Vices (Dead Poetic album)

Vices is the third and final studio album by American post-hardcore band Dead Poetic. It was released on October 31, 2006, through Tooth & Nail Records. The album marks a significant stylistic departure for the band, incorporating a more experimental and atmospheric sound compared to their previous, heavier post-hardcore work.

Vices explores themes of internal struggle, self-doubt, and the darker aspects of human nature, consistent with the band's previous lyrical content but approached with greater nuance and subtlety in both lyrics and instrumentation. The album features a heavier reliance on ambient textures, electronic elements, and unconventional song structures. Lead vocalist Brandon Rike's vocal delivery shifted, incorporating more clean vocals and spoken-word passages alongside his characteristic screams.

Reception to Vices was mixed. While some critics praised the band's willingness to experiment and explore new sonic territories, others felt that the departure from their earlier sound was jarring and less engaging. Commercially, Vices did not achieve the same level of success as Dead Poetic's previous albums. Despite the mixed critical and commercial response, Vices remains a notable album in Dead Poetic's discography, representing a pivotal moment in their artistic evolution. Following the release of Vices, the band ultimately disbanded, making it their last full-length release. The album's legacy continues to be debated among fans and critics, with some considering it a bold artistic statement and others viewing it as a disappointing conclusion to the band's career.