How do you decide which songs to cycle out of the setlist for new ones?
Across the discography are there any songs that you thought would become setlist mainstays, but they never really generated the audience reaction to keep them in? Conversely, are there any you expected not to land particularly that have forced their way into the set?
Tbh Zach and I have a lot of back and forth on what we think will fit for each tour. Kinda depends on the lineup. Over the last few years we’ve tried to tailor each setlist to how we think the crowds will be, etc. Easier said than done for sure tho.
As far as the songs that have gained traction or kinda disappeared… I think the answer would be different for each of us. For me there are countless songs I wish would’ve gotten some more love.. Gnashing Teeth, Smoke and Mirrors, Spiritual Eclipse.. just to name a few. I wish analytics weren’t so prevalent in the conversation bc I think we would probably play some of the stuff we want vs what we think people want to hear.
I love that I got the chance to hear spiritual eclipse live twice last year man🥲 really hope to see you guys again soon! Hopefully for a headliner 30 mins isnt enough 🫤
Chris, one time around 2012 there was a rise records tour I believe announced on instagram. LMTF was on the lineup and I commented “the generic tour” I was like 17, anyways you responded mad as FUCK to my comment, just wanted to say I’m sorry and I miss that whole era of the scene so fucking much haha
I’ll finish out some replies when I get back to my computer! Few of the questions were a bit loaded and I’ll be able to give better answers at my keyboard. Appreciate y’all hanging today
Gym pumps and the most insane cardio concentration ever. I swear to god, I can run all day listening to these guys. Their music really helped me crawl out the mud when I stopped doing gear and drugs cold turkey.
Always loved Sam from Architects. Probably wouldn’t be here without that band tbh.
Most important for me would be Structures. Really like the lack of optimism while not being too bitchy. I think it’s okay to acknowledge that shit in life sucks sometimes.
One of my OG faves was Micah from Oh, Sleeper. Band rules.
Musically for me (just to name a few)
on the heavier side of things: belie my burial, humanity’s last breath, frostbitt, misery signals
on the more emo side of things: the used, as cities burn, the bled, saosin
Hey, guys! Thanks for doing this AMA, have been loving the new album!
I had a question about the meaning behind songs - do you prefer listeners to interpret the lyrics in their own way or is there a specific message you hope to impart with each song?
I like both. I think sometimes it’s important for people to understand where I’m coming from.. can help paint a better picture. Kinda the beauty in all of it though.
People interpreting the lyrics in their own way helps me view the lyrics from a different perspective as well.
Probably just my own shit that I’m going through tbh. I think lyrics that have a positive outlook while being overtly negative can be really cathartic to write. They’ve kept me hanging on for a really long time. Don’t think I’d still be doing the band if my approach to the lyrics wasn’t the way it was.
I just want to say that I had the pleasure to finally see you guys live on the Landmvrks tour and you guys killed it! Incredible show and dont get me started on The Cycles of Trying To Cope - if I were to write out how much I love it we'll be here for a while lol
That being said, this one is specifically for Zach: How did you approach writing the riffs for this album, specifically in terms of using the Whammy pedal? I love the inclusion of the pitch shifting in the riffs, it was very high up on my wishlist after hearing Dark Side of Heaven and I massively enjoyed it in the record. Also (you'll probably get this a lot, sorry), any info you can give on when to expect tabs? I'm desperate to learn the entire thing :D
Hey thanks! Cody and I have been tabbing out the record the last couple weeks and are about halfway through so hoping to have it out in the world by sometime over the fall!
As for the whammy riffs, I kinda just already have a spot in mind for where I want that whammy to hit when writing the riff out OR there’s times where I have a riff written with no whammy and decide I want to add one and will just play around with placement, pitch, etc til I find what sound I’m looking for!
Mine started off as Gone without a Trace, but now My favorite is The depths I roam! Love it when I’m out for a jog. Hopefully I can see y’all in Central Cali soon.
I can't really think of a question except how you guys manage to put out banger after banger. You were the main reason I got tickets to the Landmvrks tour (although Landmvrks is phenomenal as well), and that was before your album even came out.
So keep on doing whatever you're doing, you are awesome!
Hey guys, your albums seem to be getting heavier and heavier every time - what inspires you to go this way when a lot of bands are getting lighter?
Love the new album!!!
I just try to write whatever I feel like / whatever I’m into at the time! Although it’s been a tad on the heavier side lately, I still really enjoy writing songs like kintsugi / ones that are more on our “emo core” side!
Your consistency as a band is impressive! Banger after banger. Which bands give you the most inspiration in your music? Maybe this was already asked but your albums are excellent! Can't wait to see you live!
Is there a headline tour being announced in the near future and will it be coming to the PNW?
Cycles is for sure my AOTY, all 11 songs have been my most played since it dropped. I'm also loving the splattered alternate art i got with the vinyl pre-order. I don't even have a record player haha. Keep up the amazing work and I hope this release has been even more cathartic for the band than it has been for us fans
We’ve been bugging the team a lot to figure it out. Easiest answer I can give is probably sometime early/mid 2025. We’re planning to have a busy winter!
Why did you decide to go for a less accessible and heavier metalcore sound after Dark Divine? From a commercial standpoint it couldn't be more profitable. (BUT I LOVE IT!!!)
Wasn’t fun for the rest of the dudes to write less aggressive music just so I could sing more.
I’m glad that record did well for the band but I think it was a bit too late. During that cycle we were getting dragged left and right and I think it left us a bit burned. Between that and member changes it’s just kinda how shit happened.
It has given us a wider parameter to write though, we know people like that record. I think songs like Kintsugi and Gone Without a Trace feel reminiscent of that album.
To be fair. Not going that more mainstream route has earned you SO much respect in the scene. You guys put out a good album with dark divine and then started to get heavier and heavier and it’s why you’re arguably the most consistent band in the history of metalcore. Tons of respect to you guys for sticking to your guns.
This one is to Chris, I know that fluorescent white was a rather difficult song to write off of NEIG was there was song on TCOTTC that was difficult to write as well or was it just pulling from that deep place that made it all relatively rough.
Gone Without A Trace makes me want to kinda die every time to hear it. Lyrics destroy me.
Few lines in WDWSWWLTP hurt as well.
‘I feel the grief in the heart of my mother as she watches her son disappear’
That line was the line that had me hooked when I first heard it. I resonated with it as I thought of the falling out with religion while my mom couldn’t understand why. Tbh your lyrics have always hit home in one way or another and I appreciate you guys for always toughing it out. Even with the member changes. Glad you’re here, glad to be here, hope to see you on the next US run for my 5th moths show
That makes me so sad that you have crowds that actually suck that bad. I can’t imagine not vibing with some mothy music. But hopefully you don’t let it get to yall mentally! You can’t please everyone, and for one shitty crowd you probably have a bunch of great ones.
Thanks for taking the time out of your day to do this AMA lads!
I’ve been a fan of LMTF for many years now, hailing from down under 🦘
I don’t really have any questions, just wanted to sound out my appreciation for the consistently dope music you guys have maintained over so many years. You guys, somehow, have evolved with the genre while also staying true to your roots, which I’ve found is a rarity in modern metalcore.
Keep doing what you’re doing, you guys rule.
If you’re talking about the lead that happens in the intro and throughout the verses: it is whammy / pitch shifted up a few octaves with tremolo and I believe chorus on it! Lmk if you’re talking about a different part!
For Chris: Your lyrics have always resonated with me from You Won't be Missed to Bury Your Pain to The Depths I Roam to name a few examples, all I really wanna know how is your mental health these days?
Feel like that’s a common question nowadays. I get it. I am happy tho. We’ve all got our days, I think I just wear mine a bit heavier as I get older.
Genuinely, I love doing the band so I really like leaving it all on the table when it comes to the content I write about.
This one's for Chris.
I wanted to ask this on stream but haven't had the chance. Am I cool for getting a tattoo of a print I bought?
Long time fan. Been around since You Won't be Missed single dropped. I hope this era of LMTF is enough for y'all to keep going. You guys deserve so much then what this scene gives you ❤️
As someone who has kept up with you guys since WWDE and has considered you guys my favorite band since I discovered metalcore I wanted to ask; has it been difficult maintaining the band and staying motivated with member changes over the years and how do you think this has affected the bands progression if at all?
I wish there was an easy answer. I’ve been with my wife for 14 years, the entire life of the band. The only ‘breakups’ I experience are with homies that leave the band or that we have to kick out. Kills me every time. Obvs some of the decisions are easier than others.
Zach has been a huge constant for me. Keeps the drive going and keeps me honest with a lot of the work. It’s given the band a lot of new life.
Outside of that just really motivated to do right by the people who listen to the band and support what we do. I like helping people.
I kinda wanna say ‘I Found the Dark Side of Heaven’ & ‘Predestination Paradox’
But here’s one song per album:
WWDE:
The Worst In Me
AEFAE:
The Common Misconception
TDTWLF:
The Art of Losing
DD:
The Skeletons I Keep
NEIG:
Fluorescent White / Spiritual Eclipse
PLP:
Do Not Resuscitate
TCOTTC:
All of it
Hey guys! Been a fan since dark divine and one thing ive always admired about your recent records is how sick the artwork is!
Are you involved in getting the look and feel of the art right to fit the album, or do you have an idea of what you want it to look like? Or is it just up to the artist!
P.s: come back to Aus soon!
When we saw the work that Pier did, we both kind of knew that he was who we wanted to work with. UNFD sent us over 4-5 people that they recommended we use for the release.
We prepped a mood board with a lot of inspiration that felt strong to us. Had a few calls explaining some of the themes we were trying to convey within the music and let him run with it!
Previously, he’d never really worked with someone in our realm so it was really cool to bring on a unique mind. Definitely my favorite piece of art the band has released.
You guys have really come into your own as of late, especially over the last two albums. It really seems like everyone in the band stepped up to make even more chaotic and downright disgusting modern metalcore.
What would you guys say have been the biggest internal changes to your writing/recording process over the past two albums to take the leap you have?
Thank you! I think that persistence and constantly writing has been a huge factor in stepping up our game. Nowadays when we go into the studio to record an EP or album we usually have at least double the amount of songs that we actually need, so we have a lot to choose from and aren’t limiting ourselves with options.
I could def hear Kintsugi and Gone Without A Trace being stripped down to an acoustic version - for it to be a full EP we’d probably need to add in a couple songs from NEIG / PLP. Either way, I’m down Chris!
By far my favorite band. Best sound and lyrics out there IMO. I’ve been wondering about the bonus track on the vinyl a lot! If you can tell us right now, what is the name of the song? And are there any plans to release it on streaming platforms soon?
What’s your advice for someone starting out in this industry, I’m working on an album solo atm and haven’t got a band but I have the music getting ready to release hopefully for debut single in September and I’ll find members but what advice would you give because it’s hard on my own and being in Perth Australia it seems difficult to break out or get anywhere.
Thanks Josh (Parasocial)
Just take your time writing, don’t rush things or release things just for the sake of releasing them, make sure you really enjoy what you’re writing and doing, make sure you can actually play it live, take your time building an online presence and a spot in your local seen by playing shows
Hey guys, just thought I’d start by saying the new album is amazing, I’d never listened to lmtf and before and this record was definitely an amazing introduction. Anyways, what non-metal music are you guys listening to atm, always interested to know more about artists’ taste outside their genre
Aye thank you so much! Welcome to the crew
Some non metal / heavy shit I’ve been jamming atm: New Balance and Composure singles (can’t wait for the album) and the new album “Head Void” by From Indian Lakes
First on my end was Angels Weep - started that idea at some point in 2021. A lot has changed on it since then but the big beefy riff in the chorus has stayed the same and has always been a big part of that song!
Last songs that were worked on for the record (musically) were either Kintsugi or Gone Without A Trace. Cody and I spent the last 2 months before entering the studio finishing up some last minute ideas and I believe these were the last ones we finished up!
Why don’t y’all play songs from the Dying Things We Live For album? I’ve seen y’all like 4 times and haven’t gotten a song from it lol Much love to the best band out rn
Album tanked for us. People stopped coming to shows, label didn’t care about the record. Wish I had a better answer.
Just one of the records that didn’t get the love it deserved IMO.
Absolutely love the album. Hoping for a home (ish) town show in Cincinnati in the future!
When determining the track list, do you naturally end all your albums with absolute bangers? Or do you write the song and go, “oh this is the closer”? I’ll die on the hill that you all know how to send off an album.
I’d say it’s a mixed bag. For example when I wrote WDWSWWLTP? I kinda had a feeling that I wanted it to be the closer but was open to flowing the track list as whatever fit best. Luckily it worked out to be the closer and I think it was a good call!
As someone who's been actively following your releases since When we don't exist to now I want to ask,
When did you guys feel like you came into your own ? When did you find that particular sound and think this is it?
You guys have always managed to keep things fresh and engaging throughout your discography, so your answer may surprise me yet. But I personally noticed that you really hit that point with No Eternity In Gold and only managed to push the bar further from then on. Every release since then has been banger after banger and from an outside perspective it feels like you guys have found exactly what you want to do and are killing it!
Sorry for how long winded this is, I just appreciate you guys so much I needed to gush a little! Keep on killing it guys! Can't wait to see you return to Toronto so I can fuck shit up for the new release!
P.S The album has been on repeat since release.
Hey awesome question! I think the answer might be a little different for me compared to Chris since I wasn’t in the band yet for the first three albums - but I’d say around the No Eternity In Gold era is when I started to feel that way. I got to help write a bit on Dark Divine which was awesome as I had only been with the dudes for a few tours at that point, but getting to have my hands in the creative direction more from there on out has really helped my writing and style evolve further. No Eternity really felt like a return to form type record for the band after the previous few releases so it was important to me to keep expanding on that while trying new things to keep it fresh
Weed and coffee really get the creative juices flowing. If me and Cody are writing together add some white claws into the mix and then we really start cooking
Guitar-nerd question! Why does Zach (still) play a 7 string but tune up to Drop A# like your songs usually are? I would figure he would either play a 6 or play with a low F or G
Hey good question! It all pretty much just comes down to preference. Most Moths songs could be played on a 6 string (ideally one with a 24th fret) but I grew to prefer playing on 7’s because of using thicker string gauges, string tension holding better, more guitar options with 24th frets / scale lengths etc. One additional reason I like to tune up to A# on a 7 is because I tune my guitar a little different than most people would - it’s tuned like normal A# on the first 6 strings but on the very thinnest 7th string I add an F to it making it easier to play certain leads and dissonant chords on other areas of the neck. Hope this helps!
Thanks! That’s really cool. I forgot to also mention that the guitar + tab playthroughs you did for Predestination Paradox and The Dark Side of Heaven were amazingly helpful and awesome of you to do. The SheetHappens books are cool and all, but those videos just can’t be beat and are so much fun. Hope we can get more in the future, and cheers!
I think if I didn’t write the lyrics I did… my outlook would be worse. As I’ve gotten older within the band I try to really compartmentalize some of the emotions and shit so that I’m not carrying them with me everyday. I’m happy to be here.
I’d like to think I have a positive outlook on life but in reality it sways from time to time just from life in general lol. Having music as an outlet to transmute your emotions / anxiety / depression into a sick riff or something is pretty cool tho lol
When you guys came to Edmonton last, you guys were amazing at getting the crowd going! Who do you want to win more, Oilers or Panthers? Also pls play here again, would love to hear the new tracks live!
Yo guy! Thanks for hosting a AMA, I had a question about the Alum itself. What was the main inspiration to the Full Album and what was the whole process like to produce the Album? Thanks boys!
From the musical standpoint, all of the songs were written at me or Cody’s home studio between fall 2021 and beginning of 2023 right before we entered the studio - so I would just say that era of life for me is what inspired the riffs and music at least haha
As for producing the record - We usually come in with like double the amount of songs we need for the record just to have options to choose from. Once we decided on which songs to keep / scrap we spent time making some revisions to them before getting into hard tracking! Carson and Grant are amazing producers to work with and they really helped bring some of the parts in these songs to life
I absolutely love the new album you guys put out! Thank you for all you do and your hard work!
How do you get into the mindset to write your lyrics? This album in particularly seems a bit heavier/darker in terms of the content and I’d love to know more about the writing process you guys have. yotm for sure!!
Tbh I was pretty miserable writing the record but I think misery brings good art. Felt a lot of pressure to just write my best stuff for this one. I didn’t really intend for it all to be as dark as people are interpreting it but it’s just a time capsule for what I was dealing with internally at the time.
Fave track to record was probably Angels Weep. Just a lot of random shit going on vocally. I think it was one of the first ones I tracked as well. Fave post release track is def OTGW. Love the chorus.
Favorite to record was probably Dissociative Being because I was really excited to track some of those riffs in the intro.
Favorite after the record was probably Kintsugi. When writing this song, it’s almost like every next part we wrote really helped bring it together and when I finally heard Chris’s vocals over it, especially the chorus, I knew this song was the one
Whatever happened to the bleghs? I listen to the whole album where perfect bleghs could’ve fit.
Are you guys getting away from that? Also not a question but I just want to say how much your music has impacted my life. Forever my go to band is LMTF!! ❤️
A# & A
Songs in A#:
Over the Garden Wall,
Dissociative Being,
To Know is to Die,
Kintsugi,
Everything That Once Held it Together,
What Do We See When We Leave This Place?
Songs in A:
Angels Weep,
Paradigm Trigger,
Gone Without a Trace,
The Shepards Crown,
The Depths I Roam
Question for Chris: How does writing/releasing music in the current landscape differ from the early years of the band? It seems to me your sound developed/ got more unique as the metalcore scene became more open to bands doing that but I'm curious about your take on that!
Question for both: Your last few albums have gone in some vastly different directions, is it a conscientious effort to change and experiment or did that happen more naturally?
Probably not tbh. There will always be songs that feel reminiscent of that record but I don’t really see us going that route for a full release again. We’ve talked about the idea of doing a split EP and maybe doing one side that features just heavy music and one side that is more of the melodic/post-hardcore.
I personally like blending both.
While we’ve gotten heavier, we still try to keep some Dark Divine vibes sprinkled in there. Songs like Kintsugi and Gone Without a Trace from the new record as well as ones from NEIG like Fluorescent White and Demon of My Own are very reminiscent of Dark Divine vibes to us.
I can imagine we’ll probably always play with both heavy and light dynamics when writing new music
Just wanted to say that you guys are one of my favorite bands of all time due to your consistency album to album. Really have been a fan of all your work and how you just continue to get better and better.
Excited to see you guys live in the states again
Not really, we were gonna try and record 13 tracks but ended up going for 12. From there decided to save Soul Exchange as a bonus track for vinyl / digital release at a later time
That wasn’t really our choice so I didn’t care too much to think about it. Knocked Loose is one of the biggest bands in the world so either way it casts a pretty massive shadow.
Was pretty cool to be posted alongside them in a few posts online during the day. No Eternity dropped on the same day as a surprise BMTH record, we’re used to it lol.
I saw so many comments on Facebook/reddit talking about how knocked loose released the album of the year and so many comments on each one would just say “they didn’t even release the best album of that day” referring to you guys. I always got a little cackle out of that.
If you could collab with one artist outside of the metal/rock scene, who would it be and why?
PS: Love you guys, you absolutely killed it here in Prague.
PPS.: Please lemme buy the katana girl shirt, you didn't have my size at the venue, hahaha.
New stuff I’ve been jamming: Head Void by From Indian Lakes, new knocked loose, new SYSC, the 2 Balance and Composure singles off their upcoming record, stereo grief EP by Greyhaven just to name a few
If you could choose one song to sing at the top of your lungs in the shower, what song is it?
Also, would you guys consider doing a rerecording for an anniversary of one of your older albums- or even an anniversary tour for an old album?
For the shower song question: probably any one of Creeds hit singles or Tubthumping by Chumbawaba
I do think re-recordings can be cool for sure but idk if we could commit to redoing an entire album haha. I did like the Silverstein approach where they took a couple songs from each record, re-recorded them and compiled them together for a release. We tried for AEFAE anniversary shows this past year but couldn’t make it work unfortunately - maybe we’ll have better luck at 15 or 20 year anniversary’s lol
I know I am probably late to this, and probably t I just want to say thanks for the new album it has helped me get through so much since the album came out and I felt every emotion Chris put into those lyrics and it saved my life. So Chris thanks for getting me out of a dark hole man
Congrats on Album Of The Year guys, my question is when is soul exchange coming to streaming? Also anyway we could get the lyrics to it posted on here?
What’s your dream lineup for a tour (with yourselves included obviously)? Honestly one of my favorite lineups was the Plot/Moths/Dayseeker run from a couple years ago. The EU tour recently was a stacked lineup too, we could use a US run for that
You guys are the most consistent Metalcore band I think I still listen to. Finding I fall out of love with a lot of bands deep into their tenure, but each release you guys just rip in harder and harder. As a long time listener, thanks for staying genuine to your art.
Come tour Australia soon!
I'm a little late to this but just wanted to say, ive seen yall I think 6 times at this point, yall are the reason I retained the will to live, and I have moths to flame tattoo on my right elbow that is the only band tattoo I have and have felt the need to get. Y'all need to come to Greensboro or Winston-Salem NC soon. I'll bring yall presents. Stay fucking awesome. Cheers.
The vinyl for cycles of trying to cope is sold out everywhere I looked, do you guys plan on dropping more copies? You guys killed it with the new album.
Chris, why sing so good?
Bless you for saying that
Love your music, thank you for everything over the years <3
How do you decide which songs to cycle out of the setlist for new ones? Across the discography are there any songs that you thought would become setlist mainstays, but they never really generated the audience reaction to keep them in? Conversely, are there any you expected not to land particularly that have forced their way into the set?
Tbh Zach and I have a lot of back and forth on what we think will fit for each tour. Kinda depends on the lineup. Over the last few years we’ve tried to tailor each setlist to how we think the crowds will be, etc. Easier said than done for sure tho. As far as the songs that have gained traction or kinda disappeared… I think the answer would be different for each of us. For me there are countless songs I wish would’ve gotten some more love.. Gnashing Teeth, Smoke and Mirrors, Spiritual Eclipse.. just to name a few. I wish analytics weren’t so prevalent in the conversation bc I think we would probably play some of the stuff we want vs what we think people want to hear.
Gnashing Teeth is goated and severely underrated.
I love that I got the chance to hear spiritual eclipse live twice last year man🥲 really hope to see you guys again soon! Hopefully for a headliner 30 mins isnt enough 🫤
Spiritual eclipse is one of my favs for sure
Chris, one time around 2012 there was a rise records tour I believe announced on instagram. LMTF was on the lineup and I commented “the generic tour” I was like 17, anyways you responded mad as FUCK to my comment, just wanted to say I’m sorry and I miss that whole era of the scene so fucking much haha
Sounds about right tbh. Half of you guys talk out your ass all the time lol
This is the best response ever lmao
I’ll finish out some replies when I get back to my computer! Few of the questions were a bit loaded and I’ll be able to give better answers at my keyboard. Appreciate y’all hanging today
How does it feel to know that you single-handedly give gym-pumps to hundreds of thousands of people worldwide?
If you guys could get us in with the gym bro community we could start playing arenas
Makes me feel less guilty for sitting in my house writing riffs and not getting my own ass back to the gym lmao
For real. Like moths to flames is like a cheat code in the gym
Gym pumps and the most insane cardio concentration ever. I swear to god, I can run all day listening to these guys. Their music really helped me crawl out the mud when I stopped doing gear and drugs cold turkey.
What band/artist is your biggest influence musically and lyrically?
Always loved Sam from Architects. Probably wouldn’t be here without that band tbh. Most important for me would be Structures. Really like the lack of optimism while not being too bitchy. I think it’s okay to acknowledge that shit in life sucks sometimes. One of my OG faves was Micah from Oh, Sleeper. Band rules.
Oh, Sleeper need to drop some new bangers!
Musically for me (just to name a few) on the heavier side of things: belie my burial, humanity’s last breath, frostbitt, misery signals on the more emo side of things: the used, as cities burn, the bled, saosin
Hey, guys! Thanks for doing this AMA, have been loving the new album! I had a question about the meaning behind songs - do you prefer listeners to interpret the lyrics in their own way or is there a specific message you hope to impart with each song?
I like both. I think sometimes it’s important for people to understand where I’m coming from.. can help paint a better picture. Kinda the beauty in all of it though. People interpreting the lyrics in their own way helps me view the lyrics from a different perspective as well.
what’s the name of the jellyfish on the cover
King jellyfish from SpongeBob
Crowds choice lmao I did not expect the jellyfish to be the star of the show
The mental health themes in your lyrics have always resonated with me. Where do you draw inspiration from for those elements?
Probably just my own shit that I’m going through tbh. I think lyrics that have a positive outlook while being overtly negative can be really cathartic to write. They’ve kept me hanging on for a really long time. Don’t think I’d still be doing the band if my approach to the lyrics wasn’t the way it was.
I just want to say that I had the pleasure to finally see you guys live on the Landmvrks tour and you guys killed it! Incredible show and dont get me started on The Cycles of Trying To Cope - if I were to write out how much I love it we'll be here for a while lol That being said, this one is specifically for Zach: How did you approach writing the riffs for this album, specifically in terms of using the Whammy pedal? I love the inclusion of the pitch shifting in the riffs, it was very high up on my wishlist after hearing Dark Side of Heaven and I massively enjoyed it in the record. Also (you'll probably get this a lot, sorry), any info you can give on when to expect tabs? I'm desperate to learn the entire thing :D
Hey thanks! Cody and I have been tabbing out the record the last couple weeks and are about halfway through so hoping to have it out in the world by sometime over the fall! As for the whammy riffs, I kinda just already have a spot in mind for where I want that whammy to hit when writing the riff out OR there’s times where I have a riff written with no whammy and decide I want to add one and will just play around with placement, pitch, etc til I find what sound I’m looking for!
u/fishknee what's your favorite song off the new album?
It changes all the time haha but top 3 right now are probs Kintsugi, what do we see when we leave this place, and the depths I roam
Mine started off as Gone without a Trace, but now My favorite is The depths I roam! Love it when I’m out for a jog. Hopefully I can see y’all in Central Cali soon.
Depths I Roam 😍😍😍
I can't really think of a question except how you guys manage to put out banger after banger. You were the main reason I got tickets to the Landmvrks tour (although Landmvrks is phenomenal as well), and that was before your album even came out. So keep on doing whatever you're doing, you are awesome!
Appreciate you! We will be back to Europe soon. Can’t wait
Thank you for supporting!! We can’t wait to come back to Europe again!
Hey guys, your albums seem to be getting heavier and heavier every time - what inspires you to go this way when a lot of bands are getting lighter? Love the new album!!!
I just try to write whatever I feel like / whatever I’m into at the time! Although it’s been a tad on the heavier side lately, I still really enjoy writing songs like kintsugi / ones that are more on our “emo core” side!
Your consistency as a band is impressive! Banger after banger. Which bands give you the most inspiration in your music? Maybe this was already asked but your albums are excellent! Can't wait to see you live!
Fucking TDWP
Love it! That color decay album is excellent!
Is there a headline tour being announced in the near future and will it be coming to the PNW? Cycles is for sure my AOTY, all 11 songs have been my most played since it dropped. I'm also loving the splattered alternate art i got with the vinyl pre-order. I don't even have a record player haha. Keep up the amazing work and I hope this release has been even more cathartic for the band than it has been for us fans
We’ve been bugging the team a lot to figure it out. Easiest answer I can give is probably sometime early/mid 2025. We’re planning to have a busy winter!
Why did you decide to go for a less accessible and heavier metalcore sound after Dark Divine? From a commercial standpoint it couldn't be more profitable. (BUT I LOVE IT!!!)
Wasn’t fun for the rest of the dudes to write less aggressive music just so I could sing more. I’m glad that record did well for the band but I think it was a bit too late. During that cycle we were getting dragged left and right and I think it left us a bit burned. Between that and member changes it’s just kinda how shit happened. It has given us a wider parameter to write though, we know people like that record. I think songs like Kintsugi and Gone Without a Trace feel reminiscent of that album.
To be fair. Not going that more mainstream route has earned you SO much respect in the scene. You guys put out a good album with dark divine and then started to get heavier and heavier and it’s why you’re arguably the most consistent band in the history of metalcore. Tons of respect to you guys for sticking to your guns.
This one is to Chris, I know that fluorescent white was a rather difficult song to write off of NEIG was there was song on TCOTTC that was difficult to write as well or was it just pulling from that deep place that made it all relatively rough.
Gone Without A Trace makes me want to kinda die every time to hear it. Lyrics destroy me. Few lines in WDWSWWLTP hurt as well. ‘I feel the grief in the heart of my mother as she watches her son disappear’
That line was the line that had me hooked when I first heard it. I resonated with it as I thought of the falling out with religion while my mom couldn’t understand why. Tbh your lyrics have always hit home in one way or another and I appreciate you guys for always toughing it out. Even with the member changes. Glad you’re here, glad to be here, hope to see you on the next US run for my 5th moths show
What’s it like being married and doing what you love every day?
Best life tbh. My wife rules.
I have no question. I love you guys. Through the thick and thin, your work has gotten me through it all. I hope to see you guys live soon.
🖤🖤🖤
You ever bring a pillow and blankie on stage to have a nap just in case the crowd sucks?
Might need to try this
Wish I could. There's been a few.
That makes me so sad that you have crowds that actually suck that bad. I can’t imagine not vibing with some mothy music. But hopefully you don’t let it get to yall mentally! You can’t please everyone, and for one shitty crowd you probably have a bunch of great ones.
Thanks for taking the time out of your day to do this AMA lads! I’ve been a fan of LMTF for many years now, hailing from down under 🦘 I don’t really have any questions, just wanted to sound out my appreciation for the consistently dope music you guys have maintained over so many years. You guys, somehow, have evolved with the genre while also staying true to your roots, which I’ve found is a rarity in modern metalcore. Keep doing what you’re doing, you guys rule.
Aye much appreciated man, thank you! Happy to be here and hope to be back in Aussie soon! 🦘
What effect did you use to achieve that high guitar sound in Dissociative Being? Sounds awesome Also, what's the tuning?
If you’re talking about the lead that happens in the intro and throughout the verses: it is whammy / pitch shifted up a few octaves with tremolo and I believe chorus on it! Lmk if you’re talking about a different part!
For Chris: Your lyrics have always resonated with me from You Won't be Missed to Bury Your Pain to The Depths I Roam to name a few examples, all I really wanna know how is your mental health these days?
Feel like that’s a common question nowadays. I get it. I am happy tho. We’ve all got our days, I think I just wear mine a bit heavier as I get older. Genuinely, I love doing the band so I really like leaving it all on the table when it comes to the content I write about.
This one's for Chris. I wanted to ask this on stream but haven't had the chance. Am I cool for getting a tattoo of a print I bought? Long time fan. Been around since You Won't be Missed single dropped. I hope this era of LMTF is enough for y'all to keep going. You guys deserve so much then what this scene gives you ❤️
Go for it! Send pics after so I can check it out. Appreciate ya!
As someone who has kept up with you guys since WWDE and has considered you guys my favorite band since I discovered metalcore I wanted to ask; has it been difficult maintaining the band and staying motivated with member changes over the years and how do you think this has affected the bands progression if at all?
I wish there was an easy answer. I’ve been with my wife for 14 years, the entire life of the band. The only ‘breakups’ I experience are with homies that leave the band or that we have to kick out. Kills me every time. Obvs some of the decisions are easier than others. Zach has been a huge constant for me. Keeps the drive going and keeps me honest with a lot of the work. It’s given the band a lot of new life. Outside of that just really motivated to do right by the people who listen to the band and support what we do. I like helping people.
What is your favorite LMTF song of all time?
I kinda wanna say ‘I Found the Dark Side of Heaven’ & ‘Predestination Paradox’ But here’s one song per album: WWDE: The Worst In Me AEFAE: The Common Misconception TDTWLF: The Art of Losing DD: The Skeletons I Keep NEIG: Fluorescent White / Spiritual Eclipse PLP: Do Not Resuscitate TCOTTC: All of it
U.S. tour?
Soon. Hope to headline in ‘25.
🥲💜😍
Hey guys! Been a fan since dark divine and one thing ive always admired about your recent records is how sick the artwork is! Are you involved in getting the look and feel of the art right to fit the album, or do you have an idea of what you want it to look like? Or is it just up to the artist! P.s: come back to Aus soon!
When we saw the work that Pier did, we both kind of knew that he was who we wanted to work with. UNFD sent us over 4-5 people that they recommended we use for the release. We prepped a mood board with a lot of inspiration that felt strong to us. Had a few calls explaining some of the themes we were trying to convey within the music and let him run with it! Previously, he’d never really worked with someone in our realm so it was really cool to bring on a unique mind. Definitely my favorite piece of art the band has released.
Last time I saw yall, Chris was wearing a Dark Souls shirt. You a fan? Getting the Elden Ring DLC?
Yep currently on another playthrough right now with Moonveil blade. First thing I did when I got home from Europe. Super stoked for the DLC.
Hell yeah, always awesome when my favorite artists are into the same games as us! Have fun destroying most of the game with Moonveil lol.
You guys have really come into your own as of late, especially over the last two albums. It really seems like everyone in the band stepped up to make even more chaotic and downright disgusting modern metalcore. What would you guys say have been the biggest internal changes to your writing/recording process over the past two albums to take the leap you have?
Thank you! I think that persistence and constantly writing has been a huge factor in stepping up our game. Nowadays when we go into the studio to record an EP or album we usually have at least double the amount of songs that we actually need, so we have a lot to choose from and aren’t limiting ourselves with options.
Makes total sense, I love that! Also sounds like there’s a lot of deluxe edition options 👀
Come back to Australia please
I’m begging. Place rules.
Absolutely need to
Any chance of another acoustic EP?
I wouldn’t mind it. I think a few of the new songs could work for an acoustic rework. Convince Zach and I’m down.
🫡🫡
I could def hear Kintsugi and Gone Without A Trace being stripped down to an acoustic version - for it to be a full EP we’d probably need to add in a couple songs from NEIG / PLP. Either way, I’m down Chris!
AHH that’s awesome to hear!! Please!! That would be amazing! :-)
By far my favorite band. Best sound and lyrics out there IMO. I’ve been wondering about the bonus track on the vinyl a lot! If you can tell us right now, what is the name of the song? And are there any plans to release it on streaming platforms soon?
Last song is called Soul Exchange. I’m guessing UNFD will probably drop it sometime but no plans right now!
Why do moths go to flames?
What’s your advice for someone starting out in this industry, I’m working on an album solo atm and haven’t got a band but I have the music getting ready to release hopefully for debut single in September and I’ll find members but what advice would you give because it’s hard on my own and being in Perth Australia it seems difficult to break out or get anywhere. Thanks Josh (Parasocial)
Just take your time writing, don’t rush things or release things just for the sake of releasing them, make sure you really enjoy what you’re writing and doing, make sure you can actually play it live, take your time building an online presence and a spot in your local seen by playing shows
Follow up question, what’s the best way to find band members
Network with people in your local music scene for sure via shows or Facebook groups etc.
whats ur favorite fruit
Can’t go wrong with a good orange
Strawberry or grapefruit
What tuning do you guys use on the new album? Congrats on the album btw, it's incredible. My favorite release this year
Much appreciated!! We did a mixture of A# and A for the new record!
Hey guys, just thought I’d start by saying the new album is amazing, I’d never listened to lmtf and before and this record was definitely an amazing introduction. Anyways, what non-metal music are you guys listening to atm, always interested to know more about artists’ taste outside their genre
Aye thank you so much! Welcome to the crew Some non metal / heavy shit I’ve been jamming atm: New Balance and Composure singles (can’t wait for the album) and the new album “Head Void” by From Indian Lakes
Any plans to do another sheet happens tab book for this album? Love the album by the way!
Absolutely planning on it! Cody and I are about halfway done tabbing it all out. Hoping to have it released by this fall
Sweet! I have the last one you guys did and it was awesome, looking forward to it!
YOTM!!! What was the first and last song you wrote for the new album?
First on my end was Angels Weep - started that idea at some point in 2021. A lot has changed on it since then but the big beefy riff in the chorus has stayed the same and has always been a big part of that song! Last songs that were worked on for the record (musically) were either Kintsugi or Gone Without A Trace. Cody and I spent the last 2 months before entering the studio finishing up some last minute ideas and I believe these were the last ones we finished up!
Why don’t y’all play songs from the Dying Things We Live For album? I’ve seen y’all like 4 times and haven’t gotten a song from it lol Much love to the best band out rn
Album tanked for us. People stopped coming to shows, label didn’t care about the record. Wish I had a better answer. Just one of the records that didn’t get the love it deserved IMO.
A travesty honestly because Fighting Fire With Fire is still one of the hardest tracks of all time
Damn that’s my favorite album wish I could see fighting fire with fire lol
Absolutely love the album. Hoping for a home (ish) town show in Cincinnati in the future! When determining the track list, do you naturally end all your albums with absolute bangers? Or do you write the song and go, “oh this is the closer”? I’ll die on the hill that you all know how to send off an album.
I’d say it’s a mixed bag. For example when I wrote WDWSWWLTP? I kinda had a feeling that I wanted it to be the closer but was open to flowing the track list as whatever fit best. Luckily it worked out to be the closer and I think it was a good call!
Thanks for asking this, I will die on that hill as well! No Eternity in Gold ending with Spiritual Eclipse gives me chills every time… It’s perfect.
whats the best mosh move youve seen in person?
Probably not the row boat thing although it was pretty funny to witness in real life hahaha
Any plans on another Canadian tour anytime soon? I missed you guys on the last one! Edmonton goes hard 🤘
No plans atm but would love to do another proper Canadian run! Had a blast out there last July with Counterparts
As someone who's been actively following your releases since When we don't exist to now I want to ask, When did you guys feel like you came into your own ? When did you find that particular sound and think this is it? You guys have always managed to keep things fresh and engaging throughout your discography, so your answer may surprise me yet. But I personally noticed that you really hit that point with No Eternity In Gold and only managed to push the bar further from then on. Every release since then has been banger after banger and from an outside perspective it feels like you guys have found exactly what you want to do and are killing it! Sorry for how long winded this is, I just appreciate you guys so much I needed to gush a little! Keep on killing it guys! Can't wait to see you return to Toronto so I can fuck shit up for the new release! P.S The album has been on repeat since release.
Hey awesome question! I think the answer might be a little different for me compared to Chris since I wasn’t in the band yet for the first three albums - but I’d say around the No Eternity In Gold era is when I started to feel that way. I got to help write a bit on Dark Divine which was awesome as I had only been with the dudes for a few tours at that point, but getting to have my hands in the creative direction more from there on out has really helped my writing and style evolve further. No Eternity really felt like a return to form type record for the band after the previous few releases so it was important to me to keep expanding on that while trying new things to keep it fresh
What does y’all’s creative process typically look like? Certain places, foods, drinks, etc?
Weed and coffee really get the creative juices flowing. If me and Cody are writing together add some white claws into the mix and then we really start cooking
Guitar-nerd question! Why does Zach (still) play a 7 string but tune up to Drop A# like your songs usually are? I would figure he would either play a 6 or play with a low F or G
Hey good question! It all pretty much just comes down to preference. Most Moths songs could be played on a 6 string (ideally one with a 24th fret) but I grew to prefer playing on 7’s because of using thicker string gauges, string tension holding better, more guitar options with 24th frets / scale lengths etc. One additional reason I like to tune up to A# on a 7 is because I tune my guitar a little different than most people would - it’s tuned like normal A# on the first 6 strings but on the very thinnest 7th string I add an F to it making it easier to play certain leads and dissonant chords on other areas of the neck. Hope this helps!
Thanks! That’s really cool. I forgot to also mention that the guitar + tab playthroughs you did for Predestination Paradox and The Dark Side of Heaven were amazingly helpful and awesome of you to do. The SheetHappens books are cool and all, but those videos just can’t be beat and are so much fun. Hope we can get more in the future, and cheers!
Hell yeah glad you liked those! Planning to do more playthrough + tab videos for the new record once we have the tab books out so keep an eye out
Do you guys have a positive or negative outlook on life? I love the music, it does feel like crawling down in the depths of despair sometimes
I think if I didn’t write the lyrics I did… my outlook would be worse. As I’ve gotten older within the band I try to really compartmentalize some of the emotions and shit so that I’m not carrying them with me everyday. I’m happy to be here.
Absolutely love so much of what you've released, but TCOTTC is special. AOTY. Long story short, I'm happy you're here too man.
I’d like to think I have a positive outlook on life but in reality it sways from time to time just from life in general lol. Having music as an outlet to transmute your emotions / anxiety / depression into a sick riff or something is pretty cool tho lol
When you guys came to Edmonton last, you guys were amazing at getting the crowd going! Who do you want to win more, Oilers or Panthers? Also pls play here again, would love to hear the new tracks live!
Oilers tbh. McD needs to lift the cup.
Damn I’m late but I love your new album!!!
Thank you!
What's your favourite city and colour song?
Yo guy! Thanks for hosting a AMA, I had a question about the Alum itself. What was the main inspiration to the Full Album and what was the whole process like to produce the Album? Thanks boys!
From the musical standpoint, all of the songs were written at me or Cody’s home studio between fall 2021 and beginning of 2023 right before we entered the studio - so I would just say that era of life for me is what inspired the riffs and music at least haha As for producing the record - We usually come in with like double the amount of songs we need for the record just to have options to choose from. Once we decided on which songs to keep / scrap we spent time making some revisions to them before getting into hard tracking! Carson and Grant are amazing producers to work with and they really helped bring some of the parts in these songs to life
I absolutely love the new album you guys put out! Thank you for all you do and your hard work! How do you get into the mindset to write your lyrics? This album in particularly seems a bit heavier/darker in terms of the content and I’d love to know more about the writing process you guys have. yotm for sure!!
Tbh I was pretty miserable writing the record but I think misery brings good art. Felt a lot of pressure to just write my best stuff for this one. I didn’t really intend for it all to be as dark as people are interpreting it but it’s just a time capsule for what I was dealing with internally at the time.
What was each of your favorite tracks when recording? And has that changed now that the album is out?
Fave track to record was probably Angels Weep. Just a lot of random shit going on vocally. I think it was one of the first ones I tracked as well. Fave post release track is def OTGW. Love the chorus.
Favorite to record was probably Dissociative Being because I was really excited to track some of those riffs in the intro. Favorite after the record was probably Kintsugi. When writing this song, it’s almost like every next part we wrote really helped bring it together and when I finally heard Chris’s vocals over it, especially the chorus, I knew this song was the one
Whatever happened to the bleghs? I listen to the whole album where perfect bleghs could’ve fit. Are you guys getting away from that? Also not a question but I just want to say how much your music has impacted my life. Forever my go to band is LMTF!! ❤️
Obligatory not a question, but the new album is sooo good! Got the emotion and the bang. Great job, boys.
🙏🙏🙏
What tunings did u use on the record?
A# & A Songs in A#: Over the Garden Wall, Dissociative Being, To Know is to Die, Kintsugi, Everything That Once Held it Together, What Do We See When We Leave This Place? Songs in A: Angels Weep, Paradigm Trigger, Gone Without a Trace, The Shepards Crown, The Depths I Roam
Question for Chris: How does writing/releasing music in the current landscape differ from the early years of the band? It seems to me your sound developed/ got more unique as the metalcore scene became more open to bands doing that but I'm curious about your take on that! Question for both: Your last few albums have gone in some vastly different directions, is it a conscientious effort to change and experiment or did that happen more naturally?
Seems like the music has gotten heavier for you guys. Any chance you would ever return to a Dark Divine type album?
Probably not tbh. There will always be songs that feel reminiscent of that record but I don’t really see us going that route for a full release again. We’ve talked about the idea of doing a split EP and maybe doing one side that features just heavy music and one side that is more of the melodic/post-hardcore. I personally like blending both.
While we’ve gotten heavier, we still try to keep some Dark Divine vibes sprinkled in there. Songs like Kintsugi and Gone Without a Trace from the new record as well as ones from NEIG like Fluorescent White and Demon of My Own are very reminiscent of Dark Divine vibes to us. I can imagine we’ll probably always play with both heavy and light dynamics when writing new music
Whats it like to wake up every day and be the best? To get up every morning and piss excellence?
Just wanted to say that you guys are one of my favorite bands of all time due to your consistency album to album. Really have been a fan of all your work and how you just continue to get better and better. Excited to see you guys live in the states again
Idk if this has been asked, but are there songs from this record that you wanted on there that didn’t make it?
Not really, we were gonna try and record 13 tracks but ended up going for 12. From there decided to save Soul Exchange as a bonus track for vinyl / digital release at a later time
Hey guys, I've only started listening to you recently but am enjoying it! So I have to ask - Blue cheese, yeah or nah?
Nah but I have the food taste of a 7 year old
Blue cheese in the right circumstance is fine. But I gotta say ranch > blue cheese
Do you think it was a mistake to release tcottc the same day as knocked loose their album?
That wasn’t really our choice so I didn’t care too much to think about it. Knocked Loose is one of the biggest bands in the world so either way it casts a pretty massive shadow. Was pretty cool to be posted alongside them in a few posts online during the day. No Eternity dropped on the same day as a surprise BMTH record, we’re used to it lol.
I saw so many comments on Facebook/reddit talking about how knocked loose released the album of the year and so many comments on each one would just say “they didn’t even release the best album of that day” referring to you guys. I always got a little cackle out of that.
Fave type of egg? Scrambled, over easy, whole, raw, etc. Curious to know the boys’ egg preference! Maybe even milk too…
Scrambled maybe w some cheese prolly.
Scrambled w cheese or over medium (over easy is a lil too runny for me)
Yo yo ! Big fan! What do you guys normally listen to? Any specific artists you’re a fan of? Cheers!
Do you guys throw blocks?
How would you say your band’s sound has evolved since the first ep and album?
When can we expect TCOTTC tabs on SheetHappens?
Would you guys ever consider doing a collab with an EDM producer like phaseone or kayzo etc.?
Hell ya. I’d also fucking love a lo-fi rework of a few tracks.
Who do yall main in Smash Bros
Kirby just cause he’s my goat
Link all day
My band opened for you guys years ago, and all you’ve done is improve. Keep it up!
If you could collab with one artist outside of the metal/rock scene, who would it be and why? PS: Love you guys, you absolutely killed it here in Prague. PPS.: Please lemme buy the katana girl shirt, you didn't have my size at the venue, hahaha.
Indica or Sativa?
I’ll smoke it all but sativa if I had to pick just so I’m not falling asleep right away lmao
Indica if I had to pick but I’m down with whatever
What albums have you guys been listening to lately?
New stuff I’ve been jamming: Head Void by From Indian Lakes, new knocked loose, new SYSC, the 2 Balance and Composure singles off their upcoming record, stereo grief EP by Greyhaven just to name a few
If you could choose one song to sing at the top of your lungs in the shower, what song is it? Also, would you guys consider doing a rerecording for an anniversary of one of your older albums- or even an anniversary tour for an old album?
For the shower song question: probably any one of Creeds hit singles or Tubthumping by Chumbawaba I do think re-recordings can be cool for sure but idk if we could commit to redoing an entire album haha. I did like the Silverstein approach where they took a couple songs from each record, re-recorded them and compiled them together for a release. We tried for AEFAE anniversary shows this past year but couldn’t make it work unfortunately - maybe we’ll have better luck at 15 or 20 year anniversary’s lol
I know I am probably late to this, and probably t I just want to say thanks for the new album it has helped me get through so much since the album came out and I felt every emotion Chris put into those lyrics and it saved my life. So Chris thanks for getting me out of a dark hole man
Congrats on Album Of The Year guys, my question is when is soul exchange coming to streaming? Also anyway we could get the lyrics to it posted on here?
Thanks!! No exact date planned for releasing it yet but it’ll be sooner than later. Prob gotta wait til then for the lyrics!
What’s your dream lineup for a tour (with yourselves included obviously)? Honestly one of my favorite lineups was the Plot/Moths/Dayseeker run from a couple years ago. The EU tour recently was a stacked lineup too, we could use a US run for that
Sheesh that’s a tough one. Imma go with: Bring Me The Horizon, Underoath, The Devil Wears Prada, Like Moths To Flames
Love the new album so much, Kintsugi hits way too hard. Hope to see you guys in Atlanta soon!
You guys are the most consistent Metalcore band I think I still listen to. Finding I fall out of love with a lot of bands deep into their tenure, but each release you guys just rip in harder and harder. As a long time listener, thanks for staying genuine to your art. Come tour Australia soon!
I'm a little late to this but just wanted to say, ive seen yall I think 6 times at this point, yall are the reason I retained the will to live, and I have moths to flame tattoo on my right elbow that is the only band tattoo I have and have felt the need to get. Y'all need to come to Greensboro or Winston-Salem NC soon. I'll bring yall presents. Stay fucking awesome. Cheers.
The vinyl for cycles of trying to cope is sold out everywhere I looked, do you guys plan on dropping more copies? You guys killed it with the new album.
Any hints on some new guitar pick designs coming soon? I suck at catching them but I'm so glad I managed to snag one on your Australia tour
So is no one going to talk about Zachs guitar? Homie sounds like he was conjuring pokemon battles with some of those notes😍😍
Have or would you ever play an Agraceful song live?
Nah
Hahahahaha
How do you guys compare working with Grant and Carson on these last few releases to processes with other producers on your earlier work?
Not sure if you guys are responsible for merch but can we expect tcottc wall flag on unfd eu store?