Volumes Happier? Reaction | Metal Shell Reacts
Get a picture because Volumes are right back at it again. “Happier?” is the band’s first album in four years, so the pressure was on with this one. Adding to this pressure was a major line-up change. The band continued on without their long-time vocalist Gus Farias, but fortunately the band recruited fan-favorite former vocalist Michael Barr. With Michael now splitting vocal duties with Myke Terry, fans were excited to hear this new version of the band. This wasn’t the only change the band experienced however, as long-time Guitarist Diego Farias also left the band. Diego unfortunately passed away shortly after – rest in peace – so the Volumes camp have been through a lot the last few years.
What does all of this mean for the sound of the band though? Does the band manage to surpass expectations and rise above these changes and challenges? I will be discussing the album in-full in my upcoming Volumes Happier? track-by-track album review, so for now I will let my initial reaction speak for itself. I have never been a huge fan of the band, but I dove into their new record with an open mind and open ears. Down below you can find my Volumes Happier? reaction video where I share my live reaction to the album.
Volumes Happier? Reaction
“Happier” is easily one of the most pleasant surprises of the year. I will admit that the record was hardly on my radar before this reaction. While I previously enjoyed the pre-album announcement single “Weightless”, I initially wasn’t as impressed with the following singles. However, not only do I enjoy the full album immensely, but even the singles standout better in the context of the record. This may just be the best “Volumes” record ever. I think the band did a great job overcoming their line-up change, the pandemic and lockdown, and the difficulties in their individual personal lives. The duo of Michael and Myke are exciting and the instrumentals sound as good as ever. I hope this version of the band sticks around for a long time. “Happier” not only surpasses all expectations, but it sets the bar high for anything that comes next.
What Did I Like About Happier??
Upon initially hearing the album I was most impressed with the bouncy and groovy instrumentals – which is a standard for Volumes – and the vocal duo of Michael Barr and Myke Terry. While their previous record “Different Animals” didn’t completely lack that djent sound fans love, it didn’t lean into it nearly enough. “Happier?” here does the complete opposite. The record is far more progressive and features plenty of technical riffs and breakdowns. Throughout the record, the band juggle brutal headbang worthy breakdowns, beautiful and peaceful bridges, and powerful choruses. I must say they really nail it all too. “Happier” has an ambiance that puts the band in a league of their own.
As you can tell from my Volumes Happier? reaction video posted above, I did enjoy my first date with the record. So far my favorite tracks are “RBX”, “Into You (Hurt)”, “Bend”, “Man On Fire”, and “Weighted”. Only time will tell what tracks stick with me though.
Stay tuned for my track-by-track album review where I will further analyze and dissect each record before giving the album a final rating.
Volumes Happier? CD And Vinyl
If you enjoy physical albums as much as I do, follow the link below and pick yourself up a copy of Happier?! Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. However, I will never recommend a product or service I don’t have 100% faith in. Happy listening!
Need More Progressive Metal In Your Life?
Need more progressive metal in your life? I recommend you check out my Sleep Token This Place Will Become Your Tomb Track-By-Track album review. Sleep Token lean into the more ambient side of progressive metal that Volumes flirt with from time-to-time. However, don’t get me wrong, the band still packs a punch! In the article, I breakdown each and every track from the band’s heavy new record in-depth. So check that out down below if you’re interested!
If you need more proggy goodness, additionally I recommend you check out my Spiritbox Eternal Blue track-by-track review. In the article, I breakdown every track from the band’s incredibly hyped up and critically acclaimed debut record in-depth. The band tap into the progressive metal sound and I consider them more prog than metalcore. So check that out down below if you’re interested!
Looking for more music like Volumes? Look no further than our official modern metal playlist. The Spotify playlist features several of the latest tracks by the band, as well as other highly recommended modern bangers! Check it out down below and be sure to follow the playlist if you like what you hear. I update it weekly, so you won’t miss a thing!
What did you think of my Volumes Happier? reaction video? Did you enjoy the new album? Please share your thoughts down in the comments.



