There are few bands to have emerged during the late 90s/early 2000s under the metalcore umbrella that have withstood the test of time. And let’s be honest, most never withstood any test of merit, but today we celebrate a standout performance by a rare band that has flourished over the past decade- Buffalo’s favorite sons of progressive, hardcore-rock n’ roll, Every Time I Die, who thundered through Philly’s Union Transfer last week.
The band’s most recent full-length effort, Ex-Lives, hit streets in 2012 via Epitaph Records to rave reviews from critics and fans alike and debuted at a respectable #20 on the American Billboard Charts.
Ex-Lives marked the first recorded effort post the departure of longtime drummer, Mike “Ratboy” Novak, who left the band abruptly in 2009. Canada’s Ryan Legger and ETID‘s main beat man, originally stepped in as a touring drummer. Along with his arsenal of tasty fills and meaty beats, Legger has brought double-bass to the table for the first time in ETID‘s 10+ year history and has allowed for an expanded sonic attack.
Shortly after the release of Ex-Lives, bassist Josh Newton also left the band to be replaced by Hot Damn-era bassist Stephen Micciche who is currently touring with the band. This new line-up is hands down the tightest I have seen the band through more than a dozen performances over the past decade.
Every Time I Die rattled off a barrage of tracks that spanned their prolific run, including crowd favorites, “Ebolorama,” “The New Black,” “We’re Wolf,” and “Underwater Bimbos From Outer Space,” to name but a few.
It was a young crowd to be sure, and those who braved the melee to attempt his or her first stage dive, found the those on the floor just as novice to the experience. Catching those flinging themselves toward the crowd was a rather awkward transition at first. Many a jump ended with a group a mid-teens frozen like a deer in headlights while Macho Man Randy Savage-styled rope jumps ended with direct smacks to the floor. No worse for the wear, the young bloods continued at it, crafting a loose ballet of those determined to get their stage-diving technique on lock and those determined to hold their ground with arms up, eyes closed, and braced for the hit.
The final track found the stage flooded with bodies as guitarist Jordan Buckley climbed atop of stack of amps and flipped into the crowd below.
The old heads stuck to the permitters and looked on admiringly as the consensus was clear- Every Time I Die still got it.
Words by BTS Editor in Chief Joshua T. Cohen
All Photos by BTS’s Jonathan Van Dine
Enjoy 115 Exclusive Photos by BTS Photographer Jon Van Dine.
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