Art Of Dying is one of those bands with a morose, Gothic name and an alternative, radio-friendly yet edgy sound.
Review by Ellen Eldridge
Art Of Dying is one of those bands with a morose, Gothic name and an alternative, radio-friendly yet edgy sound. The sort of band the “cool kids” mock but listen to over and over when the radio plays the songs. An air of hope and subtle optimism permeates the band’s facade though especially in consideration of the fact that “Get Through This” has been re-released on Vices and Virtues and is the theme song for Canada’s “Making The Cut” reality show.
Success after releasing the self-titled debut independently on iTunes in 2007 has led the band to sign with Reprise Records and Intoxication Records, a label founded by two members of Disturbed. It goes to show, in this business, making not only acquaintances but honest friends with those who share similar visions will take creativity to the next level.
The bluish-gray shell of a bird on the cover of Vices and Virtues creates a feeling of buried sadness with its broken wings and barely visible beak; the kind of feeling which yearns for the catharsis in songs like “Sorry” with the simple statement, “I can’t go back; I can’t change anything” that allows for a peaceful acceptance and the calm to quietly sing along. The style with which singer/songwriter, Jonny Hetherington, composes lyrics allows for multiple interpretations and just enough room for varied and diverse backgrounds to insert memories or hopes.
Lines like, “So much to say but there’s no one listening; If we’re alone are we all together in that” in “Best I Can” instantly grabs hold of listeners who want nothing more than to release some of the empty feeling and hold on to a sense of community.
Art Of Dying has been called “hard rock” by Blabbermouth and “post-grunge” by Wikipedia, both accurate descriptions and it should come as no surprise that the band will fit in perfectly with Stone Sour, Theory Of A Dead Man, and Skillet during the Avalanche Tour and with Disturbed and Avenged Sevenfold at Rock On The Range in Ohio in May. Be sure to come out to the Masquerade Music Park on April 1 in Atlanta. This is the beginning of the summer concert season and Art Of Dying has much to contribute. Order Vices and Virtues from iTunes and visit the band’s blog at http://www.artofdyingmusic.com so you can easily sing along when Art Of Dying comes to your city.
