Suffocate Faster’s sophomore album, Don’t Kill The Messenger turns 17 this year and we have commentary from guitarist Chris Towning. Check it out below and let us know your thoughts on the record!

First of all, how does it feel knowing Don't Kill The Messanger turns 17 this year?

Well, it certainly puts a number to a time in my life and a lot of memories associated with it. Reminds me of a time before social media/streaming had really affected the industry.

How did you feel when the album came out?

Very accomplished, hopeful, eager, and very excited.

Where do you think the album fits in the band's legacy?

Legacy is such a heavy word to use, but I think it was a staple of the time and what was happening in heavy music/hardcore. Luckily, the recording still holds up and the songs still translate to a live audience without feeling incredibly dated.

How did the band approach writing? What inspired the lyrics?

Writing at this time was all done in a room with your band. Much different from the approach with the most recent writing and recording process. In 2023, most music is rough recorded straight to computer, then we bring it to practice space to work out kinks and develop the song.

It’s a lot of back and forth to create the best song possible. Chris Alsip's’ lyrics are all drawn from personal experience. Whether it is lifestyle choices, political viewpoint, mental health or just the human experience.

Do any of the themes touched on the album still hold relevant for you?

Mental health now more than ever. The Pandemic had a huge effect on all of us in our own ways. It really affected my mental health so now I more so relate to what Alsip was saying at the time.

What were your hopes and expectations for the record during the writing and recording process?

Just to have the right representation of the band. Some bands are better live because of how poor their recordings might be, this was our first chance with the right budget to create something genuine.

When was the last time you listened to the record? Are there memories and emotions that come back?

I listen to it frequently, we’re having to freshen up on different songs for different shows. It's funny how some things are literally muscle memory from 17 years ago or more. The emotions are really just how I was feeling at the time, maybe a memory about an old member or two, or even the writing process of the song.

What do you remember most about making the album?

Sleeping on a floor and the number of movies we watched waiting for mixes to get done or someone else to record their parts.
it really was a great time together and a great time in all of our lives.

Were there any bands in particular you enjoyed playing with while touring for the record?
Death Before Dishonor, I feel like every one of our shows was with these guys for like 2 years.
Much fun was had and ill never forget it.

How did things change for the band after the album came out?

We had done some touring, but it became much more often at this point. earlier, I had been in college, after graduation and this record coming out, it felt like we were always gone.

Do you remember what you were listening to at the time?

Oddly enough, lots of Paramore and Fall Out Boy. After many nights of heavy music, you need something to balance you out. Pop punk does that for me and all of the other guys in the band too.

Do you think of the album any differently now than you did when you recorded it?

Well at the time, it really was my best effort. Now, after a few more years of playing, I hope the new music gives a feel of maturity and progression.
We’re still writing in the same vein, just an updated feel.

Did you ever expect the album to have the influence it did?

Influence? NO. I’ve always just wanted to give people the chance to have a safe place to express themselves. I've always wanted people to feel the way I feel when I hear my favorite band: happiness and a positive outlet for all the negative shit that goes on in our lives.