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Pendulum (drum and bass band)
Pendulum (drum and bass band)
Pendulum (drum and bass band)
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Pendulum is an Australian electronic rock band founded in 2002.[2] Pendulum originally formed in the city of Perth, Western Australia, by Rob Swire, Gareth McGrillen and Paul "El Hornet" Harding. The band was later expanded to include members Ben Mount, Peredur ap Gwynedd and KJ Sawka. The group is notable for its distinctive sound, mixing electronic music with hard rock and covering a wide range of genres.[3]

Key Information

Their debut studio album, Hold Your Colour, was released in 2005 to positive critical reception. While Hold Your Colour was mostly of the drum and bass genre, the succeeding albums In Silico and Immersion saw experimentation of other genres such as industrial rock and electronic rock.

In 2012, the band went on hiatus as Swire and McGrillen concentrated on their side-project Knife Party.[4][3] In 2015, the band reformed and released the remix album The Reworks in 2018. The band have since released the EPs Elemental (2021) and Anima (2023),[3] and in 2025 released a fourth album titled Inertia.[5]

History

[edit]

2002–2007: Formation and Hold Your Colour

[edit]
MC Ben Mount
MC Ben Mount

The band began their career in Perth, Western Australia as a trio of DJs. Rob Swire and Gareth McGrillen had been in several rock and metal music bands, while Harding had been the drummer in a punk band during the mid-1990s.[3] Harding had been active in the Perth drum and bass scene since the late 1990s, DJing under the name "El Hornet". Swire and McGrillen had performed local DJ sets and intended to start a record label.[6] They first collaborated during The Perth Producers night at The Drumclub and decided to continue to work together under the name Pendulum.[7]

The first track the trio produced was 'Vault', which would be released in 2003 on 31 Records. It resonated with mostly UK fans of the genre, which prompted a move to London in the same year.[8][9] The band also recorded and released 'Spiral / Ulterior Motive' the same year,[10] and in 2004 made their first compilation appearance on 'Jungle Sound: The Bassline Strikes Back!', with several songs featured and Harding in charge of mixing the album's second disc.[11] The band was offered an album deal by Breakbeat Kaos, Fresh's label, which resulted in their debut album Hold Your Colour in 2005.[12] The album charted in both the United Kingdom and in Australia and was certified as a golden album in Australia.[13]

Following the success of their 2005 debut album, their label Breakbeat Kaos re-issued the compilation under the name Jungle Sound Gold, the front now saying "mixed by Pendulum". The band disapproved of this as they had neither given permission nor been informed about the release, and Pendulum later ended up leaving the label.[14]

In 2006, the trio became a sextet after introducing Ben Mount as their MC, Peredur ap Gwynedd as their guitarist, and Paul Kodish as their drummer. At this time McGrillen began playing bass guitar at live shows and on some studio recordings.[citation needed]

2007–2009: In Silico and Live at Brixton Academy

[edit]

Pendulum's second album, In Silico, was released on 12 May 2008.[15] This release contained different sounds compared to their debut album, as it contained more rock elements whilst maintaining their electronic elements. The response to this change was relatively positive from critics, but was called "a little dated" by The Guardian.[16][17][18] The album was relatively successful as it charted at 2 on the UK Albums Chart[19] and at 9 in the Australian Albums Chart.[20] The album reached No. 16 on Billboard's Top Electronic Albums chart in the United States.[21] In November 2008, three songs from the album In Silico were used in the soundtrack of Need for Speed: Undercover.[21] The song "Tarantula" was featured in the video game MotorStorm: Pacific Rift.[22] "Tarantula" also later inspired the release of the track "Centipede" from their spin-off band, Knife Party.

At the end of the year the band filmed a live DVD on 4 and 5 December 2008, at the Brixton Academy. This was released on 17 April 2009.[23] Sometime afterwards, Paul Kodish left the band for unspecified reasons.[24]

2009–2011: Immersion

[edit]
Live Show at Melbourne Australia.
Live, Melbourne 2010.

Pendulum once again toured Europe in 2009. During this tour they announced that they were working on their third studio album, Immersion. It was announced in December 2009 that Pendulum would be touring for their new album in May 2010. The release date of the album was announced to be sometime "in May" during the live preview party at Matter, and was then announced to be released on 24 May. Pendulum previewed their album Immersion at the Ear Storm night at London's Matter nightclub on Friday 22 January.[25] "Salt in the Wounds", a track from their new album, was Zane Lowe's Hottest Record in the World on BBC Radio 1 on 25 January 2010.[26] On Zane Lowe's show, it was also announced that he wanted to join the band and the first single from the new album would be called "Watercolour". This single also received its first play on Zane Lowe's BBC Radio 1 show on 8 March 2010, and was his Single of the Week for that week.[27] In December 2010, "Watercolour" was found to be featured in the soundtrack of the 2010 hit game "Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit". On 1 April, the music video for "Salt in the Wounds" was released. The video is unique in that it is, according to the band's website, "...the world’s first 360° interactive music video."[28][29]

"Watercolour" claimed the No.4 spot in the UK Singles Chart, making it their biggest hit to date.[30] On 21 May 2010, the band headlined the annual Radio 1's Big Weekend festival which was held at the Vaynol Estate, Bangor, Gwynedd.[31] The second single from the album, "Witchcraft", was released on 18 July and charted at No.29 in the UK Singles chart, making it their third highest charted single in the UK.[32] The third single from Immersion was "The Island", and just missed the UK Top 40 at No. 41.[33]

Rob Swire had stated that if it had achieved greater success than "Witchcraft", he would have released a song entitled "Ransom", which was taken off Immersion before the album's release. Swire revealed the original files for "Ransom" were corrupted, and that he had no plans to recreate them, therefore it would not be released. However, on 6 April 2011, Pendulum released "Ransom" as a single via their website with all proceeds going to the Help for Japan fund after the tsunami.[34][35] "Crush" was released as the fourth single in January 2011. In January 2011, Pendulum released a Deluxe Edition of Immersion via iTunes which contained the album's original 15 tracks and a collection of remixes of "Watercolour", "Witchcraft" and "The Island" by other artists including deadmau5, Tiësto and Chuckie. Both the UK and US store were also given the music videos of those three tracks in the release.[36]

2011–2015: Knife Party and hiatus

[edit]
Vocalist and Guitarist Rob Swire
Vocalist and Guitarist Rob Swire performing with Pendulum at the Nova Rock Festival in 2017

On 26 October 2010, Swire announced that a new record was in the works. This new record was set to be heavily punk influenced. The next album was expected to be a significant departure from usage of drum and bass tempo, for a faster tempo in the form of punk, and a slower tempo in the form of dubstep.

On 29 March 2011, Swire revealed that there would be no "new album" for a while. However, he did add that there would be "def new material" later in the year.[37]

Pendulum opened for Linkin Park on several selected dates during the band's 2011 "A Thousand Suns" North American tour. They also headlined their own tour supported by Innerpartysystem who are also an Electronic Rock band.

Pendulum played at the 2011 Download Festival,[38] Oxegen,[39] The Eden Sessions,[40] Glastonbury Festival,[41] T in the Park, and V Festival, headlined Global Gathering, an exclusive London show at South West Four[42] and finally headlined the first night of Bestival on the Isle of Wight.

Pendulum headlined at Rhythm & Vines 2011 in Gisborne, New Zealand. They also were one of the headliners on the Main Stage line-up at the LovEvolution 2011 Dance Festival and Parade in Oakland, California, which had over 50 DJs and 15 or more parade floats.

On 3 January 2012, Pendulum announced that they would be taking a hiatus from touring while thanking their fans for the last several years. They went on to state that they might create a new record in 2013.[43] Six months later on 16 June 2012, Rob Swire re-iterated that there would be no further Pendulum live shows and also withdrew his plans of releasing a new record in 2013, as Knife Party had become his primary project.[44] El Hornet and MC Verse, meanwhile, continued to perform DJ sets across the world using the alias, while the remaining members of the band began to partake in various side projects.

In 2011 Rob Swire and fellow member Gareth McGrillen announced in various interviews that a project called Knife Party had been created. The side project is virtually unlinked by any means to Pendulum and consists of electro house, dubstep and other club genres. Knife Party has since become the duo's primary project.

The following year on 22 August 2013, in a series of tweets, it was revealed that along with a Knife Party album,[45] a possible Pendulum album may also be released in 2014.[46] El-Hornet later confirmed the album in a speech at the 9:30 Club in Washington, D.C., and said "don't rush us".

On 13 July 2014, Swire stated that work on the new Pendulum album will begin around September and could be released early 2015.[47] Yet on 16 December 2014, Knife Party did an AMA on Reddit which some fans inquired the duo about how the Pendulum album was coming along. Rob Swire stated that, although they weren't working on it yet, they had some old material from previous albums that can be re-worked and finished into something new, which is however, different from all previous work Pendulum have done so far. Rob Swire also stated that he personally didn't want to make a new Pendulum album but rather work on something else with Knife Party or create a new project altogether, one he can have "control" of, since he "lost heart for the project", having no real desire to make drum and bass anymore and fusing it with rock, while again ruling out a live band tour and gave no further details on release dates.[48]

2015–2019: Hold Your Colour anniversary and reunion

[edit]
Guitarist Peredur ap Gwynedd
Guitarist Peredur ap Gwynedd

On 20 July 2015, the 10-year anniversary of the release of Hold Your Colour, Rob Swire took to the Pendulum Twitter page to celebrate, thanking the fans for their support and changing the profile picture to that of a birthday cake underneath the Pendulum logo in its original font.[49][50][51] On 26 July 2015, Rob also uploaded two videos to his personal Twitter page of old Pendulum studio files playing on his computer.[52][53]

On 22 August 2015, Rob Swire and Gareth McGrillen joined El Hornet and Ben Verse onstage at V Festival in Hylands Park, Essex for the Pendulum DJ set.[54] This marks the first time either of the members have performed under the Pendulum name in four years.[original research?] Rob later tweeted after the performance that the experience was "fun, and also weird."[55]

On 16 December 2015, it was announced that Pendulum would reunite as a live band at the 2016 Ultra Music Festival in Miami, Florida. The band closed the music festival as the latter half of a joined performance with Knife Party.[56] This was the first live performance of the band without MC Ben Verse. The band performed new live versions of songs such as Knife Party's "Begin Again" as well as deadmau5's Moar Ghosts 'n' Stuff, with deadmau5 himself performing live alongside the band.

On 16 December 2016, Pendulum was confirmed to be performing as a live act at Nova Rock festival 2017. The band also posted an image to their Facebook page teasing a possible return in 2017.[57]

Pendulum also performed in their hometown Perth to ring in the new year at the 10 year anniversary of the Origin NYE festival.[58]

On 9 January 2017, it was unveiled via their YouTube channel that Pendulum would be officially returning.[59] On 13 January, Pendulum officially announced on their website that a possible London tour/album release may be happening in Summer 2017. In March 2017, the band further announced performances at Ultra Singapore, Nova Rock festival in Austria and VOLT Festival in Hungary, as well as Ultra Korea in June 2017. The band also performed a headline set at Nass Festival 2017. In August 2017, the band also performed at South West Four Festival in Clapham Common, London.[60]

On 10 August 2017, Rob Swire announced that he would be making a new Pendulum album.[61] The band also departed from their label Warner Music UK opting for their own label, Earstorm in order for more creative control.[62]

On 2 September Pendulum headlined the first day of the Weekender festival in Jersey, Channel Islands. They ended their summer tour at the Ultra Japan on 18 September 2017, and additionally played the Snowbombing festival in 2018.

On 26 February 2018, Pendulum announced a remix album, The Reworks, to be released in installments beginning on 16 March and ending in June. The band has also announced it will release The Complete Works box set. The group also announced forthcoming show dates, kicking off its first headline show since 2011 in London's Printworks on 14 April. Swire has also confirmed that after "The Reworks" there will be new music coming. He didn't specify whether it would be Pendulum, Knife Party, or both: however, Swire was hinting towards a new original Pendulum album, as he has been teasing one since the release of Knife Party's 2014 debut album Abandon Ship.[63]

On 29 January 2019, Rob Swire and Gareth McGrillen stated that they had "potential new Pendulum stuff" that they would be working on following the release of their Knife Party EP Lost Souls.[64] They indicated that recording with the remaining Pendulum members would begin soon, saying that they had "loads of stuff" already.[64] They also discussed their previous intentions to release new Pendulum songs in 2018, and explained that they were reluctant to introduce new material live.[64]

In March 2019, Pendulum announced their headline appearance at the upcoming Southwest Four Festival, which had Swire, McGrillen, and El Hornet play a DJ set in front of a Mayan temple like structure.[65] The performance will be the first of their "Trinity" tour with dates to be announced in North America, Europe and Australasia in 2019/2020.

2020–2023: Elemental, Anima, and remixes

[edit]
DJ Paul Harding
DJ Paul Harding at Park Live Festival in Moscow in 2013

On 16 September 2020, Pendulum announced two new songs released on 17 September, "Driver" and "Nothing for Free", marking their first new music in 10 years. An accompanying music video for "Nothing for Free" was released 18 September, which features a population of rabbits dealing with an outbreak of myxomatosis, which serves as a commentary on the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic.[66] On 14 September 2020,[67] the band recorded a concert at Spitbank Fort to promote their new music which was streamed live on YouTube on 2 October 2020.[68]

On 16 April 2021, Pendulum released "Come Alive" accompanied by a video featuring footage from their London SW4 Trinity show in 2019, and announced a live headline festival appearance at Drumsheds on 13 August 2021[69] with the promise of more new material and dates to follow, possibly signalling the re-launch of the comeback tour, which was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

On 20 May 2021, the new EP Elemental was announced for release on 17 June 2021, also containing a song featuring Hybrid Minds titled "Louder Than Words".[70]

The day after the release of the EP, a live action-animated hybrid music video for "Louder Than Words" was released, featuring Bob and Gary, a cartoon cat and mouse duo heavily inspired by Tom and Jerry, going through a depressing break-up where Gary becomes famous as a result of the show while Bob fell into obscurity. As a result, Bob watches his former partner's life spiral out of control as a result of bad decisions, culminating in Gary being hospitalised from a drunk driving crash, prompting Bob to reunite with Gary. The end title screen caption, "That's it, chaps!", is also a reference to Looney Tunes.[71] The video was directed by Ed Bulmer.

A remix EP of Elemental was later released on 19 November 2021.

On June 2, 2023, Pendulum released a new song titled "Halo", which features Welsh metalcore singer and Bullet for My Valentine frontman Matthew Tuck on unclean vocals.[72] This was later revealed as the first single from their second EP, Anima, to be released on November 3. Further singles included "Colourfast", released September 8, and "Mercy Killing" with Scarlxrd, released November 1.

In June 2023, Pendulum released a documentary titled 'Pendulum: The New Era' which looks at the reasons behind their hiatus from 2012 till their eventual reunion show in 2016.[73]

In October 2023, Pendulum performed a cover of "Anti-Hero" by Taylor Swift on the Australian radio station Triple J as part of Like a Version.[74]

2024-present: Inertia

[edit]

In March of 2024, Pendulum made their return to touring as a live band with a limited run of dates across cities in the UK and European festivals.[75] At these shows they debuted a new track "Napalm", which featured Joey Valence & Brae. Napalm was later released as a single in August of 2024, coinciding with the band playing at Reading & Leeds festival.[76]

In May 2025, the band announced their fourth full-length LP: Inertia. The album is set to feature Napalm alongside all eight tracks from the Elemental and Anima EPs alongside five new tracks (a handful of which were debuted at live shows in 2023 and 2024).[5]

On 9 August 2025, Pendulum headlined their biggest-ever live show at Milton Keynes Bowl. A one off date outdoor show in the UK at the National Bowl in Milton Keynes with a 65,000 capacity. This was Pendulum’s first time headlining the National Bowl, having previously supported acts at the venue in 2008 and 2010.

On 22 August 2025, Pendulum returned with Inertia, their first full-length studio album in 15 years, featuring collaborations with Bullet For My Valentine, AWOLNATION, Wargasm, and others.

Artistry

[edit]
Bassist Gareth McGrillen
Bassist Gareth McGrillen at University of Hertfordshire in 2007

When Pendulum was formed, their musical style was considerably more drum and bass–sounding than the work they were known for later in their career. Signature tunes such as "Masochist", "Vault", "Back 2 You" and "Voyager", which were released on labels such as Uprising Records, 31 Records, Renegade Hardware and Low Profile Records, have a darker, more amelodic air to them which is substantially absent from their later productions. The band's newer work is regarded as generally leaning heavily towards a mainstream, dance-driven sound. Early work such as "Another Planet" seems to indicate an early affinity with a more global sound, similar to other Breakbeat Kaos artists such as DJ Fresh and Adam F.[original research?]

The group has produced various remixes of other artists also; one of the best-known being the remix of "Voodoo People", originally by British band The Prodigy. In 2008–2010, they covered/remixed songs including Led Zeppelin's "Immigrant Song", Linkin Park's "The Catalyst", Calvin Harris's "I'm Not Alone", Coldplay's "Violet Hill", and Metallica's "Master of Puppets". Pendulum's versions of "I'm Not Alone" and "Master of Puppets" both exist as studio recordings but have not been officially released and have only previewed during DJ sets. The original live version of "Master of Puppets" was played as an instrumental introduction for "Slam" and was featured on their first live album/DVD. During their American tour as the supporting band for Linkin Park, the song was played in its entirety, with Rob doing vocals. Pendulum have also remixed their own music and, on occasion, television theme songs, such as Australian television's "ABC News Theme" in May 2010. The remix proved to be immensely popular with listeners of Australian youth radio station Triple J, polling at number 11 in the 2010 Triple J Hottest 100 countdown.[77]

Pendulum's musical style consisted of a fusion of drum and bass (along with other electronic genres), alternative rock and heavy metal, with the inclusion of acoustic instruments. This creates a sound reminiscent of electronic rock, albeit with much more prominent drum and bass and, more recently, dubstep influences. Some songs, such as "Slam", "Propane Nightmares" and "Witchcraft" are synth-led, whilst others, such as "Showdown", "The Tempest" and "Comprachicos", are guitar-led. Bassist Gareth McGrillen stated in an interview on Channel 4 that they use 13 computers during the live performances, all of which are mixing the sounds produced by the instruments in real time. Rob Swire stated in issues of TJECK magazine and Rock Sound magazine that he would like to begin producing songs with a punk style to them,[78] which Gareth clarified to mean "A raw, aggressive, less polished method of producing".[79] Pendulum were known to be fans of progressive rock and progressive metal bands, which may have inspired them to fuse multiple genres of music together, which is standard practice in those genres.

Controversy

[edit]

In 2006, Pendulum's old label Breakbeat Kaos released an album containing a 2-year-old Pendulum DJ mix without their permission, resulting in group member Rob Swire later denouncing the album on public Internet forum Dogs on Acid.[80] This issue has since been resolved; DJ Fresh is included on the list of acknowledgements in the Immersion booklet, and Pendulum has since worked with Breakbeat Kaos again, on the vinyl release of the singles "Witchcraft" and "The Island".[81]

Electronic musician Goldie has criticised Pendulum's single "Granite" for being what he calls a "shit single", and accused the band of not acknowledging the drum and bass scene from which they came.[82] For the band's part, in an interview with The Times, Swire cited "Goldie making concept albums about space and his mum"[83] (in the words of The Times reporter) as one of the reasons why he was not initially keen on the genre; he claims to have been more into "breakbeat, straight up house and hardcore" before Gareth McGrillen, who is Pendulum's bassist and was Swire's bandmate in Xygen, introduced him to "more electronic" areas of the genre.[84] This issue has since been resolved as well, according to Gareth McGrillen in an interview in The Age.[85]

Members

[edit]

Current members

[edit]
  • Rob Swire – lead vocals, synthesizers, guitar, keyboards, bass guitar, production, DJ (2002–present)
  • Gareth McGrillen – bass guitar, backing vocals, production, DJ (2002–present), MC (2016–present)
  • Peredur ap Gwynedd – guitar (2006–present)
  • KJ Sawka – drums, percussion (2009–present)
  • Paul Harding – DJ (2002–present)

Former members

[edit]
  • Paul Kodish – drums (2006–2009)
  • Ben Mount – MC (2006–2018)

Touring musicians

[edit]

(These members performed during Pendulum's transition into a live band prior to the acquisition of guitarist Peredur ap Gwynedd and MC Ben Mount as permanent members.)

  • Matt White – guitar (2006–2008)
  • MC Jakes – MC (2006–2008)

Timeline

[edit]

Discography

[edit]
Main article: Pendulum discography

Studio albums

[edit]

Remix albums

[edit]

Extended Plays

[edit]
  • Elemental (2021)
  • Anima (2023)

Awards

[edit]

AIR Awards

[edit]

The Australian Independent Record Awards (commonly known informally as AIR Awards) is an annual awards night to recognise, promote and celebrate the success of Australia's Independent Music sector.

Year Nominee / work Award Result
2006[86] Hold Your Colour Best Performing Independent Album Nominated
Pendulum Independent Artist of the Year Nominated

West Australian Music Industry Awards

[edit]

The West Australian Music Industry Awards (WAMIs) are annual awards presented to the local contemporary music industry, put on annually by the Western Australian Music Industry Association Inc (WAM).[87][88][89]

Year Nominee / work Award Result (wins only)
2006 Pendulum Best Electronic Producer Won
2007 Pendulum Best Electronic Producer Won
Best Live Electronic Act Won
2008 Pendulum Best Electronic Producer Won
Best Live Electronic Act Won
2009 Pendulum Best Live Electronic Act Won

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Pendulum (drum and bass band)

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
is an Australian band renowned for blending high-energy with and live instrumentation, formed in Perth, , in 2002 by producers and McGrillen alongside DJ Paul "El Hornet" Harding. The group relocated to in 2003, where they built a global following through innovative production and explosive live performances, expanding their lineup to include ap Gwynedd and MC Ben Mount, as well as drummers and later . The band's breakthrough came with their debut studio album, (2005), an independently released project that peaked at number 29 on the and sold over 300,000 units in the UK. Their follow-up, (2008), reached number 2 on the UK chart and was certified platinum, while their third album, Immersion (2010), topped the and earned platinum certification, solidifying their status as one of the most successful acts with over one million pure album sales in the UK as of 2023. In 2025, Pendulum returned with their fourth studio album, , their first in 15 years, produced by Swire and Owen Charles, which debuted at number 8 on the UK chart and features collaborations with artists like Wargasm. Throughout their career, Pendulum has been celebrated for tracks like "," "Watercolour," and "," which exemplify their signature fusion of electronic breaks, heavy guitars, and anthemic vocals, earning them headlining spots at major festivals and arena tours worldwide. In recent years, the band has continued to evolve, signing with and in 2023 and releasing high-profile collaborations, including a track with trance icon in April 2025; MC Ben Mount faced health challenges, including a diagnosis, in 2025. Their enduring influence on electronic music is evident in their three platinum albums and ongoing tours supporting .

History

2002–2007: Formation and Hold Your Colour

Pendulum was formed in 2002 in Perth, , by producers and Gareth McGrillen alongside local DJ Paul "El Hornet" Harding. Initially operating as a production trio, the group focused on creating tracks that blended intricate electronic rhythms with heavy basslines, drawing from the burgeoning Australian electronic scene. Swire and McGrillen, who had previously collaborated in rock and metal bands, shifted toward after discovering the genre during their school years, with Harding providing DJ expertise to round out the lineup. This formation marked the beginning of Pendulum's evolution from studio producers to a performance-oriented act, though the full expansion to a live band with additional instrumentalists occurred later. The trio's early output consisted of singles released on independent labels, establishing their presence in the underground drum and bass community. Notable among these was the 2003 double A-side "Spiral / Ulterior Motive," initially issued on the Earstorm label and later re-released by Uprising Records in 2004, featuring raw, pulsating bass-driven tracks that showcased their technical prowess. These releases gained traction through DJ sets and online forums, resonating with audiences despite the group's remote location. In 2004, Pendulum signed to Breakbeat Kaos, the label run by drum and bass veterans Adam F and , which provided greater distribution and exposure for their growing catalog. This partnership paved the way for their debut album, allowing them to refine their sound while building anticipation through additional singles like "Another Planet / Voyager." Hold Your Colour, Pendulum's debut album, was released on 25 July 2005 via Breakbeat Kaos, marking a significant milestone in their career. The record featured standout tracks such as "Tarantula," a collaboration with featuring MCs Spyda and Tenor Fly, and "Slam," both of which highlighted the band's fusion of high-energy breaks and melodic elements. "Tarantula" achieved commercial breakthrough, peaking at number 48 on the UK Singles Chart and gaining widespread radio play within the electronic music circuit. The album itself was certified in the UK, denoting sales of 300,000 copies, propelled by its innovative production and appeal to both purists and broader audiences. To capitalize on their rising profile, relocated from Perth to in 2003, seeking immersion in the epicenter of the global scene. This move facilitated early live performances, including DJ sets at venues like The End and Fabric, where they tested material and connected with promoters. Back in , they toured extensively, honing their stage presence through club shows and festival appearances that blended DJing with emerging live elements, setting for their transition to a full band format.

2007–2009: In Silico and live releases

Following the success of their debut album Hold Your Colour, which established Pendulum as a prominent force in drum and bass, the band expanded their sound on their sophomore effort by incorporating rock elements such as guitars and vocals. , their second studio album, was released on 12 May 2008 through Warner Bros. Records in and . The album blended the band's signature high-energy rhythms with influences, featuring live instrumentation and Rob Swire's prominent vocals on several tracks. It debuted and peaked at number 2 on the , marking a significant commercial breakthrough and demonstrating the band's growing crossover appeal. Key tracks on highlighted this evolution, including the aggressive opener "Showdown," which fused breakbeats with heavy guitar riffs, and "," a high-tempo single featuring Pendulum's MC Ben Mount and sampling The Prodigy's "Out of Space." Other standouts were "," with its pulsating synths and driving percussion, and "The Island Pt. I (Come & Get It)," which incorporated anthemic choruses and electronic drops. The album's production emphasized a full-band dynamic, drawing from the group's live performance experience to create a more organic, rock-infused sound. During this period, Pendulum solidified their live band lineup, which had been developing since 2006 to support their expanding touring commitments. Guitarist Peredur ap Gwynedd and MC Ben Mount became integral members, joining core members (vocals, synths, guitar), Gareth McGrillen (bass, vocals), Paul Harding (DJ), and drummer . This six-piece configuration allowed for dynamic stage shows that translated the album's hybrid style effectively. In December 2008, Pendulum captured their rising momentum with a sold-out performance at London's Brixton Academy on 4 and 5 December, performing to over 4,900 fans per night in a full live band setup. The show, featuring high-production visuals and an extended setlist spanning their catalog, was recorded for their first live release, Live at Brixton Academy. The double-CD and DVD package was released on 15 June 2009 via Warner Bros. Records, showcasing tracks like "Tarantula," "The Tempest," and new In Silico material in a high-energy environment. The In Silico era saw Pendulum embark on extensive international tours, including their debut North American headline run in October 2008 across 20 cities from to , which helped build their U.S. fanbase. They also conducted major and European arena tours, with multiple sold-out dates, and returned to for east coast shows in April 2008. This global activity, coupled with the album's chart success and critical praise for their innovative genre fusion, elevated Pendulum to mainstream recognition as pioneers of within .

2009–2011: Immersion

In early 2009, Pendulum announced work on their third studio album, with the title Immersion confirmed in December of that year. Recording sessions occurred throughout 2009, incorporating orchestral elements such as sweeping strings and brass arrangements to enhance the album's atmospheric depth, evident in standout tracks like "Watercolour," "," and "Immunize." Building on the rock-drum and bass fusion explored in , the album blended these influences with more expansive production techniques. Immersion was released on 24 May 2010 via Warner Bros. Records, marking the band's most ambitious project to date. The album's concept emphasized total auditory engagement, reflected in its mix designed for immersive listening experiences, particularly in digital formats like the iTunes LP edition, which included behind-the-scenes videos and remixes. Limited edition physical packaging featured collectible items such as vinyl LPs, postcards, stickers, and a large album artwork print, enhancing the thematic "immersion" for fans. Collaborations with artists including of on "Immunize" and In Flames on "Salt in the Wounds" added diverse textures, from electronic breakdowns to metal-infused aggression. Immersion achieved significant commercial success, debuting at No. 1 on the in its first week, selling over 37,000 copies and becoming Pendulum's first chart-topping release. It also topped the UK Album Downloads and Physical Albums Charts. Singles "Watercolour" peaked at No. 4 on the UK Singles Chart, marking the band's highest-charting single, while "" reached No. 22, both contributing to the album's crossover appeal beyond audiences. The record's blend of high-energy drops and melodic hooks solidified Pendulum's position at the peak of electronic-rock fusion. Following the release, Pendulum embarked on an extensive world tour to promote Immersion, including sold-out headline shows across the , , , and . Key highlights included headlining the second stage at the 2011 in , , where they delivered a high-production set drawing over 80,000 attendees. The tour also featured arena performances, such as two nights at London's , and festival appearances at events like and , showcasing the band's expanded live lineup with drummer for enhanced percussion dynamics. These shows emphasized Immersion's tracks alongside earlier hits, cementing Pendulum's reputation as a premier live act in the electronic genre. Amid the tour's success, subtle internal tensions emerged within the band, foreshadowing future lineup shifts, as members discussed pursuing individual side projects to explore creative directions beyond the group's core sound. By mid-2011, these discussions highlighted strains from the intense touring schedule and evolving artistic interests, though the band maintained focus on promoting Immersion during this period.

2011–2015: Knife Party side project and hiatus

In 2011, Pendulum's core producers and Gareth McGrillen formed the electronic music duo [Knife Party](/page/Knife Party) as a while still affiliated with the band. [Knife Party](/page/Knife Party) debuted with the EP 100% No in December 2011, comprising four tracks that marked a departure from toward aggressive and sounds, including the viral hit "Internet Friends." The project gained rapid traction, leading to the follow-up EP Rage Valley in May 2012, which featured high-energy anthems like "" and "," further solidifying their presence in the broader electronic scene. Pendulum officially entered hiatus in early 2012, shortly after wrapping their extensive Immersion tour, with Swire and McGrillen shifting primary focus to Knife Party's growing momentum. By June 2012, Swire confirmed via Twitter that the band would cease live shows entirely and had no plans for a new album in 2013, citing the need to avoid burnout after a decade of intense touring and production. This period saw Knife Party's continued rise, culminating in the release of their debut full-length album Abandon Ship in November 2014, which blended big room house elements with electro influences and charted successfully on platforms like Beatport. The duo's output during this time, including festival appearances and remixes, highlighted their pivot to mainstream electronic genres while Pendulum remained dormant as a full ensemble. Original member Paul "El Hornet" Harding and MC Ben Mount maintained the band's legacy through occasional DJ sets performed under the Pendulum moniker, preserving fan engagement without the full live production. Drummer also contributed to sporadic performances, including electronic DJ sets that incorporated Pendulum tracks, such as his 2015 appearance at Foundation Nightclub in . Guitarist Peredur ap Gwynedd similarly pursued individual endeavors, though specific Pendulum-affiliated DJ outings were limited during the break. Fans expressed mixed reactions to the hiatus, with widespread disappointment over the end of live shows tempered by optimism fueled by Knife Party's success and occasional hints from members about potential future Pendulum activity. Speculation about a reunion persisted throughout 2012–2015, driven by social media discussions and the duo's nods to their roots in interviews.

2015–2019: Reunion and anniversary activities

In August 2015, Pendulum teased their return through a DJ set at the in , featuring core members and Gareth McGrillen alongside Paul "El Hornet" Harding, , and Peredur ap Gwynedd, marking the first collaborative performance in years. This appearance celebrated the tenth anniversary of their debut album , released in 2005, and reignited fan interest following the hiatus that had allowed the group to recharge creatively. On December 16, 2015, the band announced a full live reformation for the 2016 in , reuniting as a complete ensemble with on vocals and production, McGrillen on bass and backing vocals, Harding on DJ duties, ap on guitar, and Sawka on , though the earlier departure of MC Ben Verse (also known as Ben Mount) meant he was not part of the lineup. The performance closed the festival's main stage on March 20, 2016, with guest appearances from and , blending their signature with live instrumentation in a hybrid DJ-live format that emphasized high-energy drops and crowd interaction. The tenth anniversary of Hold Your Colour continued into 2017 with commemorative events, culminating in a 2018 reissue of the album on vinyl alongside the remix compilation The Reworks, which featured reinterpretations by artists including , , and to highlight the record's enduring influence on . A dedicated tour followed in 2018, where the band performed the full Hold Your Colour tracklist live, including staples like "Slam" and "Watercolour," at major UK festivals such as Reading and Leeds, drawing packed crowds with their explosive stage production. This run extended to international dates, adapting the set to a hybrid format that incorporated DJ elements for larger venues while retaining the live band's raw intensity. Throughout 2016–2019, Pendulum maintained momentum with festival appearances, including a kinetic set at in June 2016 and a mainstage slot at in September 2019, where they showcased their evolved hybrid style—fusing pre-recorded elements with on-stage jamming to suit diverse audiences. These shows underscored the band's post-hiatus vitality, with noting the break had infused fresh energy into performances. In late , during Australian tour dates including a homecoming show in Perth, Pendulum previewed unreleased material such as "Driver," signaling a shift toward new original content without a full commitment during this period. Internally, the reunion stabilized the core duo of and McGrillen, with McGrillen contributing to production, bass, and occasional DJ sets, though his role gradually emphasized support amid Swire's lead on creative direction.

2020–2023: Elemental, Anima, and remixes

In September 2020, amid the , Pendulum released two new singles, "Driver" and "Nothing for Free," marking their first original material in over a decade. To promote these tracks, the band performed a socially distanced at in the UK, which was live-streamed on on October 2, 2020, allowing fans worldwide to experience their high-energy sound despite restrictions on live events. This virtual performance highlighted the band's adaptation to the era's challenges, blending elements with while building excitement for future releases. Building on this momentum, issued their Elemental EP on June 18, 2021, via Earstorm Records, their first extended project since 2010. The four-track release fused with and rock influences, featuring collaborations such as "Louder Than Words" with Hybrid Minds, alongside "Driver," "Nothing for Free," and "Come Alive." The EP showcased the core duo of and Gareth McGrillen, who handled production and instrumentation, emphasizing a return to their hybrid electronic-rock roots while incorporating modern production techniques. In 2023, Pendulum followed with the Anima EP, released on November 3, which continued their exploration of genre-blending sounds through collaborations with heavy metal and trap artists. Tracks included "Halo" featuring Bullet for My Valentine's Matt Tuck, "Mercy Killing" with , "Colourfast," and "Silent Spinner," delivering intense rhythms overlaid with aggressive vocals and guitar riffs. The EP reinforced the band's evolving style, with Swire and McGrillen at the helm, augmented by guest vocalists to amplify its crossover appeal. Throughout this period, Pendulum engaged fans through remix projects and live reinterpretations of their catalog, including a notable rework of "Sorry You're Not a Winner" performed with at Reading Festival in August 2022, which infused the classic track with fresh energy. Limited in-person shows due to constraints gave way to virtual streams and select DJ sets by the original lineup—Swire, McGrillen, and Paul "El Hornet" Harding—fostering anticipation for expanded tours while maintaining focus on the core duo's creative direction.

2024–2025: Inertia album and major tours

In May 2025, Pendulum announced their fourth studio album, , marking their first full-length release in 15 years since Immersion in 2010. The album was released on August 22, 2025, through Mushroom Music, comprising 16 tracks produced by and Owen Charles at the band's London studio. It features collaborations with prominent artists including , Wargasm, , and , alongside Joey Valence & Brae and Hybrid Minds, blending with rock, electronic, and trap influences. Leading up to the album, Pendulum issued key singles, beginning with "Save the Cat" in late May 2025 as the lead track, followed by the collaborative "Sound of You" with and in April 2025. "Guiding Lights," featuring , arrived in August 2025, just days before the full release. Thematically, Inertia explores personal evolution and emotional intensity, drawing from themes of self-discovery and band members' life experiences such as breakups, while evolving from the groundwork laid by their 2021 Elemental and 2023 Anima EPs. Critics praised the album for its return to the band's roots with modern experimentation, describing it as an explosive reclamation of their signature chaotic energy. Complementing the album's launch, announced major 2025 tours, headlining their largest live show to date at the 65,000-capacity on August 9 as part of the Tribes Unite festival, supported by acts like and Netsky. The band continued with additional performances, including a slot at the Northern Bass Festival on December 31, 2025, alongside ongoing DJ sets across the and international venues. These milestones underscored 's resurgence, blending high-energy live productions with the album's momentum-driven sound.

Artistry

Musical style

Pendulum's primary genre is , often classified as a hybrid style blending elements of jump-up, , and rock, known as "Rock n Bass" or simply the "Pendulum sound", characterized by heavy, subsonic basslines, rapid rhythms, and high-energy drops that drive intense, club-oriented energy. The band's sound emphasizes complex, rolling percussion patterns at tempos around 170-180 BPM, often layered with dark, atmospheric synths and distorted low-end frequencies to create a sense of urgency and immersion. This foundation distinguishes their tracks from more minimalist electronic productions, prioritizing dynamic builds and releases that culminate in explosive breakdowns. A defining feature of Pendulum's style is the hybrid fusion of with rock and metal elements, incorporating live guitars, drums, and vocals to form a "drum and bass metal" aesthetic that sets them apart from purely electronic acts. Tracks frequently feature aggressive guitar riffs and live drum kits alongside synthesized bass and electronic breaks, blending the raw power of with the frenetic pace of for a crossover appeal akin to . In studio recordings and live performances, this integration is achieved through a mix of acoustic instrumentation—such as electric guitars and real drum overdubs—and electronic tools like sampling and synthesis, allowing for both organic texture and precise digital manipulation. The band's production evolved significantly across their discography, starting with the sparse, bass-heavy arrangements of their debut album Hold Your Colour (2005), which focused on raw drum and bass grooves with minimal embellishments. By In Silico (2008), they incorporated fuller rock fusions, adding layered guitars and vocals for a more anthemic feel, while Immersion (2010) introduced orchestral elements, immersive soundscapes, and cinematic builds, expanding the sonic palette with strings and expansive reverb to heighten emotional depth. This progression reflects a shift toward richer, multi-dimensional compositions without abandoning their core high-energy drops and heavy basslines.

Influences and evolution

Pendulum's early sound drew heavily from the scene pioneered by artists such as and , whose innovative approaches to breakbeats and atmospheric production helped define the genre's cinematic depth during the . The band formed following a technical mishap at a club night organized by founding member Paul "El Hornet" Harding in Perth, , where Swire and McGrillen's equipment failed, prompting an impromptu live performance that solidified their collaboration. The name was originally intended by Swire and McGrillen for a . Emerging from Australia's underground electronic circles, Pendulum initially blended these DnB roots with their metal backgrounds, reflecting the Perth scene's niche but passionate following for high-energy genres. The incorporation of rock and metal elements stemmed from the members' prior involvement in heavy music, with influences including bands like Led Zeppelin and Soundgarden that shaped their aggressive guitar-driven live format. This fusion became evident as they transitioned from studio producers to a full live band, drawing on industrial and alternative rock aesthetics akin to Nine Inch Nails to amplify drum and bass's intensity. Relocating from Perth to London in 2003 immersed them in the UK's vibrant drum and bass hub, where the genre's origins and ongoing evolution—rooted in the city's club culture—pushed Pendulum toward a more global, hybrid sound that merged Australian rock sensibilities with British electronic precision. Key collaborations further marked their stylistic progression, including work with Swedish metal band In Flames on the track "Self vs Self," which highlighted their rock-leaning experiments, and multiple features with , such as on "Immunize," bridging grime and DnB. More recently, Pendulum teamed up with trance icon on "Sound of You," co-written by frontman , showcasing a shift toward broader electronic crossovers. Over time, Pendulum evolved from underground drum and bass producers to mainstream electro-rock innovators, particularly through the mid-2000s integration of live instrumentation that expanded their appeal beyond clubs. The 2011 hiatus, during which Swire and Gareth McGrillen pursued the electro-house side project Knife Party, allowed exploration of big-room and festival sounds, diverging temporarily from DnB core elements. Their 2015 reunion and subsequent EPs revived hybrid styles, culminating in the 2025 album Inertia, which re-embraced drum and bass with rock-infused energy, signaling a return to foundational influences while incorporating matured production techniques. This trajectory underscores how their Australian origins provided raw rock vigor, refined by London's DnB ecosystem into a uniquely international electronic rock voice.

Controversies

2006 label dispute

In 2006, Pendulum's label Breakbeat Kaos issued Jungle Sound Gold, a reissue of the 2004 compilation Jungle Sound: The Bassline Strikes Back!, prominently featuring a recorded by the band two years earlier. The album's artwork was updated to credit Pendulum as the mixers, despite the band having signed to Breakbeat Kaos earlier in their career for releases like their debut album . The mix contained unreleased tracks and previews of Pendulum's forthcoming material, which the band claimed was distributed without their consent or any form of compensation. In response, Pendulum issued a public statement on the Dogs on Acid forum denouncing the project, asserting that they had not been informed of the reissue, had not authorized the use of the mix, and strongly disapproved of the artwork's exploitation of their name to promote sales. This led to immediate public backlash within the community and irreparably strained relations with Breakbeat Kaos co-owners and Adam F. The controversy prompted Pendulum's swift departure from Breakbeat Kaos, culminating in a new deal with Warner Music UK for future releases, including their 2008 album . The incident was resolved through legal channels, after which Breakbeat Kaos ceased issuing any further Pendulum material. It exemplified ongoing challenges in electronic music regarding label control over artists' archival content and the need for clearer contractual protections in independent scenes.

Backlash from drum and bass purists

Pendulum faced significant criticism from within the drum and bass community for their increasing mainstream accessibility, particularly following the release of their debut album in 2005, which incorporated rock elements and achieved commercial success that some viewed as diluting the genre's underground . Accusations of "selling out" intensified with tracks like "," which blended drum and bass with heavy guitar riffs and achieved success on the charts, reaching number 1 on the Dance Singles Chart, alienating purists who felt the band's crossover appeal prioritized pop accessibility over traditional junglist roots. This backlash was compounded by their fusion of drum and bass with metal influences, leading to perceptions of genre betrayal among diehard fans who saw the music as a "boring racket" detached from the scene's origins. The band's 2003 relocation from Perth to , the epicenter of , was particularly contentious, with some in the Australian scene interpreting it as an abandonment of local roots in favor of international fame. This move, while bold and aimed at immersing themselves in the genre's birthplace, fueled resentment among Australian purists who believed it severed ties to the smaller, thriving Perth community that had initially nurtured the group. Online discussions in communities, including forums and threads around 2014, often highlighted the influx of new fans unfamiliar with culture, exacerbating tensions as Pendulum's popularity drew in audiences more attuned to rock and electronic crossovers than pure underground . These conversations underscored a broader frustration that the band's success had overshadowed the genre's purist elements, with critics and fans alike decrying the shift toward arena-filling spectacles over intimate club sets. In response, Pendulum members, particularly in interviews, defended their approach by emphasizing the value of exposing to wider audiences, rejecting the "traditional route of playing for purists" in favor of innovative, technology-driven methods to broaden the genre's reach. highlighted how their early experimentation, including rock integrations, aimed to evolve the sound without alienating core fans, arguing that mainstream success ultimately benefited the scene by introducing it to new listeners. Debates persisted into the 2020s following the band's reunion, with their 2025 album Inertia sparking mixed reactions but gaining partial acceptance for reclaiming roots amid experimental elements, suggesting a softening among some purists as the group balanced legacy with innovation.

Members

Current members

As of 2025, Pendulum's core lineup consists of its founding producers and key live musicians, who have driven the band's evolution from roots to a hybrid electronic-rock sound, particularly evident in the production and touring support for the album . Rob Swire is the band's founder and primary songwriter, serving as lead vocalist, producer, guitarist, and keyboardist since 2002; he remains central to both studio work and live performances, including handling vocals for much of the Inertia material. Gareth McGrillen, co-founder alongside Swire in 2002, contributes on , production, and backing vocals, while also performing DJ sets; while his touring involvement was more selective from 2019 to 2023 due to focus on other projects, he has returned to active performances for the Inertia era. Peredur ap Gwynedd joined as in 2006 and has been instrumental in delivering the band's live rock-infused energy, enhancing the dynamic stage presence during tours such as the 2025 Inertia headline shows. KJ has provided drums, beats, and percussion since 2010, solidifying the full-band live setup and contributing to the high-impact performances that define Pendulum's current era. Paul "El Hornet" Harding, co-founder since 2002, serves as DJ and producer, contributing to the band's electronic elements in both studio and live settings, including support for the 2025 Inertia tours. The Inertia tours in 2025 feature this core quintet, with Swire leading vocals and no fixed guest vocalists announced, though album collaborators like those from and Wargasm have appeared at select promotional events.

Former members

Paul Kodish served as Pendulum's drummer from 2006 to 2009, contributing to the band's live performances during the promotion of their debut album Hold Your Colour and the subsequent In Silico record. His tenure helped solidify the group's reputation for high-energy electronic rock-infused drum and bass sets, blending acoustic drumming with electronic elements. The reasons for Kodish's departure remain unclear, with no official statement from the band, though it occurred shortly after the release of In Silico in 2008. Following Kodish's exit, recruited as his replacement in 2010, which marked a shift toward a more hybrid drum setup for the recording and touring of their third album, Immersion. This change influenced the band's sound during a transitional period leading into their 2012 hiatus, allowing for continued evolution in live dynamics without interrupting momentum. Post-, Kodish collaborated with artists like and , focusing on and production, and later developed educational content on drumming for electronic genres. Ben Mount, known professionally as MC Verse or Ben the Verse, joined in 2006 as the band's MC and vocalist, providing hype and vocal layers for over a decade of tours and recordings. He was instrumental in bridging the group's roots with rock elements, appearing on tracks from onward and enhancing live shows during the post-hiatus reformation in 2016. Mount announced his departure in February 2018 after 11 years, citing a desire to pursue solo endeavors amid the band's evolving DJ-focused format, though he expressed gratitude for the shared history. His exit coincided with 's shift toward DJ sets featuring the founding producers, impacting the full-band live experience but preserving the core electronic sound. Since leaving, Mount has curated compilations like Mind State in 2018, emphasizing in through collaborations with artists such as and . Early contributors included guest vocalists on select tracks, such as In Flames singer Anders Fridén on In Silico's "The Other Side," though these were not formal band roles. The departures of Kodish and Mount during key phases contributed to Pendulum's adaptability, enabling a leaner lineup for the 2012–2020 hiatus and subsequent returns focused on production and DJ performances.

Touring and session musicians

Pendulum has employed touring and session musicians to augment their core lineup for live performances and select recordings, with these contributors typically engaged under short-term contracts and credited for specific roles rather than full album or band membership. For the 2023 Anima EP, the band collaborated with session vocalists to infuse diverse styles into their drum and bass framework. Matthew Tuck of Bullet for My Valentine provided lead vocals on "Halo," adding heavy metal intensity to the track's electronic-rock hybrid. Similarly, Scarlxrd contributed aggressive rap and screamo vocals on "Mercy Killing," enhancing the EP's raw energy while remaining a one-off collaborator. These session appearances are distinct from permanent members, as they appear only in track credits without ongoing band involvement. During the Immersion era and 2017–2018 reunion tours, Pendulum incorporated guest drummers and keyboardists to facilitate their transition to a full live band format, enabling complex arrangements beyond DJ sets. Reviews of reunion performances highlight the use of additional percussion and keys to replicate studio layers on stage, supporting core elements like Rob Swire's synths and Gareth McGrillen's bass. This setup allowed for dynamic rock-infused drum and bass delivery at festivals like SW4 and Nass. In 2025 tours, including the headline at Bowl, live DJ support played a key role in adapting the full band configuration for festival environments. DJ elements, often handled by Paul "El Hornet" Harding or additional mixers, bridged transitions between high-energy tracks and remixes, maintaining momentum in large venues with capacities exceeding 65,000. Such support ensures flexibility for extended sets, contrasting with arena-focused tours where the live dominates. Touring musicians in these contexts are contracted per show or leg, focusing on performance execution without creative production credits.

Timeline

YearEvent
2002Formation of the band by Rob Swire (vocals, synth, production), Gareth McGrillen (bass, production), and Paul "El Hornet" Harding (DJ, production) in Perth, Australia.
2005Release of debut album Hold Your Colour with the original trio lineup.
2006Expansion to full band: Peredur ap Gwynedd joins as guitarist; Ben Mount joins as MC; Paul Kodish joins as drummer.
2008Release of second album In Silico with expanded lineup.
2009Paul Kodish departs as drummer. (Note: This source mentions before 2010 join.)
2010KJ Sawka joins as drummer ahead of UK tour.
2010Release of third album Immersion with KJ Sawka on drums.
2012Band enters hiatus following extensive touring.
2016Reunion performance at Ultra Music Festival with core members Swire, McGrillen, and Harding, joined by Peredur ap Gwynedd and KJ Sawka.
2018Ben Mount departs as MC after 11 years.
2025Release of fourth studio album Inertia; current stable lineup of Swire, McGrillen, Harding, Peredur ap Gwynedd, and KJ Sawka promotes the album through tours.

Discography

Studio albums

Pendulum's studio discography consists of four full-length albums, marking their evolution from underground roots to broader electronic experimentation, with each release achieving notable commercial success in the and . Their debut album, , was released on 25 July 2005 through Breakbeat Kaos, featuring 14 tracks that blended high-energy with influences. The album peaked at number 29 on the and number 40 in , later achieving certification in the UK for sales exceeding 300,000 units. In Silico, the band's second studio album, followed on 12 May 2008 via , produced primarily by with assistance from Gareth McGrillen, incorporating synthesizers and vocals across its 11 tracks. It marked a shift toward more rock-infused electronic sounds and peaked at number 2 on the , also reaching number 9 in , and was certified in the UK. The third album, Immersion, arrived on 21 May 2010 through Warner Bros. Records, available in standard, deluxe, and limited edition formats that included bonus tracks, vinyl LPs, and merchandise like postcards and artwork prints. It debuted at number 1 on the and has sold over 335,000 copies worldwide to date, certified platinum in the UK and gold in . Pendulum's fourth and most recent studio album, , was released on 22 August 2025 via , comprising 16 tracks with guest features from artists such as , Wargasm, , , , and Hybrid Minds, produced by and Owen Charles. It debuted at number 8 on the and received positive critical reception, earning an aggregate score of 80 out of 100 on Album of the Year based on initial reviews praising its explosive production and genre fusion.

Remix albums

Pendulum has released several official remix collections, reworking tracks from their studio albums and EPs with contributions from prominent electronic artists, thereby adapting their sound to contemporary genres like , , and progressive. These projects highlight the band's influence across electronic music subgenres and provide fresh interpretations that sustain fan engagement. The band's first major , The Reworks, was released in 2018 following their in 2015. This compilation features reimaginings of key tracks from Hold Your Colour (2005), (2008), and Immersion (2010), including "Hold Your Colour" remixed by , "Blood Sugar" by , and "The Island, Pt. I (Dawn)" by . Produced in collaboration with Ear Storm and Kaos, the album bridges roots with modern elements, receiving positive reception for revitalizing classics. In 2021, issued Elemental (The Remixes), an EP complementing their release earlier that year. This four-track collection includes "Driver (ABSOLUTE. Neon Energy )," "Nothing for Free (Kove )," "Louder Than Words (Luttrell )," and "Come Alive ( )," transforming the original and rock fusion into neon , , and styles. The remixes emphasize the band's versatility in inviting diverse producers to extend the EP's reach in club and settings. The deluxe edition of Immersion, released in 2011, incorporates several remixes that function as an unofficial remix extension of the album. Notable inclusions are "Watercolour (Emalkay Remix)," "Witchcraft (Netsky Remix)," and "The Island (Madeon Remix)," blending dubstep, liquid drum and bass, and electro-house influences to amplify the original tracks' emotional and energetic cores. These versions, curated by Warner Bros. Records, helped prolong the album's popularity during Pendulum's initial hiatus. Early in their career, Pendulum contributed remixes to other artists' releases on their Breakbeat Kaos label, such as Fresh's "Submarines (Pendulum Remix)" in 2005, which infused pop-leaning with heavier basslines and breaks. These efforts, while not compiled into a dedicated , played a key role in shaping the label's sound and extending the lifespan of tracks through cross-pollination within the drum and bass community.

Extended plays and singles

Pendulum's early singles marked their entry into the drum and bass scene. Their debut release, "Spiral / Ulterior Motive", was issued in March 2004 on Uprising Records as a 12-inch vinyl single, featuring the high-energy track "Spiral" backed with the neurofunk-influenced "Ulterior Motive". This limited pressing did not achieve notable commercial chart success but established the band's reputation within underground circles. The follow-up single, "Tarantula / Fasten Your Seatbelt", arrived in June 2005 via , blending elements with collaborations from , $pyda, and Tenor Fly on the title track, paired with the upbeat "Fasten Your Seatbelt". It peaked at number 60 on the UK Singles Chart, marking Pendulum's first mainstream breakthrough. In the late 2010s and 2020s, Pendulum shifted toward standalone singles and shorter releases amid their resurgence. "Nothing for Free" was released as a digital single in September 2020 on Earstorm, showcasing industrial-tinged drum and bass with Rob Swire's vocals; it later anchored their comeback but initially circulated as a non-album track. Following the band's return to live performances in the early 2020s, they issued "Save the Cat" in May 2025 on Virgin Music Group, an aggressive screamo-infused single that previewed their fourth album while standing as a high-impact standalone release. That same year, "Sound of You", a collaboration with Armin van Buuren and Rob Swire, dropped in April on Armada Music, fusing trance and drum and bass for a crossover appeal.

Extended plays

Pendulum has released two EPs in the , emphasizing concise collections of original material outside full-length albums.
TitleYearTracksLabelNotes
20214EarstormIncludes "Driver", "Nothing for Free", "Louder Than Words" (feat. Hybrid Minds), and "Come Alive"; digital and vinyl formats.
Anima20234Liberator Music / Features "Halo" (with ), "Colourfast", "Mercy Killing" (with ), and "Silent Spinner"; available digitally and on vinyl.
No standalone compilations beyond these EPs have been issued, with the band focusing on original shorter-form outputs rather than retrospective collections.

Awards and nominations

AIR Awards

Pendulum received nominations at the AIR Awards in for Hold Your Colour in the Best Performing Independent Album category and for Independent Artist of the Year. The band has not received further nominations at the AIR Awards. Overall, Pendulum has 0 wins and 2 nominations at the AIR Awards.

West Australian Music Industry Awards

Pendulum, originating from Perth, has been recognized multiple times by the West Australian Music Industry Awards (WAM Awards) for their contributions to the local electronic and scene. In 2005, the band won Best Electronic Producer, acknowledging their early work including singles like "Spiral" and "Ulterior Motive." In 2006, Pendulum again won Best Electronic Producer, recognizing their debut album and its impact on the genre. In 2007, they won Best Electronic Producer and Best Live Electronic Act, highlighting their production skills and live . In 2010, there were no recorded nominations for Immersion. In 2023, Pendulum won Best Electronic Producer, affirming their continued influence following their reunion and releases. Overall, Pendulum has secured at least 4 wins and additional nominations at the WAM Awards, underscoring their legacy in Australian electronic music.

References

  1. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/pendulum-mn0000258022
  2. https://pendulum.com/en-us/pages/about-pendulum
  3. https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/31894/pendulum/
  4. https://au.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/50-greatest-australian-electronic-acts-all-time-list-79875/pendulum-1-79920/
  5. https://www.musicweek.com/labels/read/pendulum-sign-to-mushroom-group-and-virgin-music-group/087876
  6. https://pendulum.com/en-us/pages/releases
  7. https://www.roughtrade.com/product/pendulum/inertia
  8. https://news.armadamusic.com/248618-pendulum-and-armin-van-buuren-unveil-high-energy-drum-bass-collaboration-marking-armin-van-buuren-s-first-original-track-in-the-genre/
  9. https://www.nme.com/news/music/pendulums-ben-verse-shares-health-update-about-200-days-in-hospital-3839238
  10. https://pendulum.com/en-us
  11. https://pendulum.com/en-us/pages/about-dj
  12. https://www.handsometours.com/tours/pendulum/
  13. https://www.abc.net.au/listen/doublej/music-reads/features/pendulum-feature-rob-swire-gareth-mcgrillen/12923078
  14. https://www.discogs.com/release/171973-Pendulum-Spiral-Ulterior-Motive
  15. https://www.discogs.com/master/9002-Pendulum-Another-Planet-Voyager
  16. https://www.discogs.com/master/48291-Pendulum-Hold-Your-Colour
  17. https://www.insomniac.com/music/artists/pendulum/
  18. https://www.bpi.co.uk/award/12345/
  19. https://www.mixcloud.com/elhornet/pendulum-live-from-fabric-dec-2003/
  20. https://www.discogs.com/master/48306-Pendulum-In-Silico
  21. https://musicbrainz.org/release-group/5f4bbfae-4b61-32d7-814d-7718c2324849
  22. https://genius.com/albums/Pendulum/In-silico
  23. https://www.theaudiodb.com/artist/111390-Pendulum
  24. https://www.spirit-of-rock.com/en/band/Pendulum
  25. https://www.soundspheremag.com/news/london/pendulum-release-live-dvd/
  26. https://www.discogs.com/master/239444-Pendulum-Live-At-Brixton-Academy
  27. https://www.nme.com/news/music/pendulum-27-1336257
  28. https://www.deseret.com/2008/10/10/20279268/pendulum-embarks-on-first-u-s-tour/
  29. https://musicbrainz.org/release-group/320df089-f656-433d-add7-605d06800852
  30. https://www.metacritic.com/music/immersion/pendulum
  31. https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/36986/Pendulum-Immersion/
  32. https://www.nativenoise.co.za/2011/01/pendulum-immersion-itunes-lp/
  33. https://www.discogs.com/release/2291765-Pendulum-Immersion-Limited-Edition
  34. https://www.albumoftheyear.org/album/19855-pendulum-immersion.php
  35. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/pendulum-grabs-first-uk-no-1-1205851/
  36. https://www.officialcharts.com/albums/pendulum-immersion/
  37. https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/01/24/pendulum-immersion-review
  38. https://ra.co/dj/pendulum/biography
  39. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-12274030
  40. https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-14142921
  41. https://www.liveone.com/artist/knife-party/2184882
  42. https://music.apple.com/us/album/100-no-modern-talking-ep/554535547
  43. https://music.apple.com/us/album/rage-valley-ep/530207558
  44. https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-18507667
  45. https://www.nme.com/news/music/pendulum-2-1276527
  46. https://music.apple.com/us/album/abandon-ship/920886128
  47. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ch_YopU4SPU
  48. https://au.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/pendulum-swing-back-into-focus-16870/
  49. https://www.youredm.com/2015/08/22/knife-party-members-reunite-with-pendulum-for-v-festival/
  50. https://ozedm.com/pendulum-reunite-on-stage-at-v-festival/
  51. https://www.qobuz.com/us-en/interpreter/pendulum/328458
  52. https://www.youredm.com/2015/12/16/pendulums-reunion-means-electronic-music/
  53. https://www.ravejungle.com/2016/03/21/pendulum-reunite-alongside-deadmau5-at-ultra-music-festival-2016/
  54. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/ultra-music-festival-2016-day-3-7263982/
  55. https://ultramusicfestival.com/live/2016/
  56. https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmusic/article/PENDULUM-Announce-2018-Return-With-New-Album-REWORKS-Tour-Dates-20180226
  57. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWQn6821nEI
  58. https://www.concertarchives.org/bands/pendulum?page=2&year=2016
  59. https://www.1001tracklists.com/tracklist/10tlzj8k/pendulum-mainstage-ultra-music-festival-japan-2019-09-14.html
  60. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/pendulum-interview-9451690/
  61. https://djmag.com/news/pendulum-tease-new-music-coming-less-two-weeks
  62. https://www.kerrang.com/why-pendulum-are-back-after-a-decade-in-the-wilderness
  63. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMUcoyLhtzM
  64. https://edm.com/events/pendulum-spitbank-fort-live-stream-set-announcement/
  65. https://djmag.com/news/pendulum-release-new-ep-elemental
  66. https://www.discogs.com/master/2177920-Pendulum-Elemental-EP
  67. https://earmilk.com/2023/11/09/pendulum-returns-with-latest-4-track-dnb-and-rock-crossover-ep-anima/
  68. https://www.discogs.com/master/3294985-Pendulum-Anima
  69. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gaXUp-EMWhQ
  70. https://www.redlightmanagement.com/artists/pendulum/
  71. https://edm.com/music-releases/pendulum-announce-first-new-album-15-years-inertia-tracklist/
  72. https://au.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/pendulum-inertia-album-release-82375/
  73. https://pendulum.tmstor.es/product/inertia-cd
  74. https://consequence.net/2025/05/pendulum-new-album-save-the-cat-stream/
  75. https://www.arminvanbuuren.com/2025/04/11/out-now-pendulum-armin-van-buuren-rob-swire-pendulum/
  76. https://98kupd.com/listen-to-awolnation-guest-on-new-pendulum-song-guiding-lights/
  77. https://edm.com/music-releases/pendulum-drop-first-album-in-15-years-inertia/
  78. https://edm.com/events/pendulum-reveal-biggest-live-show-career/
  79. https://pendulum.com/en-us/pages/tours
  80. https://visitmiltonkeynes.org/event/tribes-unite-festival-2025-pendulum-live-at-the-national-bowl-milton-keynes/
  81. https://music.ishkur.com/?query=Pendulum
  82. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UF9eNIXsFg
  83. https://www.soundonsound.com/people/pendulum
  84. https://edm.com/music-releases/pendulum-anima-ep/
  85. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/dec/05/drum-n-bass-pendulum
  86. https://www.digitalspy.com/music/a240192/prodigy-annoyed-by-pendulum-comparison/
  87. https://www.musicradar.com/news/tech/in-pictures-pendulums-studio-and-live-setups-323465
  88. https://www.allmusic.com/album/hold-your-colour-mw0000713535
  89. https://respectmyregion.com/pendulum-drum-and-bass-for-decades/
  90. https://www.theguardian.com/music/australia-culture-blog/2014/jun/10/australian-anthems-pendulum-tarantula
  91. https://www.outlineonline.co.uk/content/pendulum/interviews/109322/2482
  92. https://destinyevents.ca/behind-the-lineup-pendulum/
  93. https://www.masterclass.com/articles/electronic-rock-music-guide
  94. https://genius.com/albums/Pendulum/Immersion
  95. https://djmag.com/news/armin-van-buuren-and-pendulums-rob-swire-share-collaborative-single-sound-of-you-listen
  96. https://archives.boulderweekly.com/entertainment/music/drum-and-bass-and-metal-is-massive/
  97. https://www.theaquarian.com/2011/02/02/interview-with-rob-swire-from-pendulum-swinging-towards-protracted-immersion/
  98. https://www.discogs.com/release/648876-Pendulum-Jungle-Sound-Gold
  99. https://www.dogsonacid.com/threads/pendulum-jungle-sound-gold.465080/
  100. https://ukf.com/read/we-wanted-to-be-part-of-taking-drum-bass-beyond-the-underground-the-story-of-breakbeat-kaos/
  101. https://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2010/jun/03/pendulum-sound-youth
  102. https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-blogs/why-critics-are-wrong-to-ridicule-pendulum-778025
  103. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMZ4Gwf-zqQ
  104. https://mydrumlessons.co.uk/2013/05/paul-kodish-talks-electronic-drums/
  105. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/ben-verse-leaves-pendulum-8098330/
  106. https://www.youredm.com/2018/02/03/pendulum-bandmate-says-goodbye-11-years-group/
  107. https://consciouselectronic.com/2018/06/09/former-pendulum-member-ben-verse-curates-dnb-compilation-focusing-on-mental-health-wellbeing-mind-state-ft-the-prodigy-sub-focus-more/
  108. https://djmag.com/news/pendulum-release-new-ep-anima-listen
  109. https://edm.com/news/pendulum-announce-new-ep-anima/
  110. https://djmag.com/news/pendulum-announce-their-biggest-ever-live-show-milton-keynes-bowl
  111. https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/local-news/pendulums-welsh-connection-bands-rise-2141705
  112. https://www.musicradar.com/news/drums/pendulums-drum-setup-revealed-kj-sawkas-kit-in-pictures-356417
  113. https://www.nme.com/news/music/pendulum-14-1293821
  114. https://bestsellingalbums.org/artist/10265
  115. https://www.discogs.com/release/494991-Pendulum-Hold-Your-Colour
  116. https://open.spotify.com/album/5wHNla8BT8KcqMhAbvqoPU
  117. https://ukf.com/read/tbt-pendulum-hold-your-colour/
  118. https://www.discogs.com/release/1381410-Pendulum-In-Silico
  119. https://www.officialcharts.com/albums/pendulum-in-silico/
  120. https://www.last.fm/music/Pendulum/In%2BSilico/%2Bwiki
  121. https://www.discogs.com/release/2679541-Pendulum-Immersion-Deluxe-Edition
  122. https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/pendulum/inertia/
  123. https://www.nme.com/news/music/pendulum-return-with-save-the-cat-from-first-album-in-15-years-inertia-featuring-bullet-for-my-valentine-wargasm-awolnation-scarlxrd-and-more-3865153
  124. https://www.albumoftheyear.org/album/1331349-pendulum-inertia.php
  125. https://www.albumoftheyear.org/album/112975-pendulum-the-reworks.php
  126. https://www.discogs.com/release/20863444-Pendulum-Elemental-The-Remixes
  127. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfI8DNbsMFk
  128. https://www.discogs.com/release/459865-Pendulum-Tarantula-Fasten-Your-Seatbelt
  129. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/pendulum-fresh-ft-spyda-tarantulafasten-your-seatbelt/
  130. https://music.apple.com/us/song/save-the-cat/1810293325
  131. https://music.apple.com/us/album/sound-of-you-single/1804362875
  132. https://www.discogs.com/release/28783129-Pendulum-Anima
  133. https://www.musicnsw.com/2006/10/inaugural-air-charts-awards/
  134. https://xpressmag.com.au/2023-wamaward-winners-revealed/
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