Georgia-based post-hardcore stalwarts From First to Last ended a three-year hiatus in late 2013 with the announcement of both a new lineup and a new album. Released in 2014, Dead Trees is the band's fifth album and first to feature new vocalist Spencer Sotelo, formerly of prog-metal band Periphery. Returning to the group is guitaristocalist and founder Travis Richter, who left in 2009. Initially proposed as an EP, Dead Trees was expanded into a full album after the band completed a successful Kickstarter campaign to fund it. Sumerian Records added the band to its roster in summer 2014 and the album was released in November.