Album Review: Poppy Shreds and Soars on Empty Hands

Poppy’s seventh studio album Empty Hands proves she’s leaned fully into a visceral, industrial‑infused metal palette while still threading hooks through the chaos. From the moment “Public Domain” opens with jagged synths and robotic vocals reminiscent of her earlier work. The first song shows criticism, identity, and the digital age’s noise, delivered with a snarl that feels unmistakably Poppy.

Following that raw entrance, “Bruised Sky” crashes in with crushing riffs and a chorus that somehow marries melody with anguish. Its blend of emotive vocals and metallic heft instantly marks it as one of the record’s most memorable moments. Then comes “Guardian,” which shifts into a slightly more anthemic mood. With cleaner vocals and layered textures, it broadens the album’s sonic landscape, offering a melodic reprieve before the tension returns.

At just under a minute, “Constantly Nowhere” acts as a strange, atmospheric breath — an a cappella whisper that unsettles before “Unravel” dives into a mix of vulnerability and force. Here, Poppy balances a kind of melancholic lyricism with strong instrumentation, which results in a very interesting sound.

“Dying to Forget” then rips the bandage off with lots of energy. Jagged guitars and Poppy’s feral delivery make it one of the record’s most visceral tracks. It’s followed by “Time Will Tell,” which leans into industrial‑metal rhythm with a slightly nostalgic edge. “Eat the Hate” follows with a punchy, almost punk‑tinged aggression: short, sharp, and dripping with sarcasm.

As the album continues, “The Wait” brings a slightly more reflective tone, its melody lingering in the space between aggression and introspection before the moody “If We’re Following the Light”. “Ribs” unfolds into one of the album’s more touching moments — atmospheric yet still tethered to the record’s emotional core, exploring loss, memory, and resilience.

Then comes the finale: “Empty Hands.” The title track erupts with feral screams; it’s an explosive close that leaves the listener breathless.

With Empty Hands, it's clear that Poppy uses each song to explore different facets of anger, vulnerability, and artistic identity, perfect for fans of genre‑bending.

Listen below:

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