The Fire (Senses Fail album)

Recording

Recording for the album began at Salad Days Studio with Brian McTernan in June 2010 with a tentative release date later that year. Prior to its release, vocalist/lyricist Buddy Nielsen stated that the album "is a reaction and a release of a whirlwind of emotions that came from fighting for what we love and dealing with change and growth both personally and creatively".

Release

Senses Fail posted a new song online titled "Saint Anthony" on their Myspace on August 26, 2010, Vagrant Records subsequently released 'The Fire' and 'New Year's Eve' on their YouTube channel. In addition, the band asked fans to volunteer to be in a music video for the song "The Fire", which was filmed in New York City on October 9 and 10. On October 18, the band released all of the tracks from "The Fire" on Myspace. In March and April 2011, the band went on tour, supported by The Ghost Inside, Man Overboard and Transit.

Reception

The album received generally positive reception. Staff reviewer Davey Boy of Sputnikmusic gave the album four out of five stars, praising the lyrics as well as the track arrangement, concluding that "in refining the band’s sound and style so effectively, ‘The Fire’ is ultimately a resounding success which meets its objectives." Drew Beringer of AbsolutePunk.net was positive, commenting "Yes, there are imperfections (a recycled riff here, some flat vocals there), but overall The Fire is the essential Senses Fail record to own" and that it is "Full of aggression and just enough catchiness to please both types of fans". Allmusic also gave a positive review, stating that the album "starts with a small spark that quickly builds itself into an emotional blaze that burns steadily across all 11 tracks, taking the listener on an exceptional musical ride" and that it "shifts gears from good cop to bad cop effortlessly".

AlterthePress was more negative, saying "Whilst Senses Fail have proved to be consistent, 'The Fire' just about falls into being labelled as being 'safe,'" with a rating of three out of five. Daily Dischord.com also called that album 'safe' and that "Senses Fail have yet again shown no ambition to break out of their comfort zone".

Track listing

iTunes/Vinyl bonus track

12. "Ghost Town" - 3:50

Limited Edition DVD

The album will also be released with a live DVD, which was filmed at a hometown Halloween show at Starland Ballroom in New Jersey. It contains over 90 minutes of live footage and interviews with the band, and was directed by Adam Rothlein. The DVD features ex-guitarist Heath Saraceno, who recently left the band.

DVD Track Listing

1. "Steven"
2. "Bonecrusher"
3. "Sick or Sane (Fifty For a Twenty)"
4. "Irony of Dying on Your Birthday"
5. "Lady in a Blue Dress"
6. "Wolves at the Door"
7. "Buried a Lie"
8. "NJ Falls Into the Atlantic"
9. "Rum is for Drinking, Not for Burning"
10. "Bloody Romance"
11. "Calling All Cars"
12. "Bite to Break Skin"
13. "Lungs Like Gallows"
14. "Family Tradition"
15. "Shark Attack"
16. "Can't Be Saved"
17. "187"

Personnel