It seemingly took The Amity Affliction years to get their music together, releasing a demo in 2003 and a self-titled EP in 2004, but from the moment they released their High Hopes EP in 2007, the touring rampage began. In no time, The Amity Affliction was a household name amongst the hardcore community of Australia. Their mixture of metallic riffage, rock swagger and sing/scream vocal attacks made its mark on all who got in their way.
But it’s not just their music that people have taken notice of – Amity (as they are affectionately known) have an attitude and aura about their music and actions that has helped propel them even faster to the forefront of the scene. Fans come to their shows expecting flat out fun and excitement – the members always committing to making the party after the show as intense as the performance itself. The sing-along chants don’t end when the band gets off stage, and fans don’t leave after they play. With members involved in putting on punk rock clubs, music magazines, graffiti magazines, graphic design companies and online blogs that are well known throughout the country, Amity and it’s members are well ingrained into the culture and ethic of Australian hardcore culture.
‘Severed Ties’ was recorded in July and August of 2008, a grueling cross-country marathon of a record, recorded in Adelaide, Melbourne and Brisbane to get the best results. With guest vocals from JJ Peters (Deez Nuts, I Killed the Prom Queen), Michael Crafter (I Killed the Prom Queen, Carpathian, Confession), Matthew Wright (The Getaway Plan) and Helmet (The Daylight Curse), and production with Adelaide’s Darren Thompson, the 11 track full length was released in October 2008.
Severed Ties debuted at #26 on the Australian Charts and solidified The Amity Affliction as one of the most popular "heavy" bands in Australia. Triple J's national radio show "Short Fast Loud" had Severed Ties as #2 on their best albums of 2008, and popular punk site "KillYourStereo.com" listed it as #1.
In mid 2010 the band released their sophmore record 'Youngbloods'. The album debuted at #6 on the ARIA charts and has since gained significant recognition with the album constantly being voted #1 for 2010 by the public and recognized magazines alike, beating out Parkway Drive's 'Deep Blue' on many occasions. The album saw Amity's popularity sky rocket as the band has since done a sold-out national tour, tour the UK,US and Europe as well as playing the Soundwave Festival. The band is set to go on their largest tour to date with the Destroy Music Tour during May.
In October, The Amity Affliction set out on a new Australian tour with support from Asking Alexandria and Skyway! the "Fuck the Reaper" tour sold out in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. starting 2012 off with a bang, The Amity Affliction toured the 2012 Big Day Out, with fellow label mates and good friends The Getaway Plan, before touring America alongside Asking Alexandria, Trivium and may others on the "Still Reckless Tour"
On 8 February 2012 it was announced that The Amity Affliction had been signed to Roadrunner Records for their next album and future. On 7 May 2012, the band headed over to Orlando, Florida to start recording their third album with producer Michael Baskette. On 7 June 2012 it was announced the band's 3rd album would be titled Chasing Ghosts and was set to be released on 7 September 2012 in Australia, 17 September for the UK, and 18 September for the US.
It was revealed in a news article and magazine cover posted on 13/14 August that guitarist Imran Siddiqi would no longer be a part of the band. Furthermore, Siddiqi then did not appear in the video clip for the single "Chasing Ghosts" released on 15 August. A fill in guitarist played their album tour and U.S tour in late 2012.
After the release of Chasing Ghosts, the band had an Australian nationwide tour in September–October promoting their new album with supporting acts The Ghost Inside, Architects and Buried In Verona. Amity appeared on Soundwave in 2013 in February–March and also Warped Tour Australia at the end of the year.
It was announced by Joel Birch on 24 March 2013 that Dan Brown was the new guitarist, although he did not appear on the "Open Letter" music video.
In 2013 The Amity Affliction was part of Warped Tour in the United States with Chad Hasty (Glass Cloud) on drums and percussion due to Ryan Burt severely damaging his cornea during a set in Portland, Oregon. Later in the tour vocalist Joel Birch was also hospitalized due to unspecified illness, forcing the band to cancel their set in Pittsburgh. The band's next show in Cleveland was played due to the help of Sam Carter (Architects), Jason Aalon Butler (Letlive.) and Chris Roetter (Like Moths To Flames) sharing the stage as replacement vocals for Joel. All shows after this were played with Joel back on vocals after his recovery.
Late in 2013 the band went on to play the "Brothers In Arms" tour across Europe and Australia with support acts Landscapes and In Hearts Wake for the European portion and Chelsea Grin, Stick To Your Guns and In Hearts Wake for the Australian segment. In late 2013, the band released a demo of the song "Cave In". The single was speculated to be featured on the upcoming album. However, this was proved false when the band announced the track list for their upcoming fourth studio album. The first single from the bands forthcoming album titled "Pittsburgh" was released on 14 April. The second single "Don't Lean On Me" was released on 15 May. The album itself, titled Let the Ocean Take Me, was released on 6 June in Australia, 9 June in the UK, and 10 June in the U.S. it debuted at No. 1 on the Australian ARIA albums chart, becoming the band's second consecutive No. 1.
On 11 October, lead guitarist Troy Brady announced that he had decided to leave the band, making Ahren Stringer the only original member left in the band.
On 18 May 2015, The Amity Affliction released a trailer for their upcoming documentary film titled Seems Like Forever on YouTube. The video description contains links to pre-order the film, released on 10 July 2015 as a stand-alone DVD or a deluxe two-disc edition CD version of Let the Ocean Take Me, including two unreleased tracks, "Skeletons" (featured in the trailer) and "Farewell".
On 18 May 2016, The Amity Affliction posted a video to their Facebook page announcing their fifth studio album, This Could Be Heartbreak. It was also announced that the album would be released on 12 August and the band also released the music video for the first single, "I Bring the Weather with Me". The song also features clean vocals from Joel Birch. . On 10 July the band released their second single for the album, the title track "This Could Be Heartbreak" along with a music video. On 9 August, the band released a lyric video for the song "All Fucked Up" on YouTube. The band was also featured on the Fearless compilation Punk Goes Pop Vol. 7, covering The Weeknd's hit song "Can't Feel My Face". A music video for the cover was released on 22 June 2017. The Amity Affliction officially announced that Ryan Burt departed from the band due to mental health concerns on February 5, 2018.
On 20 June 2018, The Amity Affliction released the first single, "Ivy (Doomsday)", from their upcoming sixth studio album, Misery. The band announced that the album will be released on 24 August through Roadrunner Records. The band released an official video along with the release of "Ivy (Doomsday)". The band released the song "Feels Like I'm Dying" as a second part to the "Ivy (Doomsday)" video. The official track listing was eventually revealed on the band's website. It is their 4th album in a row to hit #1 on the Aria Albums Chart.
Two years later the band returned with Everyone Loves You... Once You Leave Them, their first studio LP with new drummer Joe Longobardi.
Discography:
Early Demos (2004) (EP)
The Amity Affliction (2005) (EP)
High Hopes (2007) (EP)
Severed Ties (2008)
Youngbloods (2010)
Glory Days (2010) (Compilation Album)
Chasing Ghosts (2012)
Let The Ocean Take Me (2014)
This Could Be Heartbreak (2016)
Misery (2018)
Everyone Loves You... Once You Leave Them (2020)
Somewhere Beyond The Blue (2021) (EP)
Not Without My Ghosts (2023)
Members:
Joel Birch - Unclean Vocals (2004-present)
Ahren Stringer - Clean Vocals/Bass (2003-present)
Dan Brown - Rhythm, later lead guitar (2013-present)
Joe Longobardi - Drums (2018-present)
Troy Brady - Lead Guitar (2003-2009, 2011-2014)
Clint Owen Ellis - Lead Guitar (2009-2011)
Trad Nathan - Keyboards (2006-2011)
Ryan Burt - Drums (2008-2018)
Troels Thomasen - Drums (2005-2008)
This Could Be Heartbreak
The Amity Affliction Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
This could be, I think this could be heartbreak
God help me, I've fallen away
The leaves are dancing on my grave
Streets are sounding low, we are ready now
That our world has turned too slowly
Yeah son, it's okay, I'm on my way to a better place
The walls are shaking
The Earth is breaking
Breaking apart while you're grieving
This distance between us it always defeats us (it always defeats us, it always defeats us)
Our hearts start to bleed as our eyes they become wells
This could be, I think this could be heartbreak
Our tears become rivers swimming in our own private hell
This could be, I think this could be heartbreak
It's happened again
Wave goodbye to all my friends
I can't believe that my past always comes back to haunt me
It always haunts me
It always haunts me
How can you blame me, they just watch as my box is buried
The walls are shaking
The Earth is breaking
Breaking apart while you're grieving
This distance between us, it always defeats us (it always defeats us, it always defeats us)
Our hearts start to bleed as our eyes they become wells
This could be, I think this could be heartbreak
Our tears become rivers swimming in our own private hell
This could be, I think this could be heartbreak
Our hearts start to bleed as our eyes they become wells
This could be, I think this could be heartbreak
Our tears become rivers swimming in our own private hell
This could be, I think this could be heartbreak
All the hearts that are breaking
All the memories fading
All the drugs they are taking
All the drinks to erase me
All the hearts that are breaking
All the memories fading
All the drugs they are taking
All the drinks to erase me
This could be, I think this could be heartbreak
This could be, I think this could be heartbreak
Our hearts start to bleed as our eyes they become wells
This could be, I think this could be heartbreak
Our tears become rivers swimming in our own private hell
This could be, I think this could be heartbreak
Our hearts start to bleed as our eyes they become wells
This could be, I think this could be heartbreak
Our tears become rivers swimming in our own private hell
This could be, I think this could be heartbreak
The song "This Could Be Heartbreak" by The Amity Affliction expresses the emotions of heartbreak and grief that come with losing someone close. The first verse paints a picture of the darker side of life where the singer has fallen away and is now buried six feet under. The leaves dance on his grave, and the world has turned too slowly. Despite this, he wonders if he'll miss his life when he is underground. He reassures his son that he is on his way to a better place, indicating that he intends to take his own life.
The chorus of the song emphasizes the depth of the emotions experienced in the face of heartbreak. The walls shake, and the earth breaks as the distance between the singer and his loved ones grows. Their hearts bleed as their eyes become wells, and their tears become rivers. The repetition of the phrase "this could be heartbreak" reinforces the idea that the singer is going through a difficult time. In the final section of the song, the singer speaks about how his friends have abandoned him, and he now faces the ignominy of his past mistakes haunting him even as he prepares to die.
Line by Line Meaning
This could be, I think this could be heartbreak
The singer is acknowledging that the painful emotions they are experiencing may be heartbreak.
God help me, I've fallen away
The singer feels lost and wishes for divine help.
The leaves are dancing on my grave
The singer feels as if they are already dead and buried.
Streets are sounding low, we are ready now
The world around the artist seems to reflect their negative emotional state and they feel prepared for something, possibly death.
That our world has turned too slowly
The artist feels as if time is passing too slowly and they cannot escape their pain.
As sad as it sounds, will I miss them when I'm underground?
The singer wonders if they will miss the people they leave behind once they have passed away.
Yeah son, it's okay, I'm on my way to a better place
The singer is comforting themself and assuring themself that death will be a relief from their suffering.
The walls are shaking
The artist's emotions are intense and causing physical reactions.
The Earth is breaking
The world around the artist feels as if it is falling apart, mirroring their emotional state.
Breaking apart while you're grieving
The artist is experiencing a major emotional crisis while those around them are mourning.
This distance between us it always defeats us (it always defeats us, it always defeats us)
The singer feels that emotional distance is always a barrier to their relationships and connections with others.
Our hearts start to bleed as our eyes they become wells
The artist's emotional pain is causing them to cry heavily.
Our tears become rivers swimming in our own private hell
The singer feels as if their tears are consuming them and causing them to suffer alone.
It's happened again, wave goodbye to all my friends
The singer has experienced a painful event that has caused them to lose friends or loved ones.
I can't believe that my past always comes back to haunt me
The singer feels that their past mistakes and traumas are constantly affecting their present and causing them pain.
How can you blame me, they just watch as my box is buried
The artist feels that the people around them are not doing enough to help them or understand their pain.
All the hearts that are breaking, all the memories fading
The artist reflects on the pain and loss that others around them are experiencing as well.
All the drugs they are taking, all the drinks to erase me
The singer is acknowledging that others may turn to substance use to cope with their pain or try to forget the singer.
Lyrics © WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC
Written by: JOEL BIRCH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@GabRiel-ec1nb
This could be, I think this could be heartbreak
This could be, I think this could be heartbreak
God help me, I've fallen away
The leaves are dancing on my grave
Streets are sounding low, we are ready now
That our world has turned too slowly
As sad as it sounds, will I miss them when I'm underground?
Yeah son, it's okay, I'm on my way to a better place
The walls are shaking
The Earth is breaking
Breaking apart while you're grieving
This distance between us it always defeats us (it always defeats us, it always defeats us)
Our hearts start to bleed as our eyes they become wells
This could be, I think this could be heartbreak
Our tears become rivers swimming in our own private hell
This could be, I think this could be heartbreak
It's happened again
Wave goodbye to all my friends
I can't believe that my past always comes back to haunt me
It always haunts me
It always haunts me
How can you blame me, they just watch as my box is buried
The walls are shaking
The Earth is breaking
Breaking apart while you're grieving
This distance between us, it always defeats us (it always defeats us, it always defeats us)
Our hearts start to bleed as our eyes they become wells
This could be, I think this could be heartbreak
Our tears become rivers swimming in our own private hell
This could be, I think this could be heartbreak
Our hearts start to bleed as our eyes they become wells
This could be, I think this could be heartbreak
Our tears become rivers swimming in our own private hell
This could be, I think this could be heartbreak
All the hearts that are breaking
All the memories fading
All the drugs they are taking
All the drinks to erase me
All the hearts that are breaking
All the memories fading
All the drugs they are taking
All the drinks to erase me
This could be, I think this could be heartbreak
This could be, I think this could be heartbreak
Our hearts start to bleed as our eyes they become wells
This could be, I think this could be heartbreak
Our tears become rivers swimming in our own private hell
This could be, I think this could be heartbreak
Our hearts start to bleed as our eyes they become wells
This could be, I think this could be heartbreak
Our tears become rivers swimming in our own private hell
This could be, I think this could be heartbreak
@kingawags
Lyrics:
This could be, I think this could be heartbreak
This could be, I think this could be heartbreak
God help me, I've fallen away
The leaves are dancing on my grave
Streets are sounding low, we are ready now
That our world has turned too slowly
As sad as it sounds, will I miss them when I'm underground?
Yeah son, it's okay, I'm on my way to a better place
The walls are shaking
The Earth is breaking
Breaking apart while you're grieving
This distance between us it always defeats us (it always defeats us, it always defeats us)
Our hearts start to bleed as our eyes they become wells
This could be, I think this could be heartbreak
Our tears become rivers swimming in our own private hell
This could be, I think this could be heartbreak
It's happened again
Wave goodbye to all my friends
I can't believe that my past always comes back to haunt me
It always haunts me
It always haunts me
How can you blame me, they just watch as my box is buried
The walls are shaking
The Earth is breaking
Breaking apart while you're grieving
This distance between us, it always defeats us (it always defeats us, it always defeats us)
Our hearts start to bleed as our eyes they become wells
This could be, I think this could be heartbreak
Our tears become rivers swimming in our own private hell
This could be, I think this could be heartbreak
Our hearts start to bleed as our eyes they become wells
This could be, I think this could be heartbreak
Our tears become rivers swimming in our own private hell
This could be, I think this could be heartbreak
All the hearts that are breaking
All the memories fading
All the drugs they are taking
All the drinks to erase me
All the hearts that are breaking
All the memories fading
All the drugs they are taking
All the drinks to erase me
This could be, I think this could be heartbreak
This could be, I think this could be heartbreak
Our hearts start to bleed as our eyes they become wells
This could be, I think this could be heartbreak
Our tears become rivers swimming in our own private hell
This could be, I think this could be heartbreak
Our hearts start to bleed as our eyes they become wells
This could be, I think this could be heartbreak
Our tears become rivers swimming in our own private hell
This could be, I think this could be heartbreak
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Joel Birch
This Could Be Heartbreak lyrics © Words & Music A Div Of Big Deal Music LLC
@SiK_TxBomber87
Entering 2024 and I thought it would be great to bring this song back around. Still brings tingles through my skin when Joel opens up. I'm wishing everyone an amazing entry to New Years 2024 and may God be with you all!!!
@smarb5428
I wish the same for u
@BluRaise
ive never really thought about it but amity affliction is probably the most conscious band ive ever heard, their songs are relatable to a point on different levels from many different walks of life and situations. the way they compose certain songs is incredible and breathes life while touching on the loss of it. truly helps with the struggle and im grateful for these dudes
@blvocals7643
I love love love as soon as Joel starts screaming. You can just hear the pain in his voice, and the lyrics hit so close to home. Until Amity, I never knew how much I could connect with a band and their music. I love you guys so much.
@alyssaamos7641
Scream-singing this live, with my best friend, in the pouring rain, at the final warp tour, will forever be my favorite memory with her. Amity Affliction is more than a Band. It is something more entirely. 💙
@Scherfy
Most underrated band ever! this is amazing:)
@facudlbarrera
Yes, they should be huge!
@TheEnergybeam
Next they're gonna headline Warped Tour. I'm calling it.
@danielpolido6064
In America they definitely are
@bodycountplays2915
Daniel Polido underated in America, overrated in Australia.