Hometown heroes

Though not widely known as a music city, Buffalo is the home of many successful acts that have garnered national attention.

Brutal metalcore band Every Time I Die is one of the best examples of this.

Brothers Keith and Jordan Buckley formed Every Time I Die in Buffalo. Since its formation in 1998, the band has been a widespread sensation that has headlined numerous tours and released five studio albums.

Every Time I Die is not a band for the quiet and reserved; it is more known for mixing metal and hardcore with southern rock influences.

Over the years, Every Time I Die has been forced to reshape its lineup. The band currently consists of Keith Buckley on vocals, Jordan Buckley and Andy Williams on guitar, Josh Newton on bass, and Ryan Leger on drums. With the exception of Leger, who was preceded by Mike "Ratboy" Novak, this incarnation of Buffalo's favorite hardcore band released the critically acclaimed album New Junk Aesthetic in September of last year.

"[The reception has been] positive, overwhelmingly so," Newton said. "I've seen it claimed as a ‘return to form.' I find this laughable. It's not like the last record was an acoustic album."

From its amped up and gritty riffs to the overall quality of Buckley's vocal talent, New Junk Aesthetic was a meticulously crafted album for the ages.

With an album as polished and impressive as the band's last outing, it may come as a surprise that Every Time I die is not all business when tracking an album.

"[When writing an album] we tend to just get together, laugh at each other, and riff," Newton said.

Anticipation for Every Time I Die's next album has been running high ever since New Junk Aesthetic was claimed a success. According to Newton, the band has yet to start working on it, but it has been hard at work developing new material for its fans to enjoy.

"We have a new DVD that comes with the record. On said DVD, you can expect the usual shenanigans and hijinks we tend to get up to," Newton said.

For those hoping to see said shenanigans in person, don't fret. Every Time I Die wrapped up the Hell On Earth tour in Germany this past Saturday with Terror, The Acacia Strain and several others.

On Nov. 1, Every Time I Die will be back on home turf to kick off their S*** Happens tour with Trap Them and Howl. Unfortunately for Buffalonians, the tour, like a few that came before it, won't be stopping in Western New York.

The band, however, will make it back home before the end of the calendar year. Every Time I Die has held an annual Christmas show in Buffalo since 2005, and they have put it on every year despite difficulties. For a hometown fan of the band, little else can live up to it.

"It's just a fun thing we enjoy doing," Newton said. "It's become increasingly difficult since only two of us live in Buffalo, but it's still worth it."

For a band like Every Time I Die, the number of shows performed and tours taken is impressive. For Newton, narrowing it down to just one favorite show is simply impossible. Still, one overall tour does tend to stick out in his mind.

"[Vans] Warped [Tour]," Newton said. "In '06 sharing a bus with The Bled, '08 getting to watch The Bronx everyday, and '10 getting to see Alkaline Trio and Dillinger Escape Plan. Such a fun time."

Whether it's for their live performances, their musical talent or even just for their self-described hijinks, Every Time I Die is one band that many homegrown Buffalonians can appreciate.

E-mail: arts@ubspectrum.com