Sleeping with Sirens released their fourth full-length album, Madness, on March 17 and, despite switching labels to Epitaph Records from Rise Records, the overall aesthetic of Madness does not stray far from the band’s original sound.

Elements from their first album, With Ears to See and Eyes to Hear, are very prominent in Madness. While the scream is not as prominent, the heavy guitar line and intricate rhythms are still present in a great number of songs as it is in their other albums. Pop elements such as those found in their previous album, Feel, can also be heard.

On the deluxe edition, two extra songs, “Parasites” and “2 Chord,” are added to the album’s 13 standard songs.

Lead singer Kellin Quinn’s tenor leggiero vocal range is utilized in many songs. In “Parasites,” Quinn’s versatility is displayed with his falsetto in the opening lines, yet throughout the song he adds powerful and deep screaming and melodious tones. He effortlessly transitions throughout his range, giving the song a smooth finishing touch.

The title song, “Madness,” also utilizes Quinn’s higher vocals. This softer song fits right in with the band’s arsenal of “stay strong” songs, in which they muse about how life may be bad but that it gets better.

The lyrics and mood of the song fit in with their angsty, teen rock band appearance. One song that stands out is “Better off Dead,” which uses a story about a girl struggling to find her place in the world. Somewhat similar in tone to My Chemical Romance’s “I’m not Okay (I Promise),” this song holds potential to be the new “anthem of the broken.”

Another popular song on Madness, “The Strays,” is significantly softer than all others. The repetitive lyrics contrast with many of the other songs’ sophisticated lyrics. Acoustic guitar lightens the mood, providing a rest from some of the heavier and louder sounds that take over most of the album.

Before the full album release, the official single “Kick Me” was released on Nov. 16. The single features prominent guitar lines and more noticeable screaming. It is the first song on the album, and sets the mood with its angry and empowering lyrics. This song also opened up the band’s set at a Feb. 13 concert in Lowell, during the second leg of the Sleeping with Sirens and Pierce the Veil tour.

During the first week of April, the album peaked at No. 13 on Billboard’s Top 200, but dropped to No. 58 the following week. The steep drop may have been a result of the music style, which is a drastic contrast to more accessible pop that generally takes over the charts.

Overall, Madness will satisfy those who like the old style of Sleeping with Sirens and those who like the newer elements. If you are looking for a well-rounded, post-hardcore album, this one is worth the listen.