The Black
by Asking Alexandria
User Score
6.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 48 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 48
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 48
  3. Negative: 9 out of 48
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  1. Yas667
    Apr 19, 2016
    4
    I could begin this review with a long rant about Asking Alexandria’s career and discography, but to be entirely honest, that just isn’t necessary. All you really need to know is that they went from being a bizarre, “crabcore” band in the vein of Attack! Attack! (Stand Up and Scream) to a generic Bullet For My Valentine clone (Reckless and Relentless) to a slightly less generic BFMV cloneI could begin this review with a long rant about Asking Alexandria’s career and discography, but to be entirely honest, that just isn’t necessary. All you really need to know is that they went from being a bizarre, “crabcore” band in the vein of Attack! Attack! (Stand Up and Scream) to a generic Bullet For My Valentine clone (Reckless and Relentless) to a slightly less generic BFMV clone (From Death to Destiny). Then, their vocalist Danny Worsnop ended up ditching the band for a different project, leading them to pick up Denis Stoff as their replacement. Now, in 2016, Asking Alexandria have released their first full-length LP since Worsnop’s departure, titled The Black, and it ultimately ends up being an average metalcore album from an average band.… Expand
  2. ToniSpimoni
    Dec 22, 2017
    5
    With 'The Black', Asking Alexandria not only tries to recapture their sound from half a decade ago (poorly) but does so whilst childishly slandering their previous frontman every step of the way. As a replacement vocalist, Denis does a decent job capturing the clean voice of a debut album Danny Worsnop, but an awful one at most else. Extremely limited range as far as harsh vocals, coupledWith 'The Black', Asking Alexandria not only tries to recapture their sound from half a decade ago (poorly) but does so whilst childishly slandering their previous frontman every step of the way. As a replacement vocalist, Denis does a decent job capturing the clean voice of a debut album Danny Worsnop, but an awful one at most else. Extremely limited range as far as harsh vocals, coupled with his live performance being weak, and laced with back-tracking (of Danny's voice) highlights this. As he's shown in Make Me Famous (I mean that name...,c'mon) and Down & Dirty, he just isn't capable of mature songwriting and is not the caliber of musician that AA needed at the time. Instrumentally the band had taken a step back with less impressive guitar work, and a bigger focus on the chugfest that propelled them into stardom. With inspirational lyrics like literally spelling out **** you", and innovative musicianship like copy-pasting riffs from earlier albums, it's easy to see why Danny is back, and why their self-titled will take its place as the king of their discography.… Expand
  3. Uncleswiggle
    Dec 3, 2017
    5
    Wasn't really a fan of it. Just my opinion though. I'm sure some people love it its just not the same sound as it once was, and i'm not hating on them for that it just doesn't appeal to me

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 4 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. Kerrang!
    Apr 5, 2016
    100
    With The Black, Asking Alexandria have made the album that they've always wanted to make. Which also happens to be the album fans have always wanted to hear. [19 Mar 2016, p.66]
  2. AllMusic
    Apr 5, 2016
    80
    They've emerged from a quagmire that could have ended the band and ended up writing their tightest album yet.
    Read full review
  3. Alternative Press
    Apr 5, 2016
    80
    Worsnop may be gone, but the rage channeled into The Black has helped the group lift themselves back onto their feet, showing they are more than capable of carrying on without him.
    Read full review
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