“Gutter phenomenon” was used in the 1950s to describe rock ‘n roll music. It was society’s reaction, at the time, to a style of music it considered ‘sinful.’ Rock music was viewed as a discredit to society. People believed that rock music would lead to your downfall. They thought rock ‘n roll would never last. Fast-forward 50 years, and rock ‘n roll is still a thriving force of expression. However, when any music scene flourishes and prospers, it can become watered down and generic, populated with more than a few passionless been-there, done-that bands. Every Time I Die understand this reality, and intend to shatter it. They’re making rock music new, exciting, and dangerous again.
Armed with two formidable assault weapons – their breath stealing new album ‘Gutter Phenomenon’ (recorded in NJ with Machine [Clutch, Lamb Of God]) and their devastating live shows- this upstate New York wrecking crew are poised to redefine underground heavy music as we know it.
Since the release of 2003’s ‘Hot Damn!’, Every Time I Die has enjoyed slots on the Ozzfest and Download festivals, as well as touring with Dillinger Escape Plan, Lamb Of God, Unearth, Chimaira, and As I Lay Dying. ‘Hot Damn!’ was a breakthrough record for ETID, and was the record that turned people’s heads. But ‘Gutter Phenomenon’ is the Every Time I Die Record, quite possibly the yardstick by which their career will be measured.
“The last record made people notice us,” says singer/wily lyricist Buckley. “This record will keep people’s heads turned in our direction. We have memorable parts, and choruses, and hooks that are so much more memorable and show that we have graduated to a profound level, as musicians. We worked on arrangements, instead of plopping riffs next to riffs. We focused on the psychology on how people listen, and what they remember when they listen.”
On ‘Gutter Phenomenon’, ETID have taken the subtle Southern riff influence and made it a crucial element of their sound. Dirty guitar tones are quite prominent throughout ‘Gutter Phenomenon’. “We listen to a lot of Motorhead, Black Crowes, and Thin Lizzy,” Buckley freely admits. “We got into the groove. The scene we’re a part of is inundated with hardcore bands, so we listened to classic rock.” Buckley also took vocal lessons to expand his range and says his style is now “exactly what I’ve been trying to do, and now I’m doing right.”
As for the record’s stand out tracks, there’s ‘Guitared And Feathered’, a prototypical ETID song, but bigger than anything they’ve ever done. ‘The New Black’ kicks off with a beer can being cracked open, while ‘Champing At The Bit’ – featuring guest vocals from Glassjaw’s Daryl Palumbo - has 4-part harmonies. Gerard Way, the vocalist from My Chemical Romance, duets on crushing track ‘Kill The Music’.
So, whether or not you subscribe to the belief that rock ‘n roll is a gutter phenomenon that’s an unsightly scar on the face of society, one thing’s for certain. Every Time I Die has arrived, and ‘Gutter Phenomenon’ will slay all opposition in its path, and make converts out of non-believers. There’s no escape, so get on board now.
