A Life Once Lost

Lore & Background

A Life Once Lost formed in 1999 in a suburb of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Their first album, Open Your Mouth for the Speechless... in Case of Those Appointed to Die, was released on Robotic Empire, and they toured with Canadian band The End. A second release on Deathwish Inc. preceded their third album, Hunter, on Ferret Music in 2005. The group supported Hunter by touring with Throwdown, Zao, As I Lay Dying, Lamb of God, Clutch, Opeth, and Strapping Young Lad, and took part in Ozzfest 2006.

In September 2007, the album Iron Gag was released, featuring musical guests Devin Townsend of Strapping Young Lad, Anthony Green of Circa Survive, and Randy Blythe of Lamb of God. The band supported the album with tours alongside High on Fire, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Saviours, Suicide Silence, and Job for a Cowboy. They toured Europe twice in 2008 with Himsa and War from a Harlots Mouth, respectively, and later performed in Scandinavia and two shows in Russia. In April 2009 they played three shows in Alaska, and in May 2009 they embarked on the You've Got Mail Tour with Thy Will Be Done as direct support.

In March 2012, the band began recording a fifth studio album with producer Andreas Magnusson. Titled Ecstatic Trance, it was released on October 23, 2012. The band toured throughout fall 2012 as an opener for Revocation, along with Canadian band KEN mode. A Life Once Lost announced their breakup on July 12, 2013.

Reader's Guide

A Life Once Lost contributed to the American metal scene with a series of albums that evolved from their early work on Robotic Empire and Deathwish Inc. to later releases on Ferret Music. Their third album, Hunter (2005), and its supporting tours with major acts like Lamb of God and Opeth, as well as participation in Ozzfest 2006, helped raise their profile. The 2007 album Iron Gag featured notable guest musicians, including Devin Townsend, Anthony Green, and Randy Blythe, and was supported by tours with prominent metal bands. Their final album, Ecstatic Trance (2012), was recorded with producer Andreas Magnusson. The band's legacy lies in their consistent output over 14 years and their extensive touring, which connected them with a wide range of metal audiences. Their breakup in 2013 marked the end of a career that included multiple European tours and performances in Russia and Alaska.