This Or The Apocalypse hold a special place in our cold metal hearts. They're a local band that we've witnessed from the beginning and as they moved on to do bigger things. Albums like "Haunt What's Left" and "Monuments" are especially key for myself, but their newest record "Dead Years" kicked ass too (even with the loss of the incredible drummer Grant McFarland).
Now the band is moving on to do more of what they do best. In support of their upcoming album (presumably), they've dropped a brand new lyric video for the brand new track "Damaged Good" (no "s" required). As to be expected from TOTA, the new song hits hard. I will say, in some ways, this is a "fun" track from the band, as in it's not up to par with their best but it's still... well... fun. But as the song says, they aren't hopeless. Actually, far from it. This Or The Apocalypse will be returning with a vengeance soon. Watch out!
This should make all the TOTA fans happy campers. This Or The Apocalypse just dropped an 18 second clip teasing at new material they've been working on. They also let loose with the following brief statement.
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Got some big stuff coming up for you guys.
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You know what that means. Stay tuned for more This Or The Apocalypse and check the new clip alongside selections of their latest album "Dead Years".
The ridiculously talented This or the Apocalypse have been named Artist of the Week! These guys have been holding it down for awhile now through their furious Metalcore assault. Check out our interview with vocalist Rick Armellino and enter for your chance to win a FREE AUTOGRAPHED COPY OF DEAD YEARS! Let the games begin \m/
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RA = Rick Armellino
MT = Mike Thall
MT - First off, I wanna thank you
for your time. A few members from our team, myself included, have
been listening to This or the Apocalypse since “Sentinels”.
RA - Holy crap, since then? You got
to see like 5 of my massive depressions! Rad!
MT - Hell yeah! Gotta support the
local talent. Speaking of which, a lot of people consider you guys one of the
big 3 coming out of the Lancaster, PA area alongside August Burns Red and Texas
In July. How does farming inspire so much awesome metal?
RA - You couldn't ever convince me that I'm doing something other than being a
dude without a job who's just having fun on the road. Bigger picture stuff
isn't up to the artist. I'm really proud of what we've accomplished but at the
end of the day we are a product of circumstance and lucked out from where we
came out of. Hit 3 strawberries at the slots.
MT - There’s a lot of truth to that
man. Speaking of luck, Aaron Ovecka is a BEAST behind the kit. We’ve
been following his online covers for a long ass time now. I was personally
stoked to hear he would be filling the spot Grant McFarland left. How did you
stumble on him and how do you feel about the elements he’s brought to your
sound?
RA - Morgan from I the Breather shot him our way. He tried out amongst maybe 12
other people and we just knew he was it the moment we saw him. He's got a way
different flair and we wanted someone with the fluidity that he has. He does a
lot of cool ghost note grooves and plays with the velocities of his hits a
lot... Just has a great concept of rhythm and a great attitude.
MT - Drummers recommending drummers. Good shit. Aaron seems like a stand up
dude for sure. And with his addition to the band, you put out the record “Dead
Years” last year. Can you tell us a bit about that album and what went
into it?
RA - Worst year ever. Glad it made a record that people seem to shame us less
over than the other ones.
MT - Damn, at least some good came from the bad. Do you have any favorite
songs from the album?
RA - Nah, it changes from day to day.
MT - Understandable. How do you feel about the response to the
record?
RA - I have a different life now. People seem to take me seriously. I get
requested to do guest vocals on the reg. Our headliners are drawing great
numbers and people seem to just see us for who we are more. It just rules. I'm
so glad people felt it.
MT - Yeah man, the album’s crazy! And talking about headliners, your live performance
is crazy too. Anyone who’s seen you and survived would agree… unless if
they’re a pansy. Now here’s the question - If you had to pick one or two
favorite gigs, what would they be?
RA - I really couldn't choose. I
mean, we played the championship in Lemoyne and it was just fucking great the
other day. We have toured 31 times so there are too many shows to consider.
MT- Ohhh yeeeeah, Lemoyne doesn’t
mess around. Small stage, no security. That is a lot of touring though. What’s
the craziest thing that’s ever happened to you on tour?
RA - "Hey this is Carl Severson, I manage a label called Ferret Records.
You got a minute?"
"Bullshit. Who is this?"
"Carl."
"Oh. I gotta play a really bad show can I call you back?"
"Sure."
MT - Damn, just like that! That’s
nuts man. What are your plans for the rest of the year?
RA - Tour and work.
MT - Yep, we know you guys work hard. Any new music in progress?
RA - Yeah, have a collection of like 6 or 7 songs that could just go into the
studio right now.
MT - Awesome! Looking forward to giving them a listen. But I sure as hell am
not looking forward to the apocalypse, what’s my other option – this?
RA - Total pandemonium. What we already have.
MT - The truth man. Thanks again
Ricky. That’s all we have for now. Don’t forget to check the contest
we have going on with This or the Apocalypse right now. Go win free shit!
There's one helluva tour headed to the Northeastern United States. Reaching from Virginia to Connecticut, This Or The Apocalypse will be going on a live rampage along with Your Memorial, Legion, and ERRA! Ohhhh yeeeeah. Every band has something huge to offer audiences. These shows will most likely leave venues in shambles. Hope they have insurance! You can check the dates on the flyer down below along with music from all the bands. Grab those tickets! We'll see you in the pit. Also, if you haven't heard, TOTA are in need of a new touring van. Help a brother out and pitch in here. Let's get this show on the road!
This is one of those news that blends together epicness and sadness. It's strange, but that's exactly what Bleeding Through's devoted fans will feel like during the band's last tour ever. After 14 years running and 7 albums released, this Metalcore band announced they will break up after a farewell tour.
There's no fight between the band members, they just know that some of them grew up, got married, had children and they feel like they can't work full-time anymore. But they still want to share their music with their fans for one more time.
They will be hitting Europe and the UK in April with two other great bands to support them: This Or The Apocalypse and Hand Of Mercy. Check out the tour dates on the flyer by Avocado Booking and go buy your ticket if you love this great band! Meanwhile you can head bang to some of Bleeding Through's classics below and a few songs from the supporting acts \m/
This Or The Apocalypse are one of Pennsylvania's premiere Metalcore units. These guys have been making top notch music for awhile. And now it looks like they've found themselves in a hostage situation. Watch their brand new music video for "Hate The Ones You Love" to see what happens. They released this video in support of their latest record "Dead Years" (read our review here), and it's just plain awesome. Be sure to give it a view along with the intense live video for "Hell Praiser" and lyric video for "In Wolves" down below. And if you like what you're hearing, go buy that shit!
Lancaster beasts, This Or The Apocalypse have been playing top notch metal for years now. They have a sound that pushes them high above the waves of mediocrity often associated with the Metalcore sub-genre. This has been apparent since their commercial debut "Monuments" back in 2007 with the band's use of syncopated polyrhythmic grooves, next level melody with insane guitar work, and the driving passion behind the vocals and musical delivery. When the band dropped "Haunt What's Left" in 2010, they pushed themselves even further than before, leaving a serious mark on the metal underground. This Or The Apocalypse had set the bar very high for themselves. Over time, anticipation grew for a new album. And with the loss of their godly drummer Grant McFarland, some became skeptical of the band's continued success. The time for new music has finally come as TOTA dropped "Dead Years" earlier this week. But does it live up to the band's reputation?
Ohhhh yeaaaah, "Dead Years" is an awesome addition to the band's discography. Holy shit this record is pissed off... and for all the right reasons as it gives serious and honest social and political commentaries. "Dead Years" starts at a furious pace when "Hell Praiser" automatically floors the listener with musical violence. If that song doesn't open a mosh pit, I don't know what will. That statement stands true for the majority of this record. This is easily the most insane, angry music This Or The Apocalypse has ever released. The band unleashes their wrath with brutal honesty song after song with stand out tracks such as "In Wolves", "Americans", "Hate The Ones You Love", and "Power Hawk" among others. Every song on "Dead Years" has something to offer.
The guitar corps and bassist Matthew Marcellus are solid as to be expected. Rodney Phillips and Jack Esbenshade shred out some very impressive, powerful segments, balancing heaviness and melody with ease. There are also breakdowns galore. Not all of which are necessarily impressive, but they are usually angry and effective. The vocalist, Rick Armellino does a great job throughout the record. I've always been a fan of this guys lyrical ability and he has really outdone himself on "Dead Years". These songs have very powerful messages delivered through his fierce screaming. It's safe to say Aaron Ovecka picks up very nicely where Grant McFarland (and the previous replacement) left off. He keeps up with the band like a pro while adding in his own style. I've been following his youtube drum videos for awhile now and I'm really proud of his progress. Especially when you consider the shoes he had to fill.
To wrap things up, this album is in your face, pissed off, and honest. It is an angry commentary on the sad state of a world overcome by corruption, hate, and ignorance. If you love heavy music as much as we do, it's definitely recommended you go listen to "Dead Years"... right now! And if you like what you hear... buy that shit! This is a great record.
Storming out of Lancaster, Pennsylvania This Or The Apocalypse just dropped their new record "Dead Years" along with a new music video for "Hell Praiser". Both of which are awesome. The actual music video was an exclusive release from Alternative Press, so go check it out on their website. You're welcome AP. But before you do that, check out the actual live video from the music video shoot below. This Or The Apocalypse is solid live.
UPDATE - The actual music video is now availible to all, so we have it here on The Circle Pit! You're still welcome AP.
Who's ready for the Apocalypse? Yeah... what a load of s***. I guess we'll all just have to settle for This. In all seriousness, these guys truly are a talented group to emerge out of the Lancaster scene. Even though that area is mainly recognized for birthing bands such as August Burns Red and Texas in July, This or the Apocalypse really stands out to a lot of people, including myself, due to their unique take on Metalcore. These guys incorporate some progressive elements into their song structures as well as placing a heavy emphasis on grooves. To really get an understanding of their sound then check out their two earlier releases, Monuments and Haunt What's Left.
On September 4th, This or the Apocalypse released the single "In Wolves" which will appear on their 3rd studio album later this month. Anybody that has been following this band since their formation will tell you that this isn't a new song. In fact it was written, and even played at shows, before they released Haunt What's Left. So with that said, there have been some alterations made to the song since then. I will post both versions below. As for the new version, it's a solid track. It starts out with a very groovy rhythm, accompanied by a distorted, almost hypnotizing riff. The song then breaks into their chaotic signature sound, but later deviates from that for the chorus (similar to "Subverse" off of Haunt What's Left). My only problems with this song are the breakdowns. They seem to show up a little too frequently, especially for a band like This or the Apocalypse. All in all this is a great song by a phenomenal band. Dead Years will be released later this month, be sure to check it out.
New Version
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Original Version (Japanese Exclusive)
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Mike Thall's Favorite Version (Intense Live Video! Pre-Haunt What's Left)
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This song has actually been around for awhile now. Ever since the writing of This Or The Apocalypse's last album "Haunt What's Left". "In Wolves" has finally been released as the first single on "Dead Years", the new TOTA album coming out September 25th. There have been plenty of changes since then, some for the better and some not so much but it's still a good track with a deep message. You can give "In Wolves" a listen right here. Also check out our full album preview for "Dead Years".
This Or The Apocalypse just put out a hard hitting teaser for their upcoming record "Dead Years". This album is sounding like it's gonna be huge. Get teased below and go check out the original teaser, track list, artwork, etc our album preview for "Dead Years" here. And if you want to grab the preorder for September 25th, click here. Keep it metal.
Pennsylvania metalcore powerhouse This Or The Apocalypse literally
just put up a press release and a teaser hyping their newest album.
"Dead Years" is to be released September 25th. The follow up to 2010's
blistering "Haunt What's Left" could end up being the band's most
aggressive release to date. It will be interesting to see how the
departure of drummer Grant McFarland will affect the band. However, I
must say the replacement Aaron Ovecka is a tank behind the kit.
Frontman Ricky Armellino states, "'Dead Years' is full of some of the most painfully honest material we've ever written. The album features both some of the saddest, most melodic songs we've ever played and it also holds some of the angriest. It's about war and family, how we're
really never unaffected by the world around us, no matter how hard we
try to get away from it. We're very proud to finally get the opportunity
to release it."
This Or The Apocalypse has always been a step above the majority of the
metalcore genre with original ideas, powerful conviction, and next level
talent. This release is definitely one to keep your eyes on. The tracklist, artwork, and teaser are below.
01. Hell Praiser 02. Power Hawk 03. In Wolves 04. Americans 05. Hate the Ones You Love 06. You Own No One but You 07. A Damn Moment 08. Gaunt and Fierce 09. Kill'em With Guidance 10. Hard Branch to Snap
This Or The Apocalypse hold a special place in our cold metal hearts. They're a local band that we've witnessed from the beginning and as they moved on to do bigger things. Albums like "Haunt What's Left" and "Monuments" are especially key for myself, but their newest record "Dead Years" kicked ass too (even with the loss of the incredible drummer Grant McFarland).
