Much to the delight of their dedicated fanbase, Louisiana post-hardcore outfit, AS CITIES BURN, announced last week that they would be releasing “Scream Through The Walls“, their first album in ten years, this summer. The lead single from their highly-anticipated new record was also revealed that day in the form of “Chains” – a driving four minute anthem pulsing with urgency and the band’s signature blend of visceral energy and raw thought-provoking lyrics.
Today, the band returned with the music video for “Chains” – stoking the flame of anticipation building around “Scream Through The Walls”. The video opens with a quote from American author, Florence King, which directly addresses both the narrative of the video and the lyrical topic of the song. Its stark visuals leave the viewer hanging on every vocal part and counterpart played out by the Bonnette brothers. While this record is the first time that Cody and TJ Bonnette have worked together since their seminal 2005 debut, “Son, I Loved You At Your Darkest”, their collaboration on “Chains” perfectly exemplifies the brothers’ chemistry and calls to mind why their debut has withstood the test of time so strongly.
Florence King commented:
“People are so busy dreaming the American Dream, fantasizing about what they could be or have a right to be, that they’re all asleep at the switch”.
Since their inception in 2002, As Cities Burn have garnered tremendous respect for their progressive take on the post-hardcore genre. Upon the release of their 2005 full-length debut, “Son, I Loved You At Your Darkest”, fans and critics alike fell in love with the balanced dynamic of TJ Bonnette’s visceral screams and the clean vocals of his brother, Cody, who also serves as the primary songwriter in the band. In 2006, TJ’s new marriage saw him leave As Cities Burn for a new life in Mississippi. The remaining members forged ahead, undergoing several lineup and stylistic changes over the next three years and releasing two more acclaimed full lengths – “Come Now Sleep” (2007) and “Hell or High Water” (2009) – before disbanding in 2009. Now a decade later, As Cities Burn are ready to unveil “Scream Through The Walls” with both Bonnette brothers sharing vocal duties yet again. The band collaborated with producer Matt Goldman (Underoath, The Chariot) to help capture the signature frenetic energy of their live show. “Scream Through The Walls” is a rallying cry, not only for themselves but for anyone that will listen, to push against the mental barriers erected when struggling through one’s darkest moments. Previously released as a stand alone single late last year, “2020 AD” was the first taste of the band’s revitalized direction and strikes the perfect balance of intimate revelations and universal relatability that runs throughout the record. “Scream Through The Walls” will be out June 7th on Rude Records/Equal Vision Records.
