Pain

In late 2015, the band decided to slow down and take a break before focusing on their follow up to Rebuild. They departed their label and found themselves in the driver's seat in 2016. During this short hiatus, guitarist Mark Anthony began writing. Being someone known to always color outside the lines, he did just that with those early demos. When he took them to the rest of the band, it was as if fate had come knocking. Everyone was already on the same track with the direction. "When we met to talk about the new record, it was unanimous that we wanted to do what we've been wanting to do all along. Metal. Though we have had those moments in the past, we were always restricted for various reasons. Those barriers are gone now and that allowed us to create the record the way we wanted. This album is The Letter Black. For the first time, I feel we have successfully delivered the most honest and true music in the band's history" recalls Mark. "
On this record we took it back to what we've wanted to do all along. Metal. Sarah wanted to explore her vocals. She wanted to dive more into the aggressive side matching the more aggressive music but also touching on some more intimate moments on a few songs as well" recalls Mark. Vocalist Sarah Anthony states, "I wanted to really explore my vocals on this effort. I wanted to dive more into the aggressive side matching the more aggressive music but also touching on some more intimate moments on a few songs as well." Drummer Justin Brown rounded out the discussion by saying, "on this album, I wanted to take my playing to the next level and just let loose and see what happens".
During the writing process, the band was also given a list of possible producers. Though the band has had tremendous success in the past with this way of working, it was evident that the music being manifested was already where it needed to be. So, the band and their team decided that the new album, PAIN would be produced internally by Mark himself. The band already knew the sound they wanted so they looked to only one person to mix it and that was none other than Ben Grosse (Blink 182, Disturbed, Starset).
Pain is by far The Letter Black's most aggressive and heaviest record to date. Mixing in Mark's lower tunings, 7 string guitars, new approaches to synth/strings, Justin's insane drumming and Sarah's unbridled vocals has in fact produced an album that is unique and promises to take the listener on a journey into the real minds and hearts of The Letter Black.
During December of 2016 and early 2017, the band began talking to David Ellefson, bassist of the band Megadeth. Interestingly enough, David has launched a successful record label of his own called the EMP Label Group. Through these talks, the band found themselves inking a new deal with David's label opening up a new direction for 2017. "We are beyond excited to be working with David and Thom over at EMP. We really feel like they get what we are about. We have never spoken with anyone so open to letting us just go with it and create the album that we want to. That kind of trust makes us even more determined to do them proud and deliver the best album we ever have" states Mark.
With a new label, the release of Pain and a newfound passion and fire, this future of The Letter Black is poised to be a big win. Prepare yourself. PAIN IS COMING!

Lineup

Sarah Anthony (Breaking The Silence) - Lead Vocals
Mark Anthony (Breaking The Silence) - Vocals/Guitars
Matt Beal (Breaking The Silence) - Bass
Justin Brown - Drums