Behind the Devil's Back

Behind the Devil's Back
Studio album by Fightstar
Released 16 October 2015
Recorded 2015
Genre Alternative metal, alternative rock, post-hardcore
Length 36:29
Label Self-released
Producer Fightstar, Carl Bown
Fightstar chronology
Be Human
(2009)		 Behind the Devil's Back
(2015)
Singles from Behind the Devil's Back
  1. "Animal"
    Released: 31 August 2015

Behind the Devil's Back is the fourth studio album by British post-hardcore band Fightstar. The album was released on October 16, 2015, via the band's own record label - distributed by Warner Music. The album was funded via a Pledge Music campaign, which launched in July 2015.[1]

Background

September 2014 saw the band's Facebook profile updated with a new default picture and cover photo; both of which featured Fightstar artwork within an 'X' shape. On 25 September, the band's official website was updated to include a countdown timer accompanied by text that simply read "News..." The timer ended on 13 October 2014; with the announcement of a ten-year anniversary show at London's Forum. A statement from the band followed: "It has been 10 years since the inception of this band and we wanted to celebrate it with a bang. We want to thank you all for your love and support over the past ten years and we can't wait to commemorate this milestone with you guys." The concert sold out in minutes, and due to demand the band added a second concert at O2 Academy Brixton. They also announced additional dates in Birmingham, Glasgow and Manchester.[2]

On 23 February 2015 at Birmingham's Digbeth Institute, Charlie Simpson announced that Fightstar were working on new music due to be released later that year.

On 12 May 2015 Simpson revealed via Instagram that the band had returned to the studio to work on new material with long-time producer Carl Bown and consequently began using Twitter to provide updates on the progress of the album's recording process.[3] On 22 July, it was announced Fightstar would be releasing their fourth studio album, entitled 'Behind The Devil's Back' on 16 October 2015, with a string of UK dates to follow in support of the release. On 26 July, the BBC Radio 1 Rock Show premiered 'Animal', the first new song released by the band in 5 years. Haigh took to Twitter and Instagram on 20 August to begin posting brief video clips of recording sessions for 'Behind The Devil's Back' in the build-up to the album's release.

Band member Charlie Simpson claimed that the album consists of material "amalgamated" during the band's five year hiatus, and that the release was initially planned as an EP, although recording did not begin until 2015. In interview, Simpson claimed that his favourite track off the record was "Sharp Tongue", also noting that Abidi's favourite was "Dive", a track which he stated "really allowed [me] to get lost in the sound." It is also notable as being the first album on which all four members of the band share songwriting credits.

A limited edition box set version of the album is available from the band's official store. This contained a signed hard copy of the album, a T-shirt with album artwork, unique and numbered art print, Fightstar shot glass and Fightstar own brand hot sauce, all contained in a glossy box.

Reception

The album was included at number 41 on Rock Sound's top 50 releases of 2015 list.[4]

Track listing

No. TitleWriter(s) Length
1. "Sharp Tongue"  Charlie Simpson • Alex Westaway • Dan Haigh • Omar Abidi 4:05
2. "Murder All Over"  Simpson • Westaway 3:23
3. "Behind the Devil's Back"  Simpson • Westaway • Haigh • Abidi 3:15
4. "The Blackest of Birds"  Simpson 4:28
5. "Overdrive"  Simpson • Westaway 3:44
6. "More Human Than Human"  Simpson 3:42
7. "Animal"  Simpson • Westaway • Haigh • Abidi 3:12
8. "Titan"  Simpson • Westaway • Haigh • Abidi 4:12
9. "Sink with the Snakes"  Simpson • Westaway • Haigh • Abidi 2:48
10. "Dive"  Simpson • Abidi 3:49

Personnel

Fightstar
Other

Tour

In support of the album, the band embarked on a nine-date tour across the United Kingdom in October 2015. The setlist consists of several tracks from the album as well as several fan favourite tracks and singles. Support was from Arcane Roots and Making Monsters.

Setlist

[5]

  1. "Sleep Well Tonight"
  2. "Sharp Tongue"
  3. "Build an Army"
  4. "Paint Your Target"
  5. "Behind the Devil's Back"
  6. "Sink with the Snakes"
  7. "War Machine"
  8. "Grand Unification (Part 1)"
  9. "99"
  10. "Palahniuk's Laughter"
  11. "Deathcar"
  12. "Wake Up"
  13. "Animal"
  14. "Mono"

Dates

Date City Country Venue
17 October 2015 London England The Troxy
18 October 2015 Southampton University of Southampton
19 October 2015 Exeter Lemon Grove
21 October 2015 Wolverhampton Wulver Hall
22 October 2015 Norwich The Waterfront
24 October 2015 Manchester The Ritz
25 October 2015 Newcastle Northumbria Student Union
27 October 2015 Edinburgh Scotland The Liquid Room
28 October 2015 Aberdeen The Garage

Charts

Chart (2015) Peak
position
Scottish Albums (OCC)[6] 15
UK Albums (OCC)[7] 19

Release history

Region Date Label Format Catalogue # Ref.
United Kingdom 16 October 2015 Warner Music Digital download, CD None [8]
6 November 2015 Deluxe limited edition box set [9]

References

Citations
Sources
  • Bird, Ryan, ed. (January 2016). "Top 50 Releases of the Year". Rock Sound (London: Freeway Press Inc.) (208). ISSN 1465-0185. 
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