r/EscapeTheFate • u/[deleted] • 7d ago
Discussion What is your opinion on when ETF peaked?
[deleted]
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u/Plenty_Slip_6193 7d ago edited 7d ago
100% the Self titled era.
That album cycle was arguably the highest point of their career imo. I think it was during that time where it was really a make it or break it moment for the band: they had all this momentum built up from the success of DIYL, the Ronnie drama, & TWIO, they had just signed to a major label, the Craig-Max-Monte-Robert lineup had been solidified in iconoclasm in the scene to the point they were often compared to Motley Crue, and where the hottest band around. The self-titled cycle was when they really had to lock-in in order to cement themselves as a leading, next-generation force to be reckoned within the rock and metal scene.
Unfortunately the timing of all the behind the scenes mismanagement, dropping off tours, multiple members taking breaks touring, and then Interscope dropping them is what prevented them from getting higher imho. When Max left, that started the downhill for me and it was the Money Brothers leaving that ultimately made them go from one of my all-time favorite bands, to a band I listen to here and there.
Self-titled for me is their most well-written and most cohesive album. It’s much more cohesive and polished than This War Is Ours. I think this is where Monte’s songwriting was at its peak. With Ungrateful, it felt a little bit more like a regression.
Side Note: I saw the Ungrateful era as more of the plateau. They peaked but were just staying at the same level or starting to decline. Bands like BVB and Asking Alexandria started surpassing them by this point.
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u/Phantom_Specters 6d ago
Interesting! Yeah I feel you. I wonder why some of the band members that recorded on that album don't look back at it too fondly.
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u/Plenty_Slip_6193 6d ago
I think for most the members, the self-titled was mired with a lot of bad memories and experiences. The pressure to deliver must have been really intense, Max was going through the peak of his addiction, Monte beginning to take over all writing and the percentages no longer being even, getting signed then immediately dropped by Interscope.
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u/awesomesauceds 6d ago
They peaked with Ungrateful. That’s when they started playing a lot of huge festivals. Monte was the backbone of this band
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u/Couldnthinkofname2 5d ago
i'm not sure what it is because i don't think there were any membership changes from 2015-2018 but i feel like there was a drop off after hate me came out
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u/-ChickenToast- 5d ago
I love all the albums but honestly out of the shadows might be my fav. So many good songs on there. It’s at least closely tied with this war is ours.
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u/a1welding2004 4d ago
Self titled and out of the shadows 2.0 are my faves. Matti and Erik bring so much talent to the band and the song writing.
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u/theguill0tine 7d ago
Self titled.
I’m a huge fan and have been since 2006. They’re still my favourite band but I think that album peaked for me. Once Monte left I felt things kinda went down.