“You miss how it all was before.”
Once again, musical mastermind Nothing, Nowhere. is back, switching gears to release what could potentially be one of his most revered works yet. Revisiting the metalcore-leaning sound explored on Void Eternal, miserymaker, his third album of the year, feels like a spiritual successor in many ways.
Quintessentially emo, miserymaker pays homage to the emo bands of the past, evoking a deep sense of nostalgia while somehow feeling entirely fresh. This blend is perhaps due to Mulherin’s ability to interweave his rap style throughout the album, with tracks like “WORTHLE$$” showcasing his effortless merging of genres. Mulherin’sversatility shines once again, with infectiously catchy choruses, soul-crushingly emotional vocals, and nostalgia-inducing instrumentals. miserymaker stands out as a highlight among the year’s impressive metalcore and post-hardcore releases.
Diving into the album itself, it may very well be some of the project’s finest output to date. An eclectic fusion of emo-leaning rock with moments of trap rap, there’s so much to love here. Mulherin is no stranger to emotive lyricism, and this album is no different, centred around a breakup and the process of coming to terms with it. Each track offers a unique perspective on the emotional aftermath.
“DEAD2ME” and its follow-up “RESURRECTION” tackle the anger and resentment that often follow a relationship’s end, evolving into a kind of rebirth, an opportunity to rediscover oneself. “DEAD2ME” holds nothing back, with lyrics that feel deeply cathartic and increasingly relatable as the song progresses. “RESURRECTION” takes a more nuanced approach, using religious metaphors to explore new beginnings and the lingering presence of a past relationship.
“SOUTH BOSTON” and “WORTHLE$$” address the phase of questioning, wondering why things ended and attempting to make sense of it all. This is a relatable experience, whether in the context of a romantic relationship or a friendship, and the combination of catchy choruses, poignant lyrics, and stellar instrumentals drives the message home.
“AURA” feels like a throwback to Dark Magic, referencing the “Cult Of The Reaper” once more, with Mulherin “flexing” in his lyrics. It’s a deserved display of confidence, given his accolades and success, though the song feels slightly out of place on this album. While it’s a solid track, it doesn’t fully fit with the overall tone of miserymaker.
The album closes with “THE HEART MECHANIC,” a heart-wrenching track reminiscent of Trauma Factory’s “Barely Bleeding.” It may go down as one of Mulherin’s best closers to date, taking listeners on an emotionally bittersweet journey that feels all too familiar.
The signature sadness of Nothing, Nowhere. is here in full force, leaving listeners deeply affected:
“Just so you know, I’m doing just fine
You don’t need to call anymore
Forget my name
Seasons will pass, faces will change
You miss how it all was before
It’s not the same
All things come to an end”
If there’s one critique, it’s that I wish the album was longer. With a runtime of just over 18 minutes, it almost feels more like an EP than a full album- especially with the opening track, “BRAIN ROT” being purely instrumental. That said, the quality of the content makes it hard to complain, especially considering this is his third album of the year, with another in the works, and regular B-sides being released via his exclusive Cult Of The Reaper site.
Nothing, Nowhere. continues to prove himself an unstoppable force in music, and we eagerly await what he has in store next.
9/10
miserymaker drops October 16th via Reapers Realm Records.