Recommended tracks: “Don’t Believe It,” “Vultures,” “Bring Me Back To Life,” “Reminiscing You”
Artists you might like: Daughtry, Shinedown, 3 Doors Down
Hinder has officially returned with their 7th studio album Back To Life on May 23rd via Evil Teen Records. Celebrating almost 25 years as a band, the album marks the Oklahoma City quartet’s first full-length release since The Reign in 2017.
Back To Life is living proof of Hinder’s dedication and care for their artistry throughout their over 20-year career. The album marks a significant shift towards a new chapter for the band as they cement their long-standing presence within the rock scene. Hinder has shared that this record brought life back into the band and their passion for creating and writing music after a period of uncertainty. Back To Life explores themes of personal struggle, growth, and perseverance through its 13 tracks.
Back To Life is full of hard-hitting rock anthems that allow Hinder’s musical identity and life experiences to shine through. Tracks like “Live Without It” and “Don’t Believe It” serve as refreshing takes on the band’s classic style with gritty vocals and intense guitar riffs. “Vultures” is a cutthroat, grungy track about the loss of innocence and pain that comes with growing older. The line “If you cut me open and look inside / you’ll see all the wreckage you left inside” allows vocalist Marshal Dutton to showcase how life weighs heavily on someone as they exit their youth and navigate adulthood. “Everything is a Cult” is another stand-out track that showcases Hinder’s intense resilience and forceful instrumentals.
“Bring Me Back To Life” is the track that sparked it all for this record. Hinder has continuously shared leading up to the release that the process of writing this song helped breathe life back into them as artists. A track that lead vocalist Marshal Dutton said is about “overcoming a lack of inspiration,” the song is a melodic pop-rock dream that expresses the sentiment of wanting to savor every present moment after hardship. It’s proof of the power in knowing that life goes on even when you feel your lowest.
While the album is full of Hinder’s signature explosive sound, Back To Life has plenty of beautiful contemporary rock ballads that are incredibly moving in both their lyrical content and production. “Time to Breathe” is an ethereal piece that details the act of giving a partner their desired space while still missing them to the point that it’s suffocating. With lyrics like “I wanna hold you but you’re out of reach” and “I don’t hear from you now and it hurts / but I’m giving you time to breathe,” Dutton gives us a stunningly emotional vocal delivery that conveys this sentiment. “Reminiscing You” is another slower track that explores the feeling of being haunted by nostalgia, with Hinder revisiting the past and wishing things had been different with another person.
Back To Life comes to a close with “Trying to Get Home,” a heartfelt acoustic track about finding your place in the world, remembering you’re not alone and staying hopeful for what’s to come. It’s the perfect closer to an album that fearlessly explores feelings of embracing change and perseverance. This record is a testament to Hinder’s strong presence in the rock scene and their unwavering efforts to voice their perspectives, thoughts, and values through emotionally charged and authentic tracks.
Hinder will be hitting the road on their Back To Life Tour Pt. 2 in July and August throughout North America in support of the new album. They’ll also be making appearances on major festival lineups such as Aftershock, Louder Than Life, and Summer of ‘99 & Beyond through October. Tickets and information for Hinder’s upcoming shows can be found here.
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