Black Widow is a studio album by In This Moment, from all the way back in 2014. It was my first exposure to the band, and it’s really good! Let’s break down what makes this album worth listening to and what makes it unique.

It only takes one glance at the album art to tell that this album is all about lust, hormones, and sex. Looking at the tracklist makes it even clearer, with one of the songs titled “Sex Metal Barbie” and another called “Sexual Hallucination” (tracks 2 and 6, respectively). The band doesn’t shy away from such themes — instead, it proudly embraces them, transforming these semi-taboo subjects into the foundation for a brilliantly unique album. It’s actually pretty surprising that I of all people would enjoy this album so much, but the fact is that there’s a whole lot to like about it. From the compelling lyrics to the powerful vocals, this album is beautifully produced and an absolute joy to listen to.

“Big Bad Wolf” is one of the best tracks on this album and hands-down my favorite. The song is about a woman and her hateful relationship with the darker half of herself. There’s so much emotion packed into the vocals, and the lyrics are beautifully written. Here’s a little excerpt:

Even in these chains, you can’t stop me. Even in these chains, you can’t stop me. Even in these chains, you can’t stop me. Even in these chains, you can’t stop me!

Once upon a time There was a nasty, little piggy filled with pride and greed Once upon a time There was an evil, little piggy typical disease You see this little pig is slowly becoming my own worst enemy. You see this evil pig she’s a blood, blood, blood sucking part of me

Everywhere I go, you go along with me (she said) Anything you get, is all because of me (I said) Everything I do, you do along with me (she said) No matter where you run, you cannot hide from me

She’s got a hold on me Maybe she is just what they want me to be

Even in these chains, you can’t stop me. Even in these chains, you can’t stop me!

Another favorite of mine off this album is “Black Widow,” the title track. It starts off with a vintage educational track about black widows, then launches into sultry vocals laid over some really nice-sounding and heavy guitarwork. The lyrics are pretty feminist in nature, and I’m pretty sure that would be clear to anyone from the very first listen. The song is brimming with confidence and self-assurance, and it sounds good. It sounds really, really good.

This album is a very introspective one — the vocalist, Maria Brink, looked deep into herself during the making of this album, and the lyrics reflect what she found inside in a raw and visceral way. Here’s what she had to say about her personal connection with the album:

I like to have an album theme that relates to me and is me and is extensions of me and my experiences, but I like to put it in an interesting twist [sic] and have it be more of a visual thing that people can be in connect [sic] with. She is me and parts of me and it’s kinda about a girl who starts off innocent and pure and through life and dramatic things, becomes poisoned and infected. Through the darkness and comes out [sic] on the other side as the ‘Black Widow,’ who is confident within herself.

Brink’s up-close, uncompromising look at herself gives the album a very personal feel, and it’s a big part of what sets it apart.

Anyway. This album is amazing. So, check it out!