| Hope for the Dying | |
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Hope for the Dying |
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| Background information | |
| Origin | Jonesboro, Illinois, United States |
| Genres | Progressive Metal, Metalcore, Melodic Death Metal, Christian Metal[1] |
| Years active | 2006 – Present |
| Labels | Facedown Records |
| Members | |
| Josh Ditto James Houseman Jack Daniels Brendan Hengle |
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Hope for the Dying also known as HFTD is an American Christian Metal band from Jonesboro, Illinois. The band formed in 2006 and released their first album (a self-titled EP) in April 2008,[2] the album was later repackaged and released with Strike First Records on November 25, 2008.
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In November 2008 Hope for the Dying became the first band with an album released on the relaunched label Strike First Records,[3] an imprint label of Facedown Records. Before it's retirement in 2006 Strike First Records had signed bands like War of Ages.[4]
They toured as part of Facedown Fest 2009 in April 2009 [5] and have also toured independently.[2]
The Christian faith has a profound influence in the lyrics[6] and motivation of the band.[4]
Hope for the Dying formed in November 2006 with sights set on bringing something different to the table. Tiring of the typical simplistic music that has manifested itself in the heavy music culture, Hope for the Dying brings new meaning to the idea of 'guitar-driven metal.' By blending the musical virtuosity of old school shred-metal pioneers like Iron Maiden and Metallica with the modern edge of today's progressive heavy-hitters like Between the Buried and Me and The Human Abstract, Hope for the Dying is developing a signature sound that is as technically proficient as it is fresh and unique.
In 2008, Hope for the Dying was featured in HM Magazine's 'Pick-of-the-Litter' section and subsequently inked a deal with the newly resurrected Strike First Records (a division of Facedown Records) and released their debut self-titled full length on November 25 of that year. In the two years following the release of their debut, Hope for the Dying matured in both their music and their line-up. As 2010 comes to a close, the band is stronger and more driven than ever before, and on December 1, revealed that they will be releasing a new album in mid-April 2011 on Facedown Records.
The band is currently writing and recording tracks for the highly anticipated follow-up, and is very excited about the direction in which the music is moving. "This is definitely the most ambitious music we've written to date," says guitarist James Houseman. "When we were writing for the last album, the process was so spread out, and then at the end we were just rushing to finish up a couple more songs, I think we felt like the album kind of suffered a little bit and didn't have the 'flow' that we would have liked." With the new album, HFTD has deliberately set aside an essentially uninterrupted block of time to focus on writing in hopes that their next release will have more continuity and consistency from track to track. "This is by far the most complex music we've ever made. We're trying lots of new things and so far we couldn't be more excited about how things have been going, " - guitarist Jack Daniels.
The as-yet-untitled project will be mixed by Brian Hood of 456 Recordings (A Plea for Purging, Before There Was Rosalyn) in Huntsville, AL, in early February 2011. "Working with Brian has been awesome so far, he's been really helpful to us in getting things prepared and making sure we come out with the best product possible" says Daniels. "We're thrilled with what he brings to the table and can't wait to work with him more as we get closer to wrapping this thing up!"
In the mean time, Hope for the Dying will be returning to the tour circuit in early 2011 with plans for coast-to-coast tours in both headlining and support roles.[7][8]
| Date of Release | Title | Label |
| November 25, 2008 | Hope for the Dying (EP) | Facedown Records |
| April 26, 2011 | Dissimulation[9] | Facedown Records |