The Bled was an American
post-hardcore
Post-hardcore is a punk rock music genre that maintains the aggression and intensity of hardcore punk but emphasizes a greater degree of creative expression. It was initially inspired by post-punk and noise rock. Like post-punk, the term has be ...
band from
Tucson, Arizona
, "(at the) base of the black ill
, nicknames = "The Old Pueblo", "Optics Valley", "America's biggest small town"
, image_map =
, mapsize = 260px
, map_caption = Interactive map ...
, formed in 2001. They released four albums (''
Pass the Flask'', ''
Found in the Flood'', ''
Silent Treatment
Silent treatment is the refusal to communicate verbally and electronically with someone who is trying to communicate and elicit a response. It may range from just sulking to malevolent abusive controlling behaviour. It may be a passive-aggressiv ...
'' and ''
Heat Fetish'') before disbanding in 2012.
History
Formation and early years (2001–2002)
The Bled formed in 2001 under the name "The Radiation Defiance Theory" but changed the name because they felt it was too lengthy. Their music style was largely influenced by
hardcore punk
Hardcore punk (also known as simply hardcore) is a punk rock music genre and subculture that originated in the late 1970s. It is generally faster, harder, and more aggressive than other forms of punk rock. Its roots can be traced to earlier p ...
bands such as
Refused,
metalcore
Metalcore (also known as metallic hardcore) is a fusion music genre that combines elements of extreme metal and hardcore punk. As with other styles blending metal and hardcore, such as crust punk and grindcore, metalcore is noted for its use ...
bands such as
Cave In
Cave In is an American rock band that formed in 1995 in Methuen, Massachusetts. The band's lineup solidified with the 1998 release of ''Until Your Heart Stops'' through Hydra Head Records, and their early albums were prominent in the metalco ...
, and the
mathcore
Mathcore is a subgenre of hardcore punk and metalcore influenced by post-hardcore, extreme metal and math rock that developed during the 1990s. Bands in the genre emphasize complex and fluctuant rhythms through the use of irregular time signat ...
band
The Dillinger Escape Plan
The Dillinger Escape Plan was an American metalcore band. The band was formed in 1997 in Morris Plains, New Jersey by guitarist Ben Weinman, bassist Adam Doll, vocalist Dimitri Minakakis, and drummer Chris Pennie. The band's use of odd time si ...
. After being a band for only two months, the band released an EP titled ''
His First Crush
His First Crush is an EP recorded by Hardcore band The Bled. It was released after only two months of the band being together, on a friend's record company, Rocket Records. Only 1,000 copies were pressed, which sold quickly as interest in the band ...
'' with Ride the Rocket Records and
Sunset Alliance, and released a
self-titled EP a year later, both of which featured Adam Goss on vocals. The Bled quickly began to build a name for themselves in
Tucson, Arizona
, "(at the) base of the black ill
, nicknames = "The Old Pueblo", "Optics Valley", "America's biggest small town"
, image_map =
, mapsize = 260px
, map_caption = Interactive map ...
, and started to play sold out shows.
[The Bled on Vagrant](_blank)
Retrieved on April 26, 2008.[The Bled on Purevolume](_blank)
Retrieved on April 26, 2008.
''Pass the Flask'' (2003–2004)
After achieving local success, The Bled caught the attention of
Fiddler Records and later got signed. A day before the band started to record their debut album ''
Pass the Flask'', vocalist Adam Goss quit the band and suggested James Muñoz as a replacement. The rest of the band felt that Muñoz was a much better fit than Goss, and he became a permanent member of the band. ''Pass the Flask'' was released in July 2003 and the band toured doghounds relentlessly in support of it. This also marked the first time The Bled left Arizona to tour as a band. The album demonstrated The Bled's skills in both a lyrical sense and music sense as the band incorporated a wide variety of genres including metalcore, mathcore,
melodic hardcore
Melodic hardcore is a broadly defined subgenre of hardcore punk with a strong emphasis on melody in its guitar work. It generally incorporates fast rhythms, melodic and often distorted guitar riffs, and vocal styles tending towards shouting and ...
, and
post-hardcore
Post-hardcore is a punk rock music genre that maintains the aggression and intensity of hardcore punk but emphasizes a greater degree of creative expression. It was initially inspired by post-punk and noise rock. Like post-punk, the term has be ...
. The album was also a major success within the hardcore community.
''Found in the Flood'' (2005–2007)
The Bled was not content with Fiddler Records, and decided to change labels. The band was a big fan of
Vagrant Records
Vagrant Records is an American record label based in California. It was founded in 1995 by Rich Egan and Jon Cohen. The label focuses on rock, but features artists in a variety of other genres including folk, soul, electronic, and pop. It is h ...
, and in 2005 they signed to the indie record label, ensuring that a major label was not for them. Before working on their new album, the band parted ways with bass player Mike Celi and hired Darren Simoes as a permanent replacement. For their second studio album, ''
Found in the Flood'', The Bled worked with producer
Mark Trombino
Mark Trombino (born May 23, 1966) is an American multi-platinum record producer, musician, and audio engineer. He has produced, engineered, and mixed tracks for many artists including Jimmy Eat World, Blink-182, The Starting Line, Finch, Motion ...
(Jimmy Eat World, Blink-182).
The album expanded both the heavier and lighter sides of the band. This album is also their first album to chart on the
''Billboard'' 200, which peaked at No. 87.
The success of the album landed The Bled a spot on
Warped Tour
The Warped Tour was a traveling rock tour that toured the United States plus three or four stops in Canada annually each summer from 1995 until 2019. It was the largest traveling music festival in the United States and the longest-running touri ...
in the summer of 2006 on the Vagrant Stage featuring many rising names signed to Vagrant Records, and the international
Taste of Chaos
Taste of Chaos (or "TOC") was a live music tour that was started in the winter of 2005 by Kevin Lyman, the creator of the successful Warped Tour along with his friend and business partner, John Reese. The Taste Of Chaos tour catered to fans o ...
in early 2007 alongside bands like
Rise Against
Rise Against is an American punk rock band from Chicago, formed in 1999. The group's current line-up comprises vocalist/rhythm guitarist Tim McIlrath, lead guitarist Zach Blair, bassist Joe Principe and drummer Brandon Barnes. Rooted in hardc ...
,
The Used
The Used is an American rock band from Orem, Utah, that formed in 2001. The group consists of vocalist Bert McCracken, bassist Jeph Howard, drummer Dan Whitesides, and guitarist Joey Bradford. Former members include Quinn Allman, Branden Stei ...
, and
Aiden.
During this time ''Pass the Flask'' went out of print. The Bled was unable to sell it on tour because it was released on their previous label (that has since gone out of business). Many fans believed that ''Found in the Flood'' was the band's first and only album. To fix this, a reissue of ''Pass the Flask'' was created. The new version was released on Vagrant, and in addition to the original track listing the new album featured songs from The Bled's original EPs and three unreleased songs.
''Silent Treatment'' (2007–2008)
After touring on the Taste of Chaos tour, the band started working on their new album. The process of writing and recording was slightly different from previous efforts. For the first two albums, Muñoz and Talley each wrote half an album worth of songs individually. For ''
Silent Treatment
Silent treatment is the refusal to communicate verbally and electronically with someone who is trying to communicate and elicit a response. It may range from just sulking to malevolent abusive controlling behaviour. It may be a passive-aggressiv ...
'' Muñoz and Talley wrote songs together. The band also had five months to write songs for the album, the longest writing period to date for any album. While recording, The Bled set up a live webcam in the studio so fans could watch the progress. ''Silent Treatment'' was produced by
Brian McTernan (
Thrice
Thrice is an American rock band from Irvine, California, formed in 1998. The group was founded by guitarist/vocalist Dustin Kensrue and lead guitarist Teppei Teranishi while they were in high school.
Early in their career, the band was known ...
,
Converge) and featured a more evolved and heavy sound than what is found on ''Pass the Flask'' in addition to the slower melodic songs found on ''Found in the Flood''.
Shortly before the release of ''Silent Treatment'', The Bled toured in the 2007
Projekt Revolution
Projekt Revolution was a music festival hosted by Linkin Park, bringing artists of various genres of music together. Linkin Park started Projekt Revolution in the year 2002 with just one stage. Then, in 2004, they announced the Revolution Stage ( ...
Tour alongside
Linkin Park
Linkin Park is an American rock band from Agoura Hills, California. The band's current lineup comprises vocalist/rhythm guitarist/keyboardist Mike Shinoda, lead guitarist Brad Delson, bassist Dave Farrell, DJ/turntablist Joe Hahn and drumm ...
,
My Chemical Romance
My Chemical Romance (commonly abbreviated to MCR or My Chem) is an American rock band from Newark, New Jersey. The band's current lineup consists of lead vocalist Gerard Way, lead guitarist Ray Toro, rhythm guitarist Frank Iero, and bassist ...
,
Taking Back Sunday
Taking Back Sunday is an American rock band from Long Island, New York. The band was formed by guitarist Eddie Reyes and bassist Jesse Lacey in 1999. The band's members currently are Adam Lazzara (lead vocals), John Nolan (lead guitar, keybo ...
and others. After the album was released they toured the
Take Action Tour
The Take Action Tour is an annual spring tour that not only hosts several bands, but also tries to get people alerted about the issues with teen suicide, and ultimately tries to prevent it. The tour was created by both Sub City and Hopeless Recor ...
with
Every Time I Die
Every Time I Die was an American metalcore band from Buffalo, New York, formed in 1998. For most of the band's career, the line-up was centred on brothers Keith (vocals) and Jordan Buckley (guitar), as well as rhythm guitarist Andy Williams wit ...
and
From First to Last followed by a short tour supporting
The Dillinger Escape Plan
The Dillinger Escape Plan was an American metalcore band. The band was formed in 1997 in Morris Plains, New Jersey by guitarist Ben Weinman, bassist Adam Doll, vocalist Dimitri Minakakis, and drummer Chris Pennie. The band's use of odd time si ...
. On April 18, while playing with the Dillinger Escape Plan at Ridglea Theater in ''Fort Worth, TX'', vocalist James Muñoz told the crowd "this is our last tour for a long while" due to mutual exhaustion among the band members from extensive touring over the past year and financial turmoil within the band. During the hiatus, bassist Darren Simoes toured with
New York hardcore
New York hardcore (also known as NYHC) is both the hardcore punk music created in New York City and the subculture and lifestyle associated with that music. New York hardcore grew out of the hardcore scene established in Washington, D.C., by ban ...
act
Warship
A warship or combatant ship is a naval ship that is built and primarily intended for naval warfare. Usually they belong to the armed forces of a state. As well as being armed, warships are designed to withstand damage and are usually faster ...
alongside
Reggie and the Full Effect, and guitarist Jeremy Ray formed the band Starving Arms with past members of the bands The Funeral March and Versus the Mirror.
Lineup changes, ''Heat Fetish'' and break up (2009–2011)
After touring in support of ''Silent Treatment'', The Bled found themselves in debt. Each band member found a way outside of The Bled to earn money, such as getting regular jobs or playing in other bands. The end result was that three core members decided to no longer be a part of the band. Mike Pedicone joined Gavin Rossdale as drummer, Ross Ott started working for a company called ArtistForce, and Darren Simoes decided to finish college. These members were replaced by Robbie Burbidge, Brad Murray, Josh Skibar. The band recorded their follow-up to ''Silent Treatment'' after their spring tour with
The Used
The Used is an American rock band from Orem, Utah, that formed in 2001. The group consists of vocalist Bert McCracken, bassist Jeph Howard, drummer Dan Whitesides, and guitarist Joey Bradford. Former members include Quinn Allman, Branden Stei ...
, and proceeded to tour in support of the new album this summer. On March 30, it was reported by ''
Alternative Press Magazine
''Alternative Press'' is an American entertainment magazine primarily focused on music and culture, now based in Los Angeles, CA. It generally provides readers with band interviews, photos, and relevant news. It was founded in 1985 by Mike Shea ...
'' that The Bled had been dropped from their label, ''
Vagrant Records
Vagrant Records is an American record label based in California. It was founded in 1995 by Rich Egan and Jon Cohen. The label focuses on rock, but features artists in a variety of other genres including folk, soul, electronic, and pop. It is h ...
''. On March 31, The Bled put up two demo tracks on their MySpace titled "Mouthbreather" and "When Exiting Your Vehicle." It was confirmed that the two demos would be on the new record. On September 4, The Bled embarked on their first nationwide tour in over a year.
On August 13, 2009, it was announced that The Bled signed a two-record contract with Rise Records and would release their next full-length in February 2010 On November 13, 2009, Talley told ''Noisecreep'' that the forthcoming album would be called ''
Heat Fetish''
On May 8, 2010, it was announced that Shane Sheffer, vocalist of The Fade and formerly of The Funeral March and Starving Arms, would be replacing bassist Brad Murray on the
Rise Records Tour and that Murray is no longer a part of The Bled. After the Rise Records tour, Mike Patton, a close friend to the band, their touring sound engineer and of no relation to
Mike Patton of
Faith No More
Faith No More is an American rock band from San Francisco, California, formed in 1979. Before settling on the current name in July 1983, the band performed under the names Sharp Young Men and later Faith No Man. Bassist Billy Gould, keyboardist ...
, was picked to fill in on bass until further notice.
The Bled announced their breakup in August 2011 stating that it was, "time to move on to new things." A tour took place in November 2011, with the final four shows taking place in the
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom (UK) or Britain, is a country in Europe, off the north-western coast of the continental mainland. It comprises England, Scotland, Wales and ...
. The band played their final show on February 19, 2012.
Guitarist Jeremy Talley announced via the band's Facebook that he will be forming a new project based around material intended for The Bled's final release. Talley also said information regarding this project will be released following The Bled's farewell tour.
Vocalist James Munoz has moved on to writing and acting in the weekly ''
FunnyOrDie'' comedy sketch show, Apartment Sketch Show, as well as playing bass for the Richmond, Virginia punk rock band,
Smoke or Fire. He has since left Smoke or Fire and joined another Richmond group, Xed Out.
In 2021 the band reunited and played a reunion set at Furnace Fest.
Band members
;Final lineup
* Jeremy Ray Talley – guitar
(2001–2012)
* James Muñoz – vocals
(2003–2012)
* Robbie Burbidge – guitar
(2009–2012)
* Josh Skibar – drums
(2009–2012)
* Mike Patton – bass guitar
(2011–2012)
;Former members
* Mike Celi – bass guitar
(2001–2004)
* Adam Goss – vocals
(2001–2003)
* Brad Murray – bass guitar
(2009–2010)
* Ross Ott – guitar
(2001–2008)
* Mike Pedicone – drums
(2001–2008)
* Darren Simoes – bass guitar
(2004–2008)
* Shane Sheffer – bass guitar
(2010–2011)
Timeline
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at:07/29/2003
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bar:Mike text:"Mike Celi"
bar:Darren text:"Darren Simoes"
bar:Brad text:"Brad Murray"
bar:Shane text:"Shane Sheffer"
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bar:Ross from:01/01/2001 till:01/01/2008 color:guitar
bar:Robbie from:01/01/2009 till:end color:guitar
bar:Mike from:01/01/2001 till:01/01/2004 color:bass
bar:Darren from:01/02/2004 till:01/01/2008 color:bass
bar:Brad from:01/01/2009 till:06/01/2010 color:bass
bar:Shane from:06/02/2010 till:01/01/2011 color:bass
bar:Mike2 from:01/02/2011 till:end color:bass
bar:Mike3 from:01/01/2001 till:01/01/2008 color:drums
bar:Josh from:01/01/2009 till:end color:drums
Discography
;Studio albums
* ''
Pass the Flask'' (2003)
* ''
Found in the Flood'' (2005)
* ''
Silent Treatment
Silent treatment is the refusal to communicate verbally and electronically with someone who is trying to communicate and elicit a response. It may range from just sulking to malevolent abusive controlling behaviour. It may be a passive-aggressiv ...
'' (2007)
* ''
Heat Fetish'' (2010)
;EPs
* ''
His First Crush
His First Crush is an EP recorded by Hardcore band The Bled. It was released after only two months of the band being together, on a friend's record company, Rocket Records. Only 1,000 copies were pressed, which sold quickly as interest in the band ...
'' (2001)
* ''
The Bled'' (2002)
;Split EPs
* ''Alexisonfire / The Bled''
* ''The Bled / From Autumn to Ashes''
;Non-album tracks
* ''
Masters of Horror'' – "Nervous Breakdown"
( Black Flag cover)
* ''
Tony Hawk's American Wasteland Soundtrack'' – "House of Suffering"
(Bad Brains
Bad Brains are an American rock band formed in Washington, D.C. in 1976. Originally a jazz fusion band under the name Mind Power, they are widely regarded as pioneers of hardcore punk, though the band's members have objected to the use of this t ...
cover)
* ''
Resident Evil: Extinction Soundtrack'' – "Asleep on the Frontlines"
(Appliantz remix)
;Music Videos
* You Know Who's Seatbelt (2003)
* I Never Met Another Gemini (2003)
* My Assassin (2005)
* The Last American Cowboy (2005)
* Shadetree Mechanics (2007)
* Mouthbreather (2010)
* Smoke Breaks (2010)
References
External links
The Bled 2008 interview with TheGrixer.comThe Bled interview at lambgoat.comThe Bled talk new album (Nov. 2009)
{{DEFAULTSORT:Bled, The
American post-hardcore musical groups
American mathcore musical groups
Heavy metal musical groups from Arizona
Musical groups from Tucson, Arizona
Musical groups established in 2001
Musical groups disestablished in 2012
Rise Records artists
2001 establishments in Arizona
Musical quintets
Metalcore musical groups from Arizona