The New Jersey-based group formed six years ago and released their debut EP, From the Depths of Dreams, in 2002. 2004's Let It Enfold You—their first full-length—was followed by Still Searching, which debuted at 15 on the Billboard Top 200 chart. To date, Senses Fail have performed multiple worldwide tours and their catalogue sales have reached over 850,000, yet the band continue to evolve. Although in many ways Life Is Not a Waiting Room picks up seamlessly where Searching left off, the new album has very distinct, unique qualities, most notably its lyrical content. While Searching wrestled with issues regarding religion and depression, Life is centred squarely on a crumbling relationship, and the desire to see meaningful change.

Life also marks the addition of new bassist Jason Black (formerly of Hot Water Music), who replaces the departed Mike Glita. Meanwhile, guitarists Garrett Zablocki and Heath Saraceno (formerly of Midtown) have grown into one of the most scorching six-string tandems around; Life features more of the nimble harmonies showcased on Searching, but this time the duo took it one step further, with some truly shred-a-riffic leads, such as those heard on “Lungs Like Gallows” and “Garden State.” Another rocker, “Wolves At The Door,” was so intense that it even garnered a coveted spot within the soundtrack for the best-selling Madden NFL ‘09 video game. Kicking off with the rich, moody “Fireworks At Dawn,” Life roars and pummels its way through the album’s 12 tracks without the slightest pause for filler, delivering an absolute haymaker just four tracks in with “Family Tradition,” which features the band’s signature blend of dark and melodic.

SF have once again delivered their message with both passion and fury. All one has to do is listen with their ears and heart open—just as an old friend would.