After six very long years Canada’s own Billy Talent are finally back with a new album! Entitled Crisis of Faith, and released on January 21, 2022 through Spinefarm Records, it marks the band’s sixth studio effort in their impressive career.
Originally come together all the way back in 1993 under the name Pezz, but going by Billy Talent since the early 2000s, they have sold nearly one million albums in Canada alone and nearly 3 million albums internationally. This is not to mention their 7 Juno Awards, making one of Canada’s most successful bands around. Building on their name as years have gone by, Crisis of Faith appears to be another strong effort from Ben Kowalewicz (lead vocals), Ian D’Sa (guitar, backing vocals), Jon Gallant (bass, backing vocals), and Jordan Hastings (drums).
Complete with ten new songs, it all starts with the strong opening of “Forgiveness I+II.” Originally released back in 2019, the track consisting of two parts; the first upbeat and the second calmer and more thoughtful. Following up, the singles “Reckless Paradise” is reminiscent of 2006’s “Devil in a Midnight Mass” and “I Beg To Differ (This Will Get Better)” is a mixed bag of tempos.
Changing it up again, “The Wolf_Up6” is mellow, yet somber that provoking you to glimpse into past sorrows. Do not worry though, because you are not down too long when “Reactor” lifts the mood and “Judged” blasts right in your face with some authentic Punk Rock vibes. Again reflecting on past mistake, is the honest “Hanging Out With All The Wrong People,” before “The End Of Me” (featuring additional vocals from River Cuomo) dishes out some outstanding guitar riffs matched with a rhythm that mimics waves of the ocean as you sway back and forth. Which leads us to the conclusion of it all where “One Less Problem” drags you onto the dance floor with a feel good tone, before it calm of a true Rock love song, “For You.”
When it is all said and done it is safe to say that Billy Talent stays true to their sound and style with Crisis of Faith. Slight melancholy with a dab of hope, it is all wrapped up in catchy melodies and rhythms that will grab you by the shoulders. A varied album that is both thoughtful and balanced at the same time, Cryptic Rock gives Billy Talent’s latest effort 4 out of 5 stars.
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