FROM FIRST TO LAST
Album > Throne To The Wolves
Label > Rise Records
Stream > "You, Me, And The Significant Others"


Similar to Drop Dead Gorgeous, From First To Last have produced a different sound for themselves with every new record. After Sonny Moore's departure, Matt Good resumed his role as frontman of the band, and they recorded the intense self-titled album that dropped back in '08. Over the past couple months, the band has been streaming new songs online for fans in preparation of their Rise debut. It doesn't always work this way, but in this case, first impressions seemed correct. Throne To The Wolves is another evolution for the band, but not the best one.

The opening track, “Cashing Out”, was the third single released online to tease fans of what was coming. The song feels more punk than anything, and brings to mind the b-side “Everything's Perfect” from their last release. What follows, “Chyeaaa!”, is a short minute of deep growls and screams. This could have been something if the band actually made a song from it, but instead it feels more like a random jam session tossed in at the last minute. “Elvis Said Ambition...” helps put things back on track with its entertaining gang vocals and upbeat instrumentals, and “G.R.I.T.S.” shows off some great vocals from Matt. “Going Lohan", the first posted single, is a great mix of screamo and punk/rock, bringing to mind the elements that helped power the band's last album. “I'll Innonculate The World...” is the most crowd focused track, despite feeling a little messy at times, and “You, Me, And The Significant Others” shines brightest with its soaring structures and lyrics reminiscent of The Used. “The He Man Woman Haters Club” is an interesting sounding track, and is fueled with an almost “bouncy” quality at times. Probably the heaviest and most ambient song here would be “M.O.”, a track that feels quite unique and ambitious for From First To Last. It's these kind of moments that help show how much the band has grown over the years, but Thrones still suffers from an identity crisis throughout. “A Soft War”, for example, is an electronic fusion of sorts in the likes of Breathe Carolina or even Blaqk Audio. Luckily, the album comes to a close with the explosive “Now That You're Gone”, a track that successfully brings together everything experimented this time around.

Having been a fan since the beginning, I've done my best to stick by From First To Last's side through the best and worst. Unfortunately, Thrones To The Wolves is not the album I was hoping for. There are, however, some truly genius moments here that warrant exposure; but, overall, this feels more like a chop shop of music than a cohesive work of art.


7/10

It seems The Bled are destined to evolve with every new release. At first, it may seem the band has actually gone backwards to revisit the days of Pass The Flask, but there's much more to this brutal escapade than meets the eye.

From the moment this album begins, The Bled make it clear that they are here to get the pit moving more than anything else. “Running Through Walls” is the definitely the gem here with its catchy chorus and powerful breakdowns, but it's also followed by such great tracks as the well constructed “Need New Conspirators”, the haunting “Needs”, and the Avenged Sevenfold-esque “Crawling Home”. The most interesting song would have to go to “Meet Me In The Bone Orchard”, a track that is an adventure into influencing elements of the band's. And, of course, you have your more straight forward attacks like “Crowbait” and “Night Errors” to really make the room around you tremble.

While, yes, this is the band's most energetic and angry album yet, Heat Fetish is also a combination of everything The Bled has gotten right over the years. The atmospheric elements may seem near absent this time around, but more genre exploration has taken its place. It may not all be a giant leap forward for the band, but Heat Fetish is an addictive and entertaining album you really should experience for yourself.

9/10

There's no rest for a rising band. Of Mice & Men know exactly what we're talking about. Since their inception, the band has been getting buzz like crazy for months. One look at their tour schedule shows just how busy they expect to be this year (the band is booked from now through August).

So just how is the band's Rise debut? There are plenty of words to describe it, but let's start with this one: EXPLOSIVE. Right off the bat, Of Mice & Men brings the walls crashing down with "YDG", a song that was built on furious breakdowns and melodic intermissions. It doesn't end there, of course. "They Don't Call It The South For Nothing" is just as in-your-face, and features some great vocal parts you won't soon forget. This album really does have it all, whether it be the atmospheric elements backing the firing arsenal, or the song construction that gets you up and moving. One of the most memorable tracks is "The Ballad of Tommy Clayton & The Rawding Millionaire", a song that is more thrash and attitude than anything. Then again, the closing track is quite an effort to behold. "This One's For You" is a culmination of each winning element making up Of Mice & Men, so if you've yet to hear the band, start there.

Of Mice & Men are more than a powerhouse; they're a force to be reckoned with. Some people may argue that this album doesn't do much venturing or experimentation, but with a collection of tracks this energetic and addictive, can you really be bothered by that? This is a debut unlike any other, so don't miss the ride. You can't deny this demon, so don't even bother trying.

8/10

While an improvement over The Dawn Of My Death, Untouchable still doesn't top the band's debut a few years back. That being said, this third outing has some really great pop/rock tracks you'll want to replay again and again. There's a reason why they're one of Rise's most popular bands.

“Hey Dude!” starts the album off with a bang, bringing together a soaring chorus backed by some worthy breakdowns of growls and cries. The single “Sing To Me” is the instant favorite, however. The track features sweet sounding verses and one helluva catchy chorus you'll have stuck in your head for days to come. The album then puts out several heavily focused pop numbers to get the room jumping up and down, “Start With Today” being the most memorable with its guest vocals and melodic beat. The second half of Untouchable then returns to the faster and heavier punk material, like the punk/rock “Bulletproof”. The guitar work on “Finding A Way” deserves attention, and “Rick Vs Nick” is one of the most energetic and propelled track the band has put out in some good time.

When all is said and done, you're left with an album full of emotion and power. Not every track is golden (and the band's debut is still their best work), but there's a good handful of songs here you'll likely add to your favorites list. There's no denying Before Their Eyes have range and talent, so do yourself a favor and check out Untouchable. You won't be disappointed.

8/10

This album has been much anticipated due to the members that make up the band, but that doesn't guarantee a winning album. Luckily for everyone, Craig Owens and Jonny Craig are amazing vocalists that can make anything they touch golden.

The Hearts Of Lonely People has been a long time in the making, so it's a bit depressing this debut is only an EP. However, these seven tracks are teeming with power, blood, and energy. Nothing was spared when writing this record, and considering how busy both these vocalists have been, it's impressive what they've accomplished with Isles & Glaciers. “Hills Like White Elephants” feels very much like Chiodos, but the accompanying electronics are a very nice touch that help set it apart from Craig's previous band. The instant favorite, however, would have to be “Clush”, a track that features some great experimentation and a couple heavier moments that have Jonny getting vicious with his microphone. “Empty Sighs And Wine” has the most catchy moments on the album, and feels like a cross between Dance Gavin Dance and The Fall Of Troy. The last two tracks, “Viola Lion” and “Cemetery Weather” focus more on the atmospheric and beautiful elements intertwined in this record, bringing everything to a soothing close.

We weren't sure what to expect from this super group, but Isles & Glaciers have proven to us that they have the electricity to put out fantastic music. The Hearts Of Lonely People is an expansive and large album that constantly pleases every step of the way.

9/10