Like Moths to Flames – Does Heaven Ever Mourn for Me

Two years after their sixth album, The Cycles of Trying to Cope, Like Moths to Flames are showing us that they’re not lying dormant with their latest EP, Does Heaven Ever Mourn for Me. This EP acts as more of a collective work of singles the band has released over the course of almost twelve months, and for those who missed out on this extended waterfall release, you’re in for a treat.

Musically, this album is a lot of fun as it features an insane amount of whammy pitch shifting, creating some really interesting squealing sounds from the guitars. It tiptoes the line of being a little overkill, but honestly I think it works well. The EP is heavy, glitchy, and chaotic, something we’ve come to expect from this band since their last release.

The band worked with producer Landon Tewers, who has a knack for creating well-balanced yet explosive soundscapes. While there is a hefty bit of production at work here, it’s still a crushingly heavy EP that hits hard while also being able to breathe with the more melodic metalcore choruses. How to Be Lonely is a prime example of this and is definitely one of my favourite songs on this release.

What intrigues me about this release from the Ohio metalcore outfit is that, from what I can see, there was no real promotion behind Does Heaven Ever Mourn for Me aside from the slew of singles which kicked off last fall. It’s a shame, as I think it’s a pretty underrated EP that may go under the radar.

Lyrically, the EP touches on themes of loneliness while not actually being alone. Being surrounded by people you care about, but also feeling nothing at all. It also addresses the feeling of navigating through life without knowing exactly where you’re going and feeling a weight of sadness that you can’t shake. Is this something we blame on ourselves, or is there something much deeper? All of this is delivered with a mix of screams and impressively melodic cleans that fans of this band will certainly be familiar with.

This is the second release with the band’s current lineup, one that was present on their last album, The Cycles of Trying to Cope, and I think it’s a pretty solid one, though they are currently without a bass player – which, as a bassist, always makes me wince when metal bands opt to perform live without bass… but I digress.