Woe, is Me

Woe, Is Me: The Unyielding Spirit of Atlanta Metalcore

Woe, Is Me stands as a quintessential American metalcore band, originally tearing through the Atlanta scene in 2009. Known for their dynamic sound, heavy breakdowns, and tumultuous history, they quickly became a notable force on the burgeoning heavy music circuit. Currently operating under the banner of SBG Records, the band initially made their mark with scene heavyweights Rise Records and its aggressive subsidiary, Velocity Records, labels renowned for cultivating genre-defining acts in the metalcore and post-hardcore spheres.

Their highly anticipated debut album, Numbers, dropped on August 31, 2010. This foundational record, packed with blistering screams, soaring clean vocals, and intricate guitar work, immediately resonated with fans and critics alike. Numbers smashed its way to an impressive number 16 on Billboards Top Heatseekers chart, solidifying Woe, Is Mes status as a band to watch in the vibrant metalcore landscape.

Despite their early success and dedicated fanbase, Woe, Is Me`s original four-year run was plagued by a relentless string of internal disputes and lineup changes. This revolving door of talent became a defining, if challenging, characteristic of their early career, leaving guitarist Kevin Hanson as the sole constant and founding member. The band ultimately announced their disbandment in September 2013, leaving a void for many metalcore enthusiasts.

However, the story of Woe, Is Me was far from over. In a move that thrilled long-time fans and sparked widespread excitement across the heavy music community, the band declared their reunion in July 2022. This much-anticipated comeback featured the revered "Vengeance" lineup, igniting hopes for a powerful new chapter. The resurrection was sealed with their first live performance in over nine years, electrifying a crowd in Dallas, Texas, on October 29, 2022, proving their enduring legacy.

History: The Genesis of a Metalcore Phenomenon

Formation and the Impact of Numbers (2009–2010)

The seeds of Woe, Is Me were sown in the fertile grounds of the Atlanta music scene in the fall of 2009. The band coalesced around former Of Machines drummer Austin Thornton, who envisioned a new metalcore powerhouse. He joined forces with a cohort of local scene veterans: Kevin Hanson, Cory Ferris, and Ben Ferris, all of whom brought their chops from the Atlanta-based Cheyne Stokes. The lineup was further bolstered by Tim Sherrill, known for his precise lead guitar work in another local outfit, Shooter McGavin.

With this solid instrumental core firmly in place, the band sought their signature vocal attack. They recruited the formidable talents of Michael Bohn, previously of A Path Less Traveled, and Hance Alligood from Oh, Manhattan. This dual-vocalist dynamic, featuring Bohns visceral screams expertly juxtaposed with Alligoods soaring clean melodies, became a signature element, promising a potent blend of aggression and melody that would soon define Woe, Is Me`s impactful sound.