Boy Becomes Hero is a post-hardcore outfit from Michigan created by Andrew Brittingham (multi-instrumentalist, vocalist) that delivers thrashing anthems and melodic breakdowns. Boy Becomes Hero, with a partnership with To Write Love On Her Arms, is dedicated to creating a musical experience across the post-hardcore scene while raising awareness for depression, self-harm, addiction and suicide. We had an incredible conversation with Andrew on our podcast about the album, mental health, and more which you can check out here.

Escape Artist is a cinematic concept album, and the prelude to the debut album Reverie. The story follows Amatera (Andrew Brittingham) as he struggles with toxic relationships, mistakes he will make and has made, and searches for Restitution, by creating a life of atonement. Ninjen (Garret Rapp) and Ajna (Jonny Craig) help our anti-hero, while captive upon a siren’s ship, find positivity and a healthy mental state in order to let go of the past and focus on the present and the future. Escape Artist’s themes of depression, self-harm, and mental health provide a deep dive for listeners as the heroes in the story make their way from darkness back to light.

The album opens with a quick instrumental prelude, Efficacy, before the listener is hit with a heavy barrage of vocals, Flexibility. This barrage of vocals puts the listener in the head space of Amatera showcasing the break of his mental state. This is the beginning of the storm building, which you can see in the lyric video as well. As one of the heavier songs on the album it punches listeners in the ears with simple but aggressive guitar work, double bass drum kicks and vocals that will amp you up ready to take on any battle ahead.

Craftsmanship tells a story of manipulation. Taking on a much more melodic tone through the clean vocals, accented by the heavy screams. This track provides details of the struggle and conversation leading up to the great fire in the story which ultimately leads to Amatera losing his family, the love of his life to the plauge, and his son Tsukuyo no where to be found. Listener’s can hear more of Tsukuyo’s story on the album “Reverie”.

The first instrumental interlude hits with Collapse. During this time the destruction around him is massive, glass exploding, flames engulfing buildings, and Amatera falls into unconsciousness content with the idea of his death. The interlude guides the listener, and Amatera to Consciousness, the next track on the album.

Consciousness is a bit more of a complex track on the album, and the introduction to Ninjen (voiced by Garret Rapp) and Anjen (voiced by Jonny Craig) also imprisoned on the sirens ship, but as doctors charged with keeping the others alive to fuel the siren. The Siren’s song seduces Amatera and he begins to prepare mentally for an escape that he is not sure is even possible. This track has a beautiful blend of vocal styles and deliveries from Andrew, Garret, and Jonny.

Interdependence brings to light Amatera losing sight of himself. He begins to become lost in despair thinking about the loss of his family, and the burden of fault he is carrying as a result of the destruction of his city. The siren’s song taking hold of his mind. This track features again more melodic vocals and driving guitars, the listener begins to be consumed by the “siren’s song” as well.

In the next track, Abscond, the escape plan begins. Using the siren’s song against her they are able to capture her and begin their journey towards land. Another instrumental interlude allows the listener to close their eyes and visualize the plan unfolding and the early victory. As they head to land, they are able to breath a little easier and hope doesn’t feel so distant.

In my favorite track on the album, Restitution, the crew make their way to a new home. Ninjen takes up the mantle of shaman using his wisdom and healing to help those around them. Amatera is still somewhat lost in his grief but begins to devote his life towards helping those in need. Having regained the mask of his people he begins to wear it as he wanders. This track feels like a song of triumph, but with hints of doubt, and serves as proclamation of an attempt to live a better life. Speaking of atonement for past transgressions and a desire to move forward.

Clouds As Mountains is a letter to listeners with a message of healing. The pain of loss is real, whether that loss comes from family, friends, or lovers they all have impacts on our mental health. This track features vocals from Ranadi and may be the “softest” track on the album. Opening with screams to the listener, the music driving behind the vocals is possibly the most “upbeat” music on the album, and the transition into the singing by Ranadi serves to comfort the listener. The song carries the listener into a feeling of community and safety.

To wrap up the album Confluence leads the listener out with an instrumental track. During this time Amatera often visits his still burning previous town. As Amatera, under the mask of his people, protects his new home he notices that Ninjen has taken a boy under his wing, teaching him the ways of the world. Who could this boy be? Their paths cross on the album Reverie.

This album is strong not only in the cinematic concept album arena, but serving as a soundtrack to messages of hope and mental health. Andrew has been a champion of mental health awareness and his partnership with TWLOHA is not something he takes lightly. During our podcast conversation with Andrew we discussed the desire to turn this story into a graphic novel, or an animated video series. After listening to Escape Artist be sure to follow it up with Reverie to get the full story so far. The pairing of albums comes in just over an hour and tells a beautiful story of loss, redemption, strength, and hope. Let us and Andrew know what you think of the albums in the comments.

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