Elizabethtown alt-metal band From Ashes to New are out to prove that sadness can soar in their new single, "Die For You," from their recently released album, Reflections.
Bullying is in the crosshairs of the Pennsylvania five-piece after a recent video of a fan singing along to this anthemic rocker garnered hurtful, cowardly comments on social media. From Ashes to New defended the fan, and she is now on the guest list for all future shows.
Frontman Matt Brandyberry weighed in, saying:
I know what it's like to feel helpless. Sometimes, all it takes is having someone stand up for you to make a difference. I never had that. I tried to ignore it all instead and it never made a difference. So when people say 'Ignore the haters,' I say 'f**k that.' I say kick them in the f**kin' teeth.
An admirable public stand against the scorn too many of those in the metal community have had to deal with over the years.
The tune itself will please fans of the American quintet, offering a memorable chorus that rides a wave of emotion to a fist-pumping climax. The R&B-inspired bridge feels like more than a nod to Bad Omens, and anyone who has enjoyed their story arc from metalcore bruisers to stadium pop-rockers will find plenty to appreciate here.
Sticksman Maty Madiro keeps the train on the tracks with propulsive drumming, a solid buttress for the head-nodding riffs of rhythm guitarist Jimmy Bennett. But itβs that voice, the call-to-arms of Brandyberry, that leads the charge on this emotional anthem.
"Die For You"'s tumultuous post-studio life as an undeserving firestarter for social media wallies ably demonstrates that music is a conversation. Through it, we learn something about ourselves and those around us. The way From Ashes to New rallied around one of their own gives life to the words. This is a band that really would die for you.
"Die For You" is from the new album Reflections, available now from Better Noise Music. From Ashes to New is on the road with kindred spirit Shinedown this summer across the USA.
