I doubt an introduction to Facing the Gallows is necessary, but just in case you’ve been living under a rock.. Formed in 2007 and forged in the sweaty mosh pits of Johannesburg, Facing the Gallows is known for fusing metalcore and hardcore, and adding a pinch of chaos.
The band has built a reputation for high-intensity live shows, performing at major festivals and sharing stages with numerous international titans. After a brief hiatus in 2024, they’ve returned with new material, maintaining their “Hate City Core” identity. Their music is rife with heavy riffs, brutal breakdowns, and often confronts topics of struggle and hardship.
Released with the advent of August, Living with the Dead delves into the depths of human psychology, the lyrics painting a vivid picture of mental entrapment, depicting feelings of paralysis and drowning in mental anguish.
Living with the Dead is top notch songwriting and they’ve certainly refined with discretion and focused on the details. It’s unbelievably catchy and accessible, despite manically throwing punches. The nuance throughout the song is sensational and there’s sensational moments throughout.
The musicianship is tight and cohesive – groovy guitars with some subtle and saucy sounds, potent vocals, and rock solid bass and drums, tying it all together. Recorded brilliantly and the post-production.. -grunts savagely-.. Stellar stuff!
There’s a visualiser video on YouTube, as well as artwork and lyrics for the single on Instagram. They’ve recently played Hate City Haunting at The Irish and also have some gigs coming up, including Terminal X on the 31st of October.
Amazing job, gents! Almost two decades of FTG and we’re still headbanging to sick sounds! High fives and stage dives all around!
Dwell in Darkness. Live in Light.
–Lunis Voidbright