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Founded in: 2014
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.
Founded in: 800
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.
Founded in: 2017
Fleshwater, an American rock band formed in 2017, emerged from the depths of the underground scene, quickly gaining traction with their raw, emotional sound. The band's origins can be traced back to Anthony DiDio (vocals, guitar) and Matt Wood (drums), both veterans of the renowned post-hardcore band Vein.fm. The duo, fueled by a shared creative vision, initially laid the foundation for Fleshwater by penning three powerful songs in 2017.
The band's lineup solidified with the addition of Jeremy Martin (bass), also a member of Vein.fm, and Marisa Shirar, who brought her captivating vocals to the forefront. Their debut track, "Linda Claire," released in 2019, marked the first public glimpse of Fleshwater's unique blend of melodic aggression and raw emotion. Shirar's powerful vocals delivered a haunting narrative that resonated deeply with listeners.
"Linda Claire" served as the cornerstone for their debut EP, "demo2020," released in February 2020. This release ignited a fervent following, pushing the band into the spotlight and propelling "Linda Claire" to over a million Spotify streams.
Building upon this momentum, Fleshwater unveiled "Kiss the Ladder" in October 2022, a single that served as the first taste of their highly anticipated debut album, "We're Not Here to Be Loved." The album's second single, "The Razor's Apple," arrived in October 2021, further cementing their place as a force to be reckoned with in the rock scene.
"We're Not Here to Be Loved," released on November 4th, 2021, was met with widespread acclaim for its unflinching honesty, raw emotion, and infectious energy. The album solidified Fleshwater's position as a rising star, poised to carve their own path in the rock music landscape.
Founded in: 2001
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.
Founded in: 2016
Hailing from the vibrant music scene of Cardiff, Wales, Holding Absence emerged in 2015, ready to inject a potent dose of post-hardcore into the world. The band consists of the powerful vocal presence of Lucas Woodland, the sonic architect Scott Carey on guitar, the rhythmic backbone of Benjamin Elliott on bass, and the driving force of Ashley Green behind the drums.
Their initial foray into the music world came with a series of singles in 2017, establishing their raw energy and undeniable talent. This momentum carried them into 2018, where they collaborated with fellow heavyweights Loathe on a split EP, further solidifying their place within the UK's burgeoning underground scene.
Finally, in 2019, Holding Absence unleashed their debut record, bearing the same name as the band itself. This self-titled album marked a significant milestone, showcasing their matured sound and lyrical depth. The band's commitment to their craft caught the eye of SharpTone Records, a leading force in the US heavy music scene, and soon they were signed, ready to take their music to a global audience.
A Story of Evolution and New Beginnings
Holding Absence's journey is not without its twists and turns. The band's initial lineup featured vocalist Zac Vernon, who contributed to their early recordings like "Immerse" and "Luna." However, Vernon eventually parted ways to form Parting Gift, leaving the door open for Lucas Woodland to join the fold.
Woodland, previously known for his work in the band Falling With Style, brought a fresh perspective to the group. His arrival marked a turning point for Holding Absence, with their debut single "Permanent" showcasing a new era for the band. This was quickly followed by the contrasting "Dream of Me," a track that caught the attention of SharpTone Records and set the stage for their future successes.
The Legacy of Hammock and a Name That Resonates
The name Holding Absence is a direct nod to the Hammock song "Holding Your Absence," a testament to the band's admiration for the atmospheric soundscapes created by the American duo. The name itself evokes a sense of longing, a yearning for something lost, a feeling that resonates deeply with the emotional core of their music.
Holding Absence is not just a rock band; it's a story of resilience, evolution, and artistic ambition. From their formative years in Cardiff to their international rise, they've proven their commitment to pushing boundaries and forging their own path within the world of heavy music. With SharpTone Records behind them, the future is bright for this Welsh band, ready to take their music to new heights.
Founded in: 2022
L.S. Dunes, a supergroup formed in the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic, is a musical force to be reckoned with. Headed by the iconic Anthony Green (known for his work with Circa Survive, Saosin, and The Sound of Animals Fighting), the band boasts a lineup that reads like a who's who of post-hardcore and emo giants.
The project came to life during rehearsals for Thursday's 2020 holiday livestream, initially going by the playful name "Dad Bods." The band's debut album, Past Lives, was meticulously crafted with individual members recording their parts remotely before Green joined the fold. The album's instrumental tracks were sent to Green by Thursday drummer Tucker Rule, who masterminded the project's genesis.
Rumors of this dream team first surfaced in May 2022 when the band appeared on the poster for Riot Fest. Soon after, the lineup was unveiled, revealing My Chemical Romance guitarist Frank Iero, Coheed and Cambria's Travis Stever, and Thursday's Tim Payne on bass. Their debut single, "Permanent Rebellion," dropped in August 2022, a powerful anthem that set the stage for the release of Past Lives in November of that year. The album was met with critical acclaim, showcasing the band's raw energy and nostalgic yet forward-thinking sound.
L.S. Dunes quickly made their mark on the live circuit, performing their first show at Riot Fest 2022. They followed this up with their inaugural UK tour in January 2023 and their first US tour in July 2023, solidifying their position as a force to be reckoned with in the modern music scene.
This unique blend of seasoned musicians has breathed new life into the post-hardcore scene, delivering a powerful blend of melodic sensibilities and hard-hitting riffs. With L.S. Dunes, these iconic figures have come together to create something truly special, a sonic testament to their enduring passion for music and their undeniable talent.
Founded in: 2003
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.
Founded in: 2012
Show Me the Body (SMTB), hailing from the concrete jungle of New York City, burst onto the post-hardcore scene in 2009. This trio isn't afraid to get their hands dirty, blending elements of hip-hop, noise music, and sludge metal into a ferocious sound that's earned them a devoted following.
From Under the Bridge to the Big Leagues
The band's story begins with Julian Cashwan Pratt, lead vocalist and banjoist, and Harlan Steed, bassist, meeting in the hallowed halls of Elisabeth Irwin High School. Fueled by their shared passion for New York's hardcore scene, they cut their teeth performing in unconventional venues – think underpasses, alleys, and basements – giving them a raw and intimate connection with their audience. Their DIY ethic quickly earned them a reputation for their relentless energy and intense live shows.
Early Days: Yellow Kidney and a Sound That Shouts
In 2014, SMTB released their debut EP, "Yellow Kidney," a raw and unfiltered blast of sonic fury that introduced the world to their signature sound. The EP, self-released on SoundCloud, garnered critical acclaim and established them as a force to be reckoned with.
More to Come: A Band on the Rise
SMTB's journey is far from over. With a devoted fanbase, a sound that pushes boundaries, and a commitment to relentless innovation, they continue to carve their own path in the world of hardcore. Keep your eyes peeled for their next move – it's sure to be explosive.