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Like Moths To Flames

The Cycles Of Trying To Cope

Written by: MN on 05/05/2024 17:57:28

Hailing from Columbus, OH, which is something of a metalcore bastion, Like Moths to Flames are closing in on their 15th anniversary in an ever evolving genre. Born amidst an era in which metalcore began to diversify by branching into electronic realms, embracing pop sensibilities, and even intertwining with death metal to create the burgeoning deathcore movement, the band has stubbornly remained somewhat conservatively anchored compared to many of their contemporaries. For some listeners, this is a great thing; there are those that just want the no-frills approach with massive breakdowns, emotionally raw lyrics, and technically tinged riffs. Others might view the group’s take on the genre as stagnant and downright generic in the grander scheme of things, however — but their new album “The Cycles of Trying to Cope” is a step in the right direction, if you ask me.

The emotional rawness of vocalist Chris Roetters’ cathartic lyricism is as potent as ever, delivered with an intense fury. The production of the record is good and crisp, allowing for the crunchy riffs of guitarist duo Zach Pishney and Cody Cavanaugh to really hit the mark. Divided into four chapters — “Limbo”, “Fracture”, “Dissociate” and “Melancholia” — the album embarks upon an exploration of the band’s tried and tested soundscape, in which Roetter’s harsh screams and growls complement every vicious breakdown and soaring chorus. Although the record was not initially conceived as a conceptual work, “The Cycles of Trying to Cope” evolved into one organically, with Roetter’s reflections revealing interconnected threads that led him deeper into his own lyrical universe. Album openers and the first two singles “Angels Weep” and “Paradigm Trigger” get things going hard and heavy, warming up the machinery. “Over the Garden Wall” then goes on to showcase some of the band’s best riff-work to date with a distinctly djent-inspired energy.

“Gone without a Trace” exposes the listener to the more catchy, punchy and melodic side of Like Moths to Flames’ music, showcasing a poppier side of the coin, and “Dissociative Being” continues this tendency, coupled with some seriously tasty guitar work. “The Shepherd’s Crown” meanwhile delivers one of the heaviest moments on the record — definitely a track for fans of the band’s more brutal side — and the same goes for “To Know Is to Die”. Standing out amongst them all as the highlight comes the brilliant “Kintsugi”, a song that synchronizes all the finest elements of the group’s gritty, heavy sound and knack for melodies. The record concludes with “What Do We See When We Leave This Place?”, which pummels ahead at supersonic speed and is almost certain to become a fan favourite in the live setting.

So where does this leave Like Moths to Flames, after this sixth release of theirs? All in all, they have produced a rock solid piece of metalcore that harnesses the most recognizable characteristics of the genre. To some, this may feel like a generic approach, while for others, this is exactly what is required in order to stay true to a genre that defined them in the first place. I personally think it’s a step up from their previous records, and definitely the best since their sophomore outing, 2013’s “An Eye for an Eye”.

Download: Kintsugi, Over the Garden Wall, What Do We See When We Leave This Place?
For the fans of: The Color Morale, Memphis May Fire, Northlane
Listen: Facebook

Release date 10.05.2024
UNFD