Poppy‘s seventh studio album, Empty Hands, released on January 23, 2026 via Sumerian Records, marks another bold step in her genre-defying career. Once a YouTube enigma churning out bubblegum pop, Poppy (Moriah Rose Pereira) has fully embraced her metalcore persona, building on the industrial-tinged aggression of 2024’s Negative Spaces. Produced with Jordan Fish, Empty Hands delivers a cathartic punch of crushing riffs, electronic flourishes, and raw emotional depth. The central theme revolves around betrayal, inner turmoil, and the catharsis of wishing ill on those who’ve wronged you— a stark evolution from her earlier, more whimsical lyrics.
The album explodes open with “Public Domain,” a Marilyn Manson-esque industrial banger that sets a confrontational tone with thunderous percussion and sardonic vocals questioning fame and ownership.
Singles like “Bruised Sky” and “Guardian” lean into radio-friendly metalcore, blending Evanescence-style hooks with nu-metal grooves, though they occasionally feel formulaic amid the album’s heavier ambitions. Standouts include the brutal “Dying to Forget,” where Poppy unleashes impressive vocal acrobatics—jumping from guttural screams to crystalline cleans—showcasing her range and maturity. The interlude “Constantly Nowhere” provides a brief, eerie breather, while “Eat The Hate” and “If We’re Following The Light” experiment with electronic edges and melodic choruses. The title track closes on a deathcore high note, complete with gutturals, emphasizing Poppy‘s heaviest output yet.
Sonically, Empty Hands tightens Poppy‘s grip on metalcore, with focused production that amplifies her commanding presence. Lyrics delve into personal anguish with newfound vulnerability, like in “Unravel,” which grapples with unraveling relationships. However, some tracks border on corporate metal, lacking the innovation of her earlier genre hops, leading to a sense of B-side familiarity for longtime fans. Fan reactions are split, with newer metal enthusiasts praising the intensity, while veterans miss her experimental edge.
Overall, Empty Hands is Poppy‘s most cohesive metal statement, blending aggression and melody into a brutally addictive listen. It’s not revolutionary, but her evolution shines through in every scream and hook. For fans of genre-fusing alt-metal, this is a solid 8/10—proof that Poppy‘s hands are anything but empty when it comes to delivering impactful music.