Review - Lost Prophets - Weapons

Weapons, the fifth studio outing from Lost Prophets is, quite simply, yet another astounding addition to their immaculate back catalogue, which stretches back over a decade. For a band entering their 15^th year as a band, to see them still in the form of lives is something very special to behold, and in spite of all the obstacles that they have overcome, they can still write one hell of a tune.

As a record, it might not be as immediate as some of their earlier work, but make no mistake about it, this album is up there with the rest. It has its high points and a little filler in places (particularly Somedays and Can’t Get Enough, which could perhaps be dispensed of), but when it’s good, it’s breathtaking once more.

It is definitely a grower, and you do come to appreciate it more with a few spins under the belt. The two singles which were aired prior to the release of weapons are present and sound better than ever, with Bring ‘Em Down acting as the opener, and acting as the perfect appetizer for what’s to come. We Bring An Arsenal is simply massive, the anthemic refrain set to get lodged in your head from the very first play and riding a seminal Lost Prophets chorus, with Another Shot following and leading the way for the simply awesome one-two of Jesus Walks and A Song For Where I’m From.

Jesus Walks is a blistering reminder that Lost Prophets are going nowhere, with a classic Ian Watkins hook and chorus, running alongside some powerhouse work from the band, on a cut that is without doubt going to be a live favourite for some time to come. It is a huge moment on Weapons. That would be good enough, but when it is followed by A Song For Where I’m From, you are reminded just why Lost Prophets are one of the finest bands of a generation.

It is classic Prophets, riding one of the best choruses Watkins has ever penned, and it would not be far fetched to say that this number is the “Where We Belong” on Weapons. It is a juggernaut, and stands out on first listen as the out and out highlight of a great collection. One of the greatest songs the band have ever written.

Elsewhere, Better Off Dead makes its expected appearance towards the latter part of the album, and Heart On Loan has another unashamed pop streak through it, on another scintillating chorus. It is yet another highlight of Weapons, and another anthemic chorus from Lost Prophets, which is up there with some of their best work.

If I can have one complaint with Weapons, it is that at only 10 tracks in length, it feels a little short (particularly when two tracks had been aired prior to release, and with there being a little bit of filler), but when the band can write hits like those that make an appearance on Weapons, it is simply enough to wonder in their craft, and enjoy what you have got. It is more than enough to make Weapons an excellent record, and a worthy addition to a stellar back catalogue.  

Lost Prophets; still one of the best bands around, reliably returning with another bag load of hits. Long may their reign continue.

8/10