For someone that loves music as much as I do, I have a problem. And “what is that?” you ask? Well, for as long as I can remember, I at times don’t listen to a band soon enough, or I find out about them after they have broken up. This has happened numerous times. And it’s frustrating. How does this apply to Old Wounds? Well, after I discovered them a few years back, their vocalist Kevin Iavaroni left the band for health reasons. They continued, but it wasn’t the same for me. Fast forward a year later, they released a new single. I didn’t read the article or anything, so to my surprise when I listened to the song, I recognized the vocals: Kevin had returned. From that point they did a few shows and then a tour. Fast forward a year yet again, and they announce a new album. All was right in Ray’s world.

I’m going to go ahead and say this now, Glow is one of the best albums you will hear in 2018. And I believe that 100%. The production is on point, the message is loud and clear, and it’s a diverse album. One song has Kevin screaming like a demon, and the next song has him singing like an angel. This album truly showcases his vocal range. As for the rest of the band, they also have upped the ante. They all showcase what they are capable of. On this release it seems as if they played to the vocals, and that works for them. They did a really great job of that.

One aspect that I look for in an album is a strong start. I know that may sound lame, but if that first track doesn’t pull me in, I’m done, at least for the moment. I’ll go back to it at some point, especially if it’s a band I enjoy. That was not the case with Glow. The first track, “Your God v. Their God” instantly pulled me in. I love when a hardcore or metal band starts an album with a straight banger. After hearing that track I knew I was going to dig this album, and there was no turning back.

The next track, “Stripes,” is one of my favorites for a simple reason, the vocals. Kevin sounds like Daryl Palumbo from Glassjaw, and the track sounds like a leftover Glassjaw song from Worship and Tribute. So, if you are a fan of Glassjaw, check it out. This band is not afraid to show their influences in the least bit.

Another standout track is “Beauty Mark.” When I first heard it, the only thing I could think of was Blaqk Audio. This track has a gloomy darkwave feel to it. It’s one of those tracks that I would put on my rainy-day playlist along the likes of Blaqk Audio, The Smiths, The Cure, and AFI. Don’t think for one minute that they abandoned their hardcore roots because they haven’t.

This release gets heavy at times as heard on the track, “I’m only Smiling on the Outside,” which embodies what most people know them as.

I really enjoy the roller-coaster feel of this album. And that just doesn’t apply to the music, but that does play a huge part. What I’m talking about is the feelings that are emitted from it. One second you will want to mosh and hit things, and the next you will want to cry into your pillow. This is a band that isn’t afraid to put everything on the table. This is an album that I for one will be enjoying for years to come.