Memories is the latest release from Tears for the Dying, a seven-track masterpiece that is perhaps my favorite work by them so far. The band has a 17-year history and this album has been described as Adria (lead singer, song writer & guitarist) as one of her most emotionally difficult albums she’s ever created. That strong emotional investment and deep personal connection is personally what I feel makes it stand above the other albums to date. We were both in agreement that this album leans more on the punk side than previous ones and the political lyrics of tracks like All For Nothing and ACAB are prime examples of that. There is still plenty of pure death rock tracks and the cover of Spiritual Cramp by Christian Death seems to be a favorite among fans I know.
The title track Memories delves into incredibly difficult breakup though whether about another person or with one’s self I am not entirely certain. There is a dichotomy between loving and hating someone, or even oneself and a struggle with how to deal with those painful memories. Clearly something traumatic and life changing has taken place and there isn’t necessarily going to be a happy ending. These kinds of traumatic relationships are simply what one is destined for and all one can do is yell for those thoughts to get out of your head.
These emotions and themes can be found throughout the entire album. That same kind of contrast we see in Memories is present from the start of the album. Deadweight sounds rather bright musically and wistful at times while the softly sung lyrics speak of a saline air of ambience, stepping into the water at night and the coming release from agony. Palomine similarly speaks of feeling your heart skip while you think of someone, only to feel left “Swiping screens in this black milieu” and listless living.
The album is not all depressing though, as Lost Girls does contrast the previous track in my opinion. Having that group of strong women who have more insight than others and won’t be fucked with. Willing to break down barriers and making no apologies I personally find this a rather uplifting song which is a nice reprieve before going into All For Nothing and ACAB. These two tracks speak of rampant violence of those willing to kill for religion, racism and the abuses of those serving gods and governments. These are certainly the more punk rock elements of the album as the rest deal with painful memories and relationships and Lost Girls as a good transition in theme and musical influences.
All this builds up to the title track Memories. This could have been the perfect capstone, though the choice of cover really fits the themes present throughout the album. It doesn’t feel just tacked on as an extra and is a fitting way to end the album. You can hear the influence it has had on Tears for the Dying as a whole and this album specifically.
Picture by John M. Blood. Tears for the Dying, from left to right: Debbie (bass), Adria (guitar), Candy (guitar)
Finally, I want to thank Adria for gifting me this album in advance and being such an inspiration, I’m sorry it took me so long to write this up. I’d also like to thank Azy, Michelle and Kelly for inspiring me to write this at all as I’ve never written anything like this before. Thank you to Obscura Undead for introducing me to Tears for the Dying’s music just last year and giving me a space to share these thoughts.