On January 11th, British alt rock band Bring Me The Horizon dropped their latest album, “amo.”

After almost four years of silence from the band, “amo” follows their 2015 album “That’s The Spirit,” on which the band took their first steps away from their former metal sound and into a more rock/alt sound.

With less harsh vocals, and lighter instrumentals, “amo” is a welcome change to BMTH’s repertoire. With lyrics about love and loss, this album gives fans a bit of insight into the band’s personal lives. It even features one of their first purely love songs and a song written about the loss of frontman Oli Sykes’ best friend to cancer.

However, while the album is one of the most honest and personal for the band, it has received mixed reviews from fans, and subsequently, “amo” has become a polarizing album. Even Syke’s himself has acknowledged this, in a since deleted Instagram post.

Most fans either love it or hate it- with few taking a stance in between.

So, where do you stand?

Take a listen for yourself, drop your comments, and read Second Society’s thoughts below.

i apologise if you feel something

This song is the perfect introduction to the new era of Bring Me The Horizon. Taking a step away from the heavy metal sounds of their past, and moving more towards an alternative indie sound- “i apologise if you feel something” is an experimental track that doesn’t have much lyrical backing.

But, from what few lyrics it does have, you get a vibe of heartbreak and longing- setting the tone for the rest of the album perfectly.

Perhaps it is about a relationship coming to an abrupt end, or a relationship experiencing a lull due to a lack of connection between parties. Either way, it is a short tune with an entirely new sound that is definitely worth the listen.

Mike’s Take:

With a wonderfully haunting melody introducing the song, “i apologise if you feel something,” is certainly a breath of fresh air from Bring Me The Horizon, as this is unlike anything we’ve heard from them previously. While it’s not a long track, the melody plays continuously and it doesn’t take long for the world to hear Oli’s voice. The best way I can describe the instrumental feel is “the calm before the storm”. It’s light, and of course not something you want to headbang to, but you feel this sense of eagerness and excitement for what’s to come. It’s only the beginning and there’s so much left to hear.

MANTRA

“MANTRA” is one of many songs on the album where the lyrics and their meaning can shift each listen. The first few times I heard it, I associated it with a broken relationship where one partner was discovering new information about the other and how betrayal and a difference of viewpoints can tear people apart. However, the longer I listened to it, the more I started to see it as a song about mental health issues, or a person who desires to go against the grain and introduce new thoughts and ideas to a group who doesn’t necessarily want to listen. Specifically the lyric about standing on a beach, which ends with “that’s all the time we have this week,” suggests someone searching for meaning in life- perhaps with a therapist- and never quite receiving answers. They are seeking something new, and asking for a leap of faith so that they do not face this journey alone.

But, if you watch the video- it seems that the song could also be a mockery of organized religion, therapy, and pharmaceutical companies. All of whom prescribe you to ideas and keep you hooked to try to “better yourself.” But does it ever work?

“Before the truth will set you free, it will piss you off.”

If you are a fan of Bring Me The Horizon’s earlier music, this song is definitely where I recommend you start off before launching into their experimental tracks. “MANTRA” screams angst, passion, and anger in a way that is relatable, and really ties “amo” into their previous discography nicely.

Mike’s Take:

WELCOME TO BMTH LADIES AND GENTLEMEN. Yes Oli, I would love to start a cult with you. This is some quality content that we’ve waited three years for. That’s The Spirit gave us a taste of what the future of BMTH was going to look like and HERE WE ARE. The instrumental of the whole song is top notch. We don’t need Oli screaming for it to be quality BMTH and he shows us that in MANTRA. Everything flows so well, and it certainly has this catchy feel to it that makes you want to smash the repeat button over and over. The guitar riff for MANTRA is beyond perfection from start to finish but that shouldn’t take away from the fact that every part of this song whether it be drums, bass, vocals etc…the way it is all binds together is a masterpiece.

nihilist blues (feat. Grimes)

Trying to find meaning in a life otherwise believed to be meaningless. That is what “nihilist blues,” tells the tale of. Someone who is lost in their own head, trying to decide what they believe while simultaneously hoping no one else suffers the same fate. With an electronic sound, this song is definitely a leap from previous Bring Me The Horizon songs. Especially since the vocals throughout the entire song are faint, as opposed to the screaming they became popular for. However, it has their signature dark message and edginess that will keep fans interested- despite the leap of genre.

Mike’s Take:

“Were all lost in a labyrinth” why yes we are, Bring Me The Horizon, yes we are. A welcome change of pace after “MANTRA.” While the overall atmosphere welcomes a dance-music feel, the general mood feels dark and grimy (thanks to Grimes). It’s intro/verse is a beautiful follow up to the intro song and while this may not feel like BMTH, they’ve been experimenting with electronic elements since their days of “Count Your Blessings.” The verse mixes things up with it’s addition of rock elements and a happy tone, with slight electronic undertones. It genuinely feels like a rollercoaster of emotions between a dark and ominous introduction to an overwhelmingly content feeling in the verse and then back to that sense of dread. The bass is heavy and the keyboards are in full effect on this track, it truthfully feels like something you’d hear from The Prodigy so maybe there’s something in the water in the UK but I applaud BMTH for this direction they’ve taken. “nihilist blues” goes against the grain and triumphs greatly.

in the dark

“in the dark,” is a gut wrenching and relatable song about the anger that comes with a breakup. With lyrics about being kept in the dark throughout a relationship, and descriptions of the physical and emotional pain that comes with separation, this is one of the most open on the album. You can feel the anger through the lyrics and the vocals, and the subtle bass/guitar drive the beat to make it catchy enough to feel like a pop song, instead of a depressed ballad.

It’s rumored that Syke’s last relationship ended due to infidelity. Potentially this song is a written out version of how he felt during that time.

“Don’t swear to God, he never asked you. It’s not his heart you drove a knife through. It’s not his world you turned inside out, not his tears still rolling down.”

It is definitely more ‘mainstream’ than the rest of their discography in both lyrics and beat, but it is also one of the best songs on “amo.”

Mike’s Take:

This one is all vocals. Opening with a haunting voice softly speaking the words “in the dark” it immediately gives you this sense that we’re about to embark on this incredibly journey. That’s what “in the dark” does, it takes you on this trip through Oli’s mind and emotions he was feeling at the time of writing this. The instrumental isn’t anywhere close to empty but the simplicity of the instrumental really helps to put Oli in the spotlight with his genius lyricism. I mean the second verse consists of simply the drums and Oli’s vocals…yet somehow it’s still powerful enough to make your jaw drop…how is it possible for him to take something so simple and drive the emotion home with ease. When the final chorus hits and it’s just Oli with the drums again for the first couple lines and then boom the bass hits, counting them in to the grand finale. Every single aspect of this song is pure genius. It’s hands down one of the best from “amo.”

wonderful life (feat. Dani Filth)

“Wonderful life” sounds exactly like an extension of “That’s The Spirit.” The tone, the beat, and the lyrics would fit seamlessly into the last BMTH album. Which is possibly why it is thrown into the middle of this album. To remind fans that there is a connection to the past- and that “amo” is not all new experimental tracks.

On it’s own though, wonderful life seems to be about a struggle to find purpose in life- just like nihilist blues. Do people care if we are dead or alive? Is there a bigger point to life? Does anything matter?

It seems like self reflection is a huge theme on this album, and I personally am all about it. It’s a great look into what it’s like to struggle with mental illness and doubting your place in the world.

Mike’s Take:

Listen Oli, we all looked on the bright side and got keratitis. NOW THIS IS SOME QUALITY CONTENT. Every song before this is child’s play compared to Wonderful Life. The overall tone of the instrumental is grunge like and heavy AF. It really sits well with me, who has been a long time fan of BMTH since Count Your Blessings and while I enjoy this new album and welcome their change, THIS SONG TAKES ME BACK. it’s the deep cut we want. This another win and incredible job by the band in writing something that is not only extremely catchy and punches you write in the gut with emotion but it plays to what the band had for a vision. They don’t hold back when it comes to their writing style, they play what they want, how they want, with whatever they want. That’s been clear in this first few songs so far. Btw the horns they use in the final chorus of the song is single handedly the greatest thing they’ve ever done…that chorus is incredible…and Oli, we care if you’re dead or alive.

ouch

ouch is one of the few songs on the album with few lyrics and a simple melody. It repeats the same lyrics and beat over and over- but those lyrics, though simple, are hard hitting and heart breaking.

Continuing the theme of a broken relationship, “ouch” is a slight insight to what it’s like to discover infidelity, but also what it’s like to know you are causing someone else pain.

Another reason this song is brilliant is that it is a callback to “Follow You” from “That’s The Spirit.” Which, sadly, I did not figure out myself until reading the YouTube comments on their video, BUT, is a fantastic transition and an end to the storyline from that album.

“I know I said you could drag me through hell, but I hoped you wouldn’t f*ck the devil.”


Mike’s Take:

The mix up in genre is certainly something to wonder about. How did they come up with the idea for this song? It has this unique sense of sadness behind it and it most certainly is about Oli’s past relationship with you know who. While it’s short in length, the lyricism/instrumental doesn’t fall short in getting its message across. It’s punchy, driven by fast paced, heavy drums accompanied by a beautiful piano/keyboard composition. It’s sad, it’s powerful and it’s wonderfully written, nothing short of what we would expect from BMTH even when crossing genres.

medicine

When “amo” was released, “medicine” was instantly my favorite song off of the album. The anger, the lyrics, the beat. Everything struck me as the perfect single.

And beyond my personal thoughts, every aspect of this song was well thought out and well planned for mainstream radio play. With a light guitar and drum heavy beat, the band steps away from their traditional heavy guitars to accompany hard hitting lyrics about being walked all over and lying in wait while waiting for the perfect time to strike.

Whether you’ve dealt with being silenced and belittled to because of a romantic relationship, workplace struggle, or other personal dilemmas, this is a song virtually everyone can relate to. It is hard hitting, catchy, and beautifully written.

It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it should be everyone’s favorite dose of medicine.

Mike’s Take:

Okay this one is special for sure, when Oli wrote this one you can tell he knew exactly what he wanted to say with this instrumental. The vocals go perfectly with the instrumental. It’s nice balance between use of electronic elements and pop elements. Everything comes full circle in this one, and you can’t help but dance to it. BMTH really struck gold with “medicine”. The drums have this punchy electronic feel to them, the guitar riff being somewhat simplistic in a sense still feels complicated for this style of songwriting and the bass helps to fill everything out just as it always does. Easily one of the best songs of the year and we aren’t out of January yet.

sugar honey ice & tea

“sugar honey ice & tea” is one of the least powerful songs on this album. While it has a great beat and the classic angry tone, the lyrics feel lacking. With lots of repetition, the song comes with a lot of contradiction. Which is perhaps the point- however it seems itself like a repetition of “nihilist blues” and “wonderful life.” Trying to make a mark all while contradicting yourself and your beliefs at every turn.

Also- for a band that cusses in most of their songs, it seems odd to have a song title subtley referencing sh*t, instead of just spelling it out.

Mike’s Take:

“Sugar honey ice & tea” has a of musical elements that we saw in “MANTRA” and “wonderful life” with a more prominent instrumental line. It’s very playful overall and yet another song you can’t help but lightly head bang to. One thing I’ve loved so much about this album so far is the importance of the keyboard instrumentals they’ve been using. Also the little solo in this song before another chorus…again simplicity doesn’t shy away from quality.

why you gotta kick me when i’m down

With a heavy yet electric sound, “why you gotta kick me when i’m down” is a mix between old and new. The lyrics are all about facing adversity and coming back stronger, but also while pondering why the world seems to be the enemy, a classic BMTH formula with a new backing track.

Perhaps about mental health issues and overcoming struggles, this song is a powerful comeback tune with a hint of fear. Leading listeners to question what will happen if the struggles continue and getting back up isn’t as easy the next time?

Mike’s Take:

This is one of my favorites from the album, the instrumental is out of this world. the electronic elements including the bass, the drums and the keyboard are top notch including the sitar like instrumental used in the pre-verse. My biggest criticism is that it almost something from an angry rapper but it really drives home the emotion just as the other songs on the album have also done really well. I strongly believe that’s Amo biggest success, the ability to drive home/connect with its audience because it’s real. Why you gotta kick me when I’m down is another nail in the coffin that is Amo.

fresh bruises

“Fresh bruises” is another track that features very few but very repetitive vocals. In fact, it is only two lines on repeat with a dance-y electronic backing track. “Don’t you try to fuck with me, don’t you hide your love.”

Starting with a heartbeat-esque drum track and transforming into an edm dance tune, this song is the representation of what being hesitant in a new relationship feels like. At first it is all heart, and eagerness, and then a sense of anxiety and rapid fire questions and thoughts take over. Is this real, is it fake? Are we being honest? Only time- and this song- will tell.

Mike’s Take:

This one really mixes it up a little bit. While it feels like strictly an instrumental, like what we heard from “I apologize if you feel something” it stands firmly on it’s own with another haunting melody used a prelude to the following song “Mother Tongue”. While we all interpret the music in different ways…this song was crucial in its placement on the album because it was the final straw before he met his new wife. Just go back and listen the album from start, to fresh bruises, the instrumentals for each song isn’t an “accidental” composition. They represent Oli’s journey from Hannah to Alissa and everything in between. The fallout, the rough patch, the wanting die, the pills, the darkness, it’s all part of the journey you hear and fresh bruises helps to top off the cake as a prelude to his introduction to Alissa (“Mother Tongue.”)

mother tongue


One of the more pop-centric songs on “amo,” “mother tongue,” is also one of the only pure love songs on the album. According to an interview Syke’s did with Zane Lowe from Beats 1, this song was written and dedicated to the frontman’s wife, Alissa Salls- who he had a language barrier with at the start of their relationship due to her being fluent in Portuguese, while Syke’s himself is not.

“[Alissa] didn’t speak so much English. She talked a lot better than my Portuguese, but from the very start, we had a really, really strong connection and it was just a crazy time. And this song’s just talking about those experiences, which they just stick in my head. So, that was really one of the easier ones to write about.”

Because this song comes from such raw emotions, it is also one of the most genuine feeling songs on the album. For the first time we are not listening to a tale of heartbreak and wonder, but rather the excitement of a new relationship and the happy upbeat vibes that come with it. It is full of excitement and anticipation, and the simple yet catchy lyrics perfectly reflect that honeymoon phase feeling.

Mike’s Take:

When Oli met Alissa. This instrumental is one of the best on the album without a doubt, it’s happy and playful, I mean why wouldn’t it be, it’s about love and of course drops the title of the album several times. This should be the title song for sure because if it’s not okay, it’s not the end, and this feels like the happy ending we needed to see for Oli. It makes you smile because you can hear the happiness in his voice, it’s all very apparent in the instrumental and lyrics that this album is all about Love.

heavy metal

“Heavy metal” is one greatest pieces of introspective lyrical genius on “amo.” The entire song, which is written to address Sykes and the band’s fears of having strayed too far from their roots, talks about the pressure from the music industry to progress in style and sound, all while facing backlash for expanding from their “fans.”

In recent years, especially after the release of “That’s the Spirit,” many Bring Me The Horizon diehards started to feel a disconnect. They were no longer the “heavy screaming” band that they started off as, and had started to develop a new style and experiment in different genres. With “amo” being the farthest drift from their origins, “heavy metal” is the first real glimpse into the band’s worries regarding their changes. Will people love them? Or will this mark the demise of their career?

“I keep picking petals, I’m afraid you don’t love me anymore. Cause a kid on the ‘gram in a Black Dhalia tank says it ain’t heavy metal.”

Mike’s Take:

It had to be said “no, it ain’t heavy metal”. That’s right it’s not heavy metal and while this song is basically a “screw you” to all the haters, Oli had to do it, the rest of BMTH had to do it. It’s perfect, the instrumental is incredibly heavy the way it should be especially for something like this diss track to all of the people out there that hated the new stuff. All I have to say is listen to it yourself and tell me it’s not the most beautiful diss track to hit the world of metal smack dead in the face. The last 5 seconds makes the whole song because it basically says they haven’t lost their edge, they didn’t sell out, they just had different musical tastes they wanted to explore so just shut the up about them changing their music already.

i don’t know what to say

In a surprisingly pleasant twist of sounds, “i don’t know what to say” doesn’t start off with drums, electronics, or guitar. Instead, an orchestra of violins and strings comes in and plays throughout the song, even after the full band joins in.

But besides the beautiful instrumentals, this song is also one of the most personal and gut wrenching on the album.

At face value, it could be about a breakup, or a separation of sorts. And it is, in some way.

According to Syke’s twitter account, this song was dedicated to Syke’s friend, Aidan, who passed away from cancer, and anyone who has ever felt the pain of losing someone.

With that in mind, the entire song tells the story of knowing you are losing someone and knowing you cannot stop the inevitable. It talks about the plans you make with them for once you’re reunited in the afterlife, and how after they pass you wish you would have shown them you love them more often. It’s about the doubt and fear that comes with loss, and how regardless of how they lived- there is always a sense of regret and emptiness.

If you have ever lost someone, listen to this song with tissues nearby. It is relatable in the worst way.

Mike’s Take:

A beautifully composed outro for a band that has laid it all on the line with this one and has for sure pulled themselves in several directions, genre wise. The strings add a welcomed layer of melody and closure to what has been a journey for the books. BMTH does it again with this track, not only perfecting an instrumental to say goodbye and we will see you on the next album but to give you a sense of “it wasn’t for nothing” this is a happy ending regardless of how it started, we are here now. We are here now BMTH, this is what we waited for. It’s pure, genius.

Do you agree? Disagree? Have a favorite song? Let us know in the comments below.