Some albums take time to click. “I Will Show You Misery” isn’t one of them.
Carrier UK are a fierce, fast-rising metalcore five-piece from Devon, formed in a Plymouth rehearsal room back in 2017. Their early EPs “Wither” and “In Love And Faith, I Found My Vice” put them on the map, blending melodic 2010s metalcore with a sharper, more modern edge inspired by bands like Counterparts, The Devil Wears Prada and Gideon.
Since then, they’ve built serious momentum on stage, sharing bills with the likes of Bleed from Within, Heart of a Coward, Oceans Ate Alaska, Kingdom of Giants, Heriot and The Word Alive. It’s that live energy, paired with a clear evolution in sound, that’s helping them carve out their own lane in the UK scene.
Designed to be played from beginning to end, Carrier UK’s debut album, “I Will Show You Misery” doesn’t feel like a typical collection of songs. Instead, it’s like stepping into a film or dream—once you’re in, there’s no easy way out.
“Exile” begins with a calm, reflective tone, almost comforting, allowing you to settle, seemingly in control.
But it isn’t.
“I Will Show You Misery” then follows, surprisingly, one of the less heavy tracks on the album. That hints at what’s to come: if this is the lighter side, the rest will only intensify.
All tracks carry an eerie, surreal undertone. The softer moments don’t evoke peace but feel unsettling, as if something’s just beyond sight. Like you’re being watched… or you’re the one doing the watching. Voices drift in, space opens up, and thoughts emerge. Then, it plunges back into weight and chaos.
This push-and-pull defines the album’s identity, keeping you engaged and slightly uneasy throughout.
“Kiss of Death” sharpens the experience from this point; the heaviness persists, each track building without losing control.
“The Crown” hits with force, like Tyson in his prime—fast, heavy, unexpected, leaving a memorable mark.
“Hell In Me (feat. Arimea)” feels like the album’s pinnacle. All elements build to this point—the emotional intensity heightens, giving an epic vibe. Arimea’s vocals introduce a new dimension, cutting through the mix and taking the track elsewhere. It’s a track you’ll want to revisit.
“Rising Tides” provides a moment to reset—controlled, not soft or safe, keeping the energy balanced without losing its edge.
“The overall theme and soundscapes from this album were heavily inspired by the film ‘Midsommar’ as well as many A24 films. We wanted to give it that “film” camera style when it came to the artwork, ensuring nothing was crystal clean.” Giving it a horror ‘found footage’ kind of style.”
It’s raw, slightly distorted, and intentionally unsettling, immersing you beyond just listening.
Lyrically, it explores themes of addiction, obsession, and destructive habits—how people fall into their worst selves and stay there for a false sense of safety. An unsettling presence runs through the lyrics, lingering long after each track.
“Past Lives (The Pain in Moving On)” closes the album as it begins. Heavy upfront, then calming into the same uneasy tranquillity as “Exile.” It feels like an ending, but more like a pause, hinting something remains, waiting.
For a debut, this album exudes confidence. It draws from the 2000s and 2010s metalcore roots, transforming them into a fresh, personal statement. It’s heavier, more focused, and more purposeful than their 2023 EP “In Love and Faith, I Found My Vice.”
This album succeeds because it controls your emotional experience, with unsettling moments interwoven with sudden hits, recurring again and again.
It’s more than just a collection of tracks; it’s an immersive experience.
And for a debut, that’s a powerful declaration.