Emo's Not Dead Cruise 2025

Saosin: A Story of Emo-Fueled Rock

Saosin, hailing from the heart of Orange County's vibrant rock scene, emerged in 2003 with a raw, emotionally charged sound that quickly cemented their place in the post-hardcore landscape. The original lineup, featuring the dynamic vocals of Anthony Green, Beau Burchell's masterful bass lines, Zach Kennedy's pummeling drums, and Justin Shekoski's shredding guitar, burst onto the scene with their debut EP, "Translating the Name."

However, Green's departure for personal reasons in 2004 left the band at a crossroads. Cove Reber stepped in as vocalist, injecting a new flavor into Saosin's sound, and in 2006, they released their self-titled debut album on Capitol Records, solidifying their position as a force to be reckoned with.

The band's second album, "In Search of Solid Ground," dropped in 2009 on Virgin Records, featuring re-recorded tracks from their previous EP, "The Grey EP." Unfortunately, Reber's exit in 2010 sent Saosin into a hiatus.

The band's passionate fanbase eagerly awaited their return, and in 2013, Saosin reunited, featuring all original members except Kennedy. Their reunion tour reignited the fire, paving the way for their triumphant comeback. In 2016, the long-awaited reunion album, "Along the Shadow," marked the triumphant return of Anthony Green to the fold, released through Epitaph Records.

Saosin's music is a captivating blend of emo and post-hardcore, characterized by soaring vocal harmonies and Shekoski's distinctive lead guitar techniques, which utilize intricate delays and natural harmonics. Their music resonates with a raw, emotional intensity, captivating listeners and leaving a lasting mark on the world of rock.

Chiodos (pronounced /ˈkjɔːdos/), the Davison, Michigan post-hardcore powerhouse, exploded onto the scene in 2001. Initially known as "The Chiodos Bros," the band's name—a tribute to the Chiodo brothers, creators of the cult classic Killer Klowns from Outer Space— foreshadowed their own brand of darkly comedic, intensely theatrical music.

Their debut full-length, All's Well That Ends Well, dropped on July 26, 2005, laying the groundwork for their explosive rise. The follow-up, Bone Palace Ballet (September 4, 2007), was a major success, charting at #5 on the Billboard 200 and #1 on the Independent Albums chart. Warner Bros. Records picked up the album for UK distribution in January 2009, solidifying their international presence.

2010 saw the release of Illuminaudio, their only studio album featuring Brandon Bolmer on vocals and Tanner Wayne on drums. However, the band's story concluded with the return of original vocalist Craig Owens and drummer Derrick Frost for their final album, Devil, released April 1, 2014.

History:

Inception and All's Well That Ends Well (2001-2005):

Hailing from Davison, Michigan, the original Chiodos lineup formed in high school during 2001. Their early gigs were honed at the Flint Local 432, an all-ages, substance-free venue that also nurtured other notable alternative acts like The Swellers and Empty Orchestra. This Flint scene provided the fertile ground for Chiodos' distinctive sound to develop before they unleashed it on a larger audience.

Hailing from Gilbert, Arizona, Scary Kids Scaring Kids (SKSK) emerged in 2002, their name a nod to the Cap'n Jazz track of the same name. This post-hardcore quintet, originally featuring Tyson Stevens (vocals/bass), Chad Crawford (guitar), DJ Wilson (guitar), Steve Kirby (guitar), Pouyan Afkary (keyboards), and Peter Costa (drums), initially self-released their After Dark EP while still in high school. After a near-disbandment, they committed to music full-time, securing a deal with Immortal Records. This led to their breakthrough debut album, The City Sleeps in Flames (2005), establishing them as a force in the post-hardcore scene. With Stevens as the driving creative force, the band went on to release their self-titled second album in 2007 before disbanding in 2010 following a farewell tour. A highly anticipated reunion in 2019 culminated in the release of their third studio album, Out of Light, in 2022.

Hailing from Orem, Utah, The Used exploded onto the rock scene in 2000. The original lineup – vocalist Bert McCracken, bassist Jeph Howard, drummer Dan Whitesides, and guitarist Joey Bradford – quickly gained traction, catapulting to fame with their self-titled debut album in June 2002. This explosive release was followed by a string of critically acclaimed albums: In Love and Death (September 2004), Lies for the Liars (May 2007), and the B-sides compilation Shallow Believer EP (February 2008). Their powerful sound continued to evolve with Artwork (August 2009) and Vulnerable (March 2012), showcasing their dynamic range. The band further solidified their legacy with the The Ocean of the Sky EP (July 2013) and their sixth studio album, Imaginary Enemy (April 2014). While the current lineup boasts a consistent core, former members Quinn Allman, Branden Steineckert, and Justin Shekoski also contributed to The Used's rich history.

BOYS LIKE GIRLS (all caps since 2023), the Andover, Massachusetts-bred rock band, burst onto the scene in 2005. Their self-titled debut album (2006) propelled them to mainstream success, selling over 700,000 copies in the US and achieving RIAA gold certification. Subsequent studio albums followed: Love Drunk (2009) and Crazy World (2012), solidifying their place in the rock landscape.

From 2006 to 2013, BOYS LIKE GIRLS toured relentlessly, hitting major milestones like a main stage appearance at the 2007 Vans Warped Tour, their inaugural headlining "Tourzilla" (2007), and a co-headline slot with Good Charlotte on the 2008 "Soundtrack of Your Summer" Tour. Their music video for "The Great Escape," directed by Alan Ferguson, reigned supreme as MTV's TRL #1 video on August 6, 2007, leading to a performance at the iconic Times Square studio.

The band's resurgence in 2023 saw the release of "Blood and Sugar," the lead single from their fourth studio album, Sunday at Foxwoods.

History:

Formation and Early Years (2005-2006): The band formed in Andover, MA, in late 2005, spearheaded by vocalist Martin Johnson (formerly of Fake ID/The Drive). Johnson, armed with a batch of new songs, recruited bassist Bryan Donahue and drummer John Keefe. Keefe then added lead guitarist Paul DiGiovanni, completing the lineup.

Hailing from Albany, New York, State Champs emerged onto the pop-punk scene in 2010. This powerhouse quartet, initially spearheaded by guitarist Tyler Szalkowski and vocalist Derek DiScanio, quickly made their mark. Their early self-released EPs, 2010 (August 2010) and Apparently, I'm Nothing (January 2011), laid the groundwork for their meteoric rise. The band's relentless energy and catchy hooks soon caught the attention of Pure Noise Records, solidifying their place in the industry.

Since signing, State Champs have unleashed a wave of musical fury, dropping three EPs and five full-length albums. Their debut full-length, The Finer Things (2013), exploded onto the charts, hitting #2 on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart. Following up with the acoustic EP The Acoustic Things (October 2014) and their sophomore effort, Around the World and Back (October 2015), including a deluxe edition in May 2017, State Champs continued to build their fervent fanbase. Living Proof (2018), Kings of the New Age (May 2022), and their self-titled fifth album (November 2024) further cemented their status as a major force in modern pop-punk. Their journey showcases a band who've consistently evolved their sound while staying true to their high-energy roots.

Hailing from Douglasville, Georgia, Norma Jean (formerly Luti-Kriss) are a metalcore powerhouse that's defied expectations since their 1997 formation. While boasting a prolific career with nine studio albums and a 2006 Grammy nomination for Best Recording Package ( O' God, the Aftermath), the band has undergone extensive lineup changes, resulting in a completely refreshed roster from their initial lineup. Their name, a nod to Marilyn Monroe's real name, perfectly encapsulates their transformative nature.

Initially known as Luti-Kriss, the band's early sound, showcased on the 1999 split EP with Travail and the 2000 5ep, leaned heavily into aggressive nu-metal and rap metal. This aggressive sound was far removed from the band's later stylistic explorations. The original lineup, featuring Josh Scogin (vocals), Scottie Henry and Chris Day (guitars), Josh Swofford (bass), Mick Bailey (turntables), and Daniel Davison (drums), solidified for their debut album, Throwing Myself, though even this era saw shifts, with bassist Swofford replaced by Josh Doolittle and turntable player Bailey exiting during the album's production. This early chapter laid the groundwork for a band that would continuously reinvent itself.

Emery, the acclaimed post-hardcore band, emerged from Rock Hill, South Carolina in 2001. Founded by Toby Morrell, Devin Shelton, Matt Carter, Josh Head, Joel Green, and Seth Studley, the group quickly relocated to Seattle, seeking a more vibrant and supportive music scene.

Their early efforts, including the The Columbus EP and the The Weak's End demo, served as potent calling cards, ultimately securing them a deal with Tooth & Nail Records. This partnership yielded a prolific run: five studio albums and two EPs. Their debut full-length, The Weak's End (2004), was followed by The Question (2005) and I'm Only a Man (2007), the latter fulfilling their initial contract. Undeterred, Emery re-signed with Tooth & Nail, releasing ...In Shallow Seas We Sail (2009) and We Do What We Want (2011).

The band later signed with BadChristian Music, releasing You Were Never Alone (2015) and Eve (2018), showcasing their continued evolution and enduring appeal within the post-hardcore landscape. The band's name, incidentally, is a tribute to a first-grader Morrell encountered during a college internship.

Hawthorne Heights: A Post-Hardcore Powerhouse

Hailing from Dayton, Ohio, Hawthorne Heights burst onto the scene in 2001, originally known as "A Day in the Life." The band's current lineup features the powerhouse vocals and rhythm guitar of JT Woodruff, the steady bass and backing vocals of Matt Ridenour, the searing lead guitar and gruff vocals of Mark McMillon, and the driving force of drummer Chris Popadak.

Hawthorne Heights gained widespread recognition with their first two albums, "The Silence in Black and White" (2004) and "If Only You Were Lonely" (2006), both achieving RIAA Gold certification. The latter album, in particular, reached the pinnacle of the Billboard's Independent Albums chart and claimed the #3 spot on the Billboard 200 chart, cementing their position as a force in the post-hardcore scene.

Their 2006 single, "Saying Sorry," became an anthem, achieving gold status and reaching #7 on the Billboard Hot Modern Rock Tracks chart. Tragically, the band lost guitarist Casey Calvert in 2007, leaving them as a four-piece. Despite the loss, Hawthorne Heights released their third album, "Fragile Future," in 2008, through Victory Records after a protracted legal battle. This album marked their first without Calvert and demonstrated their resilience and determination.

Hawthorne Heights carved a unique path in the post-hardcore landscape, blending melodic vocals with raw energy and emotional depth. They continue to resonate with fans through their impactful music and enduring legacy.

The Early November, a New Jersey-bred rock band, burst onto the scene in 2001. Their raw energy and DIY spirit quickly caught the attention of Drive-Thru Records, who signed them in 2002 after receiving a low-fi demo and a homemade videotape – a testament to their scrappy beginnings. The band, initially comprised of Ace Enders (vocals/guitar), Jeff Kummer (drums), and Sergio Anello (bass), honed their sound in Enders' basement before adding guitarist John Dubitsky.

Their debut EP, For All of This, dropped in December 2002, followed by The Acoustic EP the same year, quickly establishing them on the burgeoning emo scene. Drive-Thru wisely leveraged their new signees, booking them on high-profile tours like Skate and Surf Fest and the Vans Warped Tour. Since then, The Early November have built a formidable discography, releasing seven full-length albums: The Room's Too Cold (2003), The Mother, the Mechanic, and the Path (2006), In Currents (2012), Imbue (2015), Lilac (2019), Twenty (2022), and their self-titled album in 2024. Their enduring career showcases a band that, despite humble origins, has consistently delivered compelling and influential rock music.

The Spill Canvas, hailing from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, exploded onto the alternative rock scene, carving a niche with their emo-tinged anthems. Their signature sound, a potent blend of aggressive acoustic rock and subtle symphonic elements, propelled hits like "All Over You," "All Hail the Heartbreaker," and "Polygraph, Right Now!" to widespread acclaim. They also cemented their place in emo history with classics such as "Our Song," "The Tide," and "This Is for Keeps."

From Solo Project to Band Phenomenon:

The band's journey began with Nick Thomas, the frontman and guitarist, who picked up the guitar at age 11 in his Sioux Falls hometown. A self-released punk and acoustic CD, The Blur of Motions, in 2000, showcased his early talent. After forming The Spill Canvas in 2001 with vocalist Becca Flinn, bassist Alan Burkhard, and violinist Hannah Peskey, the band briefly experimented with a fuller, more symphonic sound. However, this lineup proved short-lived, with the original members departing within a year. Undeterred, Thomas kept the Spill Canvas name alive as a solo project, moonlighting as a guitarist and backing vocalist for Nodes of Ranvier until 2003. He then dedicated himself fully to The Spill Canvas, releasing the five-song Concept EP in May 2003, produced at Cathouse Studios in Sioux Falls. This marked the beginning of the band's ascent to prominence.

Hailing from Gilbert, Arizona, Lydia emerged from the fertile indie rock scene in 2003. The band's journey began even earlier, however, with Leighton Antelman, William Bradford, Evan Arambul, and Steve McGraw honing their songwriting and performance skills from the tender age of seventh grade, first as Rolo 15, then Nextabest, while attending Greenfield Jr. High. After the latter incarnation disbanded, Antelman and McGraw persevered, recruiting drummer Loren Briton and bassist Dustin Forsgren. Their persistence paid off: a contest victory landed them a track on the Atticus: ...Dragging the Lake, Vol. 3 compilation.

This breakthrough led to a record deal with Arizona's HourZero Records, resulting in their debut album, This December; It's One More and I'm Free. Since then, Lydia have conquered the road, racking up miles on extensive tours across the US, and sharing stages with major acts at prestigious festivals like the Zumiez Couch Tour, Vans Warped Tour, and Bamboozle.

Hailing from Portland, Oregon, Reclaim The Fallen emerged as a post-hardcore force. Their debut EP, Cliché While Still Captivating (September 2005), showcased a captivating blend of familiar and innovative sounds across five tracks. While echoing influences, the EP possessed a distinct originality that set them apart. Known for their passionate performances, Reclaim The Fallen delivered an unforgettable live experience fueled by a genuine love of music.

In 2024, the band reunited for a series of live shows featuring the original lineup, with the exception of keyboardist Joel Morton. A notable change saw vocalist Judah focusing solely on vocals, relinquishing his past dual role of vocals and bass. Skyler Mann filled the bassist's role for the reunion tour.