Blessthefall

Not to be confused with Bless the Fallen.
Blessthefall

Blessthefall live at Warped Tour 2012
Background information
Also known as Unknown Nation (2004)
Origin Scottsdale, Arizona, United States
Genres Metalcore, screamo, post-hardcore, hardcore punk (early)
Years active 2004–present
Labels Fearless, Ferret, Science
Website blessthefallmusic.com
Members
  • Matt Traynor
  • Jared Warth
  • Eric Lambert
  • Beau Bokan
  • Elliott Gruenberg
Past members

Blessthefall (stylized as blessthefall) is an American metalcore band from Scottsdale, Arizona, signed to Fearless Records. The band was founded in 2004 by guitarist Mike Frisby, drummer Matt Traynor, and bassist Jared Warth. Their debut album, His Last Walk, with original vocalist Craig Mabbitt, was released April 10, 2007.[1] Their second studio album, Witness, with current vocalist Beau Bokan, was released October 6, 2009. Their third studio album, Awakening, was released on October 4, 2011.[2] Their fourth studio album, Hollow Bodies, was released on August 20, 2013. To Those Left Behind is the band's fifth full-length album, released on September 18, 2015.

History

Origins and His Last Walk (2004–2007)

Main article: His Last Walk

Blessthefall grew out of high school practice sessions consisting of rhythm guitarists Mike Frisby, lead guitarist Miles Bergsma, drummer Matt Traynor, bassist and vocalist Jared Warth, and later, vocalist Craig Mabbitt and keyboardist Andrew Barr. After founding member Miles Bergsma left to attend college at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, they released a three-track EP and newcomer Eric Lambert became the lead guitarist to form their first solid line-up.[3] Phoenix-area gigs with Greeley Estates and an openly religious orientation got the band local press and a deal with Warner subsidiary, Science Records.[4] The band then toured with Alesana and Norma Jean across the United States and Canada.[5] Their debut album, His Last Walk, was released on April 10, 2007, to mixed reviews.[6][7][8] His Last Walk peaked at No. 32 on the U.S. Billboard Heatseekers chart.[9] Their debut album sold over 65,000 copies and its singles sold over 100,000 copies.[10]

Blessthefall toured with Escape the Fate, LoveHateHero, Before Their Eyes, and Dance Gavin Dance on the Black on Black tour during September and October 2007,[11] they were also part of the Underground Operations Tour And Loathing Tour 2007, opening for Protest The Hero and All That Remains, along with fellow opening bands, Threat Signal and the Holly Springs Disaster,[12] and were a part of From First to Last's fall headlining tour, starting November 1 with A Skylit Drive and Vanna.[13] The band also completed the entire 2007 Warped Tour circuit nationwide.[5]

Mabbitt's departure and Bokan's induction (2008–2009)

While on their first European tour (with Silverstein) in late 2007, Craig Mabbitt left the band during the United Kingdom portion to spend more time with his daughter, whose childhood he felt he was missing out on. For the remainder of the tour, Jared Warth filled in for vocals while playing bass. When Mabbitt later attempted to return to Blessthefall, the band members decided not to let him back in, preferring to move on without him. On December 15, 2007, Blessthefall posted a blog on their MySpace announcing their parting ways with Mabbitt while Mabbitt posted a bulletin on his personal MySpace stating his willingness to return to the band. Despite the departure, Mabbitt has remained great friends with the band.

Craig Mabbitt has stated that the day after he finished recording his first album with Escape the Fate, This War Is Ours, he got a phone call from Blessthefall's management asking him to return to the band, but he refused.[14] Mabbitt felt there was too much bad blood with their management. He also felt the band knew he had just finished a new album and that it was just bad timing, especially when Mabbitt begged to be back in for the previous eight months.[14]

Shortly after this on September 26, 2008, the band announced that they had made Beau Bokan, the new lead singer and keyboardist. Bokan joined the band after leaving Take the Crown, a group who released an EP and a full-length album but broke up due to the departure of James Campbell and Tony Gonzalez, lack of management, and financial burdens.[15][16]

Witness (2009–2010)

In May 2009 after their tour with Silverstein, Norma Jean, and Before Their Eyes,[17] the band headed into the studio to record their second album, Witness. On May 13 the band signed to Fearless Records and would work on the album with producer Elvis Baskette.[10][18]

On June 3, the band announced via MySpace that they were officially finished with the recording of their new album and that it was to be released in the autumn. They also had a mid-year tour with August Burns Red and Enter Shikari.[19] In July, Blessthefall released a song clip on their MySpace blog titled "God Wears Gucci", released on iTunes for download on August 11, 2009. In September 2009, the band uploaded another track on their MySpace page titled "What's Left of Me". Witness was released October 6, 2009.[20]

In June 2010, Blessthefall toured New Zealand in support of Saosin, and in Australia in support of Story of the Year and Saosin. Blessthefall played across Auckland, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide.[18]

After the release of Witness, the band co-headlined the Atticus Fall Tour with Finch, Drop Dead, Gorgeous, and Vanna from October 10, 2009 through to November 19. Other bands on the tour included Of Mice & Men and Let's Get It.[21]

In October 2009, the band announced on YouTube that they were working on a music video for "What's Left of Me", which was released December 14, 2009 on MySpace Metal.

In April 2010, the band was featured on the Punk Goes Classic Rock album, covering "Dream On" by Aerosmith.[22]

Their song, "To Hell and Back," released on Witness, was released on the soundtrack to Ubisoft's Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Conviction. The game trailer was released on April 9, 2010.[23]

Awakening (2011–2012)

On February 15, 2011, the band announced that Mike Frisby left the band to pursue another path. Elliott Gruenberg, formerly of Before Their Eyes, Legacy and Settle the Sky, will be permanently on guitar.[24] Bokan confirmed that Blessthefall would not play at Warped Tour 2011, but rather would be recording their third full-length album, which began in Orlando, Florida on May 17, 2011.[25] Michael "Elvis" Baskette, who produced their previous album, also produced this effort.[26][27] The band had hoped to feature guest vocalists including Ronnie Radke of Falling in Reverse, and Tim Lambesis of As I Lay Dying,[28] but it was later confirmed that there would be no guest vocals.[29]

Blessthefall joined Emmure, Alesana, Motionless in White and other bands on the All Stars Tour.[30] The band headlined the Fearless Friends tour with The Word Alive, Motionless in White, Tonight Alive, and Chunk! No Captain Chunk!.[31] They released the official video of "Promised Ones" on November 11, 2011,[32] which starts with the intro song of the album titled Awakening. According to a video interview with Lambert and Bokan, Blessthefall plans on entering the studio in February to record an EP with Tim Lambesis of As I Lay Dying.[33] Later it was confirmed by Matt Traynor that it's not true.[34] Due to time restraints they had to put off the recording of the EP until after Warped Tour. Plans for this EP have since been scrapped according to guitarist, Eric Lambert in an interview with Bryan Stars.

Hollow Bodies (2012–2014)

Main article: Hollow Bodies

On October 4, 2012, the band confirmed that they were writing a fourth album.[35] Recording of the next album started on April 19, 2013[36] and then finished on May 21, 2013.[37][38] Hollow Bodies was subsequently released on August 20, 2013, reaching No. 15 on the Billboard 200 album charts with 21,888 copies sold in its first week.[39][40] The entire album was actually streamed through Billboard's website one week before the actual release.[41] Joey Sturgis produced the album.[42][43]

Three singles so far have been released including "You Wear a Crown, But You're No King",[44] "Déjà Vu"[45][46] and "See You on the Outside".[47]

The band toured in the Warped Tour 2013, alongside Motion City Soundtrack, Big D and the Kids Table, Five Knives, Itch, Echosmith and Goldhouse.[48]

On January 17, 2014, the band announced their upcoming North American tour to promote Hollow Bodies.

On December 10, 2014, the band was announced as part of Warped Tour 2015.[49]

To Those Left Behind (2015–present)

On May 1, 2015, the band announced they are working on a new album.[50] On June 11, 2015 they announced that it was to be titled To Those Left Behind and was released on September 18, 2015.[51][52][53][54] On July 14, the band released the official audio for the upcoming song from the album, Up in Flames.[55][56][57] On August 4, the band announced the release date of their second single "Walk on Water" which will be released on August 7 along with the online preorders.[58]

On September 28, 2016, the band announced they are touring with Crown the Empire, New Years Day, and Too Close to Touch.[59] On October 4, the band announced they are currently in the making of the new album.[60]

Style and influences

The band's style has been described as Christian metalcore[2] (although frontman Beau Bokan has stated that they don't want to be considered a Christian band),[61] screamo[3][18][62] and post-hardcore.[18][63] Among the band's influences are Underoath and Alexisonfire,[64] while The Get Up Kids are one of Bokan's favorite bands.[22]

Members

Current
  • Matt Traynor – drums, percussion (2004–present)
  • Jared Warth – unclean vocals, bass guitar (2004–present), keyboards (2005–2008)
  • Eric Lambert – lead guitar (2005–present), backing vocals (2008–present), clean vocals (2007–2008)
  • Beau Bokan – clean vocals, backing unclean vocals, keyboards (2008–present)
  • Elliott Gruenberg – rhythm guitar, backing vocals (2011–present)
Former
  • Andrew Barr – keyboards (2004–2005)[65]
  • Miles Bergsma – lead guitar (2004–2005)
  • Craig Mabbitt – clean vocals, unclean vocals (2004–2007)[65]
  • Aiden Louis – bass guitar (2007–2008) (touring member)
  • Mike Frisby – rhythm guitar (2004–2011)

Timeline

Discography

Studio albums

Music videos

Year Title Album
2005 "Black Rose Dying"[66] Black Rose Dying (EP)
2006 "Times Like These"[67] Blessthefall (EP)
2007 "Higinia"[68] His Last Walk
"Guys Like You Make Us Look Bad"[69]
2008 "Rise Up"[70]
2009 "What's Left of Me"[71] Witness
2010 "To Hell And Back"[72]
"Hey Baby, Here's That Song You Wanted"[73]
2011 "Promised Ones"[74] Awakening
"Bottom Feeder"[75]
2012 "The Reign (Live)[76]
"40 Days..."[77]
2013 "You Wear a Crown But You're No King"[78] Hollow Bodies
2014 "Hollow Bodies"[79]
2015 "Walk On Water"[80] To Those Left Behind

References

  1. ↑ "blessthefall at Barnes & Noble". Music.barnesandnoble.com. January 29, 2013. Retrieved February 14, 2013.
  2. 1 2 Leggett, Steve (October 4, 2011). "Awakening – blessthefall". AllMusic. Retrieved February 11, 2015. Christian metalcore band blessthefall...
  3. 1 2 Mason, Stewart (February 1, 2007). "blessthefall". AllMusic. Retrieved February 11, 2015. A Christian-oriented screamo quintet with some hip-hop and nu metal influences, blessthefall started...
  4. ↑ Ide, Chelsea. Young Blessthefall Members Focus on Jesus Archived August 9, 2007, at the Wayback Machine.. East Valley Tribune (Phoenix), November 2, 2006. Retrieved July 1, 2007.
  5. 1 2 Blessthefall to Release Debut Full-Length "His Last Walk" on April 10. PlugInMusic.com. Retrieved July 1, 2007.
  6. ↑ Review of His Last Walk, Soul Shine Magazine. Retrieved July 1, 2007.
  7. ↑ Review of His Last Walk, Blistering magazine. Retrieved July 1, 2007.
  8. ↑ Review of His Last Walk, Sound the Sirens Magazine. Retrieved July 1, 2007.
  9. ↑ Chart positions, Allmusic
  10. 1 2 "BLESSTHEFALLS Signs With FEARLESS RECORDS". Blabbermouth. May 14, 2009.
  11. ↑ "Hot Topic's "Black on Black" Tour". Viaheadphones. July 31, 2007.
  12. ↑ "All That Remains/Protest The Hero Tour". AbsolutePunk. April 20, 2007.
  13. ↑ "blessthefall – Tickets – Blue Moose Tap House – Iowa City, IA – December 10th, 2012". Ticketfly. Retrieved February 14, 2013.
  14. 1 2 Press, Alternative. "Podcast # 37". Audio Podcast. Alternative Press. Retrieved March 27, 2009.
  15. ↑ "Blessthefall announce Beau Bokan (ex-Take The Crown) as new vocalist, post song". Alternative Press. Retrieved September 23, 2011.
  16. ↑ "WE BROKE UP...read this". Take the Crown. Retrieved September 23, 2011.
  17. ↑ "Tours: Silverstein/Norma Jean/Blessthefall/Before Their Eyes". Punk News.
  18. ↑ "Tour Announcement: AUGUST BURNS RED & ENTER SHIKARI". Indie Star TV. May 14, 2009.
  19. ↑ Blessthefall at AllMusic
  20. ↑ "Atticus Tour - Page 1". October 8, 2009.
  21. 1 2 "Interview with Bless the Fall on The Cool Tour 2010". Muen. June 24, 2010. Retrieved February 11, 2015.
  22. ↑ "Splinter Cell Conviction: Blessthefall". Machinima.com. April 9, 2010. Retrieved September 19, 2010.
  23. ↑ "BTF news February 15, 2011". February 15, 2011. Retrieved February 16, 2011.
  24. ↑ "Beau Bokan's Formspring: question regarding Warped Tour 2011 and new album". November 2010. Archived from the original on August 1, 2012.
  25. ↑ "concerning the next btf record which producer do you're gonna work with ? (hope it was spelled right.) | Formspring". Formspring.me. Archived from the original on July 31, 2012. Retrieved November 12, 2011.
  26. ↑ Tyler Common (April 22, 2011). "Blessthefall to enter the studio May 17th". Alternative Press. Retrieved July 15, 2011.
  27. ↑ "Blessthefall Collabs". Pup Fresh. Retrieved November 12, 2011.
  28. ↑ "How come Ronnie is not going to be on the album? I was excited for that. | Formspring". Formspring.me. Archived from the original on June 29, 2012.
  29. ↑ "See us this summer..". Facebook. Retrieved November 12, 2011.
  30. ↑ "The 2011 Fearless Friends Tour". Fearlessfriendstour.com. Retrieved March 15, 2012.
  31. ↑ Yancey, Bryne. "Blessthefall release official video for "Promised Ones"". Alternative Press. Retrieved March 15, 2012.
  32. ↑ "LiveTheScene.com Interview: Blessthefall (2012)". YouTube. Retrieved February 14, 2012.
  33. ↑ "ìs is true with recording an ep in february ? | Formspring". Formspring.me. Archived from the original on August 1, 2012. Retrieved March 15, 2012.
  34. ↑ "October 4th, one..". Facebook. Retrieved November 11, 2012.
  35. ↑ "Twitter / Blessthefall: If you guys.". Twitter.com. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
  36. ↑ "Tijdlijnfoto's". Facebook. Retrieved June 9, 2013.
  37. ↑ "Blessthefall finish new album". Alternative Press. May 29, 2013. Retrieved October 26, 2013.
  38. ↑ "Tijdlijnfoto's". Facebook. Retrieved August 28, 2013.
  39. ↑ "Twitter / joeyismusic: @thisisthescene i can confirm". Twitter.com. Retrieved November 11, 2012.
  40. ↑ "Stream New Blessthefall Album". Billboard.
  41. ↑ Kraus, Brian (April 6, 2013). "Blessthefall recording new album with Joey Sturgis". Altpress.com. Retrieved July 29, 2013.
  42. ↑ "BLESSTHEFALL Reveals Album Artwork and Track Listing for New Album 'Hollow Bodies' " News "". Puregrainaudio.com. June 10, 2013. Retrieved June 18, 2013.
  43. ↑ "Blessthefall post "You Wear A Crown But You're No King" song teaser - Alternative Press". Altpress.com. June 19, 2013. Retrieved July 31, 2013.
  44. ↑ "Song Premiere: Blessthefall, "Déjà Vu" - Alternative Press". Altpress.com. Retrieved July 31, 2013.
  45. ↑ "Stream New Blessthefall Track 'Deja Vu'". Rock Sound TV. July 31, 2013.
  46. ↑ "STREAM: Blessthefall "See You On The Outside"". Infectious Magazine. Retrieved August 8, 2013.
  47. ↑ "Alternative Press | News | Motion City Soundtrack, blessthefall, Big D and the Kids Table, more announced for Warped Tour 2013". Altpress.com. Retrieved January 19, 2013.
  48. ↑ "Blessthefall, Hundredth, Alive Like Me, more announced for Warped Tour 2015". Alternative Press. Retrieved December 11, 2014.
  49. ↑ "Blessthefall begin recording new album with joey sturgis". Alternative Press. Retrieved May 1, 2015.
  50. ↑ "Blessthefall to release new album, 'To Those Left Behind,' in September - Alternative Press". Alternative Press. Retrieved August 13, 2015.
  51. ↑ "Blessthefall Announce New Album 'To Those Left Behind'". Loudwire. Retrieved August 13, 2015.
  52. ↑ "Blessthefall Announce New Album 'To Those Left Behind'". New Noise Magazine. Retrieved August 13, 2015.
  53. ↑ "Blessthefall announce new album 'To Those Left Behind'". Bombshellzine.com. Retrieved August 13, 2015.
  54. ↑ "Blessthefall Premiere New Song, "Up in Flames"". revolvermag.com. Retrieved August 13, 2015.
  55. ↑ "Blessthefall Post New Song, "Up in Flames"". AbsolutePunk.net. Retrieved August 13, 2015.
  56. ↑ "Blessthefall Release New Single "Up in Flames"". New Noise Magazine. Retrieved August 13, 2015.
  57. ↑ "Blessthefall - Pre-order on August 7th - Facebook". facebook.com. Retrieved August 13, 2015.
  58. ↑ "blessthefall on Twitter". Retrieved October 16, 2016.
  59. 1 2 "blessthefall on Twitter". Retrieved October 16, 2016.
  60. ↑ "An Interview With blessthefall's Beau Bokan". Shot Monster. November 2009. Retrieved February 11, 2015. Bokan points out something else kids appreciate, and that's not being preached at. So while all the members of the band are Christian, the guys don't want to be pigeonholed as a 'Christian' band. 'We try to live good lives, but it's not my place to tell people what to think. We want everyone to like our music.'
  61. ↑ Sharpe, Brendon (July 23, 2007). "Bless The Fall at the 2007 Van's Warped Tour, July 23, 2007, Charlotte, North Carolina". Brendon Sharpe Photography. About.com. Retrieved February 11, 2015. The screamo keeps on coming, this time from Phoenix's Bless The Fall.
  62. ↑ Shim, Dave (October 6, 2009). "Witness – blessthefall". AllMusic. Retrieved February 11, 2015. Phoenix-based post-hardcore act Blessthefall...
  63. ↑ "blessthefall". AllMusic. Retrieved February 11, 2015.
  64. 1 2 "purevolume | blessthefall". Archived from the original on August 20, 2004.
  65. ↑ "Blessthefall Black Rose Dying official music video (with lyrics)". YouTube. September 9, 2010. Retrieved August 28, 2013.
  66. ↑ "Blessthefall Times Like These (music video w/ lyrics)". YouTube. August 31, 2008. Retrieved February 22, 2014.
  67. ↑ "blessthefall - "Higinia" Official Music Video HQ". YouTube. February 23, 2010. Retrieved August 28, 2013.
  68. ↑ "BlessTheFall - Guys Like You Make Us Look Bad (Official Music Video) HD". YouTube. December 29, 2012. Retrieved August 28, 2013.
  69. ↑ ""Rise Up" by Blessthefall". YouTube. April 23, 2008. Retrieved August 28, 2013.
  70. ↑ "Blessthefall - "What's Left of Me" Official Music Video". YouTube. December 18, 2009. Retrieved August 28, 2013.
  71. ↑ "blessthefall - To Hell and Back Official Music Video". YouTube. July 27, 2010. Retrieved August 28, 2013.
  72. ↑ "blessthefall - Hey Baby, Here's That Song You Wanted Official Music Video". YouTube. November 5, 2010. Retrieved August 28, 2013.
  73. ↑ "blessthefall - "Promised Ones" Official Music Video". YouTube. November 8, 2011. Retrieved August 28, 2013.
  74. ↑ "blessthefall - "Bottomfeeder" Studio Video". YouTube. August 8, 2011. Retrieved February 22, 2014.
  75. ↑ "Blessthefall - The Reign (Live Footage)". YouTube. April 16, 2012. Retrieved February 22, 2014.
  76. ↑ "blessthefall - "40 Days..." Official Music Video". YouTube. Retrieved August 28, 2013.
  77. ↑ "Blessthefall - You Wear A Crown But You're No King (Music Video)". YouTube. August 23, 2013. Retrieved August 28, 2013.
  78. ↑ "Blessthefall - Hollow Bodies (Music Video)". YouTube. March 3, 2014. Retrieved March 3, 2014.
  79. ↑ Fearless Records (September 21, 2015). "Blessthefall - Walk On Water (Official Music Video)". Retrieved October 16, 2016 – via YouTube.

External links

Wikiquote has quotations related to: Blessthefall
This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the 12/1/2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.