Tag Archives: every time i die

03.14.13
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[MUSIC REVIEW] Vanna – The Few And The Far Between

TFATFB

VANNA
The Few And The Far Between
[Artery Recordings/Razor & Tie]
Verdict: 9.5/10
RIYL: The Greenery, Stick To Your Guns, Every Time I Die & No Bragging Rights

VANNA, over the past few years, have gone through a…musical metamorphosis. What they were a few years ago pales in comparison to the raging beast they have become. The Few And The Far Between is an exercise in masculine and unbrideled rage mixing with the occasional clean vocal passage. It never becomes overbearing or annoying, as the often times volatile rhythms accompany the dirty, and angst ridden vocals of Davey Muise. TFATFB is a dirty record, filled with enough brutality to keep the pits alive and enough melody to keep one singing along and dancing for weeks on end. Where VANNA excel though, is in their ability to slip easily between rhythms and power, a trait that comes naturally and shines in a live setting (proof of this was most recently evident as they played before the epically heavy The Acacia Strain, and stood their ground). The energy is never at a loss and the passion that is needed to keep this genre strong, is in abundance and never lacking. It’s bands like VANNA that keep the scene strong. The individual members personalities shine off and on the stage and the music is always 100%. The Few And The Far Between is a record that deserves your full and undivided attention and love.  — by Jon Hole

Recommended Listening: ‘The Lost Art Of Staying Alive’ & ‘Please Stay’
Guest Appearances: Rachel Quarell and Adam Toomey on ‘Please Stay’; Mike Milford, formerly of Scars Of Tomorrow on ‘The Dreamer/The Thief/The Relic’ & Ethan Harrison of Great American Ghost on ‘I Said Im Fine’
Production Credits: Recorded at Gateway Recordings in Haverhill, MA by Jay Maas
Release Date: March 19, 2013
In Conclusion…VANNA is one of the genre’s most honest bands and deserve the attention of all music fans. The Few And The Far Between is for us by our friends in a little band known, as VANNA.

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SECOND OPINION
Verdict: 9.5/10

First, we had the lead vocals position switched out during the EP release of The Honest Hearts. Since that occurrance, Vanna has transformed into something that is much faster and chaotic. It is also easy to hear how touring with the likes of The Greenery and Hundredth has rubbed off on their writing. The Few And Far Between is very much a fierce mix of punk and hardcore, whereas previous entries were metal in origin. While I will always be a fan of Vanna’s original sound, it’s probably safe to say that this formula fits them better. The band’s new record is their most memorable yet, and teeming with awesome breakdowns, vicious lyrics, and ghostly choruses. Expect a ton of energy when popping this CD into your player. Take a listen to “I Said I’m Fine” if you don’t believe me. — by Nathaniel Lay

12.10.12
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[REVIEW] The Bastard Sons – Bones

the bastard sonsTHE BASTARD SONS
Bones
[Lockjaw Records}
Verdict: 7.5/10
RIYL: Every Time I Die, Maylene & The Sons of Disaster, Cancer Bats

When it comes to southern-fried metalcore, it’s quite interesting that much of the cream of the crop is not even from the south. Cancer Bats hails from Canada; Every Time I Die resides in Buffalo. Well, now it’s time to add these fine Englishmen to the list, as The Bastard Sons presents quite a jolly good time with its latest EP, Bones. From start to finish, the EP shakes ones, well, bones. Each of the six songs features enough groove to please any whiskey lover and enough metalcore grit to please the younger crowd. Sure, one could argue that these Englishmen wear their influences on their nicotine-stained sleeves, but there is certainly enough to separate them from the aforementioned bands. The biggest difference is the early 2000s metalcore influence is much stronger for The Bastard Sons than most southern metalcore groups. Many of the melodies and more hard-hitting elements would’ve been perfectly in line in the heyday of metalcore. The only major downside on the EP is that it is just an EP. I wish I could perform asexual reproduction on the album to magically create a 12-track full-length, but that is not possible. Aside from that, these Englishmen might just be the next big thing in southern metalcore, despite their less-than Country-fried locale. Here’s hoping the band doesn’t wait long to release a full-length. – by Nicholas Senior

>> Classification: Southern Metalcore
>> Recommended Tracks: “Hot Town” and “Soul Fur Coat”
>> In Conclusion: Fans of southern-fried metalcore will be more than happy with the musical feast The Bastard Sons has cooked up.

04.04.12
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[MINI MUSIC REVIEWS] The Used, Shinedown, Cheap Girls, The All-American Rejects, Sharks, Every Time I Die

Sometimes things get hectic…going on a year and a half now. As a result, albums won’t get reviewed that really should get some attention. So here are some mini reviews to catch up on some recent releases you should be playing.

The following reviews, by Nathaniel Lay

MINIS

THE USED – Vulnerable
Verdict: 8.5/10
The last Used record, Artwork, was a darker and more atmospheric side of the band. It completely brought the band back from the disappointment of Lies For The Liars, while also making a unique placing for itself in the discography. Vulnerable, however, returns to a mixture of the older formulas. Like a cross between Lies For The Liars and In Love And Death, this new collection is faster and leans more on the screamo elements the band used to be built upon. The album may take some warming up to for those who disliked the Lies record, but Vulnerable does manage to win you over. There are some problems, but for the most part, this is another great record from The Used.
>> Recommended Tracks: “I Come Alive”, “This Fire”, “Now That You’re Dead”, “Give Me Love”

THE ALL-AMERICAN REJECTS – Kids In The Street
Verdict: 8.5/10
A lot of comments about this album have said that the band displays a more grown up sound on this record. I’m not really sure why this is being said; Kids in the Street sounds like the other releases to me. The All-American Rejects have always done a mix of fast and catchy rock anthems, with slower and more melodic tracks. That is their style and it works great. Kids in the Street does this formula again, which is definitely not a problem. The first half is the most catchy and memorable material, while the second half is a lot slower and more relaxed. There’s a lot of great moments on Kids in the Street, making it highly recommended.
>> Recommended Tracks: “Someday’s Gone”, “Beekeeper’s Daughter”, “Fast And Slow”, “Heartbeat Slowing Down”

SHINEDOWN – Amaryllis
Verdict: 9/10
Fans of hard rock/alternative already know of Shinedown, and have for years. Their new album, Amaryllis, is actually the first I’ve played all the way through (in the past, I would just hear their singles), and it is awesome. It starts strong and stays strong throughout. The tracks are a mix of heavier moments, slower material, and the in between. This creates a nice balance that helps carry the album from start to finish with ease. Songs like “Bully” and “Nowhere Kids” really get your fists pumping, but this album as a whole is just a great addition to any rock fan’s collection.
>> Recommended Tracks: “Adrenaline”. “Bully”, “Nowhere Kids”, “My Name (Wearing Me Out)”

SHARKS – No Gods
Verdict: 8/10
The last album from Sharks showed promise, but also had a “mixed” sound as a whole work. This caused it to feel unbalanced and less appealing when played from start to finish (instead of just hand picking favorite tracks). However, No Gods is a big improvement, and feels consistent throughout. The band’s brand of punk has a strong classic rock appeal to it, which is great. The songs get your attention easily, and keeps it. The beats are steady and enjoyable, while the overall enjoyment factor of the album is high in replay value.
>> Recommended Tracks: “Arcane Effigies”, “Able Moving Hearts”, “On A Clear Day, You Can See Yourself”

EVERY TIME I DIE – Ex Lives
Verdict: 9.5/10
While New Junk Aesthetic was a good album, I personally felt it lacked in comparison to other awesome albums from ETID. Luckily, the band has returned stronger than ever with possibly their best record yet. Ex Lives is an intense ride that is thoroughly satisfying. Over the last two months, I’ve played this album countless times. Sometimes, the CD got several complete spins in one sitting. What really helps make this record so good is the band’s decision to “branch out” a bit (mostly found during the middle of the album). While “Revival Mode” is easily the best track here, Ex Lives is full of awesome moments worth hearing again and again.
>> Recommended Tracks: “Underwater Bimbos From Outer Space”, “Typical Miracle”, “Revival Mode”

CHEAP GIRLS – Giant Orange
Verdict: 7/10
Cheap Girls have a “chill” punk/alternative/rock style to them that is relaxing and enjoyable. It rarely gets you energized, but it’s also not a “slow” album by any means. It has that “in between” pacing to it, which is possibly a big reason that the album is easy to get into. It’s catchy and memorable without getting you up and jumping, and tends to keep your head bobbing. It doesn’t quite do enough to get you replaying the record over and over (mostly because some of the tracks kind of blend together from similarities), but it is worth some spins for sure.
>> Recommended Tracks: “Gone All Summer”, “Ruby”, “Cored To Empty”

12.25.11
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[MUSIC] Most Anticipated Releases of 2012…

With 2012 right around the corner, now is the time to try and figure out who’s releasing what and when. Will PANTERA‘s massive classic “A Vulgar Display Of Power” get the Deluxe Re-issue treatment that “Cowboys…” did? Will your avorite band be releasing anything new this year? Who knows. I took the time to compile a few of my Most Anticipated releases for ’12, as well as a few that I knew people would want to know about. If I missed something here, leave a comment and add it!

LIONHEART The follow up to 2011’s ‘Built On Struggle‘ is slated for an early 2012 release. “It’s an exciting opportunity to be able to work with Matt Hyde (SLAYER, HATEBREED & TERROR) and Nick Jett (TERROR) on this album,” says LIONHEART vocalist Rob Watson. “Matt Hyde’s resume speaks for itself, and we know Nick from previous tours done together so it will be awesome to work together on something like this. We’ve been working on this record since the release of Built On Struggle, and we can’t wait to start recording it. It’s heavier, harder, and more pissed than anything we’ve done to date.”

THE ACACIA STRAIN With a slew of tour dates being announced in the new year, it looks as if TAS plan to continue their live dominance over the world at large. The follow up to ‘Wormwood’ will most likely be recorded and released later this year. The bands original guitarist DL has been demoing tracks for both TAS as well as an unnamed project. Hopefully we wont have to wait too long.

THE GHOST INSIDE As of August, TGI announced they were heading to the studio around October or November to begin tracking with Jeremy McKinnon (A DAY TO REMEMBER). No other news has been announced minus the tour with ATTACK ATTACK! to start off the new year. The new record is expected soon. As for the ‘Returners’ re-release with the DVD? Who knows what happened to that…

PARKWAY DRIVE The band have said that they’ve got some “ideas that are bigger than anything we’ve done in the past” for their fourth studio album. “We’ve got ideas for this record that are bigger than anything we’ve done in the past. We’re trying to pencil it in, but we want to get in the studio sooner rather than later.” Also stating that they don’t believe the material would be written with bigger crowds in mind. Winston McCall added: “We’ve never written like that in the first place, we always wrote for ourselves. I mean, it’s cool to be able to write a part that loads of people can sing along to, but you can’t really factor that in. It just happens.” Hopefully we’ll get to hear and see some new material before the end of 2012.

RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE As is the norm, rumors have been getting kicked around now about RATM finally recording and releasing some new material. The bands last offering, ‘Renegades’ was released in 2000. Fans have waited patiently (for going on 12 years now! Some real GUNS N ROSES shit here folks!) for a new record. Guitarist Tom Morello has had this very cryptic message to say on the matter: “Right now there are no… You know, the band is not writing songs, the band is not in the studio,” he said. “We get along famously and we all, you know, intend to do more RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE stuff in the future, but beyond sort of working out a concert this year, there’s nothing else on the schedule.” Hmmm…

HIGH ON FIRE The band has entered Salem, Massachusetts’ GodCity Studios with producer and CONVERGE guitarist Kurt Ballou to begin tracking its as-yet-untitled new album. “We are really stoked about recording this album,” said bassist Jeff Matz. “The new songs are turning out absolutely punishing; there are some seriously sledgehammer riffs on this one! Working with Kurt has been awesome as well. He’s super easy to work with and is full of good ideas. The sounds that the guy gets are ridiculous and raw as fuck but also clear and HUGE. I think this album will capture the essence of the band really well. It’s still early in the process, but so far it’s sounding amazing.”

STONE SOUR On Corey Taylor‘s recent solo tour he told crowd’s to expect a new record sometime next year. Speaking on the new material Taylor said: “We’ve got about 13 songs demoed,” Corey said. “We’ve got about six more than I’m gonna record. A handful more than me and Josh [Rand, guitar] are working on. Josh and Jim [Root, guitar] are in a secret location in Florida right now working on things. And Roy’s [Mayorga, drums] got some stuff that he’s bringing in; he’s still building his home studio right now so that he can play drums and not piss off his neighbors!” Adding, “We’re probably gonna record in Iowa with [producer] David Bottrill, who’s done ‘Ænima’ by TOOL and he’s done work with MUSE… pretty much everybody from TOOL to PETER GABRIEL he’s worked with. He’s a band’s producer, he’s an album producer. What I wanna do with this album is very grandiose. It’s gonna be a little bit of everything for everybody, but just really kick-ass and hard.” As a side note, there has been NO talk of when SLIPKNOT will get together and write again. There hasn’t been sufficient healing time but they are however, touring the US in 2012 on the Mayhem Festival alongside UNEARTH and LAMB OF GOD.

LAMB OF GOD ‘Resolution’, the band’s 7th full length will be released January 23, 2012. The 14 tracks were produced by Josh Wilbur, who was also at the production desk for ‘Wrath’ and who has also worked with HATEBREED, BLACK TIDE and (pffft) LIMP BIZKIT. Let’s hope this is more of a return to the glory and majesty that once was LoG.

BLEEDING THROUGH The band will be releasing their new record January 31 via Rise Records. The new outing will be titled ‘The Great Fire’. It will be released as a CD/DVD combo, as of this moment there has been no word on what will be included on the DVD. Following along the same path they’ve been on the new record should prove to be one of the most volatile in the bands career.

ATTACK ATTACK! Rise Records will also be releasing the new AA! record, ‘This Means War’ on January 31. This will actually be a very important record for the band as they have attempted to define themselves as a more mature sounding band than on previous efforts.

CALIBAN German metalcore giants are set to explode with their highly anticipated (at least by me!) new album, “I Am Nemesis”, on February 28. Caliban’s music has been getting heavier with each release — almost transcending into deathcore territory with their 2009 full-length, ‘Say Hello to Tragedy. “It was important to us to have an elaborate album without any fillers,” declares lead guitarist Marc Görtz. “Additionally, the sound of the album is the best we’ve ever had by far: it is heavy and brutal without being chaotic. The album breaks new soil without forgetting our roots. There are new influences such as shimmering guitar melodies and technical grooves with Meshuggah-like heaviness.”

A FIGHT FOR LIFE Unsigned at the moment but with great management behind them, Atlanta’s own young-blood’s have every intention of recording a full length this year. “We are planning on doing a new single to try and play around with a newer sound, the direction will definitely be harder. We aren’t going for any particular sound though. We’re writing what we feel. Nothing mainstream by any means but a bit heavier while still keeping the melodic hardcore aspect,” says drummer/vocalist Casey Butler. He continues, “After we get a record deal, we will do a full length. We’d love to work with Brian Hood at 456 again. We are also toying with doing a cover song, but something special that we could actually do credit to.”

GIDEON Alabama’s answer to THE GHOST INSIDE will be releasing their new as-yet-untitled record this summer. It’s sure to be as beast as “Costs” was, if not more. Starting off 2012 as part of the HardknocTour featuring: SOVEREIGN STRENGTH, KING CONQUER and AS HELL RETREATS, with several more in store! The band just recently released a new track on their Facebook that proves they are, and will be a force to be reckoned with.

EVERGREEN TERRACE Seemingly always on the road in the US and abroad, the ET boys have been gearing up and getting ready to record their 6th full length, which we can hope will be sooner than later. With their blistering combination of melodic hardcore, metal and punk rock, fans can only expect more of the same.

THE UNKNOWN A new ‘super-group’ of sorts, that features the talented contributions of members from WHITECHAPEL, DR. ACULA, FORTY WINTERS and a guest that can’t be named as of press. The project is the ‘brain-child’, of sorts, by Atlanta’s own Jon Hole. The project focuses on the ‘good and evil’ in man and music is well, uncompromisingly heavy and filled with groove. It will be produced, mixed and mastered by Shaan Singh of Sing-A-Ling Productions and Alex Wade (WHITECHAPEL). Even more enticing? The upcoming EP will be free upon release. Just don’t expect a tour: “This is strictly a project for the sake of making music, trying to get out a message that there just might be some good in all the bad out there and, I honestly just wanted to do something with this group of talented individual’s and am happy to call them friends.” says Jon Hole on the upcoming EP.

BIOHAZARD January 20 will also see the release of the Brooklyn Bashers 9th studio album. It also marks the return of the groups original line-up. This hasn’t been seen in 18 years. It’s also a sad but powerful farewell to bassist/co-vocalist Evan Seinfeld. “BIOHAZARD has always been a mixture of our personalities, passion, chaos and angst that makes us who we are,” says vocalist and guitarist Billy Graziadei. “It’s this energy that comes out of us when we’re together that is BIOHAZARD.” Toby Wright (ALICE IN CHAINS, METALLICA, SEVENDUST, KORN) was brought in to produce the 13-track “Reborn In Defiance”, which was recorded in Los Angeles.

STICK TO YOUR GUNS The band is recording with Jason Livermore and Bill Stevenson at the helm, at The Blasting Room in Fort Collins, CO with an early spring release expected. The band recently released a single, “Bringing You Down (A New World Overthrow)” featuring a vocal contribution from Karl Schwartz of FIRST BLOOD. The song is a perfect representative of the bands newly focused and renewed direction, mixing hardcore, melody and quite frankly, some of the best and most passionate lyrics around in this genre. Next to the new THE GHOST INSIDE record, fans should expect this to be one of the years best releases.

EVERY TIME I DIE Everyone’s favorite dirty swagger, southern tinged hardcore band ETID have been at it again. Ripping up stages once again and debuting, while opening for a less than impressive GWAR, a new track tentatively titled “Underwater Bimbos From Outerspace”. It keeps the trademark sound the band are known for and if the song is any indication as to where any new material is headed, we are in for one hell of a record! Going out on their own headline tour in the first few months of 2012 (with TERROR, STRAY FROM THE PATH and FORMER THIEVES) it is unclear if and when they will actually record and release a new record, but fingers crossed it would most likely be late summer/fall.

ARCHITECTS (UK) Are Brighton, UK’s sons working on a new full length? The release of the “Devil’s Island” two track single would lead many to believe, yes. They start off 2012 with a major European tour with RISE AGAINST. Let’s hope they make time to record a full length this year.

As you can tell, 2012 is shaping up to be a huge year for quality releases. Other bands to watch out for this coming year include CATALEPSY, the possible reformation/reunion of xAFBx, MY TICKET HOME, KING CONQUER, KILLWHITNEYDEAD, CHELSEA GRIN and many more. Don’t be shy. Don’t be cheap. Go see you’re favorite bands when they come through your town. Shake their hands. Buy their merch. Buy a cd. If it’s only in your budget to buy just one a month, do it. Make it count.    -Jon Hole

11.28.11
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Music News: Defeater on tour with Every Time I Die

DEFEATER HITS THE UK WITH EVERY TIME I DIE STARTING THIS WEDNESDAY – NOVEMBER 30TH, 2011

Defeater is excited to start the Rock Sound Tour alongside Every Time I Die, Spycatcher and Trash Talk starting this Wednesday. Tickets are selling fast, so we’d advise that you get tickets from musicglue.net/rocksound for any of the following dates before they run out:

NOVEMBER
30 – LONDON Electric Ballroom 0207 403 3331
DECEMBER
01 – BRIGHTON Concorde 2 01273 673 311
02 – STOKE Sugarmill 01159 454 593
03 – BIRMINGHAM O2 Academy 2 0844 477 2000
04 – NORWICH Waterfront 01603 508 050
05 – NOTTINGHAM Rescue Rooms 0845 413 4444
06 – MANCHESTER Club Academy 0161 832 1111
07 – GLASGOW King Tuts 0844 4999 990
08 – LEEDS Cockpit 0113 245 5570
09 – SHEFFIELD Corporation 0114 276 0262
10 – PORTSMOUTH Wedgewood Rooms 023 9286 3911
11 – CARDIFF University Great Hall 2 029 2078 1458
12 – OXFORD O2 Academy 2 0844 477 2000

Defeater just wrapped up their North American run with BANE and premiered their new video for “Empty Glass”, directed by Rob Soucy, earlier this month on NPR.org. You can check out the video 24/7 here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXymqDN6qPg. The band’s double LP, Empty Days and Sleepless Nights, came out on March 8th, 2011, and is surely one of the most forward-thinking releases of the year.

11.12.11
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[MUSIC] Hero In Error – The High Point Of New Lows EP [REVISITED REVIEW]

HERO IN ERROR
The High Point of New Lows EP
[Mediaskare Records]
Verdict: 8.5/10

Are you sick of metalcore bands all sounding like one long breakdown and chug-fest? Enter in Ireland’s Hero in Error for your listening pleasure. They combine the aggression and technicality of some of the genre’s best like August Burns Red with a more progressive, djenty sound akin to the myriad of bands influenced by Meshuggah. The band is a treat to ears for any guitar aficionado. The vocals are mostly screamed and mostly stay in the mid-range. There is some variety though, with some gang vocals and one sung chorus. The sung vocals in “Under the Sky” are a great compliment to the aggression of the song and, at least in my opinion, should have been more frequently used throughout the EP. In fact, most modern metalcore does not utilize clean vocals enough (in this reviewer’s opinion), or well when it does, so hopefully Hero in Error can use the successful clean vocals more on their debut full-length. Going back to the guitar work, the riffs throughout the album are superb. The opening notes of the title track alone are enough for any fans of the genre to fall in love with the album right away. The lyrics are caustic and match the energy of the song. They discuss the band’s frustrations with authority figures in the Catholic Church, which, while it’s been covered before, the band is able to portray their angst very well. Overall, this is definitely an album that fans of technical metal are going to love. – by Nicholas Senior

2nd Opinion (Originally wrote on May 10, 2011)

Verdict: 8.5/10

Mediaskare Records over the past few years has made a very good name for itself. The label currently boasts a fantastic lineup including THE GHOST INSIDE, SUFFOKATE, ENDWELL, BLIND WITNESS, the mighty BURY YOUR DEAD, BETRAYAL and most recently from Dublin, Ireland, HERO IN ERROR. In keeping with the labels choice of music, HERO IN ERROR fit along side the bands roster quite nicely. The band employ muscular riffing and stop start breakdowns and melody with style and finesse. Definitely a nod to the old days of amazing hardcore and the chaos and energy that came along with it. Its like listening to Trustkill records catalog the first 4 years of its existence. Anthony Clavins vocals are a perfect fit as they convey urgency and passion over the tightly weaved music around him. For a band only having been together since late 2008 and having only recorded a 2 song ep previously, HERO IN ERROR are bent on destroying everything around them. Adam Moore deftly flows from chug to grandiose sweeps ala old THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN as founding member Stephen Reilly beats his kit like hes trying to be hardcore’s answer to Dave Lombardo. Crashing china and double bass blast at you like it was meant to hurt you. Bass player, ‘PK’ holds down the groove and low end rumbling in your guts. Stand out tracks? Try 1 thru 5. This EP is a bright light in a sea of whiny sub par music that is flooding the local Hot Topics scene. The band has opened and toured with HUNDREDTH, YOUR DEMISE, IWRESTLEDABEARONCE and the ARCHITECTS (UK). Very good company indeed. Track 5, ‘Under My Sky’ is a re-worked, re-recorded version of the original 2009 demo track and features Justin Hill (of SikTh) and it just kills. Seriously.

“This Is The High Point Of New Lows/Strike The Pose.”
The title track has a nasty nasty grind and amazing chorus that actually reminds of Imprint era Tim Williams (VISION OF DISORDER). These guys are a force to watch your ass around. They are hungry and out for blood. In the mean time, listen to this EP and dream of massiveness that will be the full length.   -by Jon Hole

Recommended listening: All 5 tracks
Produced by: Dan Weller and Justin Hill of SiKth
Guest appearances: Justin Hill of SiKth on ‘Under My Sky’
Released date: October 4, 2010
In conclusion…Modern metalcore meets Every Time I Die’s ferocious punk infused hardcore energy. Awesome.

*This was originally published on LMP May 12, 2011

12.13.10
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[Review] THE DAMNED THINGS – Ironiclast

THE DAMNED THINGS
Ironiclast
[Mercury Records]
Score: 9
Stream: “Bad Blood”

Being a fan of Every Time I Die, this side project quickly got my attention when it was first announced earlier this year. Unfortunately, the first time I played this one through, I was quite disappointed. Do not expect anything similar to ETID from this one! The Damned Things focus on playing a blend of arena rock and classic metal, not yelling furiously into a microphone over hardcore breakdowns. However, if you don’t give up on this after your first impression, you will discover something quite addicting. The more and more I played Ironiclast, the more I caught myself singing the songs in my head at work or wherever I was. Keith Buckley does a great job singing throughout this album, especially during the songs “A Great Reckoning” and “Little Darling”. The first seven tracks of this album are quite brilliant and entertaining. It’s during these moments that the band shine their best. Once you get to the last few songs, however, The Damned Things start going a little darker and letting Keith vent more. It’s during these tracks that Ironiclast loses its touch a bit. Apparently, the catchier stuff is what is most appealing with these guys, and that’s what they really should stick with. Nonetheless, the final few are still good, solid numbers. As a whole, this is quite a fun debut that, when given the chance, will take over your damn life. (NL)

11.09.10
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EVERY TIME I DIE – Shit Happens…The Series? [Review/Interview]

Recently, Every Time I Die released their new video series, Shit Happens: The Series. This DVD comes with a CD of their last album, New Junk Aesthetic, and continues the wacky journey of the band on and off the road. The DVD comes with an extra 30 minutes not shown online, as well as an hour of extra bonus material. Featuring a ton of episodes (each around 5 minutes in length), this series shows you even more of these guys than you ever wanted to see! Recommended for die hard fans.

We had the chance to ask Andy Williams some questions about the episodes, his facial hair, and upcoming plans for the band. Check it out for some laughs and insight!

INTERVIEW WITH ANDY WILLIAMS

- Over what period of time was this series filmed?

Literally since Shit Happens the DVD came out. We’re kind of always documenting. I feel like too much would be lost if we didn’t.

- Who decided what footage was used and what would be trashed?

We all do. Doug Spangenberg, the director, has a lot of say as well. He knows us really well and knows kind of stuff we like and all that. He’s kind of a sixth member of the band in that sense.

- What are your favorite parts that made it in the show? Favorite parts that did NOT make the show?

Umm, God, that is tough. I really liked all the kids’ reactions to the hot sauce, and probably the theme song to the show. John Cambell is great as the narrator, as well. The parts that didn’t make it that I liked the most? I guess it wasn’t really cut or anything, we just didn’t do anything like it, but i really wanted to do something with old shows. Like how much we have changed over the years. We’ve been a band for almost 13 years now. It’s unreal to think about. So we have all went through considerable changes in that time. I think that would have been pretty cool.

- How does this compare to the Shit Happens original?

Well, we used Pantera Number 3 as our template for Shit Happens. I think now we have branched off and did what we wanted to do on it. I don’t think it really translated as well as we wanted, but i am very proud of it none the less.

- How many times did your facial hair change during all these episodes? (silly question, I know)

Hahaha, I can grow facial hair in like a half hour. So I go from mustache to beard and vice versa all over this thing. It’s pretty wild. Most of the footage is like the last 3 years. If you watch Shit Happens the DVD again, it’s like every other scene I have something different. I guess that’s my super power. I am a super hero, you know.

- Do the band antics come naturally, or is there someone who seems to specifically get these antics going for the group?

Seriously, none of that stuff is scripted or anything like that. This is all just shit that happens on tour with us. It’s all natural. Doug has a good way of riling us up though. I do have to admit that. If we’re baking soda, he’s vinegar.

- How was Warped Tour for you all? Favorite moments?

Warped Tour was awesome. It always is. I love that tour. I have to admit though, it is turning into something that is breeding crap. Too many iPod bands on it, not enough real bands. My favorite moment by far was getting close with the Alkaline Trio dudes. We’ve all been huge fans for years and now it’s rad we can consider them friends. Also, hanging with Four Year Strong, Set Your Goals and Polar Bear Club was fucking great. They are all great friends, great bands and I’d do every tour with them if i had to.

- What does the band currently having go on and planned for the remainder of 2010?

We leave for a November run with Trap Them and Howl on the 1st. That goes until December 3rd. Then we go to Alaska for 2 shows on the 10th and 11th. Then we are doing our annual Christmas shows in Buffalo on the 27th and 28th. So stoked about all this. We go to rad places and play with rad bands. Then it’s time to start writing our next record.

TOUR DATES: EVERY TIME I DIE W/ TRAP THEM, HOWL

11/1 New Haven, CT @ Toad’s Place
11/2 Providence, RI @ The Met
11/3 New York, NY @ Webster Studio
11/4 West Chester, PA @ The Note
11/5 Richmond, VA @ Canal Club
11/6 Columbia, SC @ New Brookland Tavern
11/7 Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade Downstairs
11/8 Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ Culture Room
11/9 Jacksonville, FL @ Jack Rabbits
11/11 Dallas, TX @ The Loft
11/12 Lubbock, TX @ Jakes
11/13 Las Cruces, NM @ Mikey’s Place
11/14 Albuquerque, NM @ Launchpad
11/15 Mesa, AZ @ Nile Theatre
11/16 Las Vegas, NV @ Area 702 Skatepark
11/17 Anaheim, CA @ Chain Reaction
11/18 Lancaster, CA @ Cedar Center
11/19 Oakland, CA @ Metro Opera House
11/20 Sacramento, CA @ Boardwalk
11/23 Denver, CO @ Marquis Theatre
11/24 Omaha, NE @ Sokol Underground
11/25 Minneapolis, MN @ Triple Rock Social Club
11/26 Chicago, IL @ Subterranean
11/27 Des Moines, IA @ Vaudeville Mews
11/28 St. Louis, MO @ FUBAR
11/29 Louisville, KY @ Uncle Pleasants
11/30 Pittsburgh, PA @ Mr. Smalls
12/1 S. Hackensack, NJ @ School of Rock
12/2 Cleveland, OH @ Peabodys

Visit the tour sponsors here:

Vans – http://www.vans.com/vans/index.asp
Peter Says Denim – http://www.petersaysdenim.com/
Gator Cases – http://www.gatorcases.com/
Killer Tours – http://www.killertours.com/home/
AMP Magazine – http://www.ampmagazine.com/
Epitaph Records – http://www.epitaph.com/
Prosthetic Records – http://prostheticrecords.com/
Relapse Records – http://www.relapse.com/
Good Fight Entertainment – http://www.goodfightentertainment.com/

For More Information on EVERY TIME I DIE, visit these sites:
www.myspace.com/everytimeidie
www.epitaph.com
www.everytimeidie.net
http://tinyurl.com/EveryTimeIDie-Press