Modern Life Is War

ByLets Go Punk
Modern Life Is War are a Marshalltown

Modern Life Is War formed in Marshalltown, Iowa, in 2002 and quickly became a staple name on the underground hardcore circuit. Across their first stretch as an active band, they put out a self-titled 7-inch EP and three full-length records before calling it quits in 2008. A few years later, they returned and continued releasing music and playing selected shows.

How it started in Iowa

The band’s earliest release was a self-titled 7-inch EP that came out through Lifeline Records in 2002. With that foundation in place, they followed with My Love. My Way. in 2003, then Witness in 2005. Both albums are now available via Deathwish Inc., the label run by Converge vocalist Jacob Bannon.

Lineup shifts and a label jump

After Witness was released, guitarist Matt Hoffman and bassist Chris Honeck left in mid-2005. Guitar duties moved to Sjarm 13, and Tim Churchman stepped in on bass. In early 2007, the band signed with Equal Vision Records and released their third full-length, Midnight in America, on August 21, 2007.

The breakup and the return

On February 19, 2008, the band announced they were ending the run. In September 2012, the original lineup reconnected and wrote new material in guitarist John Eich’s basement. The reunion was formally announced in April 2013, along with plans to record and release a new album through Deathwish.

That next chapter produced Fever Hunting, released September 9, 2013, produced by Kurt Ballou of Converge. Around its release, the band played a short run of shows, including a six-date tour in October 2013.

Reissues and later releases

In 2015, the band marked a decade of Witness with a remastered reissue featuring updated packaging and liner notes, followed by a nine-date North American tour. In 2025, they announced their fifth studio album, Life on the Moon, revealed on June 13 and released September 5 through Deathwish and Iodine Recordings.

Sound and touchstones

Modern Life Is War are commonly described as melodic hardcore. They have cited bands like Tragedy and Unbroken as key reference points.

Lineup

Current

  • Jeffrey Eaton, vocals
  • John Paul Eich, guitar
  • Bo Becker, guitar
  • Chris Honeck, bass
  • Luke Rauch, drums

Former

  • Sjarm 13 (Harm Haverman), guitar
  • Tim Churchman, bass
  • Brad Highnam, bass
  • Matt Hoffman, guitar
  • Tyler Oleson, drums

Releases

Studio albums

  • My Love. My Way. (2003)
  • Witness (2005)
  • Midnight in America (2007)
  • Fever Hunting (2013)
  • Life on the Moon (2025)

EPs

  • Modern Life Is War (2002)
  • Tribulation Work Songs Vol. 1 (2018)
  • Tribulation Work Songs Vol. 2 (2018)
  • Tribulation Work Songs Vol. 3 (2021)

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