Artist: Haste the Day

Chances are you're wondering what the members of Haste The Day have had planned after their breakup two months ago, and it's only two months after that former HTD frontman Stephen Keech has unveiled his new musical endeavors. Going under the name Stephen Albert Joseph Keech, Stephen is now playing some indie/folk rock, that could be compared to the likes of bands such as Surrogate. His first single, "Black Coffee," is available for free download and to listen to on Bandcamp.You can also stay updated with Stephen on his site.

Haste The Day's Farewell Tour with Mychildren Mybride, The Chariot and A Plea For Purging
March 4th, 2011 at The Lost Horizon, Syracuse, NY

It was rather shocking when Haste The Day announced that they would be disbanding this past November, after a farewell tour in late winter/early spring. Starting at the end of January, the bands on the tour have been trekking all throughout the states and Canada on the tour, going through bad weather the whole way, and on Friday, March 4th, the Farewell Tour stopped in Syracuse, New York, at The Lost Horizon. After seeing both Haste The Day and Mychildren Mybride last year there, I was familiar with the smaller venue, and looked forward to a killer show.

After a good (two and a half hour) drive to The Lost Horizon, I finally arrived, about 20 minutes before the show was set to start. When I walked in, I heard what was a local band on their last song, with rapid double-bass and high, shrieking screams. Meanwhile, I realized that the venue had been renovated since I had been there going on a year ago, adding in a section of restaurant-like booths, that were located right next to the merch area, allowing for fans to hang out with the bands. I also noticed that among the band merch tables that were there, The Chariot was not one of them. I then talked to Robert from Mychildren Mybride, and found out that the axle on The Chariot's trailer had broken, and that they were still up in Canada, but had left about 20 minutes prior and were planning on making the show, but nothing was guaranteed. Soon after, A Plea For Purging took the stage.

This was technically my first time seeing A Plea For Purging, but I did catch the end of their set at Purple Door Festival this past summer, playing "Malevolence." The first thing that I took notice of were how heavy A Plea For Purging were. Their bass player John Wand had his bass up loud enough that it shook up the venue, and certainly my bones. They played a set of mainly songs from The Marriage Of Heaven And Hell, such as "And Weep" and "The Fall," but closed with "Malevolence," off Depravity. They also incorporated a question and answer segment into their set, towards the end. The only downfall of the set, was that guitarist Blake Martin's clean vocals were barely audible on "The Fall," due to being drowned out by his heavy riffs and frontman Andy Atkins' growls. Nevertheless, they put on a good set.

At this point in the show, I was unsure of what was going to happen, as The Chariot were scheduled to play this slot of the tour, after A Plea For Purging and before Mychildren Mybride, but the band were not there. A few minutes later though, Mychildren Mybride started setting up, and I wondered if The Chariot would still make it. Soon after though, the opening sounds of McMb's "Terra Firma" started to swell, before finally bursting into a breakdown. The band then tore into one of their most noticeable songs from Unbreakable, "On Wings of Integrity," and then went onto "Crimson Grim." Lead vocalist Matt Hasting then at one point walked past the stage and onto the crowd, who remarkably held him up. He then said "This one's for all the metalheads out there," and then the opening riffs of "Faithless" became evident. The rest of their set was solid as well, playing more from their debut album on the second half of their nine songs, but included "Hooligans," before ending with "Verses" and "Headshot!," on which Hasting encouraged 50 stage dives, which was accomplished within the song. This was my third time seeing Mychildren Mybride, and I can honestly say that they are getting better each time, and put on a good show.

A good half an hour or more followed after Mychildren Mybride's set, allowing for many to hang out with the bands, and the wait paid off. Halfway through the wait, I was informed that The Chariot had indeed made it and would be playing for sure. Vocalist of The Chariot, Josh Scogin, stepped onto the stage, and proclaimed "This set is brought to you by the letters M.C.M.B.," as the band ended up using McMb's gear to play, because they left their trailer with their equipment up in Canada to make it to the show. Scogin then shouted out the name of the song they were about to open with, but I didn't catch it. As the first note was played, both Scogin, and bassist Jon "Wolf" Kindler immediately jumped into the crowd. It was amazing to watch them play with such energy and crazy antics, such as Kindler going through the crowd to a near-barren corner of the standing area and playing there on his own for a little while, and later, even dropping his bass into the crowd right in front of the stage. Another highlight of their set was when they played "The City," which was started with a slow screaming of "This is only a revolt," from the song's chorus, and then moved into the "rant" that is made up of the last half of the song, which was truly memorable to watch. The band also played another new one, "Calvin Makenzie," complete with the sampled '50s' country song bit about the band's home town, which they continued to let play even after the song was over. The Chariot lived up to their well-known live show for sure, and you really have to see them live to appreciate them, even if you are a fan of their recordings.

After a bit of a break, and time that I spent hanging out with some of A Plea For Purging and their merch guy, Haste The Day finally took their spot on stage and started with their usual opener, "68" from Dreamer, then ripped into the ferocious "The Place Where Most Deny." The classic "Blue 42" was played next, and had everyone screaming along to the song's main line, "burning bridges!". The band's great melodies were showcased on "The Minor Prophets," then "Mad Man." Front man Stephen Keech then asked the crowd to vote between them playing "Fallen" or "Walk On." To me, it sounded like nearly everyone voted for "Fallen," but they played "Walk On." A similar thing happened later, when asked to vote between the newer "Dog Like Vultures" or "Travesty," in which "Travesty" was chosen, over "Dog Like Vultures." The band played one of their bigger songs from Pressure The Hinges, "Stitches," another one that everyone sang along to, and then Stephen said, "This one's a slower one for the older people here to sway along to," before playing a favorite of mine of their latest Attack of the Wolf King, "White As Snow." Keech then went on to talk about the band's faith, and about Christians out there that don't love, and instead hate others, and that Haste The Day do not believe in that, but in the love that comes from Jesus Christ, and a lifestyle of loving others.

Right after, they played another classic, "American Love," which showed off some great harmonies between bassist Mike Murphy, Keech, and guitarist Scotty Whelan. After playing "Needles," they "closed" with "My Name Is Darkness," which was followed by a crowd chant of "One more song, one more song!" They came back out a minute after, and encored with "Chorus of Angels," on which Scotty Whelan's backup clean vocals were shown off, reaching a great range. The strong "When Everything Falls" was chosen to end on, and was quite a fitting way to end their set, and the last time I will ever see them live most likely.

With only this week left on their Farewell Tour, I would highly recommend you see Haste The Day, and their tour mates, if they are in your area, as it is one of the best shows I've been to in a while. Truly a memorable experience.

Set List:


A Plea For Purging:

1. And Weep
2. Sick Silent America
3. The Eternal Female
4. The Fall
5. Shiver
6. Malevolence

Mychildren Mybride:

1. Terra Firma
2. On Wings of Integrity
3. Crimson Grim
4. Faithless
5. Lost Boys
6. Boris The Blade
7. Hooligans
8. Versus
9. Headshot!

The Chariot:

1. Calvin Makenzie
2. The Audience
3. Teach:
4. The City
5. Daggers

(The Chariot played two others that I did not catch the name of, one being the opening track and the other coming in the middle of their set.)

Haste The Day:

1. 68
2. The Place Where Most Deny
3. Blue 42
4. The Minor Prophets
5. Mad Man
6. Stitches
7. White As Snow
8. American Love
9. Needles
10. My Name Is Darkness
11. Chorus of Angels
12. When Everything Falls

Artist: Haste The Day
Album: Attack of the Wolf King
Release Date: 6/29/10
Label: Solid State Records

Good things come for those who wait. That being said, Haste The Day have finally unleashed their follow up album to Dreamer, titled Attack of the Wolf King. What we have here is a big progression, musically and lyrically. The songwriting is great and tells the story of the Lion protecting a herd of sheep from bloodthirsty wolves. Musically, Haste The Day have also matured, putting together many of their good elements, such as the melodic vocals of Stephen Keech, both screamed and sung, along with the heavy breakdowns.

No one could have asked for a better opener than "Wake Up The Sun," as it introduces Attack of the Wolf King with a strong guitar intro, followed up by Keech's brutal screaming, progressing into the ever so melodic chorus. One of the most melodic songs off the album follows up and is titled "Dog Like Vultures." It holds together the album's theme very well, with some of the best lyrics as well. "Our eyes are upon you and we will protect you, be assured no fang will breech your fleece."The Quiet, Deadly Ticking" has an older Haste The Day feel to it, being very heavy and raw at the same time.

The album's first single, "Travesty," contains some of the best songwriting I've seen from Haste The Day to date. In fact, the lyrics nearly take for a worship toll, a cry out to God saying "You cover the darkest part of my, with a look that's sure to set the captives free, with love that the blindest eyes will see, You cover the darkest part of me." A guest appearance from Micah Kinard of Oh Sleeper is found on "The Place Where Most Deny." His vocals add some insight to the song's heaviness and accompany Keech's perfectly. The album slows down a bit with the ballad-like "White As Snow." It has vocals sung by bassist Mike Murphy, which are melodic and very catchy, not to mention that the song is all clean vocals. There is also a solo on it that seems meant for a breakdown or to lead into one, but in the end, does not.

The tempo is sped up with "Crush Resistance." The screams on this song seem like they could have come from Dreamer, but relentless, are much heavier. "Walk With A Crooked Spine" serves as the last full track on Attack of the Wolf King, where "My Name Is Darkness" is more of an outro. Mostly instrumental, "My Name Is Darkness" breaks into Keech's brutal vocals, before ending the album.

Rating: 10/10 I thoroughly enjoyed Attack of the Wolf King, the fifth studio album from metalcore act Haste The Day. A newly revamped lineup has added a progression to their sound, making it more mature. I'm sure that fans who were disappointed with Dreamer will be in for a pleasant surprise with this album. As of now, this tops my metal albums for the year and is sure to hold a spot there all year long.

Tracklisting:

1. Wake Up The Sun
2. Dog Like Vultures
3. The Quiet, Deadly Ticking
4. Travesty
5. Merit For Sadness
6. The Un-Manifest
7. The Place That Most Deny
8. White As Snow
9. Crush Resistance
10. Walk With A Crooked Spine
11. My Name Is Darkness

(Buy Here)

Attack of the Wolf King Tour at The Lost Horizon 6/12/10 in Syracuse, NY
Haste The Day, Mychildren Mybride, Upon A Burning Body and Thoughts in Reverse


A long two hour drive in the rain out to Syracuse was certainly worth it for Haste The Day's Attack of the Wolf King Tour. As I arrived at The Lost Horizon, I noticed it was a fairly small venue. There were about 40-50 people there making for a smaller, but explosive show.

I walked into the venue, noticing there was only a small stage with plenty of standing room for the crowd, but meanwhile I headed over to Mychildren Mybride's merch table for an interview with their very nice guitarist, Robert. After talking with him and looking over the merch (McMb was selling their new cologne), the local openers Thoughts in Reverse started.

They played a decent set, falling into the metalcore genre, along with all the other bands on the tour. Thoughts in Reverse did disappoint me a bit, with their rowdy set, not to mention language, but hey, I guess that's a metal show for you. They played a very short set, consisting of a few songs off of their newest EP that released this year.

The tour's set opener, Upon A Burning Body, played a loud soundcheck, which quickly changed to their set. When they came out, I realized that being a band from Texas, they had plenty of Texas pride. They quickly ripped through their set, with the same type of energy, but a louder sound, than the openers. I took notice that they also seemed to be somewhat influenced by the mafia or whatnot, from the way they dressed and song titles, such as "Scarface" and "Carlito's Way." It also wasn't too hard to tell that these guys weren't Christian, along with Thoughts in Reverse, which only made me anticipate the sets from some of my favorite Christian metal bands.

By the time Upon A Burning Body left the stage, I realized how much I was looking forward to Mychildren Mybride's show, which I will also have the privilege of seeing at a festival later this summer. As the stage went dark, I faintly heard the opening sounds of their newest single, "Terra Firma," building up slowly, exploding into a breakdown, anchored by vocalist Matthew Hasting. It was very obvious that these guys were having fun, as they transitioned into the high energy "On Wings of Integrity," off their debut album Unbreakable. They played "Hooligans" which is off their new album, Lost Boy, that had only released the Tuesday before the show. Matt shouted "We need your help for this one" and the opening riffs of fan favorite "Headshot!" started. When it came to the chorus, the whole crowd was chanting "headshot!" as one. A few fans had also managed their ways up onto the stage and were happily jumping off, waiting to be caught, a few not making it.  McMb played another new song, "Crimson Grim," one of my favorites off of Lost Boy. For their closer, they asked "Do you want to hear an old song or new one?" Of course, everyone said an old one and they played "Faithless," which is in fact their first song I had heard from the band. One thing for sure, Mychildren Mybride have a very good live show, that is held together nicely.

As headliners Haste The Day got their set up, which composed of amps with pictures of a wolf and lion face that are featured on the artwork for their new album, Attack of the Wolf King, I walked over to take another look at the merch table. There were a few very nice shirts that I regret not buying a bit. Finally, Haste The Day opened their set with a new song titled "Wake Up The Sun," then moved into a personal favorite of mine, "Mad Man," from Dreamer. Surprisingly, they played fan favorite "Blue 42" from their debut album, Burning Bridges. I have to say, it does sound good with Stephen Keech singing it. Stephen then introduced Haste The Day and gave a short message about the band's beliefs in Christ, which was great to hear in a show and venue like the one they were in. Shortly after, he asked "Do you want to hear some new songs?" They played some of my favorites off of their new album, that releases in two weeks, which were "Travesty" and "Dog Like Vultures." They were done very strong live, making for a good show. They played two more new songs after that, but I had to leave in the middle of the last one to make the long drive home. Regardless to say, it was a great night and I can say that Mychildren Mybride and Haste The Day can put on a great show!

Haste The Day's fifth studio album will be releasing June 29th titled Attack of the Wolf King. 

Tracklisting:

1. Wake Up The Sun
2. Dogs Like Vultures
3. The Quiet, Deadly Ticking
4. Travesty
5. Merit For Sadness
6. The Un-Manifest
7. The Place Where Most Deny
8. White As Snow
9. Crush Resistance
10. Walk With A Crooked Spine
11. My Name Is Darkness

Haste The Day Announce Summer U.S. Headlining Tour
Tour In Support Of Hotly Anticipated New Album, Attack Of The Wolf King, Out June 29th
Support From Mychildren Mybride and Upon A Burning Body

April 29, 2010 - Metalcore mainstays HASTE THE DAY are excited to announce a summer U.S. headlining tour from June 4 to July 2 in support of their towering new album, Attack of the Wolf King, out June 29 on Solid State Records.

Joining the band on the month-long run are MYCHILDREN MYBRIDE and UPON A BURNING BODY. Dates and venues listed below.

Bassist Michael Murphy offers up this impassioned and convincing argument for why fans should get excited about the upcoming tour: "Come out to a show in your area and you are guaranteed a couple of things.  One- You will have a fantastic time watching me headbang.  This tour is the 9 year anniversary of me "going for it" on stage....Lets just say I've gotten pretty good. Two- You will hear all of your favorite old HTD songs. Three- You will hear a brand new HTD song that will blow your mind and make you forget we even have old songs."

To that end, HASTE THE DAY have been offering a sneak peek of a track from Attack of the Wolf King in their live set – which some savvy fans have already found on YouTube. The band is encouraging fans to join in the Easter Egg hunt and tweet about their findings.

Adding even more madness to the mix, the band's June 29th album release show in Bloomington, IN will feature all of the former members of HASTE THE DAY coming back to to play the old favorites. In addition to celebrating the release of Wolf King, the band will perform songs from their entire catalog, swapping out old and new members from HASTE THE DAY's different eras.

With four acclaimed albums under their belts and more than a quarter-million in album sales, HASTE THE DAY are already among the metalcore elite. Cementing their status, the band return in full technicolor with their most dynamic, ferocious and art-minded album to date, Attack Of The Wolf King – an album that stirs up all of HTD's trademark moves into new frenzied heights.

"I think that Attack Of The Wolf King has taken the musical elements of HASTE THE DAY – the breakdowns, the melodies, and the mood – and turned it up ten notches," says Murphy. "Fans of the old HTD and the new HTD will be both be in love with this album. It has the raw aggression of Burning Bridges, the catchy choruses of When Everything Falls, the energy of Pressure The Hinges, and the mood and feeling of Dreamer. Get ready for your new favorite HASTE THE DAY album!"

Following the May headlining tour, HASTE THE DAY will join Warped Tour from June 20 through August 15.

Dates with MYCHILDREN MY BRIDE and UPON A BURNING BODY

June 4  Allentown, PA @ Crocodile Rock Café

June 5  Lemoyne, PA @ Championship

June 6  Philadelphia @ First Unitarian Church

June 7  Farmingdale,@  NY Crazy Donkey

June 8  Worcester, MA @ Upstairs at Palladium 

June 9  Hartford, CT @ Webster Theatre

June 10  Montreal, QC @ Underworld

June 11  Toronto, ON @ Annex Wreckroom

June 12  Syracuse, NY @ Lost Horizon

June 13  Buffalo, NY @ Xtreme Wheelz

June 15  Cleveland, OH @ Peabody's

June 16 Columbus, OH @ Basement

June 17  Wilmore, KY @ Ichthus Festival

June 18  St. Louis, MO @ Fubar

June 19  Cordova, TN @ The Arbor

June 20  Little Rock, AR @ Village

June 22  Houston, TX @ Warehouse

June 23  San Antonio, TX @ White Rabbit

June 24  Corpus Christi, TX @ House of Rock

June 25  Austin, TX @ Emos

June 26  Oklahoma City, OK @ Conservatory

June 28  TBD

June 29  Bloomington, IN @ Rhinos (Special HASTE THE DAY vs HASTE THE DAY show - featuring the return of all of HTD's past members!)

June 30  Grand Rapids, MI @ Mixtape

July 1  Iowa City, IA @ Blue Moose

July 2  Marietta, IL @ Cornerstone Festival - Encore Tent

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For more information, please visit: www.hastetheday.com, www.solidstaterecords.com, or  www.blacklodgepr.com.