Hold on Pain Ends
by The Color Morale
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 4 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
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  1. Absolute Punk (Staff reviews)
    Sep 30, 2014
    84
    If you’re already a fan of the band, Hold On Pain Ends delivers in every way.
  2. Kerrang!
    Sep 30, 2014
    80
    One of the most hard-hitting records of the year. [30 Aug 2014, p.52]
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  3. Alternative Press
    Sep 30, 2014
    70
    There will always be casualties when musicians want to change but fans want them to stay the same. That doesn’t stop the Color Morale from adding plenty of pop choruses to their post-hardcore palate on Hold On Pain Ends, while keeping their metalcore tendencies, too.

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User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 1
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 1
  3. Negative: 0 out of 1
  1. TheQuietGamer
    Jun 29, 2016
    8
    The message has always been an important part of The Color Morale's music. It's been crucial to their success. That's no different here. TheyThe message has always been an important part of The Color Morale's music. It's been crucial to their success. That's no different here. They cover subject matter like self-mutilation, suicide, and broken homes. Not all of these themes are new to the band, but they carry no less power. Their ability to preach hope in difficult times is still one of their greatest strengths.

    As far as the sound goes, the band's experimentation causes it to take a step back. Pop-oriented choruses and tracks all about clean vocals are pushed to the forefront here. The expected metal tracks are still present, but they aren't as prominent. Frontman Garret Rapp still has a remarkable vocal range. He is still able to show that off even when focusing almost entirely on showing of his cleans. However the lessened use of screams, growls, and other unclean vocal styles is still disappointing. I said back in my review of "My Devil In You Eyes" that Rapp's cleans didn't really do much for me. That doesn't change here.

    The Color Morale throws in some quest appearances this time. Chiodos’ Craig Owens and Dave Stephens of We Came As Romans lend their vocals to two of the album's tracks. The former's guest track "Suicide;Stigma" stands out as the album's highlight.

    The new pop influence does kind of push the band into a more post-hardcore territory with this album. Something that made it not quite as addicting as their previous albums have been for me. While that did take away some of the enjoyment I found with this new material, it didn't ruin my time with it. While it's not one I'll come back to as feverishly or hold in as high of regard, it's still what I can call a great album.

    I'd rather see the band returning to their heaviest form with their next album, but I still enjoyed what was offered here. The emotions the band uses to it's advantage are still powerful and very real. They believe what they say and truly mean it. They also manage to tie it all into a pretty great sound. All in all it's a great album. One worth it for returning fans and newcomers alike, even if it's not as outstanding as what came before.    … Full Review »