How a fractured metalcore legacy birthed a new heavy music supergroup
In short: When the Buffalo-based band Every Time I Die dissolved after 24 years, fans feared the end of an era. Instead, a new, high-intensity entity emerged from the wreckage, uniting veterans of the genre's most chaotic scenes into a singular, powerful force.
The origins of Better Lovers are rooted in the messy dissolution of Every Time I Die. In late 2021, the band faced internal friction following a hiatus by Keith Buckley due to mental health concerns. By January 18, 2022, the remaining members—Jordan Buckley, Stephen Micciche, and Clayton Holyoak—announced they could no longer perform under the original name due to communication breakdowns. This period was marked by legal tension, as Keith Buckley was issued a cease-and-desist in late December 2021 regarding the use of the band's name and likeness. The band's final performance took place on December 11, 2021. This followed a period where the group attempted to resolve their internal disputes privately.
Rather than disbanding, the core members continued rehearsing in New Jersey with producer Will Putney. On April 17, 2023, they officially announced Better Lovers. The lineup was bolstered by guitarist Putney and vocalist Greg Puciato, formerly of The Dillinger Escape Plan. While often labeled a supergroup, bassist Steve Micciche emphasized that the project was intended as a distinct creative entity rather than a mere collection of past legacies. The group's lineup also includes guitarist Jordan Buckley. This formation follows sessions held at Putney's New Jersey studio.
The band's discography moved rapidly following their debut single, "30 Under 13." They released the EP "God Made Me an Animal" in July 2023, followed by their debut full-length album, "Highly Irresponsible," on October 25, 2024. Although their music features intense mathcore elements, the group underwent major shifts; by 24 February 2026, a friendly split with Puciato was declared, yet preparing their next studio LP continues. The band's output included the single "Two Alive Amongst The Dead" in late 2023. They also released the track "The Flowering" in early 2024.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Better Lovers
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