Every Time I Die has always been one of the most consistent metal bands. With a blend of progressive, southern and hardcore forms of music, Every Time I Die always managed to pull off songs that were both intense, catchy and provocative all at once. Lyricist and singer Keith Buckley contributes to this by providing lyrics that are both easy to remember, yet cryptic and philosophical. I often discover a few literature references every now and then which is surprising from a band of this style. These factors have not changed in their latest release, Ex Lives, but they are not quite the same band they were a few years ago.
Ex Lives is easily the heaviest record they've released since their earlier records Last Night in Town and Hot Damn! Songs like Underwater Bimbos from Outer Space, Typical Miracle, and Drag King are set to much more blistering speeds than their more recent releases. Earlier songs especially are characterized by quick paced riffs and style shifts in the matter of 1-3 minutes that simply blow my mind how well they flow together. Though they have not really played this style in awhile, they pull it off with ease and still remain memorable and catchy. While this represents one extreme for Every Time I Die, they venture into uncharted territory by tackling on slower songs. Why they choose to do this on one of their fastest albums to date is beyond me but it surprisingly worked really well. Songs like Revival Mode and Indian Giver are practically ballads by the standards set by the album, yet their placement is so cohesive that they simply just work. I also enjoy the sludge-influenced riffs that show up from time to time and I think they were implemented well to really emphasis how heavy this album feels.
Every Time I die has never failed to disappoint me and at the rate they are going, it does not seem like that is about to change. Always ready to perfect their craft, Every Time I Die has proven time and time again that they know what they are capable of just about anything they put their mind to.
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