In 2015, the music landscape was dominated by polished pop, genre-bending hip-hop, and EDM crossovers. But in the middle of it all, Bring Me The Horizon released That’s The Spirit — a record that didn’t just change their trajectory, but altered the sound of modern rock. Now, a decade later, its influence feels even bigger.
Breaking Out of the Scene
Before That’s The Spirit, BMTH were already building momentum. Their 2013 album Sempiternal had hinted at a more accessible sound, but in 2015 the band fully committed. Arena-ready hooks and polished production replaced much of their chaotic metalcore past, yet the intensity remained.
Songs like “Throne” and “Happy Song” became staples, blasting out of festival speakers and radio stations alike. Meanwhile, tracks such as “Avalanche” and “Drown” revealed a newfound vulnerability and emotional depth. For many, this was the album where BMTH broke out of the metalcore bubble and into the global mainstream.
Key Tracks That Defined an Era
- “Throne” – The breakout anthem, brimming with defiance and massive choruses.
- “Happy Song” – A satirical take on positivity that still worked as a stadium chant.
- “Avalanche” – A soaring, emotional highlight that showcased BMTH’s melodic range.
- “Drown” – Originally released as a standalone single, it became a cornerstone of the new era.
- “Follow You” – The band’s softest single at the time, dividing older fans but expanding their reach.
Each track highlighted BMTH’s willingness to experiment while still delivering anthems that connected with both old fans and newcomers.
The Umbrella That Took Over
You couldn’t escape the umbrella logo in 2015. Printed on shirts, hoodies, posters, and etched into tattoos, it became a visual shorthand for the band’s evolution. More than an album icon, it represented a cultural shift — BMTH wasn’t just another heavy band anymore; they were a movement.
Critical and Commercial Impact
That’s The Spirit debuted at No. 2 on the UK Albums Chart and broke into the US Billboard Top 10, cementing BMTH as global players. Critics praised its accessibility, while fans debated whether the shift in sound was bold or a sellout. Either way, the album expanded their audience and influenced a wave of younger rock acts who followed their lead.
Influences and Legacy
That’s The Spirit didn’t just reshape BMTH — it reshaped the rock landscape around them. The album’s fusion of electronic textures, soaring choruses, and post-hardcore grit influenced a new wave of bands such as Architects, I Prevail, and Bad Omens, who leaned into accessibility without abandoning heaviness. Its success also encouraged major labels to take more chances on heavy music, proving that genre-blending rock could thrive on a global stage. Even a decade later, you can hear echoes of That’s The Spirit in festival headliners and up-and-comers alike.
Setting the Stage for the Future
The impact of That’s The Spirit went far beyond 2015. It laid the foundation for 2019’s amo, where BMTH pushed even further into electronic experimentation, and the ongoing POST HUMAN series, where genre boundaries barely exist. Without That’s The Spirit, their transformation from scene band to mainstream innovators may never have happened.
Celebrating a Decade of Rain
Ten years on, Horizon Supply Co. has released a special anniversary collection, letting fans old and new celebrate the era that redefined BMTH. For those who lived it, it’s a nostalgic reminder of a cultural moment. For newer fans, it’s the perfect gateway into the record that bridged the gap between BMTH’s metalcore origins and their stadium-conquering dominance.
A Legacy That Still Echoes
So put That’s The Spirit back on, scream along to “Throne”, and remember what it felt like to hear these songs for the first time. Some albums don’t just hold up — they evolve into something bigger. A decade later, this one isn’t just a classic; it’s a cornerstone of modern rock.
