L-R - Ryan Caldwell (Bass), Jason Yocom (Guitar), Matt Caldwell (Vocals), Derik Roblin (Guitar), Chris Nunn (Drums)
Photo Credit - Laura Collins-Music Photography
Ottawa’s As We Suffer will be releasing their debut album “The Fallen Pillars” on Friday, April 30th and before it officially drops, the band has teamed up with New Noise Magazine for its full stream premiere HERE.
As We Suffer is an amalgamation of several heavy subgenres rolled into one. Hovering between metalcore, punk, hardcore, groove metal, and a tinge of melodic hard rock, the band takes listeners on a journey through each track. The track listing for the album was selected with diversity in mind, with each song standing out in contrast to the last.
The concept album’s theme revolves around the pillars of truth. Each song deals with destructive concepts and beliefs that we, as a society/people, should not prop up as truths. It is an experience of unhealthy and damaging thoughts/emotions that explore existentialism, politics, religious fanaticism, and truth through different styles of heavy music.
"This is our first full-length album and we’re excited to bring every single track on it to the masses. We are all influenced by various styles of metal and rock and we wanted to give an accurate portrayal of ourselves to fans. From the djent/metalcore feel of the album title track 'The Fallen Pillars' to the groove metal of 'Concrete Fist' to the hardcore catchy vibe of Shadows Caste in White to the absolute balls-to-the-wall brutality of Malicious Compliance. Overall, we hope enjoy it!"
As We Suffer's debut album “The Fallen Pillars” will be available as of April 30, 2021, and recommended for fans of Killswitch Engage, Propagandhi, and Death by Stereo.
Album digital pre-save (Spotify, Apple Music) here.
Lyric Video - Concrete Fist - https://youtu.be/bQf4uw7hIwU
Track Listing:
1. Caustic Paradigm (2:58)
2. Malicious Compliance (3:24)
3. An Open Letter (to the Bleeding Hearts) (2:41)
4. Fucking Relentless (2:28)
5. Invade The Host (3:21)
6. The Great Leveler (3:51)
7. High Tide (3:32)
8. Scatter The Herd (2:25)
9. Shadows Caste In White (4:44)
10. Concrete Fist (2:59)
11. The Fallen Pillars (5:17)
Album Length: 37:46
More Info:
About:
Ottawa, Canada’s As We Suffer started out as a cover band, but quickly delved into writing original material. In the early days they focused on a more metal-infused skate punk vibe with major influence stemming from Pennywise, Strung Out, and NOFX but it very quickly took on a more metal feel. Since 2020, the sound has further morphed into a more metalcore vibe along the lines of early Killswitch Engage and Bullet for my Valentine, while still maintaining a distinct hardcore style.
Four of the original band members have known each other for a long time, with two of the members, vocalist Matt Caldwell and bassist Ryan Caldwell being cousins; together with their long-time friends drummer Chris Nunn and Jason Yocom. The band officially established in 2018 picking a name that represents unity in the existential suffering we all experience. Eventually, they were joined by guitarist Derik Roblin.
The long time comradery between the members enables them to write music organically, trading off who is the primary songwriter for each track. All lyrics are written by M. Caldwell, who aims to tell a story and deliver a message without being too literal or specific, allowing the audience to interpret on their own. Themes are largely infused with existentialism, civil and political unrest.
This organic flow continues to benefit the band when they play, the passionate stage presence is heightened by M. Caldwell’s intensity, R. Caldwell's slick bass licks, Roblin’s powerful energy, and Nunn’s technical prowess. They bring a unique back-to-basics flavor to each performance, especially through the dynamic nature of each of the band members.
As We Suffer released a demo in 2018 and will follow it up with “The Fallen Pillars” on April 30, 2021.