Hailing from the vibrant city of Sydney, Australia, Forever At Midnight has emerged as one of the most promising new bands in the alternative rock and metalcore scene. The trio, consisting of Liv Howlett on vocals, Evan Hughes on drums, and Josh Kim on guitars and programming, have made waves with their unique ability to blend genres, moving seamlessly from their original pop-punk roots to a darker, more synth-heavy, metalcore sound. This evolution speaks to the band’s commitment to pushing their creative boundaries, constantly exploring new sonic territories while maintaining a core of raw emotion and authenticity.
Formed with a shared passion for music that resonates deeply with listeners, Forever At Midnight is a powerhouse of talent. Liv Howlett’s dynamic vocals bring both strength and vulnerability, soaring above the band’s intense instrumentation. Meanwhile, Evan Hughes delivers thunderous drum beats that drive the songs forward, and Josh Kim’s intricate guitar work, paired with his atmospheric programming, creates the perfect backdrop for their emotional and often poignant lyrics. Together, the trio has developed a sound that is both ferocious and melodic, capturing the attention of fans across various genres.
Drawing inspiration from bands like Spiritbox, Bad Omens, and Bring Me The Horizon, Forever At Midnight is not afraid to tackle heavy themes and intense emotions. Their music is a reflection of their personal experiences and the world around them, with each song offering a glimpse into the complexities of the human condition.
Prepare yourself for an electrifying sonic experience as Forever At Midnight unleashes their most intense single to date, “When You Wake”. Dropped on October 11th, 2024, this track marks a bold departure from their earlier pop-punk sound, plunging into the deep, gritty realms of metalcore. With aggressive riffs, atmospheric synths, and emotionally charged lyrics, “When You Wake” promises to be a defining moment in the band’s journey. This haunting track takes listeners through the emotional turmoil of an abusive relationship, portraying a visceral struggle for survival and identity. Brace yourself for a powerful blend of symphonic melodies and ferocious energy as Forever At Midnight delivers their most gripping work yet.
A powerful journey into the heart of metalcore, “When You Wake” by Forever At Midnight is a testament to the band’s daring departure from their pop-punk roots and a burst of raw energy. As soon as you hit play, you’re transported to a realm where vicious riffs and melodies coexist and every note feels like a surge of electric energy. You are lulled into a false sense of tranquility by the track’s achingly lovely prolonged melody. However, as soon as you think you’re getting into the rhythm, the song bursts into a flurry of slamming percussion and fiery guitar riffs, producing a chaotic yet controlled environment. It’s the kind of intensity that grabs you by the collar and refuses to let go, pulling you deeper into the song’s emotional core.
“When You Wake” excels in striking a balance between fury and elegance. Liv Howlett’s ethereal vocals, which effortlessly glide above the whirlpool of sound, balance the rhythms and guitars’ overwhelming intensity. The loud instrumentation contrasts nicely with her voice, which are the quiet in the middle of the storm. Her delivery of the lyrics has a certain beauty; it’s calm, smooth, and full of depth. Her voice not only carries the weight of the song’s somber themes, but it also elevates them, giving the story more layers of strength and tenderness. The distinctive texture of the song comes from the contrast between the heavenly vocals and the unrelenting ferocity of the music.
“When You Wake” delves deeply into the complicated and terrifying experience of being in an abusive relationship. A darker undertone is added to the already powerful musical work by Liv Howlett’s lyrical examination of psychological suffering, coercion, and manipulation. The song vividly captures the emotional rollercoaster that follows such poisonous dynamics, including the initial charm, the gradual revelation of the abuser’s actual nature, and the final breaking point. It’s more than simply a song; it’s a narrative to lose yourself in. In addition to the lyrics’ striking depictions of hopelessness, loneliness, and terror, there is an underlying spirit of defiance—a will to live, to flee, to regain one’s identity. This emotional complexity is expertly captured by the band, allowing the listener to experience every bit of suffering and rage embedded in the song.
The song’s unexpected structure is one of its most fascinating features. The band doesn’t follow the verse-chorus-verse structure. They let the song develop naturally instead, bringing the listener on a trip with abrupt changes in intensity and tempo. You’re floating in the ethereal synths and piano melodies that provide a calming backdrop, and then you’re caught up in the frantic energy of the guitars, drums, and bass. Because of its unpredictable nature, you are kept on edge and attentive to every turn the song takes. It is evidence of the band’s creative musical abilities to create a soundscape that is both frantic and painstakingly orchestrated.
In “When You Wake,” the instrumentation is simply amazing. From the delicate strumming in the slower passages to the powerful riffs that propel the song along, Josh Kim’s guitar performance is exceptional. In keeping with the themes of mental anguish and survival, his use of lower drop tunings gives the song a darker, heavier vibe. The booming basslines serve as a strong backbone for the song’s more experimental components. Additionally, Evan Hughes plays drums, and his performance is unrelenting. Each cymbal boom and beat feels intentional, adding to the intensity of the song. All of the instruments work together to provide an aggressive and engrossing soundscape.
In the midst of the intense instrumentation and soaring vocals, there’s a haunting undercurrent—adlibbed vocals with a raw, gritty texture that adds even more depth to the track. These background vocals are rough, brash, and full of emotion, contrasting sharply with Howlett’s angelic lead. They give the song a gritty edge, enhancing the metalcore aura while staying true to the melodic beauty that Forever At Midnight excels at. These layers of sound create a rich, immersive listening experience where every detail contributes to the overall intensity.
A voyage through emotional highs and lows, “When You Wake” is more than just a metalcore song; it’s a struggle for survival encased in a symphony of grace and aggression. With the combination of the raw power of metal and the complex melodies of synths and piano, Forever At Midnight has produced something genuinely unique that is unique in both genre and narrative. Although its enthusiasm and musicianship make it accessible to a broad audience, the song will speak to everyone who has gone through emotional upheaval. The band not only establishes their position in the metalcore community with this album, but they also lay the groundwork for what seems to be an interesting musical progression.
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