Poppy’s sixth album cements her place in the metal world while showcasing her genre-defying versatility, featuring massive, polished production that blends elements of metalcore, industrial, and synth-pop. While Poppy has always flirted with genre boundaries, this record is a decisive step into heavier territory, and we love it. Lyrically, Negative Spaces dives deep into themes of betrayal, lies, and defiance, brimming with real anger and energy. “The Centre’s Falling Out” is a brutal and chaotic scream-fest that showcases the rabid intensity of her vocal range, whilst “Crystallized” is pure dance-pop fun, a surprising callback to her earlier era.

“They’re All Around Us” bounces between guttural screaming and thunderous double-pedal drumming in the verses, to a soaring, catchy chorus that recalls the alternative metal of the early 2000s. “The Cost of Giving Up” feels deeply personal, with lyrics that ask genuine questions. Negative Spaces is an album that invites metalheads to confront their own tendencies toward gatekeeping. By incorporating elements of pop within the framework of modern metal, Poppy is as likely to excite new listeners as she is to frustrate the purists. But this record is an absolute blast, proving that Poppy’s transformation from pop star to scream queen is equal parts thrilling and authentic. Poppy’s metal phase is not a gimmick, but a bold declaration that metal, not dance-pop, is the most powerful vehicle for her voice, her emotions, and her creative vision. Here’s hoping she keeps going even heavier - because it’s exactly where she belongs.