Yesterday Was Everything

Yesterday Was Everything, released in 2016, is an emotional and dramatic music documentary that delves into the intoxicating world of band life, detailing their artistic battles, personal confrontations, and mental health issues. Directed by Matthew Mixon, it features the influential metalcore band, Misery Signals, led by Jesse Zaraska, the lyricist and vocalist, and Ryan Morgan, the guitarist and purveyor of musical agony.

The documentary takes you on a journey through time, zooming in on the members' personal battles and inner demons, as they unite again ten years after their critically acclaimed album, "Of Malice and the Magnum Heart." The narrative is largely channeled through the perspective of Zaraska, but it does not shy away from showcasing the struggles of Morgan and the other band members. Brought together by shared creative passion, and driven apart by personal differences and external pressures, the band's story is a metaphor for the experiences of many a musical collective.

Yesterday Was Everything embodies a poignant and raw portrayal of the band's ten-year-long journey after their split. The documentary consolidates the highs and lows, punctuated by touching personal narratives, in-depth interviews, and intriguing concert footages. Misery Signals' struggles and successive transformation unveil an interesting paradox of the glamourous music world, which often hides tumultuous waves under its glittery surface.

A focal point of the film is the band's decision to participate in a reunion tour to perform "Of Malice and the Magnum Heart" in its entirety, giving an opportunity for the band members to rekindle their old bond, delve into unexhausted potentials, and confront their unresolved issues. As they traverse the journey both musically and spiritually, they plunge into the throes of self-discovery and the overwhelming pull of nostalgia.

What sets Yesterday Was Everything apart from other rockumentaries is the way it handles the nuances of mental health. Without romanticizing or trivializing mental illness, the documentary serves as a mouthpiece for the band's introspection, specifically putting a spotlight on Zaraska's battle with depression and anxiety. The narrative propels Zaraska's emotional struggle to the forefront, turning his internal confrontation into a collective one and emphasizing the importance of mental health discussions in rock music, a subject that is often masked by the character masks of rockstars.

Ryan Morgan, the band's guitarist and co-founder, is powerfully portrayed against Zaraska's struggle. Morgan, while battling his issues, acts as the pillar holding Misery Signals together, not just musically but emotionally as well, underscoring the highs and lows of creative collaboration and what it means to be there for each other.

Yesterday Was Everything not only gives an insight into the rocky terrain of the band's past but also poses a question about their future. Will they dissolve back into their own separate lives after the tour or will the reunion set the stage for a second coming of Misery Signals? These questions keep the viewer on the edge and induce a sense of anxiety, only intensifying the palpable suspense.

While the band's music is the spine of the film, it goes beyond being merely a visual soundtrack. At its core, Yesterday Was Everything examines the complex relationship between creativity and inner demons and how both feed off each other to produce an intense musical experience.

In essence, Yesterday Was Everything offers a unique exploration of the music industry, delving deeply into the tumultuous but inspiring lives of the band members. It talks about their shared passion and love for music which brought them together, and their personal confrontations and struggles which pulled them apart. It is a must-watch documentary for not just fans of Misery Signals, but for any music enthusiast who wants to glimpse the often-hidden turmoil and catharsis behind the making of rock music. It is a testament to the healing power of music, the camaraderie of bandmates, and the enduring spirit of artists even in the face of adversity.