On March 27, 2020, Los Angeles’ own In This Moment will drop their seventh studio album, Mother to the music loving masses. We here at I’m Music Magazine were extremely fortunate to get an advanced stream of the entire album. I can honestly tell you, that this album will solidify band’s place amongst the best of the best in hard rock and metal today.
Over the years, the band has weathered shifts in personnel as well as taking their sound and stage presence in different directions. With the release of Mother, In This Moment are changing the game and leveling up once again. Everything that you thought you knew about this band is about to change. The music is heavier, the material is darker, and this is quite frankly some of the band’s material they have written.
Starting this off is the haunting interlude, “The Beginning” which segues into the band’s reimagining of the Steve Miller classic, “Fly Like an Eagle.” The band has been performing this live for quite some time, so it only made sense to include it on this release. They have completely re-invented the track by slowing down the tempo with primal like drumming and heavy down tuned guitars.
Following up is the first official single from the album, “The In-Between” which was released earlier this year. Right out of the gate, vocalist Maria (Brink) delivers her signature mix of soft-spoken subtlety that slowly builds into intense raucousness when she screams, “I’m going to bring a little hell, I’m going to bring a little heaven!” There is definitely some great lyrical playfulness in the song, and if you are a long time In This Moment fan, you will definitely pick up on that.
“Legacy” shows a completely different side of the band and is proof of how much they have grown musically. Melodic and infectious is the best way I can describe it. The dual guitar attack of Chris Howorth and Randy Weitzel is notably exquisite here, adding depth and soul to an already beautiful track.
The band makes a bold move in covering one of Queen’s signature songs in “We Will Rock You.” They enlisted a little help from their friends Lzzy Hale of Halestorm and Taylor Momsen from The Pretty Reckless to flex some vocal muscle and unite three of the best female vocalists in modern hard rock today.
Title track, “Mother” kicks off in a haunting and almost choral fashion. Sparse piano segues into brief spoken words before the song explodes with the chant of “MOTHER!” The background gang vocals in the chorus are definitely a nice touch to this moody and emotionally charged piece.
“As Above, So Below” is the latest single to be released in anticipation of the album. An excellent track with all too familiar subject matter of getting what you give. “As above, so below, what you reap is what you sow.” Powerful message set to an incredible high energy backdrop of driving guitars and hard-hitting drums. Warning, that chorus will get stuck in your head instantly.
Joe Cotela from tour mates, DED makes a guest appearance and lends his vocals to the heavy and blistering “Hunting Grounds.” The track is dark, seductive, and passionate. It is also really heavy and features ferocious riffing from main axe man, Chris Howorth. This quite possibly my favorite track on the album. It is a culmination of everything great about In This Moment.
“Lay Me Down” lures you in with its hypnotic groove and empowering words, much the same way that band did with their massive hit, “Whore” from their Blood album. Kudos to the rhythm section of Travis Johnson (bass) and Kent Dimmel (drums) on that seductive and solid bottom end.
The album comes to with “Into Dust” which just may be the heaviest track on the album. Sonically, “Into Dust” is just Maria (Brink) on vocals and keyboard, however, it is in that stark simplicity that the listener will connect to her words, feelings, and emotions. A perfect and fitting way to close out this musical journey.
Mother is In This Moment’s best work to date. The music and lyrics continue to evolve with every release, and they are fearless when it comes to change and adaptation. I have followed their career since their formation, so I can say this without hesitation. Longtime fans of the band as well as newcomers will easily find something on this album to enjoy and identify with.
Rating: 10/10 Stars
I’m Music Magazine Writer Jason “Supes” Mesa
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