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Band Timeline
2015
LaPlante and Stringer contemplate new musical direction
In 2015, vocalist Courtney LaPlante and guitarist Mike Stringer, both members of the band Iwrestledabearonce, were engaged and beginning to consider forming their own musical project. They had each joined Iwrestledabearonce as replacements and felt uncomfortable with their roles. Seeking a new personal and creative path, they decided to leave the band later that year. This marked the beginning of their journey towards establishing Spiritbox as a band that would allow them full artistic expression.
2016
Marriage and initial recordings for Spiritbox
Courtney LaPlante and Mike Stringer married in 2016, shortly before starting recording sessions for their new project. Within two weeks of their marriage, they began recording songs in their home studio. Stringer, a multi-instrumentalist, wrote drum parts for their planned extended play, with session drummer Mikey Montgomery rearranging them. The debut EP was produced with help from friend Tim Creviston and mixed by Dan Braunstein in Los Angeles. These sessions laid the foundation for Spiritbox's sound blending metalcore and progressive metal influences.
2017
Formation and debut EP release of Spiritbox
Spiritbox was officially formed and announced on October 9, 2017, by LaPlante and Stringer based in Victoria, British Columbia. LaPlante officially confirmed her departure from Iwrestledabearonce later that month. The band released their self-titled debut EP on October 27, 2017, featuring seven songs including the single "The Beauty of Suffering." Despite the release, the band paused live performances due to challenges adapting their music for a full band live setup. They also secured over $38,000 in funding from FACTOR to support recording and touring efforts.
2018
Expansion of the lineup and label partnership
In 2018, Spiritbox expanded from the founding duo when Bill Crook joined as bassist and Ryan Loerke as permanent drummer. Both musicians brought experience from other bands and helped complete the band's lineup. Around this time, Jason Mageau, former manager of Iwrestledabearonce, founded the Pale Chord label specifically to release and promote Spiritbox's music. Under a distribution partnership with The Orchard, the band focused on online promotion, effectively building a fanbase before embarking on regular touring.
2019
Release of Singles Collection EP and growing online presence
Spiritbox released their second EP, Singles Collection, in 2019, which helped solidify their presence in the heavy metal scene. They capitalized on internet promotion through a series of compelling music videos that garnered widespread attention. The band was still primarily building their audience online and had yet to commence extensive touring, but the momentum was growing significantly thanks to the expanded lineup and fresh material.
2020
Spiritbox's debut full touring and increasing popularity
After years of preparation and careful online engagement, Spiritbox debuted as a touring band in 2020. Their live performances allowed them to connect directly with fans and demonstrate the impact of their unique blend of metalcore, progressive metal, and electronic music influences. This period was marked by increased visibility, setting the stage for their upcoming major releases and further success.
2021
Release of debut album Eternal Blue and chart success
In 2021, Spiritbox released their debut studio album, Eternal Blue, which entered the US Billboard 200 chart at number 13. The album was a critical and commercial success, featuring singles that charted on Billboard and showcasing the band's matured sound. It marked a breakthrough moment, positioning Spiritbox as a leading act in modern metal. Eternal Blue's thematic depth and musical complexity earned the band significant recognition and broadened their fanbase considerably.
2022
Release of third EP Rotoscope
Spiritbox continued their creative output by releasing their third EP, Rotoscope, in 2022. This EP further explored their signature blend of heavy metal and electronic elements and sustained the band's momentum following their successful debut album. Rotoscope received positive reception for its innovative sound and helped maintain Spiritbox's visibility within the metal community, consolidating their reputation as a forward-thinking and genre-crossing band.
2023
Release of fourth EP The Fear of Fear
In 2023, Spiritbox released their fourth EP, The Fear of Fear. This release continued to showcase the band's evolving sound and lyrical themes, further cementing their style in a competitive musical landscape. The EP served to keep the audience engaged with fresh material while the band prepared for their next major project, demonstrating their consistency and dedication to artistic growth.
2025
Upcoming second studio album Tsunami Sea
Spiritbox scheduled the release of their second full-length studio album, Tsunami Sea, for March 7, 2025. This album is highly anticipated following their successful debut and several EP releases. Tsunami Sea is expected to continue the band's trajectory of blending metalcore, progressive metal, and electronic music with innovative songwriting and production. The release will be a significant event in Spiritbox's career, likely expanding their impact in the heavy metal genre and broader music community.
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Members
Current
Name
Begin
Occupation
Michael Stringer
2016
Guitar
Zev Rose
2020
Drums (drum set)
Courtney LaPlante
2016
Lead vocals
Josh Gilbert
2023
Bass guitar
History
Name
Begin
End
Occupation
Bill Crook
2018
2022
Bass guitar
Story of Spiritbox
Hailing from Victoria, British Columbia, Spiritbox exploded onto the metal scene in October 2017. Formed by guitarist Mike Stringer and vocalist Courtney LaPlante (a married couple), the band—which also includes drummer Zev Rose and bassist Josh Gilbert—quickly carved a niche with their unique blend of metalcore and progressive metal. Their sound transcends subgenres, incorporating electronic elements and drawing from diverse influences.
Initially building their fanbase through savvy internet promotion and killer music videos, Spiritbox’s early success came from self-released EPs: Spiritbox (2017) and Singles Collection (2019). Their strategic approach paid off; they graduated from online sensations to a touring act in 2020. A string of Billboard-charting singles paved the way for their major label debut album, Eternal Blue (2021), which impressively debuted at #13 on the US Billboard 200. They’ve continued to build momentum with subsequent EPs, Rotoscope (2022) and The Fear of Fear (2023), all released through their own Pale Chord label in partnership with Rise Records.
LaPlante and Stringer`s previous experience in Iwrestledabearonce provided valuable experience, but Spiritbox represents a clear artistic evolution; a chance to truly define their unique vision. Their next chapter, the highly anticipated second studio album, Tsunami Sea, is set to drop March 7, 2025.
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