Till We Die is a band with a decent name that doesn't really deliver the goods. They are another one of those screamo style rock acts that looks to blend soft melodic sections with heavier, more hardcore inspired parts. The problem is that there are many bands out there that do it better. Sure, they have some nice and crunchy guitars and some decent drums, but they are better than the sum of their parts.
Pressing On is the debut CD from this Massachusetts based four-piece. It has an enticingly sparse cover design, a field of black with the band's skull and angel wings logo with their band name around it and the album title below. It is nice in its simplicity, promising something with a harder edge, but edge that features a softer side. Once you open the case and put the disk in, you will discover that the impressions of the cover were correct. Melody coexists with heavy, both in pretty much equal proportions to each other.
Till We Die is a band that does show a decent amount of promise, but they just aren't quite ready for primetime. The recording doesn't do them any favors, as it sounds like a local demo CD. The drums are buried in the mix and lacks much in dynamics. It's rather awkward listening to it. The mix is not their fault, I will try not to hold it against them, but a good mix could have gone a long way to ma them sound better as a band.
Something that really didn't work for me was the way the melodic and hardcore sides blended, or rather failed to blend. It was like there was an on/off switch, except rather than say on/off it said melodic/heavy. The two elements never come together on any middle ground; they were either off to the heavy side of life, or they were softer and more melodic. The same structure repeats for much of the length of the album, never offering much in the way of structural variety, or any coming together of the two sides.
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - chelsea =]
ahh wow i totally don't agree. they are amazing and so is the cd. they are hardworking and they have come very far. maybe you should learn a thing or two about good music before you comment it. k thanks.
2 - Chris Beaumont
Well, guess we'll just have to agree to disagree.
"maybe you should learn a thing or two about good music before you comment it" Right back atcha.
Well, not really, I will respect your disagreement if not your assessment.
3 - Chelsea =]
i do know a thing or two about music, i dont try to critique bands, i just listen to whats good. i don't listen for flaws, thats not what the music is made for. that's something you should work on =]
4 - Chris Beaumont
Question, why do you read reviews then? I like listening to what is good as well, but I don't know that until I listen to it. If you want to know what I like, you can check out other reviews on the site.
5 - Jenn
First I'll say I found this by mistake. I chose to read it thinking it'd be something positive because I really didn't think anybody would have anything negitive to say about the CD. Maybe it's something you need to listen to more then once to get into it but at least commend the efforts these guys are putting forth. A lot of the songs are catchy and should be given a better review then what you've put out there for others to read.
Did you actually listen to this CD or just once?
6 - Chris Beaumont
Everything I review I listen to more than once. I also realize that every band has its fans. I am probably a fan of many bands that you don't like and would disagree with my positive reviews for. Everyone is going to have an opinion on what they listen to. This is mine, which is no less valid than yours. In the end I do not feel I was being mean or unfair to them, and the last two songs are quite good, if they are able to do more like that....
Thank you for taking the time to read it.
7 - MSIMONE
If you like different music than we might like, then why say something bad, if its not your type of music. Everyone likes different kinds of music, why do we care what you think? and what makes you so good and special to have a criticism about this band or any other band? Its like me telling my parents that Led Zeppelin sucks, but im ignorant about the fact that its a different generation or music.
8 - Chris Beaumont
"why do we care what you think?"
Exactly. but here you are, you took the time to read, so you must at least bhe curious. I read a lot of reviews for albums and band and movies that I like that had the polar opposite reaction that I did. It's just the way it is.
"what makes you so good and special"
Nothing. I just have an opinion, I enjoy writing, and I share it.
I enjoy all types of music, and within every type there are good bands, there are bad bands, and there are bands in the middle.
"Its like me telling my parents that Led Zeppelin sucks"
Not really. Now, if you say you don't like them and proceed to back it up with reasons why you don't like them, then that is fine.
You will notice I didn't just say "they suck" that would have been a much shorter review, and would carry no weight as there was no basis for it.
9 - AMY
The only thing I have to say is that these guys are the hardest working guys I know. They have busted their butts to make this cd. They have had alot of setbacks and alot of bad things happen to them in the past few years. Especially Mitty. He was in a very bad car accident last summer and had to retrain his voice to be able to sing again. So you may not think his voice is the best, but at least there is a reason why. This is only their first cd of many I hope, nobody gets it perfect on the first try. This is coming from someone who knows all of these guys personally. I am Mitty's sister. I never really listened to this type of music. In fact I can't stand it, but he's my brother and I support him.
love ya Mitty, Joe, Mike and Drummer Dave
10 - AMY
The only thing I have to say is that these guys are the hardest working guys I know. They have busted their butts to make this cd. They have had alot of setbacks and alot of bad things happen to them in the past few years. Especially Mitty. He was in a very bad car accident last summer and had to retrain his voice to be able to sing again. So you may not think his voice is the best, but at least there is a reason why. This is only their first cd of many I hope, nobody gets it perfect on the first try. This is coming from someone who knows all of these guys personally. I am Mitty's sister. I never really listened to this type of music. In fact I can't stand it, but he's my brother and I support him.
love ya Mitty, Joe, Mike and Drummer Dave
11 - Brian aka Guppusmaximus
If people & bands can't take constructive criticism, then how will you ever fix your weaknesses? Chris gave an un-biased review based on his love for all things metal. He didn't insult the band & he actually liked a couple songs. This band needs alot of work and to push a cd that is amateur only puts a sour taste in the Metal fans mouth. I'm sure they worked real hard and I'm sorry to hear about anyone being in a car accident but that doesn't change what people want to hear.
Yes, everyone likes what they like but here in MA. we don't need anymore Stained/Godsmack crap.
Musicians need to step up & release kick ass material because right now the US is getting destroyed in the Metal scene with the exception of a few bands.
My review would've been the short one...They Suck. But, I don't waste my time reviewing crap I can't stand!!
12 - Daniela
I saw "Till We Die" last night at Hampton Beach Club Casino. I personally thought they were the best band that played. I am surprised to find such a negative review about them, but then again upon reading the review through the review is about their CD(Which I bought). I will deifnately see them again, their live show ROCKS!!
13 - tristan jabre
hey you guys rock i remember going to see u guys play all the time as leviticus i used to date the guiterist cousin they rock
14 - Big Jim
I think Chris nailed this right on the head. I have listened to the cd a few times, its not good at all period. I love everything from Sabbath to Killswitch, and this one sounds exactly like what it is. A local band with a mediocre cd. If only I had bought a beer instead of this lousy cd...
15 - Kyle Shouey
Till we die is an amazing band. this artical is baised on there pressing on cd. NOT there Demo RIP. Leviticus witch was there pryer band name. and its not mittys fault his vocal chords were distorted in an accident. and as for the recording of the album i dont care for a first full leinght it wasnt that bad a band has to start somewheres. if anyone thinks Till We Die is not a good band go to one of there shows and ask any band member for the Band DEMO cd. this shows the true feel of the band. and have a little more respect for the band membebers they work there asses off to entertain
16 - Josh
How many cd's have you made guy?? I'd love to hear that crap..
17 - Chris Beaumont
What difference would that make? Does creating music make an opinion carry more weight? I should think not. More likely you are upset over someone having a differing opinion and stating so.
18 - Josh
It makes a huge difference.. When you're some tool sitting in your moms basement (when you're not out trying to score 300 lb chics) listening to some talented guys make good music you're a little bias.. Sounds like you're a little jealous that you can't come up with anything that even compares to their cd.. And if you're gonna attack the cd go see the otherside of the band.. See them live they'll blow you away..
19 - Chris Beaumont
SO, I am going to assume that you would be having the same issue if my review had been favorable? Since, I still don't make music my opinion must mean nothing. That begs the question why do you bother reading reviews? The vast majority of people who write reviews are not creatively active within the music/video industry. Also, assuming you know anything about me would be a mistake, as you don't, although you think your petty insults will have an affect on me.
I listen to music, I know what I like and what I don't like and I have an outlet to share my opinion. No need to hate.
If they came to town, sure I would see them live, perhaps I would like the live show. This album, however is not all that good. It has a couple of moments, but overall I have heard much better (and worse).
20 - anthony
I love this band! =)
21 - Matt
Till We Die is awesome... I couldn't possibly disagree with you anymore then I do.. What are your credentials??
22 - Chris Beaumont
Glad you like the band.
As for my credentials? I have an opinion and like to write. How's that?
23 - Jordan Richardson
It's amazing how this "business" works, isn't it Chris?
You review one album and say you love it and suddenly the fans put you up on a pedestal. You review another album and don't like it and suddenly you have no right to express an opinion at all. Beautiful poetry, really.
24 - Chris Beaumont
It is, isn't it?
Funny thing is that those who are most vocal are those who disagree. Those who agree tend to be a little quieter.
And to think I had a couple of nice things to say...
25 - Matt
Hm.. That is something we have in common.. I might have to try blogging some time then...