Lostprophets

Lostprophets have now been going for fifteen years, tonnes of bands have been and gone since they first hit the scene yet the Welsh rockers still continue to be leaders of their genre. Never a band to stick with the same sound Lostprophets are still one of the most exciting bands around. Weapons is their fifth studio album and sees them change the rules once again.

Bring ‘Em Down is the first track and starts with reverse countdown that leads into territory previously unexplored by Lostprophets with an electronic breakdown. This fits their sound better than a glove and was a logical progression as the synth soars through songs anthemic chorus.

Frontman Ian Watkins gives his best Faith No More impression on Better Off Dead with its rapped verses leading to a chorus proclaiming “I’d rather die on my feet than live on my knees”. This is sure to be a live favourite.

Some of the tracks take a couple of listens to worm their way into your head before they become fully appreciated. Others altogether miss the mark, A Little Reminder That I’ll Never Forget drags on and would have been more suited to being titled A Little Song That You Will Forget.

Weapons is an album that is at its best when it it’s in full on rock mode and as such We’ll Bring An Arsenal is easily the standout track with its absolutely huge chorus complete with “way- oh wo-ahs” that will prove a hit live. It is most similar in style to their 2006 album Liberation Transmission, an album that saw them headline Download Festival in 2008 so could a repeat performance be on the cards? I wouldn’t rule it out based on the strength of this album.

Overall this is a fantastic album and is one that deserves to be played loud with an attempt to sing along. Lostprophets are one of the finest UK bands at the moment and this album does nothing but secure that reputation. With their UK tour fast approaching, grab a copy of this album, buy a ticket and go see these songs the way they were meant to be heard.