The Ongoing Concept

Again

The Ongoing Concept returns after a six-year hiatus with their new album, Again. With this release, they bring back the metal, progressive, and hardcore sound they’re known for, while undoubtedly taking the dynamics up a notch.

Again kicks off with “Amends Again,” which strikes a balance between pulsing synthesizers and chugging guitars that sets a mood and tempo for the rest of the album. Toward the bridge, the bit-crushed synths tastefully complement the Scholz brothers’ unclean vocals and hit you like a bag of bricks, leaving listeners wanting more.

In their latest release, the band is bold and unafraid of using samples on songs like “Prisoner Again,” which starts with concert cheers, followed by gun samples layered with floor tom hits that crescendo to the chorus. Vocalist and guitarist Dawson Scholz shows his versatility and range of clean vocals to blood-curdling screams. As the album progresses, The Ongoing Concept continues to open up, taking artistic risks that pay off in spades.

They keep up the momentum on “Melody Again,” incorporating an even stronger synth presence. What steals the show, however, is the single, “Unwanted Again.” The fluid song structure incorporates a gragrant combination of nu metal, alternative rock, pop, and other elements. It’s a tight package, complete with a guitar solo at the end to tie it all together.

The album takes a left turn into hardcore and jazz music with “Saloon Again.” The double-time verses and jazz pre-choruses create a powerful statement that shows the band has been putting in the really crafting intricate songs.

The Ongoing Concept plays to their strengths in their 2023 release, making a triumphant-sounding masterpiece. After 20+ years as a band, Again proves that TOC still has much to bring to the table.