“The Past”
This weekend, To Kill a Monster just released their first track in over a year. The Columbus, OH based punk rock band debuted “The Past” on March 8, accompanied by a music video. To Kill a Monster has been around since 2005, but recently returned from a short hiatus. In their time, they’ve performed with artists like Asking Alexandria, The Devil Wears Prada, and 21 Pilots. The band consists of Joey Lawson, Josh Mergler, Scott Borealis, James Barron, and Corey Melton, and they released the track with production from Unnus Latif and Black Moon Recordings. To Kill a Monster definitely ticks all of the quintessential punk rock boxes from the early 2000’s, making “The Past” feel like a fitting track title. It’s fun in a nostalgic way, all the while bringing honest and raw lyrics.
“The Past” opens with a clean and smooth line from the guitar, as if the band is just drifting by in a cloud. But it’s a bit of a fake out – after 15 seconds, Melton slams in with the drums, waking everybody up from the dream. He’s quickly joined by quick shredding lead guitar, and gritty distortion from the rhythm and bass lines. It’s a true wall of sound, overwhelming and consuming. Despite the intricacies in the guitar lines, the drumbeat remains repetitive and unyielding, making it easy to groove along to. An energetic but predictable drumline is essential to creating an anthemic track, as the audience needs something to cling to. Vocally, harmonies remain in the background, allowing Lawson’s genuine and clear tone to cut through and steal the spotlight. It’s easy to get swept up in their message – a toast to the past and friends new and old.
After creating an atmosphere of fun and nostalgia, To Kill a Monster throws in a key change. They move up ever so slightly, but the change is raw and earnest. Lyrically, Lawson opens up about his struggles accepting what’s been lost. But again, the band toasts to what they had, asking the audience to raise their glass. Intensity builds, and the drum, bass, and guitar lines sync up rhythmically. In a moment of clarity, all of this is released. Suddenly, we’re left with reverbed vocals and a single guitar, as if momentarily stepping into a ballad. It’s sincere, allowing To Kill a Monster to sit with their feelings for a few moments. Finally, the chorus returns, and so do the rest of the instruments. Lawson again instructs everyone to raise their glass, and the track abruptly comes to an end.
To Kill a Monster is preparing to release their next album, Sharpie on the Wall, next month. They have been steadily releasing tracks since their inception, but it looks like 2024 is going to be a special year for the band. Be sure to check them out.
“The Past” Album Artwork via Spotify
“The Past” music video
To Kill a Monster via Don’t Blink Music Group
