In 2005 a band formed in Iowa by the name of For Today. The band went through a few lineup changes before breaking out into the scene and making their way to change the music scene and the world. Over the past 11 years, the band has released 6 albums and 2 E.Ps, each being unapologetically sharing the gospel that is the Lord Jesus Christ with vocalist Mattie Montgomery at the helm literally screaming his praises with each song. After 11 years, the band has decided that it is time to put For Today to rest and move on into different endeavors, capping of their career with a farewell tour that will have been completed before this article makes it to the internet (FInal show on December 18th, 2016). This article will serve as my farewell to a band that I have looked up to and that has inspired me in life.

As stated, the band formed in 2005 and did not originally have plans on being a big Christian band. After vocalist Mattie Montgomery joined the band replacing the original vocalist before the band recorded their first EP, the band shaped itself into one that would share the gospel. Over the band's career, they have been not only one of the biggest acts in the Christian Metal scene, but one of the biggest bands in the modern metal and hardcore scene as a whole. This band has never strayed away from their mission and sound of their music making them one of the most unique bands I have ever listened to, sharing praise and worship with screams and breakdowns that make you wanna start throwing fists in the air.

I have had the pleasure of seeing the band live twice in my life; the first time in 2014 at Warped Tour in Camden New Jersey and the second (and last time) last year in 2015 in October in Gambrills, Maryland during their WAKE tour in support of their sixth, and final album "WAKE," released earlier that same year. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend their farewell tour, but I am happy I at least got to see them live beforehand. This is a special band that has captivated me since day one of picking up their record.

Every time I go to the mall, I always got to F.Y.E and buy at least two albums to add to my ipod so I can have my music to listen to. Back in my junior year of high school in 2011, I was browsing F.Y.E at the mall and already had in my hands Sleeping With Sirens' debut album “With Ears To See And Eyes To Hear,” and was looking around for another album to pick up. Not knowing what to get I walked around until I saw an album entitled “Breaker” by a band called “For Today”. At this point in my life I have never heard of this band except for a few times from some friends but it was only the band’s name. I have never heard this band’s music, or knew who they were. For some reason that day I decided to pick up the record and buy it and take it home not knowing what I was getting myself into. After downloading the music and listening to them I was immediately drawn in by the opening guitar chugs and screaming vocals screaming “Hell fear me” on the albums opening track “Devastator”. Listening to the album in whole and hearing the praises that were screamed (I was used to this as I was into metal/core music at the time and already listening to a few Christian hardcore bands) it drew me in and I was immediately hooked on the band and their music. Who knew that picking up an album on a whim not knowing who the band was and what their music was would turn into one of the best music choices I made in my life.

Even after slightly deviating from Christianity myself and short of forming my own worldview outside of church (I still attend a local church every Sunday with my family) For Today has stuck with me. Picking up every album released after Breaker (Immortal, Fight The Silence, and Wake respectively) the band continued to be a musical inspiration for me and a band I keep close and high on my list of favorite bands. Seeing them twice live were some of the best shows I have seen. The energy of the band goes through the whole crowd. Front man Mattie is continuously unapologetic; preaching of the word of God is something few people couldn’t stand, but was something that was special to the show because you don’t really see many bands within the core scene speaking as openly of God and Christ as this band has. Mattie has shared countless stories of fans coming up and talking to him after shows and praying with them and seeing them accept God and Christ as their savior. This wasn’t a gimmick for this band it was truly their way of life and it’s something that again is not really seen much in the scene.

For Today has truly been an amazing band and an inspiration to those who choose to listen to them. Their music is not for everyone, but is something that can draw you in. This band has meant a lot to me and to hear that they will be disbanding is a sad truth to face, but they have done what the have set out to do and now it is time for them go out and follow what God has in store for them after For Today. Some of the members have already started up a new band we hope to hear a lot from, and Mattie has his own printing press company now where he makes T-shirts and other merch. These guys have always followed God's plan for them, and it seems that his plan for them is ending For Today, and going on into their own endeavors. I am thankful for this band, and am happy I had the pleasure of seeing them and meeting them, and even getting a poster and flag signed that have been proudly hanging on my wall since getting them. Thank you For Today for all the great music, and the great shows, God Bless and if you ever decide to reunite after some time, I will be waiting.

(me and For Today in 2014. Warped Tour Camden, New Jersey)

For Today 2005-2016