Music Review: If Not for Me Album "Where the Light Begins to Fade"

If Not for Me's latest album, Where the Light Begins to Fade (via Thriller Records), is a powerful follow-up to the band's previous release, Everything You Wanted. The record balances crushing breakdowns, catchy melodies, and deeply emotional songwriting, creating an experience that feels both heavy and heartfelt. Throughout the album, the band explores themes of betrayal, grief, religious trauma, and heartbreak while continuing to expand their sound beyond what fans have heard on previous releases.

Among the album's standout singles is fan favorite "Lie Awake" featuring Trevor Borg of Wind Walkers. The contrast between the verses and chorus helps tell the story of a toxic relationship, blending vulnerability with explosive energy. Another notable collaboration comes on "Novocaine" featuring Josh Mowery of Catch Your Breath. While the song may initially come across as a love song, a deeper listen reveals a more heartbreaking narrative about watching someone you care about fall apart while feeling powerless to help.

One of my personal favorites on the album is "Say It to My Face" a heavy-hitting diss track featuring Taylor Barber of Left to Suffer. The track delivers some of the album's most aggressive moments, pairing blistering instrumentation with a raw sense of frustration and anger.

Other standout tracks include "Broken Throne" which touches on vocalist Patrick Glover's upbringing in the church and the difficult process of untangling religious trauma while questioning deeply rooted beliefs. It's one of the albums most personal and emotionally impactful moments.

While Where the Light Begins to Fade maintains a high level of energy throughout, it never loses sight of its emotional core. The album showcases clear growth in the band's songwriting, with each track contributing something meaningful to the overall journey. The production feels polished and refined, allowing every element to shine. Whether it's the haunting atmosphere of the darker tracks or the earworm choruses that linger long after the music ends, the album demonstrates a maturity and versatility that elevate If Not for Me's sound.

Overall, Where the Light Begins to Fade is one of If Not for Me's strongest releases to date. It delivers everything metalcore fans could want crushing riffs, emotional storytelling, memorable collaborations, and unforgettable choruses. For both longtime listeners and newcomers alike, this album is well worth a listen.

Tracklist:

1. Retrograde

2. Lie Awake

3. Unholy

4. Say It To My Face

5. Broken Throne

6. Prey For Me

7. Teeth

8. Novocaine

9. Love To Hate Me

10. Pretty Lies

11. Save Me

12. Close To Closure