Rapture (Betraying The Martyrs Album)

''Rapture'' is the fourth studio album by French metalcore band Betraying the Martyrs. It was released on 13 September 2019 through Sumerian Records in October 2021.

Background and recording

On 18 September 2018, Betraying the Martyrs announced that they replaced lead guitarist Lucas D'Angelo with Steeves Hostin. At the same time, they are working on new material for the forthcoming album. On 5 March 2019, they shared a teaser of new song from the album through their social media accounts. On 26 June, they revealed the album itself, the album cover, the track list, and release date.

Critical reception

The album received mixed to positive reviews from critics. Jay H. Gorania from Blabbermouth.net gave the album 7 out of 10 and said: "''Rapture'' is, thus far, Betraying the Martyrs' crowning achievement. In spite of its questionable track sequencing and relatively lackluster start, the Frenchmen's improved technicality and more prominent black metal inspired symphonic flourishes successfully augment the act's bedrock of bruising breakdowns. In short, the ingredients are familiar and par for the course, but like any veteran chef would do, the tailoring of expected flavors is thoughtful and consequently memorable. Perhaps most importantly, ''Rapture''s diversity opens the door for a variety of approaches that will likely make sense their next go around." Kris Pugh of ''Distorted Sound'' scored the album 5 out of 10 and said: "Though Betraying the Martyrs tick several of the boxes on the checklist of metalcore, they're yet to produce a work of art that puts them as front runners in the genre. And ''Rapture'' does little for the band outside of chucking in a couple of decent breakdowns, and impressive guitar lines into their back catalogue. If you were wondering why Betraying the Martyrs most noteworthy moment in the spotlight by some distance was their cover of a wildly popular pop song – ''Rapture'' answers that question for you in abundance."

Joe Smith-Engelhardt of ''Exclaim!'' gave it 7 out of 10 and said: "While they aren't necessarily bringing anything new to the table, Betraying the Martyrs offer a fresh take on a tried-and-true formula with ''Rapture''. The record has plenty to offer for metalcore fans and helps set them on a path of longevity as they gain more confidence in their sound." ''New Transcendence'' gave the album a positive review and saying: "''Rapture'' is an album that'll have you achieving that new record on bench press, dead lift or that 5k you've been practicing for. The ideal album for riding into battle, or standing at your window watching the entire world as you know it, fall apart, and unravel into chaos. As long as you have Forty-one minutes to spare before you are plunged into darkness with it, give ''Rapture'' album a listen!"

Track listing

Adapted from Apple Music.

Personnel

Betraying the Martyrs
* Aaron Matts – lead vocals
* Steeves Hostin – lead guitar
* Baptiste Vigier – rhythm guitar
* Valentin Hauser – bass
* Boris le Gal – drums
* Victor Guillet – keyboards, clean vocals

Additional personnel
* Henrik Udd – production

References

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2019 albums
Betraying the Martyrs albums
Sumerian Records albums