For Today

Last updated

For Today
For Today.jpg
For Today from left to right: Mike Reynolds, David Morrison, Mattie Montgomery, Brandon Leitru, Ryan Leitru
Background information
Origin Sioux City, Iowa, U.S.
Genres Metalcore
Christian metal
deathcore [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]
Years active2005–2016
Labels Facedown, Razor & Tie, Nuclear Blast
Past membersRyan Leitru
Mattie Montgomery
Brandon Leitru
David Puckett
Jim Hughes
Matt Tyler
Jon Lauters
Brennan Schaeuble
David Morrison
Mike Reynolds
Sam Penner

For Today was an American Christian metalcore [4] [2] [3] band from Sioux City, Iowa, formed in 2005. They released two EPs, Your Moment, Your Life, Your Time and Prevailer, and six full-length albums: Ekklesia in, 2008, Portraits in 2009, Breaker in 2010, Immortal in 2012, Fight the Silence in 2014, and Wake in 2015.

Contents

The band split up in 2016. [6]

History

For Today was founded in 2005 by Ryan Leitru, Mike Reynolds, David Morrison, and Jon Lauters. Lauters and vocalist Matt Tyler, who joined the band shortly after its formation, (who later became known as Madison Skylights) left the band soon after, and were replaced by Mattie Montgomery (formerly of Besieged) and Brennan Schaeuble. Schaeuble was replaced by Ryan's brother Brandon. On April 1, 2008, they released their first studio album, produced by Facedown Records, Ekklesia [7] (a Biblical term from the Koine Greek that typically denotes the collective people of God; it is usually translated as 'the Body of Christ' or 'the Church'). [8] [9] Their second album, Portraits , was released on June 9, 2009, [10] on the same label, and peaked at No. 15 of the Billboard Christian albums chart. Different Biblical personalities are portrayed on the album: the Prophets Ezekiel, Joel, Elijah and Isaiah, and Nicodemus the Pharisee, Zacharias, Saul (Paul) of Tarsus and Immanuel (Jesus). The final track on the album, 'Talmidim' (which denotes the disciples of a rabbi, here referring to all disciples of Jesus -Christians) quotes Ezekiel 36:26-28 and describes what it means to be a Christian.

Upon signing with Razor & Tie, the band was in the recording studio on January 6, 2012 until February 8, 2012 at The Machine Shop in New Jersey. They also announced that Will Putney, who had produced their previous release Breaker , would produce this album. The album's first single, "Fearless", was released on March 6, 2012. They headlined the Fight the Silence Tour based on their new album in March 2012 and toured alongside A Skylit Drive, Stick to Your Guns, MyChildren MyBride, and Make Me Famous. [11] The new album, Immortal , was released on May 29, 2012. [12] They played at Warped Tour 2012. [13]

On June 15, 2012, it was announced that drummer David Morrison had stepped down from For Today to do missionary work in South America with Extreme Nazarene Ministries. David Puckett (formerly of The Crimson Armada) was announced as the new drummer. [14] Rhythm guitarist Mike Reynolds also left the band in early 2013, in order for him and his wife to enroll in Bible college and work toward full-time missions work in the Middle East. [15] This announcement came after controversial comments that Reynolds made on Twitter in which he said "There was no such thing as a homosexual Christian." [15] The backlash sparked by his comments prompted action by Mattie Montgomery, who posted a response on YouTube where he gave his phone number and offered his heart and time to anyone who wanted to talk about what had been said, pray, vent about religion, or just seek advice. [15] Reynolds was replaced by former In the Midst of Lions guitarist Sam Penner. [16]

On April 2, 2013, the band released a new EP, Prevailer, with four new songs, one acoustic track, and a DVD, of live band footage and a documentary of the band's history. [17]

On October 24, 2013, the band released a new video, "Fight the Silence", on their official YouTube channel. According to the description of the video, the band will be releasing a new album in 2014. [18] [19] [ better source needed ] They joined We Came as Romans, Texas in July, Woe, Is Me, and The Word Alive on the Motel 6 Rock Yourself to Sleep Tour from January to February 2011. [20]

On April 15, 2015, Samuel Penner announced he parted ways with the band for various reasons. [21] In the mid-2015, Jim Hughes, guitarist of metal band Colossus and long time friend of the band joined as bassist, [22] [23] with Brandon taking over guitars for Penner. On July 30, 2015, the band announced that they had signed with Nuclear Blast, and their new album would be released through the label. [23] On August 21, 2015, the band initiated pre-orders for their new album, Wake , which was released on October 2, 2015, and a new music video titled "Broken Lens". [24]

On July 5, 2016, the band announced via Facebook they will embark on a farewell tour and will disband after the tour ends. [25] [26] Before disbanding, two members of the band, Ryan (lead guitar) and Brandon Leitru (bass guitarist), formed a new band called Nothing Left, with members of Silent Planet and A Bullet for Pretty Boy. [27] The band played their last show on December 18, 2016 with Silent Planet, Oh, Sleeper, Norma Jean and Fit for a King. [28]

On October 22, 2018, Montgomery announced that the band would be playing on October 28, for a tribute show that We Came as Romans organized for Kyle Pavone, making it clear that this would not be a reunion. [29]

Name

Montgomery stated the band selected the name while only one member was a Christian but that it "sounded cool" but have since transformed the meaning to be scriptural. [30]

Members

Timeline

For Today

Discography

For Today discography
Studio albums6
Music videos12
EPs2

Studio albums

List of studio albums, with selected chart positions
TitleAlbum detailsPeak chart positions
US
[31]
US
Heat.

[32]
US
Indie.

[33]
US
Rock
[34]
US
Hard Rock
[35]
US
Christ.

[36]
Ekklesia
  • Released: April 1, 2008
  • Label: Facedown
  • Formats: CD, digital download
Portraits
  • Released: June 9, 2009
  • Label: Facedown
  • Formats: CD, digital download
144015
Breaker
  • Released: August 31, 2010
  • Label: Facedown
  • Formats: CD, digital download
5482083
Immortal
  • Released: May 29, 2012
  • Label: Razor & Tie
  • Formats: CD, digital download
153711
Fight the Silence
  • Released: February 4, 2014
  • Label: Razor & Tie
  • Formats: CD, digital download
324722
Wake
  • Released: October 2, 2015
  • Label: Nuclear Blast
  • Formats: CD, digital download
67179103
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

EPs

List of EPs, with selected chart positions
TitleAlbum detailsPeak chart positions
US
[31]
US
Indie.

[33]
US
Rock
[34]
US
Hard Rock
[35]
US
Christ.

[36]
Your Moment, Your Life, Your Time
  • Released: 2006
  • Label: independent
  • Formats: CD
Prevailer
  • Released: April 2, 2013
  • Label: Razor & Tie
  • Formats: CD, digital download
47121422
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Music videos

TitleFrom the album
"Agape" Ekklesia
"Saul of Tarsus (The Messenger)" Portraits
"Devastator" Breaker
"Seraphim"
"Fearless" Immortal
"Foundation"
"Flesh and Blood"Prevailer
"Fight the Silence" Fight the Silence
"Break the Cycle"
"Molotov"
"Broken Lens" Wake
"Bitter Roots"
"No Truth, No Sacrifice"

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">3 Doors Down</span> American rock band

3 Doors Down is an American rock band from Escatawpa, Mississippi, formed in 1996. The band originally consisted of Brad Arnold, Matt Roberts, and Todd Harrell, with Chris Henderson joining in 1998. The band rose to international fame with their 2000 debut single, "Kryptonite", which peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and led them to sign with Universal Records. It was followed by their debut studio album, The Better Life (2000), which became the 11th-best-selling album of that year and received septuple platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The group was later joined by drummer Richard Liles, who played during the tour for their first album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Black Dahlia Murder (band)</span> American melodic death metal band

The Black Dahlia Murder is an American melodic death metal band from Waterford, Michigan, formed in 2001. Their name is derived from the 1947 unsolved murder of Elizabeth Short, often referred to as Black Dahlia. Currently, the band consists of lead vocalist Brian Eschbach, bassist Max Lavelle, drummer Alan Cassidy, and guitarists Brandon Ellis and Ryan Knight. The Black Dahlia Murder has undergone various lineup changes, with Trevor Strnad and Eschbach remaining the only constant members, until the former's death in 2022, which then saw Eschbach take over lead vocals and Knight replacing him on rhythm guitar.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bury Your Dead</span> American metalcore band

Bury Your Dead is an American metalcore band from Boston, Massachusetts, formed in 2001. The current lineup is guitarist Chris Towning, lead vocalist Mat Bruso, drummer Mark Castillo, and bassist Aaron Patrick. To date, they have had eight releases: one EP, one live DVD (Alive), and six studio albums.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hawthorne Heights</span> American rock band

Hawthorne Heights is an American rock band from Dayton, Ohio, formed in 2001. Originally called A Day in the Life, their lineup currently consists of JT Woodruff, Matt Ridenour, Mark McMillon, and Chris Popadak.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">War of Ages</span> American Christian metal band

War of Ages is an American Christian metal band formed in Erie, Pennsylvania, in 2002.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Red (band)</span> American Christian rock band

Red is an American Christian rock band from Nashville, Tennessee, formed in 2002 by brothers guitarist Anthony Armstrong and bassist Randy Armstrong, with lead vocalist Michael Barnes. The band's first lineup also consisted of drummer Andrew Hendrix and guitarist Jasen Rauch. Currently, the lineup has consisted of the core trio of the Armstrong brothers and Barnes, along with drummer Brian Medeiros.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Winds of Plague</span> American deathcore band

Winds of Plague is an American deathcore band from Upland, California. Formed in 2002, the band is known for being the first of several deathcore bands to incorporate symphonic elements into their music.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Impending Doom</span> American Christian deathcore band

Impending Doom is an American Christian deathcore band from Riverside, California. The group has released six full-length studio albums and are currently a four piece with lead vocalist Brook Reeves as one of the two original remaining members along with Manny Contreras who left the band in 2010 but returned in 2012. The band refers to their style of music as "gorship" - a portmanteau of the words gore and worship.

SafetySuit is an American rock band from Tulsa, Oklahoma, currently based in Nashville, Tennessee. Their 2008 major label debut album Life Left to Go featured songs "Stay" and "Someone Like You", the former first achieving fame by climbing to No. 1 on the VH1 Top 20 Video Countdown. In January 2012, SafetySuit followed with their second album These Times, notable for its songs "Let Go" and "These Times". The album peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard 200 and topped the iTunes album chart. Later that year, the band released an EP titled "Hallelujah" which included the hit single "Never Stop ". The single has been featured in People Magazine with multiple celebrity weddings using it as the soundtrack for their first dance. Several singles from each of their albums have charted and have been featured on television shows such as Kyle XY, Imaginary Mary, and The Hills. The band's releases have been met highly favorably by critics, and they are known for their very energetic live performances. They have toured with many notable artists including 3 Doors Down, The Script, Collective Soul, Hoobastank, Parachute, Daughtry, and the Goo Goo Dolls.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Carnifex (band)</span> American deathcore band

Carnifex is an American deathcore band from San Diego County, California. Formed in 2005, they are currently signed to Nuclear Blast after having been signed to Victory Records. They have released nine studio albums and three EPs. Since 2022, the band has consisted of founding members, lead vocalist Scott Ian Lewis and drummer Shawn Cameron, along with rhythm guitarist Cory Arford, bassist Fred Calderon and lead guitarist Neal Tiemann.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Born of Osiris</span> American progressive metalcore band

Born of Osiris is an American progressive metalcore band formed in 2003 in Palatine, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. The band currently consists of lead vocalist Ronnie Canizaro, lead guitarist/backing vocalist Lee McKinney, bassist/rhythm guitarist//keyboardist Nick Rossi, and drummer Cameron Losch. Born of Osiris has played at various festivals including the Summer Slaughter Tour and the Music as a Weapon Tour 4.

<i>Ekklesia</i> (album) 2008 studio album by For Today

Ekklesia is the debut album released by the American Christian metalcore band For Today. The album was released on April 1, 2008 through Facedown Records. A version of the album featuring their old lead singer has found its way onto the internet through the means of a blogspot page. The album includes 10 tracks with a range in different sounds from the metal genre as well as an instrumental track and intro. According to the liner notes, Matt Tyler, the band's former vocalist, is featured on "Redemption" and "A Higher Standard".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">A Plea for Purging</span> American Christian metalcore band

A Plea for Purging is a Christian metalcore band based out of Nashville, Tennessee. During their time active, they released four full-length albums on Facedown Records and two EPs. Their final release, The Life & Death of A Plea for Purging, reached No. 24 on the US Billboard Rock Albums chart and No. 11 on the Heatseekers chart. Guitarist Blake Martin played on Project 86's record, Wait for the Siren and was a touring member for Haste the Day. Drummer Aaron Eckermann was a touring musician for Corpus Christi. Vocalist Andy Atkins was featured on The Crimson Armada's song "Composed of Stone", from their album Conviction.

Oceano is an American deathcore band from Cook County, Illinois. Formed in 2006, the band signed to Earache Records and released their debut album, Depths, on April 7, 2009. Their second album, Contagion, was released on November 9, 2010. Their fourth album Ascendants was released March 23, 2015. Their most recent album Revelation was released on May 19, 2017. It was their first release with their new label, Sumerian Records. Their upcoming sixth studio album, Living Chaos is due to be released on August 30, 2024.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Imagine Dragons</span> American pop rock band

Imagine Dragons are an American pop rock band formed in 2008, based in Las Vegas, Nevada, and currently consisting of lead singer Dan Reynolds, guitarist Wayne Sermon, and bassist Ben McKee. The band first gained exposure with the release of their single "It's Time", followed by their debut album Night Visions (2012), which resulted in the chart-topping singles "Radioactive" and "Demons". Rolling Stone named "Radioactive", which held the record for most weeks charted on the Billboard Hot 100, the "biggest rock hit of the year". MTV called them "the year's biggest breakout band", and Billboard named them their "Breakthrough Band of 2013" and "Biggest Band of 2017", and placed them at the top of their "Year in Rock" rankings for 2013, 2017, and 2018. Imagine Dragons topped the Billboard Year-End "Top Artists – Duo/Group" category in 2018.

The Front Bottoms are an American rock band from Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, formed in 2006. They are currently a duo consisting of lead vocalist and guitarist Brian Sella and drummer Mat Uychich. During live performances, they are currently accompanied by touring members, including guitarist and backing vocalist AJ Peacox, bassist and backing vocalist Natalie Newbold, and bassist, guitarist and backing vocalist Erik Kase Romero.

<i>Immortal</i> (For Today album) 2012 studio album by For Today

Immortal is the fourth studio album by American Christian metalcore band For Today, released on May 29, 2012 through Razor & Tie Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mattie Montgomery</span> American singer

Matthew "Mattie" Montgomery is an American musician and the former lead vocalist and frontman of Christian metal band For Today from 2007. He released six albums and one EP with the band before they broke up in 2016. In addition to his work with For Today, Montgomery has his own solo gospel project named after himself in which he has released three albums and two books. He now pastors a church, The Altar Fellowship, in Johnson City, Tennessee.

<i>Fight the Silence</i> 2014 studio album by For Today

Fight the Silence is the fifth studio album by American Christian metalcore band For Today. The album was released on February 4, 2014 through Razor & Tie.

Emphatic was an American hard rock band from Omaha, founded by guitarist-songwriter Justin McCain in 2004. Their major label debut record Damage for Atlantic reached No. 9 on Billboard Top Heatseekers chart in 2011. The band's second album Another Life climbed to No. 8 on Top Heatseekers chart in 2013. Justin McCain announced changing the band's name and continuing as Through Fire in December 2015.

References

  1. Jones, Kim. "Top 8 Christian Metal Bands". About.com. Archived from the original on January 31, 2016. Retrieved January 29, 2016.
  2. 1 2 "For Today Discography, For Today Artist Database, For Today Lyrics". Jesusfreakhideout.com. Retrieved February 12, 2013.
  3. 1 2 For Today at AllMusic
  4. 1 2 "For Today: Sioux City's metalcore masters set to visit the UK in November — For Today". Crossrhythms.co.uk. August 6, 2010. Retrieved February 12, 2013.
  5. Pernell Fowler. "For Today – Immortal – Review | So, Bring on Mixed Reviews". Bringonmixedreviews.com. Archived from the original on February 5, 2013. Retrieved February 12, 2013.
  6. "For Today – After over 11 years as a band, 6 full length... - Facebook". Facebook . Retrieved July 6, 2016.
  7. "Ekklesia Review – For Today – Compact Discs – Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com". Ultimate Guitar Archive. July 4, 2008. Retrieved July 27, 2010.
  8. "Strong's Greek: 1577. ἐκκλησία (ekklésia) -- an assembly, a (religious) congregation" . Retrieved January 2, 2017.
  9. "BibleGateway.com – Topical Index: ekklesia" . Retrieved January 2, 2017.
  10. "Portraits Review – For Today – Compact Discs – Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com". Ultimate Guitar Archive. October 7, 2009. Retrieved July 27, 2010.
  11. Pelt, Doug Van (2011). "For Today announce headlining tour". HM Magazine. Archived from the original on April 18, 2012. Retrieved January 21, 2017.
  12. Ken (April 18, 2012). "FOR TODAY'S NEW STUDIO ALBUM "IMMORTAL" RELEASE DATE NOW SET FOR MAY 29TH". Highwire Daze. Retrieved January 21, 2017.
  13. "Bands / 2013 Vans Warped Tour / Tickets on Sale Now / For Today". Vanswarpedtour.com. Archived from the original on February 17, 2012. Retrieved January 12, 2013.
  14. "For Today Drummer Quits Band To Become A Missionary". Blabbermouth. June 16, 2012. Retrieved December 18, 2019.
  15. 1 2 3 "For Today Guitarist Mike Reynolds Leaves Band After Firestorm Over Anti-Gay Comments". Loudwire . January 12, 2013.
  16. "For Today guitarist Mike Reynolds leaves band". Lambgoat. January 11, 2013. Retrieved January 21, 2017.
  17. "Amazon listing". Amazon. Retrieved September 14, 2013.
  18. For Today – Fight The Silence *NEW SONG*. YouTube. October 23, 2013. Retrieved April 29, 2015.[ dead YouTube link ]
  19. "For Today Streaming New Single "Fight The Silence"". Theprp.com. October 24, 2013. Retrieved July 8, 2020.
  20. "Motel 6 Rock Yourself to Sleep Tour".
  21. Sharp, Tyler (April 15, 2015). "For Today kick out guitarist Samuel Penner". Alternative Press. Retrieved April 29, 2015.
  22. "Jim Hughes Joins For Today". Instagram. Archived from the original on December 24, 2021. Retrieved June 6, 2015.
  23. 1 2 Vallecillo, Alix (July 30, 2015). "For Today signs New Record deal with Nuclear Blast". Metal Insider. Retrieved August 6, 2015.
  24. For Today. "For Today". Instagram. Archived from the original on December 24, 2021. Retrieved August 21, 2015.
  25. For Today (July 5, 2016). "For Today (Photos)". Facebook . Retrieved July 5, 2016.
  26. Childers, Chad (July 5, 2016). "For Today Reveals Plans To Split, Announce 2016 Farewell Tour". Loudwire. Retrieved July 5, 2016.
  27. "Farewell Tour". Loudwire . July 5, 2016.
  28. Montgomery, Mattie (October 22, 2018). "This weekend we will be in Detroit". Facebook . Retrieved November 6, 2018.
  29. "Mattie Montgomery interview on Indie Vision Music". Indie Vision Music. July 24, 2014. Retrieved August 19, 2015.
  30. 1 2 "For Today – Chart History: Billboard 200". Billboard . Prometheus Global Media . Retrieved January 8, 2013.
  31. "For Today – Chart History: Heatseekers Albums". Billboard . Prometheus Global Media . Retrieved January 8, 2013.
  32. 1 2 "For Today – Chart History: Independent Albums". Billboard . Prometheus Global Media . Retrieved January 8, 2013.
  33. 1 2 "For Today – Chart History: Top Rock Albums". Billboard . Prometheus Global Media . Retrieved January 8, 2013.
  34. 1 2 "For Today – Chart History: Hard Rock Albums". Billboard . Prometheus Global Media . Retrieved January 8, 2013.
  35. 1 2 "For Today – Chart History: Christian Albums". Billboard . Prometheus Global Media . Retrieved January 8, 2013.