LINDSAY SCHOOLCRAFT

THE SETUP

While most people are familiar with Dr. Kübler-Ross’s 5-stage model of grief, a more robust 7-stage model has been posited in its stead that better reflects the non-linear complications and nuances of working your way through emotional pain. This 7-stage model is what Lindsay Schoolcraft works through in this 7-track album as she bares her soul and shares the fears, doubts, anger, and abuse she has been gripped by. Hauntingly beautiful, Schoolcraft’s third full-length album Harrowing leaves no emotional stone unturned as she shares her trauma, her hope, and the stunning range of her vocals.

THE REVIEW

The album opens with ‘Mercy Has Come’, a real atmosphere setter. Right off the bat, if you’re new to Schoolcraft, you will be able to hear her late 90s/early 00s symphonic and nu-metal influences (think Evanescence and Within Temptation). She opens this album by describing being on the receiving end of abuse, but saying “I am the one to set me free” — the stage is set, and you know that this album is about breaking a cycle.

As we move into ‘Crucified’, a track released early that fans have already poured out their praise for, the listener is struck by the heaviness of the song, something that doesn’t just appeal to me personally but that feels necessary given the raw emotional lyrical content. There are captivating synth elements layered throughout the song, but the song’s heaviness is driven primarily by Dylan Gowan’s powerful drum work. The softness of Schoolcraft’s voice, mixed with the darkness of the story she tells of abuse of power, is mirrored in the aggression of the heavy metal and the soft surrealism of the synth elements. There’s a certainty in her pain; she’s done being used and knows that these “self-crowned king[s]” always get what’s coming. This is a poignant song for people who feel powerless in the service of someone’s massive ego, and a reminder that you have strength within you. ‘Crucified’ really gets in your head as a standout track.

‘Vague’ may be my favourite of Schoolcraft’s vocal performances on the whole album, but it is grippingly painful. This is her looking for strength to leave an abusive situation — she knows that she is the key to her own freedom, but these situations can feel impossible to get out of. This third track is the sadder side of abuse stories, when they give you so many reasons to leave, but you just can’t get out because you’re so beaten down. When she wonders who she would have been if she hadn’t met this person who has her trapped and if that version of her is still attainable, it makes the listener inescapably emotional. Luckily, near the end of the song, there is an incredibly heavy breakdown that helps you release those emotions. Johnstone and Gowan’s powerful guitar and drum work give you the headbanging element you need to work through the pain.

‘Wait For You To Fall’ is another track we were lucky enough to get released early, and I like to think it’s because Schoolcraft couldn’t wait to show her avid fans how she has been playing with genres, and this true classic 90s nu-metal jam is an excellent example of that. She is casting a spotlight on her roots here musically, and moving to a different area of the pain process — being petty! This track is her knowing she will have the last laugh in the end. Johnstone’s guitar work is brilliant, capturing the 90s nu-metal sound perfectly, and the record scratches that accompany it are the pinnacle of nostalgia, as this track transports you back in time.

Religious themes come out all throughout this album, and as much as you really start to notice it in songs like ‘Crucified’, even in this fun 90s track, she accuses someone of kicking her off her cloud after clipping her wings; now she waits for them to fall.

As we get into the latter half of the album, ‘Cut Your Teeth’ mesmerizes us with a soft, ethereal intro. In the 7 stages of grief, this is her righteous anger, a soft, beautiful, but deadly warning. This song says, “I gave you a chance and you blew it. You fucked around, and now you’re finding out.” This person was shown kindness, mistook it for weakness, and now she just watches them self-destruct. “You’ve starved the hand that feeds.” ‘Cut Your Teeth’ is gothic, haunting, and heavy.

‘So Alive’ is the 6th stage of the grief cycle, re-evaluation of your life and your goals. This song is about rebirth, reclaiming your life and emerging brighter on the other side, and knowing in your heart of hearts, “I’m not defined by you, it’s my turn”. Featuring guest vocalist Krista Shipperbottom (former singer of Lutharo), this song grips you with Schoolcraft’s assuredness that she deserves better, and Shipperbottom’s notoriously powerful pure metal roars. It’s a perfect harmony, not just of vocals but of emotion. It’s fierce self-advocacy. Soft but booming vocals from Lindsay, and fierce, harsh vocals from Krista. Together, they are large, assertive, and ready to break free from the cycle of abuse.

Harrowing ends with ‘Chase The Dark’, a track whose opening melody is so captivating that you fall in love with it instantly as it sucks you in. This song assures you that no matter what Schoolcraft has been through, no one has the power to make her lose her spark. “As I carve you out of my soul, the pain brings back a glow.” ‘Chase The Dark’ is truly beautiful and a perfect end to an emotional journey of heartache, betrayal, confusion, abuse, and emergence on the other side. This is about perseverance and a new beginning awaiting you once you take back your life, all over top of that beautiful, soft melody. A comforting end to a deep exploration of trauma.

THE VERDICT

While this album will leave you reeling with emotions, it is true catharsis, a reminder that you are not alone in your pain, and that you are strong and seen. With masterful musicianship and hauntingly relatable lyrics, Harrowing is set to be a comfort album for anyone who needs an anchor in a storm.

TRACKLISTING
‘Mercy Has Come’, ‘Crucified’, ‘Vague’, ‘I Wait For You To Fall’, ‘Cut Your Teeth’, ‘So Alive’, ‘Chase The Dark’