Within the Ruins founding members Joe Cocchi and Kevin McGuill started the band during 2003. The band went through some line-up changes and finally began working on their first self-released EP entitled Driven by Fear which was completed in 2005. Followed by the release, the band began touring in late 2006 in an effort to gain exposure and label recognition. With the release of their second EP Empires through Innerstrength Records the band received an offer from Victory Records. The band's debut studio album Creature was released in February 2009, followed by their second studio album entitled Invade. Invade was released in September 2010, selling over 3000 copies in its first week. The band has most recently toured Europe with Carnifex and has been part of a number of 2011-12 festivals thus far including the Bonecrusher Fest, the Jamboree, New England Metal and Hardcore Festival, the Bamboozle, South by Southwest and 2011's the Summer Slaughter Tour. In support of the Summer Slaughter Tour the band released a 4-song EP entitled Omen. The EP consists of 2 new original songs and a cover of Metallica's "Fight Fire with Fire" and Kansas' "Carry On Wayward Son". In 2013 the band signed with new label eOne Entertainment and released the third studio album called Elite.
On April 20, 2014, vocalist Tim Goergen was hospitalized in the band's hometown of Westfield, Massachusetts with "heart/liver complications". As a result, the band was forced to miss a scheduled appearance at the "Eat Your Heart Out Fest" in Poughkeepsie, New York while touring in support of fellow deathcore mainstays Whitechapel.
The band released an official statement on the occurrence via their Facebook page:
"Yesterday morning Tim checked into a hospital here in Western Mass for a second time since our tour began four days ago. We will unfortunately not be performing at today's Eat Your Heart Out Fest, as we are waiting for clarity on Tim's condition and release. Tim informed us a few weeks before leaving for tour that he was experiencing chest and stomach pains. After his first doctor visit he was advised to "take it easy" if he did do the tour. At this point all we know is that he is experiencing heart/liver complications, will not be released today, but is stable."
Tim's recovery necessitated the band canceling the rest of their scheduled tour dates. On their Facebook page, the band released an official statement:
Unfortunately, at this point we have no other option but to withdraw from the remaining dates of the Whitechapel tour. Tim will be released tomorrow, but due to the seriousness of his condition he has been advised not to engage in any strenuous activity while recovering over the next few weeks. We apologize to any fans that were looking forward to seeing us, but Tim’s health comes first. We WILL be back out this summer in support of our forthcoming album. The rest of the shows are still happening so be sure to make it out and support our friends in Whitechapel, Carnifex and Cruel Hand. See you all this summer!
On July 8, the band released the fourth studio album entitled Phenomena, which reached #72 on the Billboard 200.
On February 15, 2015, while traveling through Pennsylvania in support of Suicide Silence on "The Stronger Than Faith", the band were involved in a serious bus accident. Extreme winter conditions resulted in the band's van and trailer flipping several times on the interstate. None of the band members were injured, however their gear was completely destroyed.
Speaking on the incident, Joe Cocchi stated:
"We rolled about three times from what I can remember and landed on the median. Our van and trailer are totaled. All I can say is that we're happy to be alive. I don't know how, but none of us were injured. We're on the road touring because this is all we know and love, and we want to continue. Help us get back on our feet by picking up a shirt. Thank you all for the continued support."
The band created a GoFundMe page in order to help pay for the damages to their equipment.
On November 21, 2016, Within the Ruins announced their fifth studio album, Halfway Human, and debuted a single, "Death of the Rockstar". On March 3, 2017, the band released Halfway Human. The album debuted at number 191 on the Billboard 200, selling 4,025 copies in its first week.
On February 24, 2018, it was announced vocalist Tim Goergen would be leaving the band following his final performance with the band at the 2018 New England Metal and Hardcore Festival on April 21. His replacement would be Steve Tinnon. On July 27, the band released two new singles, their first with Tinnon, "Resurgence" and "World Undone".
On September 24, 2020, the band announced that their sixth studio album, Black Heart, would be released on November 27.
Creature
Within the Ruins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The lyrics to Within the Ruins's song Creature seem to paint a picture of a person recognizing the manipulative tactics of someone they already know well. The lyrics are full of metaphors that describe how the person knows the other's intentions after playing this card before. The person recognizes that they deserve the hand they have been dealt and the other person will soon realize this too. The phrase "laughing all the way to the bank" indicates that the person may feel victorious since they have figured out the other's motives.
The song then describes an imminent danger that "creeps in the night" and seems to threaten the safety of those involved. The lyrics advise taking precautions and being watchful. Then, the song jumps to a new narrative where a person is confessing to a crime or trying to justify their actions. The metaphors used in the first verse continue, with the phrase "sucked to the depths" indicating that the person has hit rock bottom.
Overall, the lyrics to Creature describe a power struggle, recognizing manipulative behavior, and some tense situations in which precautions must be taken.
Line by Line Meaning
I've seen how it goes.
I'm familiar with your tactics.
You've played this card before.
You've used this strategy in the past.
I've already seen your hand.
I know what you're going to do.
You deserve the hand you've been dealt.
You're getting what you deserve.
I'll be laughing all the way to the bank.
I'll be enjoying my victory.
We'll see who comes out on top in the end.
The winner will be determined eventually.
All eyes on the sky.
Be aware of your surroundings.
You better sleep with one eye open.
Be vigilant and cautious.
It creeps in, in the night.
Danger is approaching.
Wake up. Wake up the plagues it's coming tonight.
Be alert and prepared for the imminent threat.
Hurry to the door. Shut the windows. Don't say a word.
Take action to protect yourself.
This could be our last night.
We may not survive this danger.
Have the tellers call the cops.
Get help from authorities.
There's a whore on the run. She's headed your way. Wait for it.
Someone dangerous is approaching.
I know you're dying to hear my side of the story we seem to tangle ourselves in.
You're curious about my perspective of the situation.
I'll try to clear my lungs. I'll be resuscitated.
I'll do my best to recover.
I've struggled against the tide. Try to sink this ship.
I've faced obstacles and challenges.
Is that all you've got?
Your efforts are underwhelming.
Now believe my story.
Trust me and accept the truth.
Sucked to the depths. I lost my crew. I lost it all.
I suffered a great loss.
Contributed by James R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
GreenBanana
Hmm...I want to incorporate these songs into my series somehow... *w* But I think the album arts are my fave, especially the three-eyed demon dude. <3
Cailean Darrington
@every W.T.R fan... you will never find another band with such complexity in their songs with such good taste in rythmn and breakdowns.. this band IS metal.. you cant just put this in a genre of metal because metal comes UNDER these guys! <3 I am beyond Inspired by Joe Cochi to do great things with my guitar :)
Curious Fiend
Comparing apples to oranges is pointless though.
WTR is so brilliantly unique that each of their albums is a genre in its own right.
This album is obviously the CreatureCore genre.
😆🤘
There is another greatly underated band who have consistently pushed the boundaries of musical creativity that may perhaps interest you, Gojira.
Wouldn't ever compare them, except for both bands expressing a very rare level of highly unique creative brilliance.
Avery schlosser
drew winter (singer for the band SoTC) is my inspiration to do great things with my voice :P.
GWGnoxx
The whole album is mate.
Alf Norg
oh fuck !! this song is hiper-super-fucking-amazing
preyfan
YES
kevin lehst
sick as fuck!
Anion Skywalker
Obviously W.t.R. has risen from the light side of the force
aslbled06
@LucySkyDiamonds666 ...the "Slayc" cover is what took me to these guys and tractor pull. Im glad i found them though!