For Today was an American Christian metalcore band from Sioux City, Iowa, formed in 2005. They released two EPs and six full-length albums, of which this was the final one in 2015 before they broke up the following year. It is unusual for Christian bands to really have crossover appeal, but there is no doubt these guys had an impact, and also, they really did believe in what they were doing with one member leaving to become a missionary and another leaving to attend bible college. Musically this is metalcore which is interesting without ever really taking any major risks: the lead vocals from Mattie Montgomery are coarse and rough, and it is the clean vocals of guitarist Ryan Leitru which stand out better and have more impact. The line-up is completed by Brandon Leitru (bass) and drummer David Puckett (who later joined We Came As Romans).

Metalcore is a genre which does not always get the kudos it deserves, and I must admit I do find it a little difficult to get on with (even though I am going to a metalcore gig in a few hours), but when it works, with bite, groove, and heaviness then the intensity makes it very special indeed. This is the only album I have heard by For Today, but I can certainly hear why they managed to make it through to their sixth and be signed to a major label as they are very tight indeed and are more let down by some of the production than the material. The guitars in particular are excellent, really coming to the fore in “Wasteland” where there are some wonderful runs in the background as well as dynamic powering and riffs to bash out the brain. I would have preferred to have more of the gruff vocal/clear vocal interplay, and it is the lack of true dynamics which prevents this album from being everything they expected it to be. It certainly does not give the impression of a band on their last legs, and for anyone into metalcore this is certainly worth checking out, especially if you like Christian lyrics.

Rating: 7/10

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/ForToday
https://www.nuclearblast.com/