Rediscovering Raw Emotion: Bring Me The Horizon's 20-Year Journey with Count Your Blessings

Turning Back Time

It's not every day that a band steps back into their past, but Bring Me The Horizon is doing just that. To mark the 20th anniversary of their debut album, Count Your Blessings, they're re-recording the tracks that introduced them to the world of deathcore. But what does this mean for a band that has evolved so much over two decades?

"It was hard—I don't know how I used to do that voice. I can still do it but it took me a minute to remember the technical aspects of it," says frontman Oli Sykes.

A Sound Revolution

Hailing from Sheffield, Bring Me The Horizon burst onto the scene in 2004, their sound characterized by a blistering rapid-fire intensity—the hallmark of the deathcore genre. Their 2006 album set the tone for a generation of heavy music enthusiasts. Within a few years, though, they started to shift gears, integrating metalcore, pop, and electronic elements that partly distanced them from their roots.

• Listen to Oli Sykes discuss their return to roots

Oli's Scream: Can He Still Deliver?

Among the many questions surrounding this re-recording, the most prominent is whether Sykes can still tap into that visceral scream that captivated fans. After suffering vocal cord injuries, the specter of his diminished vocal abilities looms large. Yet, he expresses confidence in his ability to reclaim that raw intensity, albeit with a new understanding of vocal technique.

Lyrics Under Scrutiny

As fans celebrate this nostalgic revival, a thornier issue arises: the lyrical content of the original album. Some phrases have been criticized for their misogynistic undertones, especially today, where sensitivity towards language and representation continues to evolve. Inevitably, this brings forth a discussion on whether the new recordings should update the lyrics—a dilemma that some fans see as necessary, while others argue for authenticity.

Comments from fans highlight this division:

“It's good to see the group appreciating their beginnings,” notes diehard fan Sash Vee, though she also mentions being conflicted about retaining the original lyrics.

Bringing the Energy Live

Alongside the album release, the band prepares to perform the album live in Manchester in July. This moment not only marks a nostalgic journey for long-term fans but offers a new audience a glimpse of those earlier, raw sounds. It stands testament to the band's ability to evolve while holding onto the essence of what first hooked their listeners.

The Challenge of Re-Recording

The band's announcement brings both excitement and apprehension. With technological advances and vocal coaching practices evolving over the years, the question looms: how will Sykes approach reviving his death metal screeches? Aspirational approaches have been suggested by vocal coaches, emphasizing safety over aggression.

“As long as you're practicing safely... then it's generally safe to continue,” says vocal coach Jade Maris.

Final Thoughts

As Bring Me The Horizon prepares to reintroduce Count Your Blessings to a new generation, the music speaks for itself—an intriguing blend of nostalgia wrapped in contemporary awareness. Will Sykes succeed in reclaiming those aggressive, haunting notes? Only time will tell.

The re-recorded version of Count Your Blessings will be released on July 10, along with live performances slated for Manchester on July 10 and 11. Tickets are already on sale.