Modern Life Is War (commonly abbreviated as M.L.I.W.), was a Marshalltown, Iowa-based melodic hardcore punk band. They were known for their incendiary live shows and unique take on the melodic hardcore and hardcore sound, usually avoiding standard songs structures and almost entirely abandoning the use of breakdowns. During M.L.I.W.'s six year run, the band released three full-length albums and one self-titled 7" E.P. Despite a growing profile on the underground hardcore circuit, and garnering critical acclaim from numerous musical outlets, Modern Life Is War announced their dissolution in early 2008.