Canadian post-hardcore band By A Thread first stepped onto the scene with 1999’s criminally underrated Last of the Daydreams before disappearing for a bit until the release of their 2011 self-titled album. 14 years after their sophomore album, By A Thread are back to deliver their third studio album Mirrored Life on September 12 via Spartan Records (pre-order it here). To coincide with the release of their new single “Radiation,” we had a chance to speak with guitarist Sean Lande about the new album, potential future shows, and thoughts on re-recording music.

MP3s and NPCs: Mirrored Life comes 14 years after the release of By A Thread’s self-titled album, which dropped 11 years after the release of debut album Last of the Daydreams. Releasing three studio albums within a 25-year period wasn’t part of the plan all along, right?

Sean Lande: Haha, no. None of that was part of the plan, believe it or not. That’s how life can go. Personally, after we recorded the S/T record in 2005 (yes, it didn’t come out until 2011) I did not foresee ever recording another BAT album. However, as fate would have it, I’m now happily proven wrong. I’m hoping the next one comes out sooner than later and I’m very excited to start the writing process again.

MP3s and NPCs: For Mirrored Life, the band brought drummer Gabe Mantle and bassist Carl McBeath to the fold. How did you meet those two musicians?

Sean: John and I have known Gabe since 1995. When our former band, Strain, needed a last-minute drummer to fill in for a 7 week European tour, Gabe stepped up. He learned the set in a week or two and we were off to Europe. Gabe was also the first drummer John and I worked with when we started BAT in 1996/1997. Additionally, Gabe plays in the Canadian band, Gob. Tom and Theo from Gob recorded the S/T record and were a part of Landspeed Records, the label that initially released Last of the Daydreams. So, a long history with Gabe. Carl is newer to the mix. I knew of Carl peripherally through mutual friends. I heard some of the bands he played in and heard his bass playing on the Change “Closer Still” LP. I messaged him to see if he would be interested and thankfully he was. He’s been an amazing addition to the band as a musician and as a great person to be around. Carl also handled the layout for the album.

MP3s and NPCs: After two albums on Revelation Records, the band signed with Spartan Records. How did you wind up working with that label?

Sean: Our goal has always been to work with people who are just as stoked as we are, and who really get what we’re about. I first connected with John at Spartan after reaching out to a bunch of incredibly helpful people who introduced me to folks that might be interested. I can imagine it wasn’t the easiest call—working with a band that hasn’t been active since 2006—but thankfully, Spartan believed in the record. We’re beyond happy to be working with them. Together, we were able to put a ton of care and attention into every detail of this release, and we’re so grateful for that. Spartan makes beautiful products, and we’re happy to have ours among them.

MP3s and NPCs: What song(s) stands out for you on Mirrored Life? I’m fond of “Dyed In The Wool” and “Sub Rosa.”

Sean: Maybe a cliche answer, but it’s tough to pick for me. I love all the songs for different reasons. However, Tempest and Connaught are close to my heart. Stoked you like Dyed in the Wool and Sub Rosa. I love those ones too.

MP3s and NPCs: Alongside the new album, By A Thread have delivered new merch. What’s it like having something official for fans to wear after so long?

Sean: Yes, it’s been some time. Glad to have some new shirts and we plan on making some more designs available. Hopefully soon!

MP3s and NPCs: With releases spread so far apart, the band haven’t hit the stage in quite some time. With this lineup, are you looking to have By A Thread play shows again or will this be a studio only project going forward?

Sean: We will most definitely be playing as many shows as we can. We are all working (some parenting) and Gabe, our drummer, plays in a few bands. We are hoping to go to Europe in 2026 and definitely play shows whenever and wherever we can.

MP3s and NPCs: Despite the sporadic releases and live performances, By A Thread still have a strong following thanks to the internet. How wild is it still seeing people jam to By A Thread songs or even cover them today?

Sean: I’ve seen at least one cover, but not too much. In the short amount of time since the album has been announced, it’s great to see old and new people being in touch. We hope to gain more momentum as we go and keep our release schedule much tighter in the future!

MP3s and NPCs: Many bands such as Anberlin and Thrice have been re-recording beloved albums to give them an updated feel. Would By A Thread ever do something like that for Last of The Daydreams?

Sean: I would never say never. However, I think there’s typically some magic to the first time you record something. Last of the Daydreams would likely sound fairly different with how we approach music now. That could be cool, or potentially not. I lean toward leaving the past in the past and moving forward with what we’re feeling and creating in the present.