Puzzle

Partly inspired by the death of frontman Simon Neil’s mother, the operatic fourth album from Biffy Clyro may initially seem like an emotionally ravaged, difficult listen. And yes, whether it’s the graveside imagery of “Machines” or the thrashing anger on “Get F****d Stud”, this is a record that unblinkingly tackles grief from all angles. But it also marks the band’s mastery of huge stadium-filling melodies. As the yearning, anthemic enormity of “Folding Stars” hits, it becomes clear—this particular puzzle is as much about perseverance as pain.