My devotion |
May 12th, 2006
contributed by |
Uncomfortable. That’s how I feel making this contribution. I fear it will appear egotistical and self-absorbed for me to contribute my own band. But I also know the other dark dose contributors won’t do it, for concern of my reaction to their words. Of course they shouldn’t, but I understand the dilemma. I came to the conclusion it’s ridiculous that I wouldn’t mention a new album by a band whom I’ve spent nearly a decade making dark music with, on my dark music blog. That would be absurd. Obviously (or one would hope) all the songs off our second album, “Dismantling Devotion” mean a great deal to me personally. So I’ll avoid discussing the album in the manner normally done.
Daylight Dies is a band which has largely defined my identity for many years. I’ve literally devoted my entire 20s to the pursuit of making dark metal and expressing melancholic introspection and inner turmoil with music. Since graduating from a University in 2001 with a degree in psychology, I knew I would base my life around this band — as did the others. Since then we’ve signed to Relapse Records, released our debut “No Reply“, toured Europe with Katatonia, the U.S. and Canada with Lacuna Coil, played CMJ Fest, Milwaukee Metal Fest, Relapse Contaminated Fest, played too many one offs to remember, left Relapse, saw our long-time friend and vocalist Guthrie leave, saw our long-time friend and new vocalist Nathan join, saw our friend Charley join on guitars, signed to Candlelight Records and released our second album “Dismantling Devotion”. Without sinking into some exceedingly long-winded detailed history of the past 6 or so years, you get the point. This band and the music we make has been the focus of my life.
I am contributing the song “All we Had” as it’s not been used as a sample online yet. The up-right bass you hear at the beginning of the song has a special story behind it. The original bassist of Daylight Dies (early demo days) had been living in New Orleans playing jazz for many years, yet happened to be in our neighborhood due to evacuating from Hurricane Katrina. We knew we wanted cello on several songs, so we asked if he would play a few parts for us. When the dreadfully cheap cello we rented didn’t pass muster, he suggest to use his extremely expensive antique up-right bass. Once we mic’d him up with the enormous up-right bass in Egan’s bedroom and began tracking, we all knew we were capturing something special. There is more extensive up-right bass on the last track of the album as well. All the events which lead to this seems like such an unlikely coincidence to have fallen into place.
If you want to read a real review of the album, you can do so here. You can also hear other songs at our official web site or on MySpace.
All we Had (Download)
Dismantling Devotion (Album)
Daylight Dies (Artist)
May 12th, 2006
at 12:28 pm
I think posting a Daylight Dies song on here is totally appropriate regardless of the direct ties to this site.
Where do I begin commenting on this album, and specifically, the song “All We Had”? When I first listened to Dismantling Devotion, this song in particular stood out to me, and quickly became my favorite track on the CD. To me, this song summarizes the concept of album… the impending loss, the pain of regret; the what could have been’s… There is so much emotion here, that is almost brings me to tears.
The song itself, like many of the tracks on this release, has the killer hook that keeps me coming back for more. The song really comes alive at the 2:48 mark. The next few minutes will take you on an amazing journey of uplifting crescendos and crushing lows. Truly a masterpiece. I hope everyone enjoys this track as much as I have. If you haven’t picked up a copy of Dismantling Devotion yet, you are really missing out on some great music.
May 13th, 2006
at 4:15 am
I am an absolute fan of this band.
I guess the main reason of it is the sincerity behind the notes and themes developed in the songs of both album. There’s a number of bands trying to make music with the same basis , but according to me, Daylight Dies is the only one to bring so much darkness in it.
Another thing that transpires at each listening is the intelligence of the compositions. They just got the perfect balance between feeling and technicality, giving the impression of easiness as the music just flows naturally. They just master their inner-world I guess.
Concerning Dismantling Devotion, the final track, self-titled “Dismantling devotion” is probably the most aesthetic song of the year in the metal world. Another one to add to my already long “songs to play at my funerals” list. This song is just what I -and probably a number of you if you’re so hungry for dark music that you check this blog every day-am inside. Meet me and you’ll see a shy guy, hiding this shyness behind humour (or at least desperately trying…). But if you’re interested like me in what people really are, just listen to “Dismantling Devotion”.
This is my world. Thank you for expressing it so clearly.
May 19th, 2006
at 3:54 pm
Awsome album Jesse;) I think you guys succeeded well with this album.
May 23rd, 2006
at 11:40 am
hell yea! Definitely a keeper!!!
June 16th, 2006
at 11:34 am
It’s a fantastic album. I’m really looking forward to the North American tour this fall. It’s the perfect lineup with you, Katatonia and my beloved Moonspell.
I’ll be at the Portland show in November, maybe we’ll get a chance to meet!
June 19th, 2006
at 6:52 am
Wow… I feel a little slow now! I had no idea you were in Daylight Dies! I guess its true what they say… You learn something new everyday!
I really like the track, I’m going to have to add the album to my ever-expanding “To Buy” list. Does anyone else here have a stupidly long list of albums that they want to buy? Mine seems to grow every time I go on the Internet…
September 17th, 2006
at 7:25 pm
The riff in “Dismantling Devotion” song 3 minutes into it, makes my eyes wet everytime. Must be the most depressive and beautiful riff ever!!! Fantastic!!!!
September 18th, 2006
at 9:43 pm
Kevin — thanks so much for expressing your thoughts on the song. It’s rewarding to read things like that.
September 23rd, 2006
at 6:40 pm
Hi Jesse!
I actually think its pretty dull to explain what happens in that song with words, cause it is just beyond this world!!!
Not to be too depressive, but this is the song, that I will have played for my funeral…
And as a drummer myself, I also want to say that I really like your drumming. You have loads of cool details and just an overall great feeling in your play. Keep up the good work!