[3] The album features a heavier and more "metal-headed" sound as stated by lead vocalist Tyler Smith.

By the end of 2011, The Word Alive had already confirmed plans to head into the studio for their second album along with stating that it will be produced by Joey Sturgis.

[6][7] On April 1, 2012, during a show at the Extreme Thing festival in Las Vegas, Smith announced that the album would be released on July 3, 2012.

[9][10] The band debuted a song from the album for the first time ever on March 31, 2012, at Las Vegas' Extreme Thing festival, which was also the first performance ever to include the group's current drummer, Luke Holland.

[14] Matt Higgs of Rock Sound said "Life Cycles may not be pushing the boundaries, keeping much of the stylisations of the band's debut, but the sum really is as great as all of its parts".

[20] Drew Beringer of AbsolutePunk said "Even if this isn't your preferred genre, there is no denying that Life Cycles is one of the most personal and genuine albums of 2012" and continued "The Word Alive isn't trying to be the next this or the biggest that, rather Tyler Smith and company are just trying to give music fans something honest and heartfelt, something they accomplish wholeheartedly on Life Cycles.