From First To Last is a post-core band based out of LA that formed about eleven years ago, and since, have been through many lineup changes. They now claim their roster to be permanent and have just recently signed to Rise Records. Although they have been on the scene for quite some time and have seen a generous amount of attention, the volatility of their lineup has dampened their rise to fame as it would any project that continuously sees that kind of disappointment. But not willing to give in, From First To Last have dusted themselves off and released another album, Throne To The Wolves, which I was very eager to hear.

These boys have definitely been around the block and know their way around a studio. The quality of the album is good and the song structure is spot-on. Their timing is solid and their melodies are engrossing. As a whole, this album embodies every element needed to create a great post-core album. I am, however, finding myself struggling to get into this record. I feel like they are right in my wheelhouse, but there is something unsettling about their musical process that is keeping me from really digging in.

These guys have a very punk-infused hardcore sound. Their opener, “Cashing Out”, has a very strong Story of the Year sound to it with the anthemic vocals and harmonies they incorporate into the song. However, in track two, “Chyeaaa!”, they lose that sound and give you a 45 second bloodbath of throaty, guttural screams and unrelenting guitar riffs (which I loved); but then they went right back to the punk rock sound.

As the album progresses, they get more emo and less hardcore, with the exception of track nine “M.O.” But don’t get me wrong, this isn’t a frou-frou emo record. They still offer up snippets of their hardcore influences sprinkled throughout, but they are fewer and farther between as the album moves along. Their sound is just hard to pinpoint – kind of a mixture of We Came As Romans meets Story of the Year with a hint of Alesana and a dash of Oh, Sleeper. All are good bands, but the recipe From First To Last are using just isn’t as ear-catching as I had hoped.

You kind of get whiplash throughout the album as they cycle through their punk, screamo and hardcore influences. Their sound is very indecisive; some might say gives it a uniqueness that will engage the listener, while others might insist it influences a sense of frustration from those who want more predictability and solidity in their music. Listen to track one, “Cashing Out”, and then listen to track nine, “M.O.”, and you will see what I’m talking about. It seems like two different styles of music.

So admittedly, I was on the fence with this album, and tracks ten and eleven really pushed me over. The use of auto-tune almost made my ears bleed. You hear this in a lot of the younger bands now where they are putting that auto-tune T-Pain sound to their vocals, but From First To Last isn’t a young band. Bands like Attack Attack have used this and it just drives me crazy. Please cease from using that terrible machine.

Aside from the last two songs, Throne To The Wolves wasn’t too bad. I can’t say I was able to dig in deep and become enthralled by their sound, but it wasn’t a terrible record by any means. I wish they would have went heavier a lot more often but that’s not my call. If you are into screamo and punk-core, you might find this to be a very likable record. Fans of Story of the Year and Alesana should find From First To Last to be their cup of tea, but if you are looking for a more seizure-inducing, punch-dancing bloodbath, this might not be the record for you. Either way, we should all support music and give these boys a listen because you never know…you just might like what you hear.

3.0/5