Louder Than Your Love 3:30
- 12 Broken Pieces 3:35
- 13 The Void 4:50
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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