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Kittie

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Upcoming Events

Aftershock Festival 2025
Aftershock Festival 2025

2025 10-04 on stage

Get ready to witness the West Coast's ultimate rock, punk, and metal pilgrimage as Aftershock Festival returns to Sacramento's iconic Discovery Park from October 2nd to 5th, 2025. Now in its 13th year, Aftershock has cemented its reputation as a must-attend event, drawing over 160,000 music fans from all 50 states and over 30 countries in previous years. This four-day destination festival consistently delivers a powerhouse lineup of genre titans and rising stars, promising an unparalleled experience for every headbanger and music enthusiast. Aftershock 2025 is set to be bigger and bolder than ever, featuring an impressive roster of over 115 bands performing across four stages. Headliners like Blink-182, Deftones (playing a special hometown show), Korn, and Bring Me The Horizon are poised to ignite the crowds with their electrifying performances. Beyond the main acts, the festival boasts an incredible depth of talent, including highly anticipated reunions like The Dillinger Escape Plan and Chiodos, rare performances, and a strong showing of California's own vibrant rock and metal scene. Whether you're a die-hard fan of classic anthems, the raw power of nu-metal, or the cutting edge of genre-blending rock, Aftershock's meticulously curated lineup ensures there's something to fuel every passion. Beyond the stages, Aftershock Festival offers a complete immersive experience. Set against the scenic backdrop of Discovery Park where the American River meets the Sacramento River, attendees can expect a lively atmosphere filled with a diverse array of food and drink options, engaging art installations, and various other entertainment. The festival has become a significant cultural and economic driver for Sacramento, bringing an estimated $30 million economic impact to the region. With its commitment to showcasing the best in rock, punk, and metal, Aftershock 2025 is not just a festival; it's a celebration of a vibrant global community and a testament to the enduring power of heavy music.

Band Timeline

1996

Formation of Kittie in London, Ontario

Kittie was formed in September 1996 in London, Ontario, Canada, when guitarist Fallon Bowman and drummer Mercedes Lander met at a gymnastics class. Shortly after, Mercedes' sister, Morgan Lander, joined as the band's vocalist and guitarist, and Tanya Candler joined as bassist in 1997. This formative period set the foundation for Kittie's presence in the heavy metal scene as an all-female metal band with a unique identity.
1999

Debut Album 'Spit' Released Under NG Records and Artemis Records

In November 1999, Kittie released their debut album 'Spit' through NG Records after signing with them post performing at Canadian Music Week. Shortly after the release, NG Records was absorbed by Artemis Records, which reissued 'Spit' in January 2000 with new artwork. The album primarily featured nu metal sounds and achieved significant commercial success, selling over 600,000 copies in the U.S. and earning RIAA gold certification. Tanya Candler left the band before this wider release, replaced by bassist Talena Atfield. The album's success led to tours with popular bands like Slipknot and garnered the band recognition as a noteworthy female metal ensemble.
2001

Release of Second Album 'Oracle' and Shift Toward Heavier Metal

Kittie's second album, 'Oracle,' was released in 2001, marking a development in their sound towards a heavier, more aggressive style, incorporating elements of alternative metal, groove metal, and death metal. While 'Oracle' debuted at number 57 on the Billboard 200 and sold 33,000 copies in its first week in the U.S., its overall sales did not match the commercial success of 'Spit.' The release solidified the band's intent to evolve musically, though it posed challenges in recapturing mainstream attention.
2004

Release of Third Album 'Until the End'

In 2004, Kittie released their third album, 'Until the End,' continuing their move towards a heavier and more melodically complex metal sound. The album debuted at number 105 on the Billboard 200. 'Until the End' featured the single 'Into the Darkness,' which saw modest charting success in the UK. Despite positive critical reception for their musical growth, the album did not achieve the commercial impact of their debut, indicative of the challenges the band faced maintaining commercial momentum in a shifting metal landscape.
2005

Departure from Artemis Records and Formation of Kittie's Own Label

Following their departure from Artemis Records in 2005, Kittie took a bold step by forming their own independent label, X of Infamy Records. This move represented their desire to maintain creative control and greater independence in producing and distributing their music. The shift to self-management indicated a new phase for the band, grappling with the music industry's changing dynamics and the band members' personal ambitions.
2007

Release of Fourth Album 'Funeral for Yesterday' via Independent Label

Kittie released their fourth studio album, 'Funeral for Yesterday,' in 2007 under their independent label X of Infamy. Marking a period of renewed creative control, the album debuted at number 101 on the Billboard 200. It spawned the single 'Funeral for Yesterday,' which became the band's most successful radio hit to date, reaching number 40 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. This era highlighted Kittie's ability to sustain their metal presence while adapting to the independent music scene.
2009

Signing with eOne Music and Fifth Album 'In the Black' Release

In 2009, Kittie signed a three-album deal with eOne Music and released their fifth studio album, 'In the Black.' The album marked another chapter in the band's career, charting at number 133 on the Billboard 200. They also secured a European licensing deal with Massacre Records. This period featured bassist Ivana 'Ivy' Jenkins, emphasizing a refreshed lineup. The band's continued presence in the metal scene was notable despite commercial fluctuations, showcasing their dedication and evolving sound.
2011

Release of Sixth Album 'I've Failed You'

'I've Failed You,' Kittie's sixth studio album, was launched in 2011 and reflected the band's ongoing exploration of heavy metal music. This album charted at number 178 on the Billboard 200, representing the band's lowest charting position in the United States. Despite this, the album was significant in maintaining their fanbase and musical identity. Following this release, Kittie began to experience a decline in touring activity and public exposure, contributing to their eventual hiatus.
2012

Compilation Album 'Not So... Safe' Released

In 2012, Kittie issued their first compilation album, 'Not So... Safe,' which showcased tracks from most of the band's six albums to that point, excluding 'Funeral for Yesterday.' This compilation served as a retrospective of the band's career highlights, emphasizing their journey through various metal genres and their impact in the metal community. The album acted as a bridge before the band's subsequent hiatus, reminding fans of Kittie's formidable contributions to heavy metal.
2017

Kittie Enters Indefinite Hiatus

By 2017, Kittie entered an indefinite hiatus due to rising costs of touring and producing new music, along with diminishing public interest in their live performances. During this pause, band members pursued other individual music projects and interests. The hiatus marked a significant pause in Kittie's active presence in the metal scene, reflecting broader challenges many bands face in sustaining long-term careers amid changing industry and fan dynamics.
2018

20th Anniversary Documentary and Reunion Concert

In 2018, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of Kittie's debut album 'Spit,' a documentary titled 'Kittie: Origins/Evolutions' was released chronicling the band's history and influence. To celebrate this milestone, Kittie reunited for a one-off concert, reigniting interest and nostalgia among fans. The documentary and reunion highlighted the significance of Kittie's impact on the heavy metal genre, especially as one of the pioneering all-female metal bands.
2022

Reunion for Festival Appearances

Kittie officially reunited in 2022 after several years of inactivity to perform at major music festivals including the Blue Ridge Rock and When We Were Young festivals. These performances marked an important comeback for the band, reintroducing them to the heavy metal audience and reaffirming their lasting influence in the genre. The reunion also signaled potential future activities and creative output from the band.
2024

Release of Seventh Studio Album 'Fire'

On June 21, 2024, Kittie released their seventh studio album, 'Fire,' through Sumerian Records, their first album in thirteen years. The release marks a significant comeback for the band, featuring their enduring heavy metal style with contemporary influences. The album’s second single, 'We Are Shadows,' became the band's highest-charting song on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Airplay chart, peaking at number 20. This album underscores Kittie's resilience and evolution over nearly three decades in the music industry.

Albums

kittie_1st_album
Spit
12 tracks
1999
kittie_2nd_album
Oracle
11 tracks
2001
kittie_3rd_album
Until the End
11 tracks
2004
kittie_4th_album
Funeral for Yesterday
14 tracks
2007
kittie_5th_album
In the Black
12 tracks
2009
kittie_6th_album
I’ve Failed You
11 tracks
2011
kittie_7th_album
Fire
10 tracks
2024
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Morgan Lander

1996

Guitar

Lead vocals

Tara McLeod

2005

Guitar

Mercedes Lander

1996

Drums (drum set)

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Ivy Jenkins

2008
2012

Bass guitar

Trish Doan

2012
2017

Bass guitar

Tanya Candler

1996
1999

Bass guitar

Trish Doan

2005
2008

Bass guitar

Talena Atfield

1999
2002

Bass guitar

Fallon Bowman

1996
2001

Guitar

Background vocals

Jennifer Arroyo

2002
2005

Bass guitar

Lisa Marx

2004
2005

Guitar

Jeff Phillips

2001
2004

Guitar

Jeff Phillips

2007
2007

Bass guitar

Story of Kittie

Kittie: A Canadian Metal Force

Hailing from London, Ontario, Kittie emerged in 1996 as a potent force in the heavy metal scene. Founded by the Lander sisters – drummer Mercedes and vocalist/rhythm guitarist Morgan – alongside lead guitarist Fallon Bowman and bassist Tanya Candler, Kittie quickly made a name for themselves with their aggressive, no-holds-barred sound.

The sisters, Morgan and Mercedes, have remained the band's core, driving Kittie's evolution through various lineup changes and stylistic shifts. Their music, released independently, has sold over two million copies worldwide, establishing them as a formidable force in the metal world.

The band's name, "Kittie," was chosen for its "contradictory" nature, reflecting the stark contrast between their cute, all-female image and the raw power of their music. Their 1999 debut album, "Spit," initially released through Ng Records and later through Artemis Records, cemented their place in the nu metal movement. The album sold over 600,000 copies in the US and was certified gold by the RIAA.

Over time, Kittie moved away from the nu metal sound, embracing a heavier, more aggressive style that incorporated elements of alternative metal, groove metal, and death metal. Their subsequent releases, "Oracle" (2001) and "Until the End" (2004), showcased this evolution, though they didn't achieve the same commercial success as "Spit."

After parting ways with Artemis in 2005, Kittie took control of their own destiny, forming their own label, X of Infamy. They released "Funeral for Yesterday" in 2007, further solidifying their distinctive sound.

In 2009, Kittie signed with eOne Music, releasing "In the Black" and "I've Failed You" in 2009 and 2011 respectively. These albums, featuring bassist Ivana "Ivy" Jenkins, showcased Kittie's continued dedication to pushing the boundaries of heavy music, demonstrating their enduring power and influence.

Kittie's journey has been marked by a relentless pursuit of musical evolution, their sound evolving from nu metal pioneers to a heavier, more intricate band that continues to enthrall metal fans worldwide.

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