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. TheQuietGamer
    Apr 15, 2016
    9
    It's hard when a band goes through a change in lead singers. Not just for the fans either. The rest of the band has to come to terms with losing someone they were close to and finding a new sound to suit the new vocalist. However in the case of Asking Alexandria Denis Stoff makes things as easy possible for both the bands and the fans. He shows that the loss of Danny Worsnop isn't going toIt's hard when a band goes through a change in lead singers. Not just for the fans either. The rest of the band has to come to terms with losing someone they were close to and finding a new sound to suit the new vocalist. However in the case of Asking Alexandria Denis Stoff makes things as easy possible for both the bands and the fans. He shows that the loss of Danny Worsnop isn't going to affect the music in any negative way.

    Stoff's vocal range is impressive. Some of his screams even give the album a sound that resembles the band's 2009 debut "Stand Up and Scream." The instrumentals capture the sound of the band's later works, making "The Black" feel like a culmination of everything the band has tried up until this point. What a culmination it is.

    This is some of the most exciting metalcore to come out in a long time. It's emotional, violent, and all around incredible. The band has lost none of it's steam and instead return with increased enthusiasm and passion. The power is real and lyrics are great. Especially when tackling the topic of their feelings for Worsnop.

    Danny Worsnop was no doubt crucial to this band's success up until this point. His contributions will always be remembered as part of what got this band started in the first place. Yet Denis Stoff proves ready to take up the torch and lead this band to new places. Potentially higher ones. With an incredible vocal range and the rest of the talented band being ready to move on the future looks brighter than ever for them. They certainly delivered an amazing album to show just that.

    9.8/10    … Expand
  2. DoUEvnLft
    Apr 8, 2016
    10
    The album is fantastic, and serves as the exact comeback that AA needed to prove that anything could happen to this band and they could still come back stronger, heavier and fiercer. This album stands up extremely well on its own and as a part of the AA discography, currently being my second favourite album next to Reckless & Relentless. I expected this album to be good, but not quite this good.
  3. Scotty_Prime
    May 25, 2017
    10
    Ok, This is not the Danny Worsnop voice or something like that, But, lyricly and Voccaly,This is a Big F*cking Awasome album
    But, The explosive sound get's lost in a moments in the song "Here I Am", But, Gets back with "Undivided"
  4. HERMITANIO
    Jul 28, 2016
    10
    OMFG!!!
    AA had an extreme change with this new album.
    Him there gives Denis's powerful voice young woman wing band a sound mas, loudly and in turn newly for this musical kind.
    In my opinion, I am charmed with it.
  5. SKSK
    Jul 22, 2018
    7
    We'll Be OK would be a great way to end the album, but instead, they choose to close this project with Undivided and Circled By The Wolves, which aren't that good.
  6. JoseofCatarina
    Jul 24, 2020
    10
    At first, I had my doubts about this album. But in retrospect, it's a timeless masterpiece that I find myself regularly going back to. Juxtaposing it to their newest disaster of an album, it's absolutely incredible.
    10/10

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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