EVERY TIME I DIE – “From Parts Unknown” LP Review
Posted: by Sean Gonzalez
‘Blow Your Fucking Brains Out.’
In retrospect, as destructive as Keith Buckley makes himself out to be across these tracks, it is in his new vision of himself. Although he questions and fights himself often, I think we find inner peace by the end of the album. Whatever inner peace is, it comes equipped with a fire breathing vocal delivery more raw than the earlier days of Every Time I Die. His depth has increased, which gives light to a new range. Dynamically, the formula is all the same. What makes From Parts Unknown different from the other albums is the honesty and confidence. When ‘Decayin’ With The Boys’ first premiered, I was impressed with the acid dripped cleans. ‘Overstayer’ has elements of Keith’s breaking point, but also his eerie approach to cleans found in his side project Black Medal. His grit is back and his howl on ‘Idiot’ is one of the most ferocious spots found throughout the 12 tracks.
The music is a new found assault as well. While being more straight forward and dominant, the band comes together to create another interesting group of riffs that pound and pound into your head. The track that comes to mind for me is ‘If There Is Room To Move, Things Move.’ The volatile approach to the guitars makes the entire track. The parts are arranged in a very frantic nature, and that mood helps make the beatdowns that much heavier. The syncopation between vocals, drums and distortion throughout this song shows the amazing songwriting skills for the whole band. ‘Exometrium’ swirls around and around switching from riff to riff that fly around the guitar fretboard. The constant assault by each instrument forces this album to be memorable, and that is exactly what it is.
Between explosive musical parts and worthy shouted one liners (‘Exometrium’ has some of the best one liners spread about the album), there are two guest vocal spots worth highlighting. The legendary Sean Ingram makes his appearance on ‘Pelican Of The Desert’ and gives the song a more classic feel with his edgy vocals. Brian Fallon of The Gaslight Anthem uses his voice to make ‘Old Light’ shine as the album reaches the very back half. His part is illusive and very catchy, mixing in with the tone the album has set up till this point. Keith’s screams here are the most strained I have ever heard, not reaching full howling range but able to control a very grungy pitch.
This album is a very important release not only for Every Time I Die, but the entire community in general. Not many groups are together for five Warped Tours and seven full length albums. From Parts Unknown exemplifies a new beginning with an old formula. This album will propel the band farther down their path of glory, but for now, enjoy ‘Thirst’ brutally opening their set on Warped Tour all summer long.
10/10
– Sean
