Post Hardcore

Alesana (pronounced AL-iss-AN-a) is a post-hardcore band from Raleigh, North Carolina, currently signed to Revival Recordings and Artery Recordings. Formed in the fall of 2004 by Shawn Milke, Dennis Lee, Patrick Thompson, Steven Tomany, and Daniel Magnuson, the quintet has built a substantial catalog, boasting five full-length studio albums and three EPs.

Their debut, On Frail Wings of Vanity and Wax, quickly garnered underground buzz, showcasing a unique blend of pop, punk, metal, and classic rock influences. This eclectic sound became a cornerstone of their identity.

Early Days: From Baltimore to Raleigh

The band's origins trace back to early 2000s Baltimore, Maryland, where founding members Shawn Milke and Patrick Thompson, both veterans of separate local bands, began collaborating. Milke, previously a member of the punk rock band The Legitimate Excuse (formed in 2001), spent a year searching for bandmates and developing early demos under the Alesana moniker. Seeking a broader pool of talent, the duo relocated to Raleigh, North Carolina, where they recruited Dennis Lee as vocalist after a chance encounter – Milke famously recalling, "he looked like a band guy." Steven Tomany and Daniel Magnuson completed the initial lineup.

A Skylit Drive, the Lodi, California post-hardcore quintet, left an undeniable mark on the scene despite their relatively short lifespan. Their discography boasts a compelling mix of five studio albums – Wires...and the Concept of Breathing (2008), Adelphia (2009), Identity on Fire (2011), Rise (2013), and ASD (2015) – alongside an EP (She Watched the Sky) and a DVD. The band toured extensively, both headlining and as support, earning a dedicated following. However, internal strife, specifically a dispute between Nick Miller and Michael Jagmin, led to their breakup in 2017. The tragic passing of original vocalist Jordan Blake in April 2023 served as a somber coda to their story.

Blake’s departure in late 2007, due to health concerns, significantly impacted the band mid-tour following the release of their debut EP, She Watched the Sky, in January 2007 on Tragic Hero Records. Prior to this, A Skylit Drive shared stages with a who's who of the post-hardcore scene, including Four Letter Lie, blessthefall, Scary Kids Scaring Kids, Greeley Estates, Oh, Sleeper, The Blackout, Alesana, Before Their Eyes, Dance Gavin Dance, Kenotia, Pierce the Veil, and From First to Last. These early tours cemented their place within the genre's vibrant landscape, a legacy that continues to resonate with fans even after their disbandment.

Hailing from Westerville, Ohio, Attack Attack! burst onto the metalcore scene in 2007, initially operating under the moniker Ambiance. Their self-released debut EP quickly caught the attention of Rise Records, leading to a record deal that same year. The band's potent blend of metalcore aggression and catchy melodies propelled them to release three full-length albums through Rise: Someday Came Suddenly, their self-titled effort, and This Means War. After a successful run with Rise, Attack Attack! parted ways with the label in 2012 and ultimately disbanded the following year, concluding with a farewell tour. However, the Ohio five-piece's legacy proved far from over. A highly anticipated reformation was announced on October 19, 2020, featuring a mix of original members and new recruits, igniting renewed interest in this influential metalcore act.

The band's genesis involved a convergence of talent from various local high school bands. Johnny Franck, Andrew Whiting, Nick White, and Andrew Wetzel connected with Austin Carlile, eventually recruiting Caleb Shomo on keyboards. This lineup solidified as Attack Attack!, and the band immediately hit the ground running, self-recording material and leveraging MySpace to build momentum and generate buzz before signing to Rise Records.

Hailing from Doylestown, Pennsylvania, Balance and Composure emerged from the ashes of two local bands in the winter of 2007. Quickly establishing themselves, their sound drew comparisons to grunge giants Nirvana and fellow Pennsylvanian post-hardcore act Title Fight, but also revealed influences ranging from the indie-rock of Neutral Milk Hotel and Sunny Day Real Estate to the emo intensity of Jawbreaker and Braid.

Over their career, the band released three critically acclaimed studio albums and two EPs, culminating in their sophomore effort, The Things We Think We're Missing. This album climbed to impressive heights on the Billboard charts, reaching #51 on the Billboard 200, #10 on the Independent Albums chart, #13 on Modern Rock/Alternative Albums, and #16 on the Rock Albums chart.

However, their journey came to a close. In a surprise announcement on Taylor Madison's Strange Nerve podcast (December 14, 2017), vocalist Jon Simmons revealed their upcoming anniversary tour would be their last. A subsequent press release on January 14, 2019, confirmed a farewell tour—initially six dates, expanded due to overwhelming demand—with select shows featuring support from fellow scene heavyweights Tigers Jaw, mewithoutYou, and Touche Amore. This marked the end of a significant chapter in the emo/post-hardcore scene, leaving behind a legacy of powerfully emotional music and memorable live performances.

Brutus: A Belgian Rock Trio That Punches Above Its Weight

Hailing from Leuven, Belgium, Brutus is a force to be reckoned with in the rock scene. Formed in 2013, the trio is comprised of vocalist and drummer Stefanie Mannaerts, guitarist Stijn Vanhoegaerden, and bassist Peter Mulders. Each member brings a wealth of experience from previous local bands, giving Brutus a solid foundation for their unique sound.

The band first made waves in Belgium, regularly playing gigs before gaining international recognition with their debut album "Burst" in 2017. This release, which caught the attention of the renowned record label Sargent House, solidified Brutus's position as a force to be reckoned with. They followed "Burst" with two more critically acclaimed albums, "Nest" in 2019 and "Unison Life" in 2022, further solidifying their place in the international rock world.

From Local Bands to International Success

The seeds of Brutus were sown in the vibrant music scene of Leuven. Mannaerts and Mulders had previously played together in Refused Party Program, a tribute band dedicated to the Swedish hardcore punk pioneers Refused. Meanwhile, Mannaerts and Vanhoegaerden were bandmates in Starfucker, showcasing their musical chemistry long before Brutus's formation.

Their rise to prominence was fueled by their energetic live performances. In 2014 and 2015, they graced the stages of prestigious Belgian festivals like Pukkelpop, Rock Herk, and Dour Festival. In the same year, they released a trilogy of two-song EPs, further building anticipation for their full-length debut.

Vancouver, Sargent House, and a Sound Defined by Intensity

In 2016, the band embarked on a journey to Vancouver, Canada, to record "Burst." They collaborated with renowned producer Jesse Gander (known for his work with Japandroids and White Lung), resulting in a raw, energetic album that solidified their sound. This collaboration also marked their signing with Sargent House, a label known for its commitment to artists pushing boundaries.

Brutus's music is characterized by its raw intensity, blending elements of post-hardcore, grunge, and noise rock. Stefanie Mannaerts' powerful vocals and pummeling drumming, combined with Stijn Vanhoegaerden's heavy riffs and Peter Mulders' solid basslines, create a captivating sonic experience that leaves audiences breathless.

With their relentless touring, critically acclaimed albums, and a dedicated fanbase, Brutus continues to be a vital force in the rock scene, defying expectations and proving that Belgium is a fertile ground for incredible music.

Caskets: A Leeds Post-Hardcore Powerhouse

Caskets, hailing from Leeds, England, burst onto the scene in 2018, initially under the name Captives. These post-hardcore titans emerged from the ashes of the band Faultlines, fueled by the creative drive of founding members bassist Christopher McIntosh (who initially played rhythm guitar), lead guitarist Benjamin Wilson, and bassist Lee Horner. The lineup was completed by drummer James Lazenby and vocalist Matthew Flood.

The band made their explosive debut with the single "Ghost Like You" in September 2018, unleashing it upon the world via the Dreambound YouTube channel. Their self-titled EP was announced for release in April 2019, building anticipation with the singles "Signs" and "Find a Way." The EP, a testament to their raw energy and powerful sound, dropped on April 26, 2019.

Caskets wasted no time in hitting the road, embarking on a European tour with fellow post-hardcore powerhouse Hands Like Houses. They also opened for Bad Omens in Hannover, showcasing their electrifying live performance to a growing fanbase.

Summer saw them conquering the festival circuit in Germany and Sweden, spreading their music across Europe. They also supported the Japanese metalcore giants Crystal Lake on a German tour, further solidifying their status as a force to be reckoned with.

September 2019 witnessed Caskets headlining their first UK tour, sharing the stage with fellow rising stars Acres and Parting Gift. This tour was a defining moment, where they debuted the powerful new single "Falling Apart" to an enthusiastic crowd.

Unfortunately, founding member Lee Horner departed the band shortly after the tour due to personal reasons. Despite this setback, Caskets' journey has been marked by resilience and a dedication to their craft. With a passionate fanbase and a sound that's both raw and evocative, Caskets are poised to continue their ascent in the post-hardcore world.

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.

Dayseeker, the Orange County, California post-hardcore quintet, exploded onto the scene in 2012. Originally featuring vocalist Rory Rodriguez, guitarists Alex Polk and Gino Sgambelluri, bassist Andrew Sharp, and drummer Mike Karle (all veterans of the local scene, with Rodriguez and Polk previously in Arms Like Yours), the band quickly built momentum. Their early work, including demos like "What It Means to Be Defeated," "Collision.Survive," and "Resurrect," showcased their raw energy and emotional depth. This led to a record deal with InVogue Records, resulting in the release of their debut full-length, What It Means to Be Defeated, on October 29, 2013 (mastered by Joey Sturgis). A re-release followed on November 24, 2014. The band's lineup has since evolved, with current members Rodriguez, Sgambelluri, bassist Ramone Valerio, and drummer Zac Mayfield, solidifying their position as a major player in the post-hardcore landscape. Now signed to Spinefarm Records, they boast a prolific discography, releasing six studio albums, culminating with their latest effort, Replica, which dropped April 19, 2024.

Drug Church: A Post-Hardcore Band with a Grunge Twist

Drug Church, hailing from Albany, New York, are a force in the post-hardcore scene. Known for their dynamic sound and thought-provoking lyrics, the band has carved out a unique niche with their four albums and numerous EPs.

A History of Experimentation:

Drug Church's journey into the world of music is marked by their willingness to push boundaries. Their 2018 album, "Cheer," served as a testament to their experimentation, incorporating grunge influences while retaining their punk roots. This innovative approach garnered widespread praise, as the album's introspective and honest lyrics tackled complex themes with raw emotion.

Their fourth album, "Hygiene," dropped in 2022, further cementing their reputation for musical evolution. The singles "Miles of Fun" and "Detective Lieutenant" hinted at the album's direction, showcasing the band's ability to seamlessly blend aggression and melody.

A Sound Built on Contrasts:

Drug Church's music is a captivating fusion of hardcore punk, alternative rock, and grunge. Their sound echoes the intensity of bands like Black Flag, infused with the melodic sensibilities of alternative rock. This unique blend creates a distinctly post-punk/post-hardcore sound that is both powerful and unpredictable.

Lyrics that Reflect the World Around Us:

The band's lyrical focus lies in social commentary, delving into the darkness and absurdity of modern life. Their lyrics are often sharp and satirical, offering a critical lens on the world around them.

Interestingly, vocalist Patrick Kindlon, also known for his work in Self Defense Family, writes his lyrics in the studio. This spontaneous approach ensures a raw authenticity, mirroring the band's live energy. The combination of a collaborative instrumental approach and Kindlon's on-the-fly lyrics creates a truly unique and dynamic listening experience.

Drug Church continues to evolve, pushing the boundaries of post-hardcore with their innovative sound and unflinchingly honest lyrics. Their music is a testament to their commitment to crafting music that is both thought-provoking and musically exciting.

Hailing from Las Vegas, Nevada, Escape the Fate emerged onto the scene in 2004, originally from the nearby town of Pahrump. The band's current lineup features vocalist Craig Mabbitt, guitarists Matti Hoffman and TJ Bell, bassist Erik Jensen, and drummer Robert Ortiz – the sole remaining founding member.

Their journey began with the 2006 debut album, Dying Is Your Latest Fashion, fronted by original vocalist Ronnie Radke. However, Radke's 2006 legal troubles led to his dismissal and replacement by Mabbitt (formerly of Blessthefall). This shift marked a turning point, resulting in This War Is Ours (2008), their first album with Mabbitt. The album debuted strongly at #35 on the Billboard 200, selling 13,000 copies in its first week.

Escape the Fate's self-titled third album (2010) reached a career high of #25 on the Billboard 200. Ungrateful (2013), their fourth studio album, further solidified their position, boasting "One for the Money," their highest-charting single on the US Mainstream Rock charts. The band's history is marked by both musical evolution and significant lineup changes, with Ortiz as the steadfast anchor through it all.