To mark a milestone of decades of metal, Motionless in White released Decades July 17. It manages to keep the same energy as their introduction to the music sphere and has a message that “I’m still fucking here.” “We were never afraid to take risks,” observes Chris. “This band has not only lasted two decades, but we’ve also outlasted all of the obstacles we’ve faced. We’re still grinding. No matter how far we expand the universe that is Motionless In White, we’re going to preserve the heart, soul, and roots of where we came from. We are never going to abandon heartfelt, emotional, and heavy songs. We are never going to abandon what mattered to us the most when we started. We’re finding new ways to emphasize those stories with exciting sounds and looks, but the vision is the same. It’s always been this grand, dramatic, and theatrical entity. I’m proud we haven’t gotten comfortable.”
Few bands have successfully blended metalcore, industrial, gothic aesthetics, hard rock, and cinematic production quite like Motionless in White. While many of their peers have softened their sound or chased mainstream trends, Motionless in White has consistently expanded its musical palette without abandoning the heaviness that built its fanbase. Decades continues that tradition, balancing crushing riffs with soaring melodies, electronic textures, orchestral flourishes, and emotionally charged songwriting.
The band’s greatest strength has always been atmosphere, and that remains evident throughout the album. Every arrangement feels cinematic, layering massive guitar tones, industrial programming, orchestral elements, and thunderous rhythm sections into songs that feel equally suited for headphones and festival stages.
The title track opens the album blowing your hair back and leaving you gasping for breath. “Decades” comes out the gate not mincing words with “I’m still fucking here. Is that all you fucking got? I have never felt so alive. Among the faces in which I confide. Pen to the pavement, Failures reframed. Ashes to embers, I fueled the flames. You will remember my name. You’re either in or in my way.” This song is such a great anthem that in one swoop appreciates those who stand by you, yet tells those against you to fuck off.
“R.I.P.” slows down and opens with Skylar Grey’s beautiful harmonic voice, singing “if you ever die, I would never rest in peace.” Chris shows the other end of the spectrum for his vocals, showcasing a soft melodic side to his talent. Chris elaborates on this song “Skylar brought it to another level, I challenged myself to be more specific in the lyrics. Even though the song is written through a romantic lens, it could be applied to any time you’ve fallen out with a person you care about—a best friend, family member, or romantic partner. You say hurtful things, and you don’t necessarily mean them. In the middle of this, there’s a confused, frantic, and silent moment. You just want to apologize and make it right, but you don’t know how due to the conflicted feelings. You’re not sure if things are going to be dead and gone forever, or if you can turn it around.”
“Playing God” honestly is low hanging fruit for me to review. Featuring Corey Taylor, these two metal icons on one track offers a metal euphoria. In today’s culture, this song is especially relatable. Chris adds “It’s an observational commentary on toxic internet culture and the people who perpetuate it. The internet has gotten worse to the point where only negativity, hatred, and lies are at the forefront of everything you see. It’s very frustrating because I thought social media was supposed to be a mechanism to connect, but all it does is divide.”
Motionless in White released their successful Mr. Brightside cover, I’m happy to see they’ve included another phenomenal 80’s cover with “Sunglasses at Night” towards the end of the album. I really don’t need to delve into this track, cause it goes without saying that anything MIW covers, they “Kelly Clarkson” the song.
The production deserves praise for striking the difficult balance between polish and power. Every instrument has room to breathe while maintaining the density that fans expect. Nothing feels overproduced or sterile; instead, the album sounds modern, expansive, and unapologetically heavy.
What makes Decades especially compelling is that it doesn’t feel like a band looking backward. Despite the title, the record avoids becoming a retrospective. Instead, it reflects the confidence of musicians who know exactly who they are while remaining willing to experiment.
“‘Decades’ and ‘Afraid of the Dark’ are the bookends,” Chris states. “The concept is similar for both. It emphasizes the story of Motionless In White and our fans. Mile after mile, we’ve dodged bullets every year. In a life full of opposition, we’ve continued to prevail.”
This album really feels like a letter to fans, cementing the shared story between fans and the band, as Chris said, dodging bullets every year.
Track list:
Decades
log_in/crash_out
R.I.P. Feat. Skylar Grey
Fight Like Hell
Playing God Feat. Corey Taylor
All that I’ve Ever Known
Blood Rave Feat. Anthony Martinez
Love At First bite
Count Back From Zero
Blood Pact
Afraid of the Dark
Sunglasses At Night
Hollywood
Fight Like Hell feat. Outlier
