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12 Stones

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Band Timeline

2000

Formation of 12 Stones

12 Stones is an American Christian rock band formed in 2000 in Mandeville, Louisiana. The original lineup included lead vocalist Paul McCoy, along with Richard Labranche, Sean Dunaway, David Troia, and Jon Rodriguez. The band members quickly gained attention for their melodic post-grunge and hard rock style, securing a record deal with Wind-up Records within just 15 months of formation. This early signing marked the beginning of their professional music career and set the stage for their later successes.
2002

Release of Debut Album '12 Stones'

In 2002, 12 Stones released their self-titled debut album under Wind-up Records. The album featured singles like 'Broken,' 'The Way I Feel,' and 'Crash,' each accompanied by music videos and gaining radio play. Notably, the song 'My Life' was featured on the soundtrack for the movie The Scorpion King. The album debuted at number 147 on the Billboard 200 chart, helping establish the band in the rock music scene. Their music also found placement in popular wrestling events and films, helping garner a wider fanbase.
2003

Paul McCoy Featured on Evanescence Hit and Early Success

During 2003, lead vocalist Paul McCoy was featured on Evanescence's single 'Bring Me to Life,' which found massive success and won the Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance in 2004. This collaboration further increased McCoy's and 12 Stones' visibility in the rock music industry. The year marked a critical period where the band members capitalized on the growing fan base from both their own releases and the association with notable acts like Evanescence.
2004

Release of Second Album 'Potter's Field'

12 Stones released their second album, 'Potter's Field,' in 2004. The album continued to showcase their post-grunge and alternative metal sound. Tracks such as ‘Shadows’ and ‘Photograph’ were used in various media; 'Shadows' appeared in trailers for Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, and 'Photograph' featured on the Elektra film soundtrack. This album solidified their standing in the hard rock genre and expanded their presence in both music and popular culture through strategic media placement.
2007

Release of Third Album 'Anthem for the Underdog'

In 2007, 12 Stones released their third studio album, 'Anthem for the Underdog.' This album continued to develop their sound with a blend of post-grunge and hard rock, appealing to their loyal fan base and attracting new listeners. The band maintained their momentum in the alternative rock scene by touring and promoting the record, further establishing their reputation for delivering emotionally charged music with powerful vocals and memorable hooks.
2009-2010

Recording and Release of Fourth Album 'Beneath the Scars' and Departure from Wind-up Records

Toward the end of 2009, 12 Stones worked with producer David Bendeth to record their fourth album, 'Beneath the Scars.' The first single, 'We Are One,' was released in early 2010 and gained significant recognition, being used as a theme song for WWE's faction known as The Nexus and for various sports event broadcasts such as the ACC men's basketball tournament and the Washington Capitals hockey team. In August 2010, after nine years, the band announced their departure from Wind-up Records, seeking new opportunities that aligned more closely with their vision.
2012

Release of Fourth Album 'Beneath the Scars' via Executive Music Group

After leaving Wind-up Records, 12 Stones signed with Executive Music Group and released their fourth studio album, 'Beneath the Scars,' digitally on May 22, 2012, with a store release following on May 29. The album reflected the band's continued growth and evolution, blending their signature hard rock sound with fresh themes and production approaches. This period marked a new chapter for the band as they navigated the music industry with a different label and continued to engage their fan base through new music and performances.
2017

Release of Fifth Album 'Picture Perfect'

On July 14, 2017, 12 Stones released their fifth studio album, 'Picture Perfect.' Ahead of the album, the title track premiered on Loudwire in June, building anticipation among fans and critics alike. The album further demonstrated the band's sustained ability to produce impactful rock music well into their career, maintaining relevance in the modern rock scene and continuing to appeal to both long-time fans and newer audiences.
2020

Release of EP 'Smoke and Mirrors, Volume 1'

In November 2020, 12 Stones released 'Smoke and Mirrors, Volume 1,' a five-song EP. This release showcased the band's adaptability and commitment to producing new music despite changes in the music industry landscape. The EP format allowed the band to present a concise, focused collection of songs that illustrated their ongoing creative evolution while maintaining the hard rock and post-grunge sound that defines their identity.

Albums

12-stones_1st_album
12 Stones
12 tracks
2002
12-stones_2nd_album
Potter’s Field
11 tracks
2004
12-stones_3rd_album
Anthem for the Underdog
13 tracks
2007
12-stones_4th_album
Beneath the Scars
14 tracks
2012
12-stones_5th_album
Picture Perfect
14 tracks
2017
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Aaron Gainer

N/A

Justin Rimer

N/A

Paul McCoy

N/A

Eric Weaver

N/A

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Kevin Dorr

2000
2004

Story of 12 Stones

12 Stones, a Louisiana-bred Christian rock band formed in Mandeville in 2000, burst onto the scene with a meteoric rise. The quintet—Paul McCoy (vocals), Richard Labranche, Sean Dunaway, David Troia, and Jon Rodriguez—secured a record deal with Wind-up Records within just 15 months of forming. Their success was amplified by McCoys contribution to Evanescences "Bring Me to Life," a Grammy Award-winning hard rock anthem (Best Hard Rock Performance, 2004).

The bands powerful sound quickly gained traction, landing their tracks in major films and television. Their self-titled debut album yielded several placements: "My Life" in *The Scorpion King* (2002), "Broken" as the official theme song for WWEs Judgment Day pay-per-view (May 2002), and "Home" in Kurt Angles WWE *Desire* video. Later, *Potters Field* contributed "Shadows" to a Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man`s Chest trailer and "Photograph" to the soundtrack of Elektra (2005). They also delivered an exclusive track, "Let Go," for the Daredevil movie soundtrack. 12 Stones’ impact extends beyond the studio, showcasing a potent blend of Christian faith and hard-hitting rock that resonated across multiple platforms.

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