In naming their third album The Phoenix Throne, Dead To Fall managed to sum up the themes surrounding both their new songs and their lives. Weathering more than the usual number of line up changes through the years gives them remarkable insight into the nuts and bolts of reinvention and the challenge of continuing to grow musically while building a loyal fan base. The struggle to evolve is a rousing success by any terms: The Phoenix Throne is a quantum leap forward, stronger, more metallic and more ambitious than their previous work. While some of the players in Dead To Fall changed, the band steered a course to tried and true collaborators, choosing previous producer (Eric Rachel) and packaging artist (Paul Romano). Why fix what isnt broken? asks vocalist Jon Hunt, Eric understood where we had been musically and the progression we had undergone. The fantastic thing is he is able to tailor his sounds to the band, instead of imposing a trademark sound on each band that comes his way. As for Romano, Hunt explains, Pauls art walks the line between deceptively simple and elaborate. We love art that ties in with the other elements of the album, and no one is more detailed and thoughtful during the process.
Lyrically, Hunt broke new ground as well, with more conceptual lyrics and adventurous musicianship. In songs like Guillotine Dream, a six minute-plus opus that imagine the jarring thoughts of a condemned man awaiting execution. Doomed to Failure portrays two dreams clashing with catastrophic results; it is only when one is dead that realization that the constant struggle provided all power, but by then it is too late. Classically informed arpeggios throw sparks in the dark landscape while alternating vocal tones tell the story from two perspectives.
Chum Fiesta uses old school riffage and speedy double bass to tell the tale of a shark attack calls of Oh Shit as the sharks approach instill needed humor for a decidedly gory topic. The albums final track, Death and Rebirth brings its themes full circle, with lyrics like, In flame weve been reborn, a pure stronger power, a new oath we have sworn. Rachels suggestion to add something orchestral was embraced by the band, and Michael Romeo of Symphony X was recruited to create an epic piece of music that includes a full orchestra and choir. His work elevates the song to new heights, giving it the dignity and stateliness that the lyrics command, making it the perfect closer for the album.
Dead To Fall formed in 1999 in Chicago, Illinois. Their debut album, Everything I Touch Falls To Pieces garnered positive reviews in regional and national magazines. Dead To Fall toured in support with bands as diverse as The Red Chord and Malevolent Creation, setting the tone for their future projects while straddling the hardcore and metal worlds. In September 2004, Villainy and Virtue hit stores, and was immediately embraced by fans and press alike. Revolver Magazine put it best: Full of slab-like guitars and raging vocal growls, this brutish album will reach out of your speakers, beat you down, and steal your wallet. Tours with Napalm Death, Remembering Never and Most Precious Blood helped spread the word and Dead To Falls loyal fan base went on to buy 60,000 copies of their first two albums. Numerous line up changes took place over the years, making it hard for singer Jon Hunt to continue, but he has never been happier than in the current incarnation. I used to try to control every aspect of the band, I wasnt able to relinquish control. Now my band is more balanced and we are all contributors to making our vision a reality.
