The Punk Rock MBA’s Finn McKenty asks the big question: what happened to all the big Christian metal bands in the scene?
Posted
CommentPost a comment
For Today announces Fall tour with headliner We Came As Romans and other supporting acts The Color Morale, Crossfaith and Palisades. The tour kicks off September 11th in Lansing, MI. The band is currently finishing up a main stage run on the 2014 Van’s Warped Tour.
The recently controversial Christian Metalcore outfit is back with a new album. So how does it stack up?
For Today’s new album, Fight the Silence, on February 4th 2014. The band has also launched the new album pre-order bundles with unique items such as headphones and canvas art prints. Pre-Order now HERE.
The band will head out this January as headliner on the Fight The Silence Album Release Tour with Like Moths to Flames, Stray From the Path, The Plot In You and Fit For A King (tour dates below).
For Today Tour Dates
w/Like Moths to Flames, Stray From The Path, The Plot In You and Fit For A King
January 30 - Sacramento, CA @ Ace of Spades
January 31 - Pomona, CA @ The Glass House
February 3- Mesa, AZ @ Nile Theatre
February 5 - Denver, CO @ Summit Music Hall
February 6- Des Moines, IA @ Wooly’s
February 8 - St. Louis, MO @ Fubar
February 9- Columbus, OH @ Newport Music Hall
February 10 - Pontiac, MI @ Crofoot Ballroom
February 11- Toronto, ON @ Opera House
February 12- Montreal, QC @ La Tulipe
February 13- Clifton Park, NY @ Upstate Concert Hall
February 14- Worcester, MA @ The Palladium
February 15- Allentown, PA @ Crocodile Rock
February 16 - New York, NY @ Gramercy Theatre
February 18 - Springfield, VA @ Empire
February 19 - Greensboro, NC @ Greene Street
February 20- Douglasville, GA @ The 7 Venue
February 21- Tampa, FL @ The Orpheum
February 22 - West Palm Beach, FL @ The Box
February 23 - Jacksonville, FL @ Roc Bar
February 25- Birmingham, AL @ Zydeco
February 26 - Louisville, KY @ Expo Five
February 27 - Indianapolis, IN @ Deluxe at Old National Centre
February 28 - Joliet, IL @ Mojoes
February 1 - Iowa City, IA @ Blue Moose
February 2 - Minneapolis, MN @ Skyway Theatre, Studio B
Ohio’s Metalfest was a show that was very highly anticipated and I have to say that that anticipation was justified as well as delivered. This was my first Metalfest and I caught as many bands as I could between the two stages. Before I go on, I’ll list off the bands I saw because there were a lot of great artists there and only so much time to get around to everyone (some bands didn’t make it to the show so the times were a bit messed up as well)
I made a note to try and get around to the more notable acts but I definitely caught some of the smaller bands as well. My knowledge of each band ranges as some of them are my favorite but others I had only their reputation to go off of.
I saw:
I See Stars
The Word Alive
Periphery
Born of Osiris
Structures
Sworn In
Veil of Maya
Each band played for 30-45 minutes and in general, they were all great. Some were definitely better than others and the heavily reverberated ballroom at The Rave made a lot of the main-stage sets sound muddy and at some points, inaudible. But, I did my best to keep all of those things in mind and focus on the quality of the playing of each band as well as their presence on stage.
I See Stars started things off on the ballroom stage at around 2:00pm and they definitely got things going in the room. As they came on stage, the room was immediately filled with an energetic atmosphere and the floor quickly filled up. The crowd was anxious before they came on but the second they stepped foot on the stage everyone was excited. They played great and ranged from their more famous songs like “NTZ48” as well as playing some newer ones off of their new release. Despite some small technical difficulties, the set went pretty smoothly and the band played great. The singer was the most impressive part of their live show. He hit just about every part spot on and he didn’t cut corners around the higher notes.
Many singers in this genre will half-ass their parts and often times they won’t even sing some parts. I See Stars was different as both vocalists (synth/screams) were amazing and really made them stick out in my mind. Their stage presence as well was notable as the members were all moving around constantly and keeping the audience engaged. At one point a man in a full body chicken suit jumped into the crowd from the stage.
After I See Stars came The Word Alive on the ballroom stage. This band kept the energy up throughout the entire set and the crowd was able to keep up their excitement and movement high. This band was especially tight live. The guitar solos and intense vocals were near perfect onstage and this made everything more enjoyable and immersible during the show. The Word Alive played many crowd pleasers off of their newest release Life Cycles which was a good thing in this case as it kept everyone entertained as they could sing along to each track. The band ended their set with Telle (vocalist) repeating a memorable line from Life Cycles as well as a backflip.
The next band to take the stage was Veil of Maya. Although this band has a incredibly impressive recorded material, it didn’t hold up as well live. Overall, the set was good but I felt they were carried a bit by their excessive backtracking and lack of ability to really deliver their sound live. I had a lot of respect for their one and only guitar player as he was able to carry most of the weight of the guitar parts, but all synth parts and some guitars were played entirely through the speakers.
This was a bit of a buzzkill for me personally but I do understand the necessity. The band’s presence onstage was good as I especially enjoyed the fact that they didn’t talk too much in between songs. Many of the bands at the festival repeated the same generic crowd-addressing lines and it was nice to see a band get straight to the music!
The next band I saw was Sworn In down at the theater stage. I have to say that I had seen videos of their live show but it was still very…unique. As far as the quality of their performance goes, when the vocalist screamed, he was very good and was able to match what was on the recordings. He did unfortunately speak a lot of his parts and cut corners a bit. The drums were spot on but the guitars seemed a bit sloppy. Even through the unbearable sound quality, it seemed they were off a bit. Nonetheless, Sworn In put on an amazing live act, sucking the audience into their dark and awe inspiring atmosphere.
Each member was a part of the entertainment and the band really has created something new and original with their stage presence. It completely matches their music and their style of wearing their own matching merch live only adds more to the effect. If you haven’t seen this band yet, you are really missing out on something very creative. See them.
After Sworn In I was back upstairs to the ballroom stage to see Born of Osiris. Everything about this band’s live show was great except that they had a backing track guitar in the right speaker during the entire show. Samples I understand but it was just a bit too obvious at how perfect the other guitar was and it didn’t really match the whole style of playing that the band was showing. Other than that aspect, this was definitely one of the better shows of the day. They played a wide range of their material dating back to early tracks as well as staying current with songs off of their newest release. Each instrument was tight and the band packed the floor within minutes of them starting.
Following up Born of Osiris was what I thought, the best band of the day: Periphery. This band sets the bar extremely high with their recorded material but the fact that they met that expectation was astounding to me. The band has many busy parts on each instrument and I was worried that the sounds would clash too much only leaving a confusing muddy sound but the band pulled through. Keeping each note perfect and staying true to the tracks, the band had the samples through the speakers which gave the songs the identity they needed.
Although it was disappointing at times to see how much was actually being put through on a recorded track, the band more than made up for it with their perfect playing abilities. The highlight of the day was watching Spencer (vocalist) hit every note onstage. One of the most talented vocalists in the genre, he absolutely amazed the crowd live with his ability to recreate his parts onstage. He blew away every other vocalist and the bands humor and relaxing vibes made everyone like them.
Last but most certainly not least was Structures. I had heard amazing things about their album “Divided By” and was told I was in for a treat to see them live. I had heard some of their music before but never got around to really focusing on listening to it. Despite that, I headed back downstairs to catch their set. Structures is definitely near the top for the day as they had one of the most energetic performances I had seen all day. With a smaller group they were able to work the stage and the crowd with their music throughout the whole set. Each member was entertaining and even though I didn’t know any of the songs I very much enjoyed them.
Metalfest was a show to remember and even though I did catch more than the bands above, I wasn’t able to watch their entire sets so I didn’t feel I could write accurately about their performances. My experience was great and it was a dream come true to see so many of my favorite bands in one day as well as delve into some newer ones! If you ever get a chance to go to a festival like this one, I highly recommend it as they are easy to navigate and you can save a ton of money seeing your favorite bands all in one night!
Rating: 9/10
-Nic
For Today has premiered the first song, “Fight the Silence,” off their forthcoming new studio album due for release in early 2014. The song has a strong social message and proceeds from the sale of this song and forthcoming album will go to support a cause close to the band’s heart. It can be heard below
Still hot off this summer’s Rockstar Mayhem Festival, EMMURE plan to enter the studio later this year. Their sixth full length album for VICTORY RECORDS will be released Spring 2014. EMMURE will be closing out 2013 by headlining the Never Say Die Tour in Europe (October 4th to 26th) and then a full US tour (October 29th to November 22nd) alongside ASKING ALEXANDRIA, SEVENDUST, ALL THAT REMAINS, and FOR TODAY.
As I Lay Dying will be heading out this Spring with The Devil Wears Prada, For Today (2/22 - 3/5 and 3/8 - 4/4), The Color Morale (2/22 - 3/7), The Chariot (3/8 - 4/4). Dates are below; tickets go on sale this Friday
02/22 Ventura,CA Majestic Ventura Theater Half House
02/23 Santa Cruz,CA The Catalyst
02/24 Chico,CA Senator Theatre
02/26 Reno,NV Knitting Factory Concert House
02/27 Las Vegas,NV House of Blues
02/28 Los Angeles,CA Club Nokia
03/01 San Diego,CA Soma
03/02 Tucson,AZ Rialto Theatre
03/03 El Paso,TX Tricky Falls
03/05 Corpus Christi,TX Concrete Street Amphitheatre
03/06 San Antonio,TX Backstage Live
03/07 Dallas,TX House of Blues
03/08 Lubbock,TX Lonestar Events Center
03/09 Oklahoma City,OK Diamond Ballroom
03/10 Memphis,TN New Daisy Theatre
03/12 Nashville,TN Rocketown
03/13 Charlotte,NC Amos’ Southend
03/14 Charleston,SC The Music Farm
03/15 Norfolk,VA The NorVa
03/16 Silver Spring,MD The Fillmore
03/17 Hartford,CT Webster Theatre
03/19 Allentown,PA Crocodile Rock
03/20 Huntington ,NY Paramount Theater
03/21 Poughkeepsie,NY The Chance
03/22 Williamsville,NY Club Infinity
03/23 Toronto,ON The Sound Academy
03/24 Millvale,PA Mr. Smalls Theatre
03/25 Millvale,PA Mr. Smalls Theatre
03/27 Columbus,OH Newport Music Hall
03/28 Grand Rapids,MI The Intersection
03/29 Milwaukee,WI The Rave
03/30 Minneapolis,MN First Avenue
04/02 Lawrence,KS The Granada Theatre
04/03 Colorado Springs,CO Black Sheep
04/04 Colorado Springs,CO Black Sheep
For Today has announced their new US headliner tour with support from Impending Doom, Sleeping Giants, The Chariot, Texas In July and Hundreth. Check out the dates below!
10/11 St. Petersburg, FL @ The State Theatre
10/12 Orlando, FL @ H2O Live!10/13 Ft. Lauderdale, FL Rocketown
10/14 Mobile, AL @ Alabama Music Hall
10/16 McAllen, TX @ Geo’s
10/17 Corpus Christi, TX @ House of Rock
10/18 Lubbock, TX @ Cactus Courtyard
10/21 Las Vegas, NV @ South Hills Church
10/23 Tempe, AZ @ Nile Theatre
10/24 Anaheim, CA @ Chain Reaction (The Chariot ends)
10/25 Oakland, CA @ Oakland Metro (Sleeping Giant begins)
10/26 Boise, ID @ The Venue
10/27 Spokane, WA @ The Kave
10/28 Seattle, WA @ Studio 7
10/30 Salt Lake City, UT @ Foursquare Church
10/31 Denver, CO @ Marquis Theatre
11/1 Omaha, NE @ Sokol Underground
11/2 Bloomington, IL @ The Castle Theatre
11/3 Dayton, OH @ The Attic
11/4 Lansing, MI @ The Loft
11/6 Cleveland, OH @ Peabody’s
11/7 Rochester, NY @ Water Street Music Hall
11/8 Danbury, CT @ Tuxedo Junction
11/9 Lancaster, PA @ Chameleon Club
11/10 Columbia, MD @ Genxaret
11/11 Greensboro, NC @ Greene Street
Resurgent metal powerhouse MYCHILDREN MYBRIDE is pleased to unleash a new lyric video for “On Wings of Integrity Pt. 2,” the first single off the band’s self-titled album, available online and in stores everywhere March 13 via Solid State Records.
A chugging, monolithic shout-along, the standout track is a powerful glimpse into MCMB’s new, refined sound. “Pt. 2” is an added treat for longtime fans, who will recognize it as a companion to crowd favorite “On Wings of Integrity,” which appeared on the band’s 2008 debut album.
Listen to ‘On Wings of Integrity Pt. 2’ Here:
“Not only is ‘On Wings of Integrity Pt. 1’ one of our favorite songs to play live, it’s one of our fans’ favorites too!” says singer Matthew Hasting. “We thought, what better song to showcase than the brother of one of our signature songs. ’Part 2’ best represents our mission statements as a band - positivity, truth, and hope in this dark world!”
As momentum builds towards the March 13 release of MYCHILDREN MYBRIDE, the band will be holding a series of interactive fan events, beginning with a live video chat this Monday, February 13. At 7 p.m. EST fans can chat live with band members, who will answer all of their burning questions.
MYCHILDREN MYBRIDE live chat 2/13 at Yowie:
For MYCHILDREN MYBRIDE, the self-titled album represents a new chapter for the band, and stamps the advent of a refined sound the members have been chasing since MCMB's inception. ”That's exactly what this album is, a new beginning,” says guitarist Robert Bloomfield. “I really do feel we found our sound. It's definitely MCMB still, but with this new flare that we've all loved and understood but never figured out a way to translate it to our music. I feel like everything we've done as a band all comes together in this one record. It's the best album in our career so far.”
Recorded with esteemed producer Zeuss (Hatebreed, Shadows Fall), MYCHILDREN MYBRIDE finds the band reaching deep mentally and emotionally for what is without a doubt their crowning achievement thus far, a hard-hitting, experimental, cinematic opus that will set a fire in the hearts of old and new fans alike. With a no-holds-barred approach to programming and effects, and good, old-fashioned brutal riffage - not to mention a new level of dynamics from frontman Matthew Hasting - MYCHILDREN MYBRIDE have boldly redefined themselves for this new chapter of their career.
In celebration of the release, the band will be setting sail on a two-month trek alongside FOR TODAY, A SKYLIT DRIVE, STICK TO YOUR GUNS and MAKE ME FAMOUS that includes dozens of stops throughout the U.S. and Canada, culminating in a spot at the infamous New England Metal and Hardcore Festival in Worcester, MA.