The Amity Affliction Kick Off Next Chapter With 'All That I Remember'

Stepping into a new chapter after the turbulent departure of founding bassist Ahren Stringer, Aussie core kings The Amity Affliction returned with a fresh single and a new face.

Joining the lineup is Jonathan Reeves, formerly of Kingdom of Giants, where he played a pivotal role as bassist and clean vocalist since 2017. Reeves (who was recommended to the band by Josh Gilbert of Spiritbox) has already won over the hearts of countless TAA fans since he began touring with the Australian outfit last year, making his transition from fill-in to permanent member a natural progression.

Fans throughout the USA and South America have been lucky enough to taste the forbidden fruit of a yet-to-be-released track from the Australian-based four-piece throughout the previous few months as they performed it live throughout those regions. Now, the rest of us get to join in on the fun with the official release of 'All That I Remember'. The relaunch is an alluring blend of the band's metalcore tropes with Joel Birch and Reeves sharing vocal duties in TAA's typical screams vs. cleans style that made them a household name. Dan Brown steps into the spotlight with his chuggy riffs while Joe Longobardi pounds away on the track surrounded by alluring synths which has a feel reminiscent of the band's Chasing Ghosts meets Let The Ocean Take Me eras - a focus that will please even the harshest of critics of the band's everchanging soundscapes.

With lyrics that touch on Joel's estranged and fractured relationship with his mother, you'll be clutching your heart as he bears his soul with gut-wrenching storytelling through song, including the earworm chorus of 'You were but a stranger / You were no mother - not to me' and 'The day you died was not the same / Day you were dead to me'. The impact hits you like a ton of bricks and will call for multiple spins to truly sink into your soul.

Long term fans may find the sonic experience jarring at first (having heard Stringer in the clean singing role since 2003) but once you open your mind to the new song, you'll be lead on a path of new discoveries with one of Australia's leaders of the metalcore genre.

On the inspiration of the new song, frontman Joel Birch - along with his siblings Beau and Chanel - have shared their own personal insights into the track.

“My mother knew only abuse and isolation, even in death as she cut her own children off; she died as she lived, paranoid and alone.“ says Joel, before brother Beau weighed in “Time and again, our mother showed us that she would put herself first, and use life’s pain to justify her actions of self-interests - while we were left to fend for ourselves.”

Closing out the insights, Chanel Birch adds “This song reminds me how she would pit us against each other constantly, so much so I feel like my relationship with my brothers only grew after she was gone. When I was young I couldn’t see it, I didn’t understand the manipulation until years had passed, and I crossed oceans to breathe.”

This exciting new chapter marks a powerful turning point for The Amity Affliction, offering both loyal fans and new listeners something to truly connect with. After navigating a period of uncertainty and change, the band has emerged with renewed purpose and creative energy. With fresh music and a revitalised lineup, they’re not just bouncing back, they're pushing forward with more drive and intensity than ever before.

What do you think of the new phase of The Amity Affliction?

Words by Adam Rice @riceyadam