Review: The sophomore full-length from New Jersey goth-punks My Chemical Romance was originally released in 2004, changing both the course of their career trajectory as a band but also altering the mainstream acceptance of the goth/emo/alt scene in the 21st century ever since. While it was 2006's third full-length The Black Parade which would cement the band as alt rock legends, Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge was an unprecedented success, fusing the macabre darkness of Misfits and Alkaline Trio with stadium-sized hooks to put the likes of Blink-182 or Green Day to shame. Boasting the pop-punk hit 'I'm Not Okay (I Promise)', whilst the later singles 'Helena' and 'The Ghost Of You' illustrated their expansive yet understated weaving of emo, post-hardcore and punk rock, all elevated by vocalist Gerard Way's uniquely grim lyricism, experience as a graphic novel illustrator and Billy Borgan-style vocal fractures. Selling over 3 million copies in the US alone, even being certified Platinum less than a year after initial release, this semi-modern fully classic punk staple returns with a revitalised deluxe edition, housed with updated artwork and offering an entirely new remix as well as four previously unreleased live recordings.
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