What makes Ex Lives by Every Time I Die notable?

The album received critical acclaim, debuting at number 10 on the Billboard Hard Rock Albums chart and being recognized for its inventive approach to hardcore music. It also earned praise from outlets like Alternative Press, which highlighted its raw energy and lyrical depth, influencing a new wave of bands in the metalcore genre. Ex Lives is the sixth studio album by Every Time I Die, released in 2012, following their 2009 album New Junk Aesthetic. At this point, the band was solidifying its reputation within the metalcore scene, showcasing a matured sound while retaining their signature intensity. This album also marked a period of increasing visibility for the band, as they began to draw more mainstream attention.

Ex Lives works well if you're into short bursts of chaotic energy, dark humor with frenetic pace and for high-energy moments.

How many songs are on Ex Lives?

Ex Lives has 11 tracks, running approximately 32 minutes.

Ex Lives

Every Time I Die · 2012

32 min · 11 tracks · hardcore punk

A chaotic blend of hardcore punk and metalcore that fuses ferocity with sharp lyrical wit.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Underwater Bimbos From Outer Space — This opening track captures the album's frenetic energy while introducing its darkly humorous themes through rapid-fire lyrics and aggressive instrumentation.
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I Suck (Blood) — A standout song that combines catchy hooks with brutal riffs, illustrating the band's ability to balance melody and aggression effectively.
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Partying Is Such Sweet Sorrow — This track showcases emotional vulnerability beneath its punk exterior, highlighting the band's lyrical complexity while maintaining intense musicality.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album combines aggressive sound with sharp lyrics, maintaining energy while exploring varied themes.

What we noticed

The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a fast pace, which is maintained through the first half before slowing down in the latter tracks.
Lyrical themes often shift abruptly between humor and darker introspection, creating a dynamic contrast throughout the songs.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

short bursts of chaotic energy
dark humor with frenetic pace
for high-energy moments
quick tracks for focused listening

Maybe skip if you

prefer slow, melodic experiences
avoid chaotic, intense listening

Where this album fits

Career context: Ex Lives is the sixth studio album by Every Time I Die, released in 2012, following their 2009 album New Junk Aesthetic. At this point, the band was solidifying its reputation within the metalcore scene, showcasing a matured sound while retaining their signature intensity. This album also marked a period of increasing visibility for the band, as they began to draw more mainstream attention.
Stylistic neighbors: The Chariot· Norma Jean· Hopesfall