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Harms Way

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Band Timeline

2006

Formation of Harm's Way as a Side Project

Harm's Way was formed in 2006 in Chicago, Illinois, initially as a side project by members of a straight edge punk band called Few and the Proud. They played fast powerviolence songs influenced by bands like Crossed Out and Infest, starting more as a fun and not entirely serious endeavor. Over time, the band evolved from this comedic approach towards a darker, more death metal-influenced sound, reflecting a shift in their musical focus and seriousness.
2009

Debut album Reality Approaches Released

Harm's Way released their debut studio album Reality Approaches in 2009. This album marked their early sound rooted in hardcore and powerviolence. The release helped establish them locally and set the foundation for the band's development, showcasing their aggressive style with influences from punk and hardcore scenes.
2011

Second Album Isolation Released and Growing Recognition

In 2011, Harm's Way released their second studio album Isolation, which demonstrated their progression towards a heavier and more complex sound. Following this release, the band reached out to Jacob Bannon of Converge and his label Deathwish Inc. to express interest in signing with the label, signaling their intent to expand beyond the underground.
2013

Signing to Deathwish Inc. and Release of EP Blinded

In March 2013, Harm's Way officially signed with the influential label Deathwish Inc. This signing marked a critical step in their career, providing increased support and resources. On July 23, 2013, they released the EP Blinded, which featured artwork by Florian Bertmer and incorporated more industrial metal elements inspired by Godflesh. The band promoted Blinded with a music video for "Mind Control" and embarked on a world tour, expanding their audience significantly.
2015

Third Studio Album Rust Launched and Extensive Touring

On March 10, 2015, Harm's Way released their third studio album Rust through Deathwish Inc. This album showcased a new musical direction, blending groove thrash, nu metal, and hardcore, with darker and more serious themes reflected in their imagery and logo redesign. Rust received positive reviews for its powerful, intense sound. In support, the band toured extensively across North America and Europe, sharing stages with prominent acts like Code Orange and The Black Dahlia Murder, solidifying their position in the heavy music scene.
2018

Posthuman Album Released on Metal Blade Records

Announced in December 2017 and released on February 9, 2018, Posthuman was Harm's Way's fourth studio album and their debut on Metal Blade Records. Produced by Will Putney, the album further embraced industrial metal influences with dark, heavy atmospheres, crystallizing the band's evolving sound. The release was critically acclaimed and supported by a February-March US tour. Posthuman represented the band's fullest realization of their artistic vision, drawing praise for their fusion of hardcore intensity with industrial and metal elements.

Albums

📷
No Image
Harsh Distractions Vol. 1
4 tracks
2009
harms-way_1st_album
Reality Approaches
11 tracks
2009
harms-way_3rd_album
Isolation
8 tracks
2011
harms-way_4th_album
Rust
10 tracks
2015
harms-way_5th_album
Posthuman
10 tracks
2018
harms-way_6th_album
Isolation - Redux
12 tracks
2021
harms-way_7th_album
Common Suffering
10 tracks
2023
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Bo Lueders

N/A

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

John Hoffman

N/A
N/A

Story of Harms Way

Chicagos Harms Way emerged from the ashes of the straight-edge punk band Few and the Proud in 2006, initially conceived as a playful side project. Their early sound was a blistering cocktail of short, fast powerviolence, heavily influenced by acts like Crossed Out and Infest. Drummer Chris Mills describes their beginnings: "Super-fast powerviolence songs, with a masked singer belting out silly lyrics about beating up frat boys." This irreverent energy, however, soon gave way to a darker, more serious direction.

Their evolution saw them shed the comedic elements and embrace a heavier, death metal-influenced sound. This progression was documented across several releases through Organized Crime Records and Closed Casket Activities. By 2011, the band had released their second studio album, Isolation, which caught the attention of Converge's Jacob Bannon. This led to a pivotal moment: Harm's Way signing to Deathwish Inc. Their subsequent releases, including Reality Approaches (2009), Rust (2015), and the critically acclaimed Metal Blade Records debut Posthuman (2018), solidified their unique blend of metal, industrial, and hardcore, cementing their place as a significant force in the heavy music scene.

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