The Birthday Massacre – Pathways (Digital/CD/Vinyl Album – Metropolis Records)
The Canadian band The Birthday Massacre has been active for more than a year now. Fans had to wait three years for this latest release, which was preceded by two singles—both of which are included on the album.
Pathways consists of only eight tracks, featuring familiar singles. From the very beginning, the musical direction of the album becomes clear: industrial guitar riffs are softened in the choruses by melodious, compelling, and dark melodies. Floating above the music is the charismatic, angelic, and somewhat fragile voice of Chibi. Once again, it’s clear—without their singer, The Birthday Massacre would be an entirely different band and vice versa. Music and vocals form a unity of contrasts here, shaping both the style and character of the album and the band. There’s a fusion of raw, powerful guitar work on one hand, and dreamy, almost pop-like synth melodies on the other, with Chibi’s vocals acting as the perfect glue binding it all together. The choruses, at times, have an uplifting, almost euphoric quality, creating several standout moments.
On “Pathways”, nearly everything sounds refined and purposeful. It’s a pity that the album contains only eight songs—but they are undeniably great songs. The Birthday Massacre continues to surprise, delivering a sound they have mastered like no one else. (Rating:9).
Listen to “Sleep Tonight”:
Read the news on ‘Pathways’.
About The Birthday Massacre
The Birthday Massacre is a Canadian Goth/rock/pop band formed in 2002 by Sara Elaine Taylor, known as Chibi, alongside members going by Rainbow and Mike. The band released the album “Diamonds” in 2020, followed in 2022 by “Fascination”, recorded with new bass player Brett after the members wrote separately during lockdown and reconvened in the studio. “Pathways”, the band’s 2025 album on Metropolis Records, follows singles including “Dreams Of You” and “Precious Hearts” from the “Fascination” era and continues the pairing of Chibi’s vocals with the band’s guitar-and-synth sound.
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