Modern Life Is War
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2002 in Marshalltown, Iowa, United States |
| Defunct | 2008 (initial breakup) |
| Fate | Reunited in 2012 |
| Headquarters | Marshalltown , United States |
Area served | United States |
| Products | Music albums, EPs |
| Website | modernlifeiswar |
Modern Life Is War is a hardcore punk group from the United States, originating in Marshalltown, Iowa in 2002. Over their initial six-year period, they produced three full-length albums along with a self-titled 7-inch EP. Although they gained significant underground recognition, the band dissolved in early 2008 but later regrouped in 2012.
History
The band's first release was a self-titled 7-inch EP issued by Lifeline Records in early 2002. Their subsequent two studio albums, My Love. My Way. (2003) and Witness (2005), were distributed through Deathwish Inc., a label owned by Converge vocalist Jacob Bannon.
In mid-2005, guitarist Matt Hoffman and bassist Chris Honeck left the band, with Sjarm 13 and Tim Churchman stepping in as their replacements. On February 9, 2007, they signed with Equal Vision Records, releasing their third album, Midnight in America, on August 21, 2007, which received favorable critical reception.
The group declared their breakup on February 19, 2008.
By September 2012, the original members reunited and composed an album in John Eich's basement. Their reunion was officially announced in April 2013, with intentions to release the new record through Deathwish by September. Their touring activities were limited to select events such as This Is Hardcore Festival and an album launch show. In hindsight, the band expressed regret over disbanding instead of reducing their workload to better handle pressures and obligations.
Their fourth studio effort, Fever Hunting, produced by Kurt Ballou of Converge fame, was launched on September 9, 2013, via Deathwish. To promote it, they embarked on a brief six-date tour in October.
To celebrate its tenth anniversary, Modern Life Is War reissued a remastered edition of Witness on June 2, 2015. This release included refreshed packaging and liner notes and was accompanied by a nine-date North American tour.
On June 13, 2025, the band revealed their fifth studio album titled Life On The Moon, which was released on September 5 through Deathwish and Iodine Recordings.
Musical style and influences
Modern Life Is War's sound falls under the category of melodic hardcore, drawing inspiration from bands like Tragedy and Unbroken.
Members
Current
- Jeffrey Eaton – vocals
- John Paul Eich – guitar
- Bo Becker – guitar
- Chris Honeck – bass
- Luke Rauch – drums
Former
- Sjarm 13 (Harm Haverman) – guitar
- Tim Churchman – bass
- Brad Highnam – bass
- Matt Hoffman - guitar
- Tyler Oleson – drums
Discography
Studio albums
- My Love. My Way. (2003)
- Witness (2005)
- Midnight in America (2007)
- Fever Hunting (2013)
- Life on the Moon (2025)
EPs
- Modern Life Is War (2002)
- Tribulation Work Songs Vol. 1 (2018)
- Tribulation Work Songs Vol. 2 (2018)
- Tribulation Work Songs Vol. 3 (2021)
Singles
- "Stagger Lee" (2007)
Music videos
- "Fuck the Sex Pistols" (2008)
- "Feels Like End Times" (2018)
- "Survival" (2021)
External links
- American post-hardcore bands
- American melodic hardcore bands
- Rock groups originating from Iowa
- Musical acts formed in 2002
- Musical acts disbanded in 2008
- Equal Vision Records artists
- Deathwish Inc. artists
- Artists from Marshalltown, Iowa
- Musical groups reunited in 2012
- 2002 establishments in Iowa
- Musical groups disestablished in 2008