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The Dillinger Escape Plan

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Upcoming Events

Aftershock Festival 2025
Aftershock Festival 2025

2025 10-03 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 and Evolution from Arcane

The Dillinger Escape Plan was formed in 1997 but evolved from the hardcore punk band Arcane, which was active in 1996. Arcane consisted of vocalists Dimitri Minakakis and Brad McMahon, guitarist Ben Weinman, bassist Bruce Fulton, and drummer Chris Pennie. The band was politically motivated and aggressive but disbanded after a few months. Encouraged by Weinman, the band shifted to a new sound with a more experimental approach, adding bassist Adam Doll and guitarist Derek Brantley. This transition laid the foundation for what would become The Dillinger Escape Plan.
1997

Naming and First EP Release

In early 1997, the band moved forward with their new direction and took the name "The Dillinger Escape Plan", suggested by a friend inspired by John Dillinger, a notorious 1930s bank robber. They recorded their self-titled six-track EP produced by Steve Evetts. Shortly before touring to promote this debut EP, guitarist John Fulton joined the band. The EP marked the start of their underground exposure with a DIY basement and club tour in the Northeastern United States, establishing their presence in the underground hardcore scene.
1999

Release of 'Calculating Infinity' Album

The Dillinger Escape Plan released their first full-length album, 'Calculating Infinity', in 1999. This album is considered a landmark in hardcore punk and heavy metal for its innovative use of dissonance, complex time signatures, and polyrhythms. It gained cult status and sold over 100,000 copies, making the band Relapse Records' highest selling artist at the time. 'Calculating Infinity' established the group's reputation for extreme musical complexity and intensity, becoming influential to future mathcore bands.
2013

Release of 'One of Us Is the Killer' Album

Continuing their evolution, The Dillinger Escape Plan released 'One of Us Is the Killer' in 2013. The album demonstrated a blend of chaotic complexity with melodic elements, showcasing their ability to innovate while maintaining their aggressive roots. This release further solidified their stature in the metalcore scene and led to extensive touring, affirming their reputation as one of the most intense and unpredictable live acts.
2016

Release of Final Album 'Dissociation' and Announcement of Disbanding

On October 14, 2016, The Dillinger Escape Plan released their sixth and final studio album, 'Dissociation'. The band announced this album would mark the end of their career, opting for a planned disbandment rather than an indefinite hiatus. The album reflected personal themes of separation and loss, symbolically paralleling the band's decision to end its journey. The band members emphasized their desire to conclude while still at a creative peak, avoiding decline or stagnation. This final album received critical acclaim and was seen as a fitting conclusion to their innovative and influential tenure.
2017

Final Shows and Breakup

After completing the touring cycle for 'Dissociation', The Dillinger Escape Plan performed their final shows at Terminal 5 in New York City from December 27 to 29, 2017. These concerts marked the end of two decades of groundbreaking music and intense performances that helped redefine metalcore and mathcore genres. Their breakup was met with respect and recognition for their substantial influence on heavy music. The band members moved on to various other musical projects while preserving the legacy of The Dillinger Escape Plan.
2023

Announcement of 2024 Reunion with Original Vocalist

In December 2023, The Dillinger Escape Plan announced a reunion for three shows in New York in June 2024 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of their debut album 'Calculating Infinity'. The reunion is notable as it features the original vocalist Dimitri Minakakis, bringing the band full circle to their origins. This event is highly anticipated by fans and marks a significant moment in the band's history, reconnecting with their early sound and legacy.

Albums

the-dillinger-escape-plan_1st_album
Calculating Infinity
11 tracks
1999
the-dillinger-escape-plan_2nd_album
Miss Machine
11 tracks
2004
the-dillinger-escape-plan_3rd_album
Ire Works
13 tracks
2007
the-dillinger-escape-plan_4th_album
Option Paralysis
11 tracks
2010
the-dillinger-escape-plan_5th_album
One of Us Is the Killer
11 tracks
2013
the-dillinger-escape-plan_6th_album
Dissociation
11 tracks
2016
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Story of The Dillinger Escape Plan

The Dillinger Escape Plan, the groundbreaking American metalcore band, exploded onto the scene in 1997 from Morris Plains, New Jersey. Founded by guitarist Ben Weinman, bassist Adam Doll, vocalist Dimitri Minakakis, and drummer Chris Pennie, their sound was immediately recognizable: a chaotic maelstrom of dissonance, odd time signatures, polyrhythms, and utterly unconventional drumming. While later albums incorporated more melody and diverse genre influences, this signature sonic assault remained a core element.

The band’s lineup underwent significant shifts throughout their career; by their dissolution, only Weinman remained from the original quartet. Their final configuration featured longtime members Liam Wilson (bass), Greg Puciato (vocals), and Billy Rymer (drums), alongside the addition of rhythm guitarist Kevin Antreassian.

Their impact was undeniable. Six studio albums cemented their legacy, beginning with the landmark 1999 release Calculating Infinity. This critically acclaimed masterpiece achieved cult status, selling over 100,000 copies—making them Relapse Records’ best-selling artist at the time. The Dillinger Escape Plan garnered numerous accolades and nominations from publications like Kerrang!, Revolver, Metal Hammer, and the PLUG Independent Music Awards, culminating in a 2017 AIM Award for "Outstanding Contribution to Music."

After the release of their final album, Dissociation (2016), The Dillinger Escape Plan announced their disbandment, concluding their career with a final tour. Their influence on extreme metal remains profound and enduring.

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