The Dying Things We Live For
| The Dying Things We Live For | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Studio album by Like Moths to Flames | ||||
| Released | 23 October 2015 | |||
| Recorded | Graphic Nature Audio, Belleville, NI. | |||
| Genre | Metalcore, post-hardcore | |||
| Length | 31:59 | |||
| Label | Rise | |||
| Producer | Will Putney | |||
| Like Moths to Flames chronology | ||||
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| Singles from The Dying Things We Live For | ||||
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The Dying Things We Live For is the third studio album by American metalcore band Like Moths to Flames, released worldwide on 23 October 2015 through Rise Records. This is their second album to feature drummer Greg Diamond, and the first by the band not to feature an official rhythm guitarist, due to the departure of Zach Huston prior to the recording of the album. Towards the end of 2015, and following the album's completion, he was replaced by guitarist Jeremy Smith, formerly of the band City Lights.
Background, writing and recording
Lead vocalist Chris Roetter, on the songwriting process for the album, said that the band's approach to songwriting has "definitely changed but I think the root of why people like the band is definitely still there. I think one of the most important things about writing and aging as a band is showing growth and progression and a bit of variety in a sense. So we kind of took [our first two albums] and did like a trial and error. We took what songs worked and tried to implement those ideas into songs on the new album. I think for people who have liked the band in the past, it will give them an opportunity to see the band in a new light. The focal points on the new album are a little bit different then the past. I think most times the songwriting gives me freedom to do a lot more with the vocals. This time around, there was a lot more focal point on the guitar work and the musicianship behind the lyrics and the vocal patterns and everything. I think for us, it was important to do that because we’d never really had a chance to show what we’re all capable of. For me, it was a challenge because the music it wasn’t just a base foundation. It was there and there were intricate parts that I had to write around. I think overall, it shows growth."[1]
On the first track from the album, Thrown to The Wind, Chris Roetter has stated that the track "is a great introduction to the record. [it is] A quick aggressive track that showcases what we were trying to accomplish with the new album without giving away too much [about the album]."[2]
The album's cover artwork, release date and track listing were announced on September 3, 2015.[3]
Reception
| Professional ratings | |
|---|---|
| Review scores | |
| Source | Rating |
| New Noise Magazine |   [4] |
| New Transcendence | 9/10[5] |
| CaliberTV.net | 7.6/10[6] |
The Dying Things We Live For received mixed reviews upon release. A positive review of the album from New Transcendence concluded that "Like Moths to Flames continue to live up to their gargantuan reputation. The Dying Things We Live For is every bit as heavy as Eye for an Eye, yet as catchy as When We Don’t Exist, all the while omitting superfluous fluff—giving even listeners on their deathbed a reason to keep living and keep listening." The review also described the album as being "free of filler from start to finish, the entire release is a metalcore powerhouse laden with just enough catchiness and ambience to keep the listener breathing throughout its duration. With every track giving the listener a reason to listen and each breakdown hitting like a tidal wave, the only fault found within the ten-track release’s limits is production that seems intentionally rough around the edges." However, the reviewer was slightly critical of the album's production quality, stating that "while a majority of the album’s grooves and riffs still [sound] crisp and clear, much of the percussion and bass throughout the release feels unnecessarily crunchy and rough, giving an abrasive feel that the band may or may not have been going for. Ultimately, this pitfall passes by largely unnoticed, as it only truly catches the listener’s attention during rare portions of the otherwise captivating release."[7]
New Noise Magazine awarded the album a score of 2 stars out of 5, stating in their scathing review that "Like Moths To Flames’ latest record, The Dying Things We Live For, is just another sonic equivalent of a Jackson Pollock painting. I’m sure there are some people who will be pleased by the utter chaos and sporadic nature of the sound splattered throughout this album, but I am not one of them. In fact, The Dying Things We Live For may be the perfect title for this record as a large part of the vocals do tend to sound like a small mammal dying a slow and agonizing death."[8]
Track listing
All music and lyrics written by Like Moths to Flames.
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "No King" | 3:33 |
| 2. | "Thrown to The Wind" | 2:40 |
| 3. | "The Art of Losing" | 3:23 |
| 4. | "Fighting Fire with Fire" | 3:16 |
| 5. | "Never Repent" | 3:24 |
| 6. | "The Give and Take" | 3:16 |
| 7. | "History Repeats" | 2:55 |
| 8. | "Wasted Days" | 3:08 |
| 9. | "Destined for Dirt" | 2:59 |
| 10. | "Wither" | 3:25 |
| Total length: | 31:59 | |
Personnel
- Like Moths to Flames
- Chris Roetter – lead vocals
- Eli Ford – lead guitar, rhythm guitar
- Aaron Evans – bass guitar, backing vocals
- Greg Diamond – drums, percussion
- Additional personnel [9]
- Will Putney - production, mixing, mastering
- Tom Smith Jr. - production, engineering
- Steve Seid - editing
- Bryan Vastano - booking
- Marco Walzel - booking
References
- ↑ Lizette Leeuwis (September 1, 2015). "Chris Roetter of Like Moths to Flames Chats New Record, Northlane Touring and Advice to Upcoming Bands".
- ↑ "LIKE MOTHS TO FLAMES: New Song 'Thrown To The Wind' Available For Streaming". September 12, 2015.
- ↑ "Like Moths To Flames announce new album, 'The Dying Things We Live For'". Rock Sound. September 3, 2015.
- ↑ Shrum (October 26, 2015). "Album Review: Like Moths To Flames – 'The Dying Things We Live For'". New Noise Magazine. Retrieved March 19, 2016.
- ↑ Connor Welsh (15 October 2015). "REVIEW: LIKE MOTHS TO FLAMES – THE DYING THINGS WE LIVE FOR [2015]". New Transcendance. Retrieved 19 March 2016.
- ↑ Matthew Powers (November 2, 2015). "ALBUM: Like Moths To Flames – 'The Dying Things We Live For'". CaliberTV. Retrieved 19 March 2016.
- ↑ Connor Welsh (15 October 2015). "REVIEW: LIKE MOTHS TO FLAMES – THE DYING THINGS WE LIVE FOR [2015]". New Transcendance. Retrieved 19 March 2016.
- ↑ Shrum (October 26, 2015). "Album Review: Like Moths To Flames – 'The Dying Things We Live For'". New Noise Magazine. Retrieved March 19, 2016.
- ↑ "Album Credits". AllMusic.