Local Artist Highlight - To The Death

To The Death - Utah county's current success story may be Victim Effect, but all I have to say is 'watch out' because unless something divine happens, To The Death is going to be springing to the top of the charts. I know what you're thinking, "How on earth can you possibly say that?" Because I've heard them. Seriously, these guys have some incredible talent, and I'm beyond proud to be able to say they come from my area. Formed in April of 2006, these guys have played at just about every local venue in Utah county, and even some out of Utah county. They released an album in 2007 called "Best Laid Plans..." which you can get here. To The Death on the whole sounds like what would happen if Muse and Coheed and Cambria had a lyrically genius love child that spoke exactly what was on it's mind. Mike Fjerstad has a wonderful voice and he compliments the talented guitar counterparts like bread compliments butter. My personal favorite on their album is "Die With A Smile" because the guitars suck you immediately, and then Fjerstad's voice comes sailing in like an anthem above the weary clouds, which is only elevated to an entirely new level by the climbing piano, stirring you on and don't worry, you're supposed to feel like rebelling. It's kind of part of what they stand for. "Pomp and Circumstance" is another track that absolutely shines on this album -- with a crunchy guitar feel that makes you feel like you want to stand up and throw something. Fjerstad's vocal capabilities are really shown off here; and believe me, he's not being pretentious, he really can sing that well. I'd try to categorize these guys, but this is my kind of band -- the kind that defies categorization and description. They've got something for everyone on this album, and it's beyond worth picking up; local or not, this is a solid, professional sounding album. My only complaint about this band is...

To The Death? Seriously? What kind of a band name is that? Did your twelve year old little brother think that up for you? Come on guys, I know you can do better than that. Hell, I can do better than that. Regardless, keep up the great sound and I hope to see you get signed and hit it big soon; I know you can do it.

If you really like these guys (like I do) you can request them on X96's Live And Local slot from 8-10pm each Sunday. You can request online (because we are the generation of technology) at their site or you can do it the old fashioned way and call it in to 1-877-602-9696. Or the third option, if you're really savvy, is you can text your request to 79640.