VINYL Escape The Fate

Review: Escape the Fate – I Am Human (Vinyl Edition)

Genre: Post-Hardcore / Hard Rock
Label: Eleven Seven Music
Original Release Date: March 30, 2018
Vinyl Format: Standard Black / Limited Edition Colored Variants (varies by retailer)

Escape the Fate’s sixth studio album, I Am Human, saw the band leaning harder into melody, emotional vulnerability, and radio-friendly hooks — a shift that divided longtime fans of their heavier, grittier roots. Revisited now in its vinyl form, the record presents a fascinating portrait of a band both evolving and attempting to reclaim relevance in a genre that’s often reluctant to embrace change.

Sound and Production

From the first needle drop, I Am Human shows its polish. The production, handled by Howard Benson (My Chemical Romance, Papa Roach), is slick, layered, and big — almost too big at times. Vinyl purists might find the compression slightly suffocating, particularly on the louder, chorus-heavy tracks like “Empire” and “Do You Love Me.” That said, the analog warmth does add a touch of grit that digital formats lacked, especially on side B cuts like “If Only” and the standout title track “I Am Human.”

Songwriting & Themes

Lyrically, the album trades in angst and identity crises — familiar terrain for Escape the Fate, but delivered here with more introspection than bravado. “I Am Human” is an earnest anthem about self-acceptance and vulnerability, while “Broken Heart” walks the fine line between emo nostalgia and pop-punk accessibility. The record swings between stadium-size rock ambitions and confessional vulnerability, and on vinyl, those dynamics feel more tangible.

However, this balancing act doesn’t always hold. Some tracks (“Four Letter Word,” “Bleed for Me”) feel too engineered, lacking the raw punch that vinyl listeners often crave. There's a sense of play-it-safe that, while accessible, occasionally dulls the impact.

Vinyl Presentation

Packaging-wise, I Am Human keeps things simple. The standard black vinyl offers solid sound quality with minimal surface noise, while limited-edition pressings (such as translucent red or splatter variants) offer more collectible appeal. The jacket artwork — a haunting anatomical heart illustration — is printed crisply, with full lyrics included on the inner sleeve, making it a tactile experience that complements the emotional openness of the album.

Standout Tracks on Wax

“I Am Human” – Its build-up and release feel much more powerful in analog form.
“Let Me Be” – A sleeper acoustic gem that benefits from vinyl’s warmth.
“If Only” – Showcases Craig Mabbitt’s range and emotion in a way that resonates more deeply off digital.

Verdict

I Am Human on vinyl won’t necessarily convert skeptics of Escape the Fate’s modern direction, but it provides a richer, more immersive experience of their 2018 pivot into heart-on-sleeve hard rock. While not a flawless pressing or the band’s most dynamic album, this release is a worthy addition for collectors and fans who appreciate evolution — even when it's a bit polished around the edges.

Score: 7/10
Best for: Fans of Falling In Reverse, Papa Roach, or those exploring the emotional edge of hard rock on vinyl.