The Band Index

Nails

AmericasUnited StatesHardcore Punk
Community

Follow Your Favorite Band Today!

Be the first one to follow Nails!

Top Nails Community Posts

Loading posts...
Sponsor content

Upcoming Events

Aftershock Festival 2025
Aftershock Festival 2025

2025 10-02 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

2009

Formation and Debut EP Release

Nails, an American hardcore punk band from Oxnard, California, was formed in 2009 by frontman Todd Jones, previously a guitarist for Terror and Carry On. The original lineup also included bassist John Gianelli and drummer Taylor Young. In the same year, they released their debut EP titled 'Obscene Humanity,' setting the stage for their intense and chaotic musical style characterized by grindcore, powerviolence, and hardcore punk influences.
2010

Release of First Studio Album 'Unsilent Death'

In 2010, Nails released their first full-length studio album, 'Unsilent Death.' This album established their reputation in the hardcore and metal scene with its raw, aggressive sound and brief but intense tracks blending hardcore punk, grindcore, and death metal elements. The album helped to solidify their fan base and marked a significant milestone in the early phase of their career.
2013

Release of Second Studio Album 'Abandon All Life'

'Abandon All Life,' Nails' second full-length album, was released in 2013. The album received critical acclaim for its chaotic and complex blend of hardcore punk, D-beat, grindcore, powerviolence, and death metal, continuing to push the boundaries of extreme music. This release bolstered the band's status within their genre and showcased their evolution in sound and songwriting prowess.
2014

Signing With Nuclear Blast

In June 2014, Nails signed to Nuclear Blast, a prominent record label known for heavy metal and hardcore bands. This partnership provided the band with greater exposure and resources to enhance their music production and distribution. Signing with a major label also indicated the band's rising prominence in the international hardcore and metal scenes.
2016

Release of Third Studio Album and Tour Cancellation

Nails released their third studio album, 'You Will Never Be One of Us,' in 2016, further solidifying their intense and uncompromising sound. However, the year was also marked by controversy when the band abruptly canceled a European tour on July 25. Promoters claimed the band had gone on hiatus with no plans to continue live shows or recordings, leading to cancellations including their scheduled appearance at Ozzfest Meets Knotfest. Todd Jones later clarified that the band never intended a hiatus. Despite challenges, Nails returned to live performances by the end of the year, participating in The Power of the Riff festival and releasing a split 7-inch with Full of Hell.
2019

Release of EP 'I Don't Want to Know You'

In 2019, Nails released the EP 'I Don't Want to Know You,' which featured guest performances including Max Cavalera of Soulfly and Cavalera Conspiracy. This release demonstrated the band's continued creativity and influence within the hardcore and metal scenes, adding new dynamics to their aggressive style and collaborating with notable figures in heavy music.
2020

Lineup Changes and Departure of Key Members

In 2020, significant lineup changes occurred within Nails. On November 30, the band announced the 10th anniversary reissue of their debut album 'Unsilent Death.' Around the same time, drummer Taylor Young revealed he had left the band earlier that year in spring, followed by bassist John Gianelli's confirmation of his departure. This left Todd Jones as the sole remaining original member, marking a major shift in the band's composition and raising questions about its future.
2024

Release of Fourth Studio Album 'Every Bridge Burning' and New Lineup

After nearly three years of silence, Nails re-emerged in 2024 with a new lineup and new music. In June, they announced their fourth studio album, 'Every Bridge Burning,' engineered by Kurt Ballou and released through Nuclear Blast Records. New members included guitarist Shelby Lermo of Ulthar, drummer Carlos Cruz of Warbringer, and bassist Andrew Solis of Despise You and Apparition. The single 'Imposing Will' was released in June as a precursor to the album launch on August 30. This marked a significant revival for the band, showcasing a reenergized sound and expanded membership while maintaining their signature intensity.

Albums

nails_1st_album
Unsilent Death
10 tracks
2010
nails_2nd_album
Abandon All Life
10 tracks
2013
nails_3rd_album
You Will Never Be One of Us
10 tracks
2016
nails_4th_album
Every Bridge Burning
10 tracks
2024
Sponsor content

Members

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Tom Hogan

2007
2009

Drums (drum set)

Taylor Young

2009
2020

Drums (drum set)

John Gianelli

2007
2020

Bass

Story of Nails

Hailing from Oxnard, California, Nails are a hardcore punk force of nature. Formed in 2009 by vocalist Todd Jones (ex-Terror guitarist), bassist John Gianelli, and drummer Taylor Young (formerly of Disgrace), the band unleashed their brutal sound on the world with the Obscene Humanity EP. This was swiftly followed by the devastating full-lengths Unsilent Death (2010), Abandon All Life (2013), and the critically acclaimed You Will Never Be One of Us (2016). Adding to their discography, they also released a split EP with Full of Hell, and most recently, Every Bridge Burning in 2024.

Nails' savage intensity and relentless energy have earned them widespread notoriety and critical acclaim within the hardcore scene. Their career, however, took an unexpected turn in 2016. Following the release of You Will Never Be One of Us, the band abruptly cancelled a European tour, with promoters citing an indefinite hiatus and the cessation of live performances and recording. While promoters claimed a hiatus, Todd Jones later refuted this, stating that the band had never officially gone on hiatus. The band's eventual return and release of Every Bridge Burning has solidified their status as a major player in the hardcore punk landscape.

Sponsor content

Learn more about Nails

Bands you may like

More Hardcore Punk Bands

Explore Hardcore Punk

Discover more bands in the Hardcore Punk genre and explore the diverse sounds that define this musical style.

Browse All Hardcore Punk Bands

More Bands from United States

Explore United States

Discover the rich musical heritage of United States and explore bands that represent the country's unique sound and culture.

Browse All United States Bands