Recently, metalcore band If Not For Me released their latest full-length album, Where The Light Begins To Fade, and it’s definitely hitting all the notes I was expecting to hear. This band has been on my radar for a while since seeing them two years ago at The Rave/Eagles Club, opening for Set It Off. They bring a memorable live show, immersing the fans with catchy riffs and hard-hitting lyrics. This newest drop expands on their signature sound of melodies and emotionally packed words as they continue to push themselves harder to deliver music that is full of heart, power, and precision. The album title definitely tells me there will be some heavy emotions and meaning behind each track.

Now, several of these tracks had been dropped earlier on as teasers to this full project, but the focus track of the overall feel was not released until now. The title of that song is “Prey For Me” and gives this double-sided meaning with how the word “Prey” can be interpreted. Some might hear “pray” at first, and it comes off as a plea for help, but the word “prey” means one is being hunted on. The double sounding also makes the lyrics so much more intricately interesting as they go “So practice what you preach, the way you prey for me, ain’t hurting like you think.” The way it sounds like you need to be careful because what you tell me not to do but you’re doing it is like you’re coming for me, but surprise, it’s not causing the harm you were hoping for. It’s a diss track because you cannot hurt me even if you choose to listen to your own advice. It matches the overall themes for this album, which range from betrayal to trauma, heartbreak, horror, jealousy, and so many difficult emotions you might not want to acknowledge. These darker times are something everyone experiences at some point, and being able to have a breakdown moment screaming to lyrics that connect to what you’re feeling is such a therapeutic feeling. 

Vocalist Patrick Glover mentions that there are some more fun and catchy tracks like “Teeth.” Now, this song is definitely a straightforward banger that calls for a mosh pit. I am especially hooked on the chorus when Glover sings, “So tell me what you want from me,” because it hits so incredibly hard. It’s a challenge as the song closes out with, “Show me your teeth,” like you’re such a tough guy, prove it to me. It’s going to get stuck in my head, and I’ll find myself humming it randomly for sure. 

If you want something more personal and emotionally cutthroat, you can listen to “Novocaine.” The beats are still catchy, but there’s a sadness flowing throughout it all as Glover’s vocals are softer on the notes. It’s a love song in a way, as the lyrics go, “I won’t let you hurt; I’ll be the cure to the pain,” but almost more distraught because there’s also the line, “But I could never be the peace you need.” The heartbreak is that he longs to fix one’s troubles, but sometimes that’s easier said than done. 

This album is a hauntingly beautiful work that is full of stories, and the lyricism is done right. If Not For Me have really outdone themselves with this album, and I look forward to being able to hear some of these tracks played live. They will be on tour this fall in support of Wind Walkers alongside True North. It’s a heck of a lineup, so you should grab a ticket now. I know several dates are already sold out, so if that’s accurate, maybe they’ll headline a tour soon. Follow If Not For Me on all social pages and stream Where The Light Fades everywhere right now!