New Jersey’s Toothgrinder have announced their third album ‘I Am.’ The album, produced by Matt Squire (Ariana Grande, Panic! At the Disco, Underoath), drops October 11 via Spinefarm Records. It’s available for pre-order HERE.
“‘I Am’… a mantra, a prayer, a mediation, a belief, a value, an all encompassing way of life. The title speaks of unity and presence. Becoming comfortable in one’s own skin. To endure whatever life throws at you with grace and gratitude. To love the ones who surround you and accept the things you can’t control. “I AM…” two of the most powerful words, for what you put after them shape your reality.
All of my life I have felt out of place, left out, a ghost, a phantom, a whisper in a sea of noise. I covered those deafening screams with abuse. Abusing others, friends, family, strangers, and most of all myself. I hurt the ones I love while still loving the one’s I hurt. I couldn’t sleep, I couldn’t eat, I couldn’t dream, I couldn’t bleed, I couldn’t breathe. I have yet to right my wrongs, but I hope to start with a song.
The anger, the tension, the narcissism, the callousness, the ego were nothing but amplified in my previous words. The despair was covered up in anger and ego, the void was filled with things, all types of things. Bright things, dark things, shiny things, needless things, but never the right thing, never the real thing.
I do my best to traverse through the negative and reach out a loving hand to those in need. This record’s words give hope rather than facade. This record’s words speak truth rather than perceived truth. This record exposes myself and the lies I have told myself and other’s. If I could accomplish one thing with this record, it would be to help one person in need. One person struggling with alcoholism, addiction, depression, anxiety, loss, guilt, shame, delusion, denial, perfectionism, co-dependency, suicidal thoughts and the list goes on. I am an open book, reach out to me with whatever you are struggling with, I have most likely been there.
We traverse the dark, we traverse the light, but by the end of the record we breathe. This is who “I AM.” This is who we are. I speak my mind, sometimes the shadow, sometimes my plight. If there is one word that can describe this record it is love. Not the facade, but the kind that cuts wood and carries water.
Like many fly fishermen in western Montana where the summer days are almost Arctic in length, I often do not start fishing until the cool of the evening. Then in the Arctic half-light of the canyon, all existence fades to a being with my soul and memories and the sounds of the Big Blackfoot River and a four-count rhythm and the hope that a fish will rise. Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it. The river was cut by the world’s great flood and runs over rocks from the basement of time. On some of those rocks are timeless raindrops. Under the rocks are the words, and some of the words are theirs. “I AM” haunted by waters. — Norman McLean
My name is Justin and “I AM” an alcoholic, addict, and co-dependent. We are Toothgrinder and this is “I AM.” Please reach out if in need. My email is: [email protected] I love you all.”
We all appreciate the thought and sentiment that Toothgrinder has put into words and made available to fans. Addiction has touched almost everyone’s life in America whether it be you personally, a friend or family member. Help is available, please reach out.
The title track for the upcoming album ‘I Am’ has become an electrifying way to hype us up in anticipation for the new album. The guitar work and the soothing vocal tones create these incredible hooks that make this song addictive. When the members of the band all sing in unison creating those stunning vocal harmonies it just sends chills down your spine. Everything comes together in the track, and one of the best moments is in the middle of the song when things pace themselves down to a halt and then like a second chance heart beat the drums come pounding in and bring the song back to life. “I Am” has much more than these musical triumphs, the lyrical content is fervently positive and passionate. Take time to absorb this song from the instrumentation and the lyrics, let it speak to you. If this single is any indication of what to expect from the upcoming Toothgrinder album we are in store for one of the best releases of the year.
WITH ALL THAT REMAINS, LACUNA COIL, BAD OMENS, UNCURED:
9/15: New York, NY @ Webster Hall
9/17: Greenville, SC @ The Firmament
9/18: Knoxville, TN @ Jackson Terminal
9/19: Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade
9/20: Dothan, AL @ The Plant
9/21: Mobile, AL @ Soul Kitchen
9/23: Dallas, TX @ Gas Monkey Live
9/24: Houston, TX @ White Oak Music Hall
9/27: Phoenix, AZ @ The Pressroom
9/28: Las Vegas, NV @ Hard Rock Live
9/30: San Diego, CA @ House of Blues
10/1: Los Angeles, CA @ The Regent Theater
10/2: Berkeley, CA @ The UC Theatre
10/3: Sacramento, CA @ Ace of Spades
10/5: Spokane, WA @ Knitting Factory
10/6: Calgary, AB @ The Palace Theatre
10/7: Edmonton, AB @ The Starlite Room
10/9: Winnipeg, MB @ The Park Theatre
10/10: Minot, ND @ The ‘O’riginal Bar and Nightclub
10/13 – 10/17: Megadeth “MegaCruise”
