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Fear Before (originally known as Fear Before the March of Flames) was an American post-hardcore band formed in Aurora, Colorado. As stated in their Alternative Press podcast,[3] their name originates from a Denver Post newspaper headline about the 2002 Hayman fire titled "The Fear Before The March of Flames." They released their debut album Odd How People Shake in 2003 with a re-release in January 2004, second album Art Damage in September 2004, third album The Always Open Mouth in September 2006, and fourth album Fear Before in October 2008. In 2010 the band announced they were going into an indefinite hiatus.
Key Information
Biography
[edit]Odd How People Shake (2002–2003)
[edit]In 2002, Fear Before the March of Flames was formed in Aurora, Colorado with vocalist David Marion, guitarist/vocalist Adam Fisher, bassist Michael Madruga, and drummer Brandon Proff.[4] The original members all met at Smoky Hill High School in Aurora. However, Fisher is the only Colorado native. The band took their name from a local newspaper headline when wildfires swept through their state. The band drew inspiration from bands such as Botch, Converge and The Blood Brothers in creating their music. Prior to forming Fear Before, Fisher, Madruga, and Proff were in a pop-punk band together called thirtysixflip. Marion was their merchandise guy. After they decided to pursue a more abrasive post-hardcore/mathcore direction, Marion joined, and Fear Before the March of Flames was born.[5]
The band played their first show on August 1, 2002.[6] In July and October 2002, the band recorded their three-song debut EP with Jason Anderson at Grey Music Recording Company in Thornton, Colorado. The band sold copies of this EP on their early tours, which garnered the attention of Portland based Rise Records. Once signed to Rise, the band released their debut album Odd How People Shake in July 2003. They gained notoriety outside of Colorado from tours with bands such as The Blood Brothers and Hopesfall.[4] However, it was on the tour with the band Bear vs. Shark when they were noticed and then signed to the more prominent Equal Vision Records, who re-released their debut in January 2004.[7] Their debut was primarily in the vein of post-hardcore, featuring a mix of screamed vocals on the part of David Michael Marion and clean singing provided by Adam Rupert Fisher. It is rumoured that every song on the album is based on a movie ("Sarah Goldfarb, Where are Your Manners?", for example, is about Requiem for a Dream).
In concert, the band plays few, if any, songs from their debut. On their website, they explicitly state that they will not play one song in particular from their debut, "On the Brightside, She Could Choke;". However, on October 30, 2007 at a show in Houston, Texas, they played an acoustic set at Warehouse Live that included "On the Brightside." Due to a loss in drummer Clayton Holyoak's family, the band decided to play an acoustic set because they were at a loss of percussion.
On September 5, 2008 at an intimate hometown show in Denver, during their encore, Fear Before asked the audience what song they wanted to hear. Unanimously, the entire audience started to chant for "Brightside". After some hesitation, the band played the song in its original form for the first time since 2003. The band has also played this song twice since this show, once in Anaheim, California, and again in Denver.
Art Damage (2004–2005)
[edit]From late July 2004 to mid-August 2004, the band played with Evergreen Terrace and I Killed the Prom Queen on the Radiotakeover Tour. The band also played select dates with Norma Jean in August and October as well. In August, the band recorded a live EP at The Epicentre in San Diego, California, titled Live at the Epicentre, which was released in September.
Their second album, Art Damage, was released on Equal Vision Records in September 2004, and was a marked change in direction for the band. Art Damage featured "a much more straightforward, significantly harder style."[8] Different from the earlier material, FBTMOF changed from the original indie post-hardcore sound to more of a mathcore based sound. The video for the single "Should Have Stayed in the Shallows" was filmed in the same basement as the one used in the film Fight Club[9] and was heavily rotated on MTV2's show Headbanger's Ball.[10]
Through April 2005, the band toured with Underoath and The Chariot. The band also played on the Sounds of the Underground tour on Midwest and Southeast dates.
On October 18, 2005, Immortal Records released the soundtrack for the Masters of Horror television series. Fear Before the March of Flames provided a previously unreleased song, "237", for the soundtrack. The song took its name from the infamous room number from the film The Shining. It was featured in the credits for the Tobe Hooper-directed episode Dance of the Dead.
The Always Open Mouth (2006–2007)
[edit]In June 2006, the band played at the 7 Angels 7 Plagues Reunion Show, and in August they played at the Dirt Fest.
Their third studio album, The Always Open Mouth, was released on September 19, 2006. Fischer explains that the title of the album refers to people who act like "An all-knowing super being from another realm sent here to save us all, or be a fucking loud mouth bigot. They are The Always Open Mouth."[10] This album marks a considerably different sound from previous recordings, containing a much more experimental side with more emphasis on antiphony between the lead vocalist Marion, and guitarist/vocalist Fisher, and a considerably lesser amount of screaming. It is described as "boldly experimental and brimming with musical complexity".[10] The band has replied to fan response that found the album to be a large departure from the sound of Art Damage by stating that they "just wanted to do something we hadn't done before."[7]
The first single from the album was the song "Taking Cassandra to the End of the World Party", and a video was also filmed with director David Bell. The song references the Greek legend of Cassandra, a woman who possessed the gift of prophecy, but was cursed by the fact that no one would believe her tellings.
Proff left the band to pursue a teaching career and drummer Clayton "Goose" Holyoak, guitarist Zach "Binks" Hutchings, and guitarist/keyboardist Billy Johnson were added.[4]
From October 2006 to December 2006, the band played with previous tour-mates Norma Jean, and Between the Buried and Me, on the first ever Radio Rebellion Tour. In March 2007, the band played a portion of the Russian Circles Plan Midwest Tour and played one day at the Appalachian Annihilation Festival. That month the band again changed their lineup. They stated that Billy Johnson (touring guitarist) left the band for personal reasons.
In July/August 2007 the band embarked on their first headlining tour with 65daysofstatic, This Will Destroy You, and Hot Cross as support. For this tour they released a limited edition EP entitled A Little Less Teeth, featuring live sessions, outtakes, and demos.
The band had planned to release a DVD titled Absolute Past, Absolute Future with an estimated release date of Spring 2007. The DVD would cover the band's touring before they recorded The Always Open Mouth and the two months spent in Seattle recording the album. Fear Before the March of Flames explained that the DVD will not be "random live footage from four years [...] followed by random live footage from three years ago".[7] Absolute Past, Absolute Future would be presented in documentary form, telling the history of the band chronologically. However, the footage was lost and the release was scrapped.
Fear Before (2008–2009)
[edit]In the January 2008 issue of Alternative Press, the band was featured as having one of the most anticipated albums of the year. The album, titled Fear Before, was recorded in Seattle, WA at Johnny Cab Studios with producer Casey Bates (Gatsbys American Dream, Portugal. The Man, The Fall of Troy) during June and July 2008 and was released October 28, 2008.[11]
The self-titled album marked many changes for the band. This is the first album on which lead vocalist Dave Marion contributed the majority of lyrics. In the past, guitarist and back-up vocalist Adam Fisher had written the majority of the lyrics. In contrast to their previous work, most of Dave's vocals on this album are sung as opposed to screamed. This is the first album to feature current drummer Clayton 'Goose' Holyoak, as well as the first and last album where Zachary 'Binks' Hutchings had a substantial role in the writing of a Fear Before album. He had previously played on The Always Open Mouth but did not contribute to writing. The album features guest vocals by a number of people, most notably Thomas Erak from The Fall of Troy as well as Zachary Carothers of Portugal. The Man, Robert Smith of Heavy Heavy Low Low, Quentin Smith of Vaux, and Dreu Damian of I Am The Ocean. One of the songs from the album, "Review Our Lives", is a revised version of "Epic Song", which was previously released as a live session on their A Little Less Teeth EP.
In September 2008 they embarked on a headlining tour with Damiera and I Am the Ocean as support.[12] Fear Before also announced on September 9, 2008 that they would be dropping "The March of Flames" from their name, and would from now on be known as simply "Fear Before". The band had considered keeping their full name and simply titling the album Fear Before, but decided against it at the last minute.[13][14][15]
In early 2009, Zach Hutchings left the band to join Utah group I Am the Ocean. Adam has stated that Zach left due to some personal and creative tensions, though Zach and the band remain good friends. The band decided to remain a four piece. After Binks' departure, the band supported Alesana on a package tour that spring. In the summer, Fear Before toured Australia for the first time, where their friend Trent Jacobi fell through the roof of a house and was hospitalized. In response to this event, Fear Before posted their discography on Bandcamp.com to raise money to cover hospital bills. Tour and labelmates Circa Survive also released a limited edition 7" featuring b-sides from On Letting Go to raise money for Trent.
After returning from Australia they embarked on what would be their last two headlining tours. The first was in the United States with Oceana and Memphis May Fire as support. The second, titled "The Hunt for Shred October", was across Canada with Baptized in Blood, Trophy Scars and Black Moor from August to September.[16] The band planned to not tour in 2010 and instead stay home and continue work on their fifth full-length. The band's last show before their hiatus began was on December 4, 2009 at the Crabtree Brewing Company in Greeley, Colorado.
Possible fifth album and indefinite hiatus (2010–present)
[edit]In January 2011, Adam played his first solo show at the Larimer Lounge in Denver, Colorado. He revealed that the songs he had been writing were not quite right for Fear Before, and later dubbed the project All Human. After playing several local shows in the Denver and Salt Lake areas, he released the first All Human demos online. A 14-track album tentatively titled Catholic Guilt and the Queerest of Thoughts was expected to be released later in the year, and is notable for featuring original Fear Before drummer Brandon Proff on many of the tracks. After close to 18 months of silence from the band, Adam posted a message on the band's Facebook, signaling an indefinite hiatus. Three days later he made another statement making it clear the band was not breaking up.[citation needed]
As of October 20, 2014 the band had alluded on their Facebook to new upcoming material, saying "New songs... No hoax." The band has since updated their Facebook to reflect new material titled "Absolute Future Absolute Past".[citation needed]
Musical style
[edit]Johnny Loftus of AllMusic describes the band's sound as "a hybrid of screamo, metal, and terse post-hardcore dynamics."[17]
Members
[edit]
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Timeline
[edit]
Discography
[edit]Studio albums
[edit]| Year | Album | Label | Chart peaks | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US [18] |
US Heat [18][19] |
US Indie [18][20] | |||||||
| 2003 | Odd How People Shake | Rise | — | — | — | ||||
| 2004 | Art Damage | Equal Vision | — | — | — | ||||
| 2006 | The Always Open Mouth | 153 | 2 | 13 | |||||
| 2008 | Fear Before | — | 8 | 46 | |||||
| "—" denotes a release that did not chart. | |||||||||
EP
[edit]- Fear Before the March of Flames (2002) – self-released
- A Little Less Teeth (2007) – Equal Vision Records
Live
[edit]- Live at the Epicentre (2004) – Equal Vision Records
DVD
[edit]- Absolute Future, Absolute Past DVD – Equal Vision Records
- This DVD footage was lost; Adam told the story in the AP Podcast, available on iTunes.
Songs on compilations
[edit]- Rise 2003 Sampler (Rise Records, date unknown)
- Track number unknown: "A Shoreline Perspective"
- Rise 2004 Sampler (Rise Records, May 2004)
- Track 3: "Given To Dreams of What Shall Never"
- Take Action! Vol. 4 (Sub City Records, September 2004)
- Disc 1, Track 13: "Consequences David, You'll Meet Your Fate In The Styx"
- Equal Vision Winter 2004 Sampler (Equal Vision Records, 2004)
- Track 3: "The State of Texas vs. Fear Before"
- Masters of Horror Soundtrack (Immortal Records, September 2005)
- Disc 2, Track 14: "237"
- Equal Vision Warped Tour Sampler (Equal Vision Records, 2006)
- Track 1: "Lycanthropy"
- The Best of Taste of Chaos (Warcon Enterprises, 2006)
- Disc 1, Track 17: "Should Have Stayed in the Shallows"
- 2004 Vans Warped Tour Compilation (MCA Records, 2004)
- Disc 2 Track 13: "On the Bright Side, She Could Choke"
- Take Action! Vol. 6 Disc 1 (Sub City Records 2007)
- "Taking Cassandra to the End of the World Party"
Videography
[edit]| Year | Song | Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | "The 20th Century Was Entirely Mine" | Odd How People Shake |
| 2004 | "Should Have Stayed in the Shallows" | Art Damage |
| 2006 | "Taking Cassandra to the End of the World Party" | The Always Open Mouth |
| 2007 | "The Waiting Makes Me Curious" | |
| "My (Fucking) Deer Hunter" | ||
| 2008 | "Fear Before Doesn't Listen to People Who Don't Like Them" | Fear Before |
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Fear Before the March of Flames: The Always Open Mouth". PopMatters.com.
- ^ "Fear Before the March of Flames | Biography & History". AllMusic. Retrieved March 11, 2020.
- ^ "Alternative Press Podcast". altpress.com. Retrieved August 24, 2007.
- ^ a b c "Biography". allmusic.com. Retrieved August 20, 2007.
- ^ "Fear Before the March of Flames Bio". The Gauntlet. Retrieved August 20, 2007.
- ^ "Fear Before – Facebook". facebook.com. August 1, 2010. Retrieved August 24, 2007.
- ^ a b c "Fear Before the March of Flames". absolutepunk.net. December 21, 2006. Retrieved October 12, 2007.
- ^ "Art Damage". punknews.org. October 29, 2004. Retrieved August 20, 2007.
- ^ "Fear Before The March of Flames New Video, Tour Dates". Metalunderground.com. Retrieved August 20, 2007.
- ^ a b c "Artist Info". Equal Vision. Archived from the original on September 11, 2007. Retrieved August 20, 2007.
- ^ New album release & tour dates Archived October 9, 2008, at the Wayback Machine Retrieved on July 6, 2008
- ^ "Fear Before the March of Tour". absolutepunk.net. December 21, 2006. Retrieved August 15, 2008.
- ^ "chorus.fm". Chorus.fm. Retrieved March 11, 2020.
- ^ "Fear Before Self-Titled Album in Stores October 28th : Equal Vision Records". Archived from the original on February 10, 2012. Retrieved February 16, 2012.
- ^ "Fear Before | Listen and Stream Free Music, Albums, New Releases, Photos, Videos". Myspace.com. Retrieved March 11, 2020.
- ^ Julien, Alexandre (September 19, 2009). "The Zyphoid Process & Great White North". Abridged Pause Blog. Archived from the original on December 29, 2019. Retrieved September 6, 2020.
- ^ "Fear Before the March of Flames Songs, Albums,..." AllMusic. Retrieved April 18, 2025.
- ^ a b c "Artist Chart History – Fear Before the March of Flames – Albums" Billboard.com. Retrieved on April 15, 2009.
- ^ "Top Heatseekers – Fear Before" Billboard.com. Retrieved on April 15, 2009.
- ^ "Top Independent Albums – Fear Before" Billboard.com. Retrieved on April 15, 2009.
External links
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|---|---|
| National | |
| Artists | |
Fear Before
View on GrokipediaHistory
Formation and Odd How People Shake (2002–2003)
Fear Before the March of Flames formed in 2002 in Aurora, Colorado, by high school friends David Marion on lead vocals, Adam Fisher on guitar and vocals, Michael Madruga on bass, and Brandon Proff on drums, all of whom met at Smoky Hill High School and sought creative freedom beyond their prior local bands.[10] The group drew from metal and hardcore influences to craft an intense, hybrid sound from the outset.[4] The band's name originated from a Denver Post newspaper headline about the 2002 Hayman Fire, a massive wildfire that threatened the Denver area, reading "Fear before the march of flames," which the members adopted after struggling to find a suitable moniker for their debut show flyers.[10] Following formation, the band played early local shows in the Aurora and Denver scene, distributing copies of their self-released self-titled EP from 2002, which featured tracks like "Given to Dreams" and early versions of songs such as "Fashion Tips Baby."[11] These performances and online buzz from platforms like mp3.com attracted attention from labels, leading to a signing with Rise Records, vouched for by peers like Anatomy of a Ghost.[10] In 2003, the band recorded their debut full-length album Odd How People Shake with engineer and producer Kris Crummett, releasing it on June 17 via Rise Records (with a reissue on Equal Vision in 2004).[12] The 13-track effort, clocking in at around 41 minutes, highlighted the band's raw mathcore style through chaotic structures, dual vocals, and abrupt shifts, as heard in standout cuts like the frenetic opener "Fashion Tips Baby," the sprawling "Go Wash Your Mouth…I Don't Know Where It's Been," and the atmospheric "Given to Dreams," establishing their underground reputation for emotional intensity and technical aggression.[13][4] The album's release propelled initial tours across the U.S., including appearances at events like Furnace Fest in August 2003, where they shared stages with acts in the post-hardcore and metalcore scenes, gradually building a dedicated underground following amid the era's influential bands like Converge and Botch.[14]Art Damage (2004–2005)
In 2004, Fear Before the March of Flames signed with Equal Vision Records, which reissued their debut Odd How People Shake in April 2004 and provided broader distribution for their sophomore effort. The core lineup of vocalist David Marion, guitarist Adam Fisher, bassist Mike Madruga, and drummer Brandon Proff continued for a more focused creative dynamic. The group recorded Art Damage between April and May 2004 at Q Division and Moontower Studios in Somerville, Massachusetts, with producer and engineer Matthew Ellard handling recording and mixing.[15] Released on September 7, 2004, via Equal Vision Records, the album explored themes of chaos, surreal absurdity, and visceral violence through jagged rhythms and abrupt shifts, exemplified in standout track "Should Have Stayed in the Shallows," which features call-and-response vocals and builds to explosive climaxes.[16] Mastered by Alan Douches at West West Side, the record marked a heavier, more streamlined evolution from their experimental roots, emphasizing raw energy over the debut's sprawling noise.[17] To promote Art Damage, the band embarked on extensive U.S. touring, including a slot on the 2004 Vans Warped Tour alongside acts like No Use for a Name and Bad Religion, as well as headlining regional shows and supporting Darkest Hour on fall dates.[18] In 2005, they joined the inaugural Sounds of the Underground Tour, sharing stages with Lamb of God, Clutch, and Poison the Well, which expanded their reach and honed their reputation for chaotic, high-intensity live sets marked by frenetic stage antics and technical precision.[19] Their first European performances followed in late 2005, including co-headlining with The Fall of Troy and supporting The Bled, further building international buzz.[20] Critics hailed Art Damage as a mathcore milestone for its blend of technical ferocity and emotional depth, with Drowned in Sound praising its "screams, stabbed-at guitars, noise, passion, and intelligence" in an 8/10 review, positioning the band as a standout in the post-hardcore underground.[17] Punknews noted the album's shift to "straightforward, significantly harder" aggression, though critiquing its occasional predictability, while the band's live prowess—captured in unhinged performances—earned acclaim for translating the record's volatility to the stage.[21] In September 2004, Fear Before released the live mini-album Live at the Epicentre on Equal Vision Records, recorded on August 7, 2004, at The Epicentre in San Diego, California, and bundled with initial copies of Art Damage as a free promotional EP featuring raw renditions of tracks like "The 20th Century's Greatest Hits" and selections from the debut.[22] This release underscored their rising profile, capturing the band's explosive concert energy and contributing to growing word-of-mouth acclaim within mathcore circles.[23]The Always Open Mouth (2006–2007)
Around 2005, the band expanded its lineup with the additions of guitarist/keyboardist Billy Johnson and rhythm guitarist Zachary Hutchings, enhancing their experimental sound. In 2006, with their ongoing association with Equal Vision Records providing greater creative freedom, the band explored more ambitious directions. The band's third album, The Always Open Mouth, was recorded from April to May 2006 at Johnny Cab Studios and The Tank in Seattle, Washington, with production handled by Bobby Darling of the band Pacific.[24][25] The sessions marked a shift toward more ambitious arrangements, incorporating electronic elements, keyboards, and extended song structures that averaged over four minutes, emphasizing atmospheric builds and dissonant textures over their earlier chaotic energy.[26] Released on September 19, 2006, via Equal Vision Records, The Always Open Mouth delved into themes of urban decay, absurdity, and existential unease, often conveyed through surreal lyrics and layered soundscapes.[27][28] Tracks like "The Waiting Makes Me Curious" exemplified the album's progressive metal influences, blending intricate guitar work with dynamic shifts from ambient introspection to heavy climaxes.[26] To promote the album, the band released music videos for "The Waiting Makes Me Curious," directed by David K. Foreman, which highlighted their evolving visual style through abstract imagery.[29] They embarked on extensive touring, including the inaugural Radio Rebellion Tour from October to December 2006 alongside Norma Jean, Between the Buried and Me, and Misery Signals, followed by additional U.S. dates supporting Haste the Day in early 2007 and a slot on the 2007 Vans Warped Tour.[30] On August 28, 2007, Fear Before issued the limited-edition EP A Little Less Teeth exclusively during their summer headlining tour, serving as a companion release with four live recordings from the CJLO Kids Are So-So Sessions in Montreal, plus a cover of Pet Shop Boys' "Absolutely Fabulous."[31][32] Following the promotion of The Always Open Mouth, drummer Brandon Proff departed the band to pursue a teaching career, and he was replaced by Clayton Holyoak ahead of subsequent recordings and tours. The period solidified the band's rising profile within the post-hardcore scene, with The Always Open Mouth earning a 4/5 rating from Alternative Press, which praised its bold experimentation as a "quantum leap" in the genre, contributing to increased media attention and a dedicated fanbase.[33][5]Fear Before and hiatus (2008–2010)
In 2008, Fear Before the March of Flames shortened their name to Fear Before to simplify their identity and reflect a new musical direction.[34] The band recorded their self-titled album that summer in Seattle, Washington, with producer Casey Bates at Johnny Cab Studios, resulting in a more polished and melodic sound compared to their earlier experimental work.[34][35] The album Fear Before was released on October 28, 2008, through Equal Vision Records, featuring guest appearances from members of Portugal. The Man, Heavy Heavy Low Low, and The Fall of Troy.[34][36] It showcased a shift toward introspective themes amid personal struggles, exemplified by tracks like "I'm Fine Today" and "Bad Days," blending aggressive post-hardcore elements with cleaner, emotive melodies.[35][37] Following the release, Fear Before embarked on their final tours, including a headlining run in fall 2008 with support from acts like Damiera and I Am the Ocean, as well as appearances opening for Say Anything.[38] They also shared stages with The Number Twelve Looks Like You during select shows in the late 2000s.[39] The band's last performance took place on December 4, 2009, at Crabtree Brewing Company in Greeley, Colorado, near their Denver hometown.[40] In early 2010, Fear Before announced an indefinite hiatus, citing burnout from years of intense touring and recording, along with a desire to pursue individual side projects.[6] Plans for a fifth album, which had been in early development as a ambitious triple-disc project, were ultimately scrapped due to internal tensions and the band's dissolution.[7] Personal factors, including member relocations and shifting creative priorities, contributed to the break, allowing individuals like guitarist Adam Fisher to explore new endeavors such as the band All Human.[7]Post-hiatus activities and reunion discussions (2011–present)
Following the band's indefinite hiatus announced in 2010, Fear Before produced no official releases or tours throughout the early 2010s, with guitarist Adam Fisher publicly stating in 2011 that the group had no immediate plans to write, record, or perform.[41] This period of dormancy extended without major developments until 2014, when the band's Facebook page was updated to tease unreleased material under the title Absolute Future Absolute Past, referencing an earlier planned but ultimately shelved DVD project from 2007 that captured live performances and behind-the-scenes footage. During this time, members pursued individual endeavors, including Fisher's formation of the post-hardcore outfit All Human and the experimental project Orbs, while vocalist David Marion contributed to the band Memory Drip, releasing demos that echoed Fear Before's chaotic style.[7] Former drummer Clayton Holyoak maintained a high profile in the hardcore scene by joining Every Time I Die in 2016, where he contributed to their albums Low Teens (2016) and Radical (2021) and toured extensively with the band until their 2022 disbandment amid internal disputes.[42] Holyoak's subsequent involvement in the supergroup Better Lovers, featuring other ex-Every Time I Die members, kept him active in live performances, including a fall 2025 U.S. tour supporting their debut efforts.[43] Marion, meanwhile, expanded into production and guest appearances; in 2025, he provided vocals on the track "Pittman Ralliers" from Portugal. The Man's album Shish, marking a post-hardcore shift for the group and drawing on their shared touring history from the late 2000s.[8][44] Reunion discussions gained renewed traction in 2025, ahead of the 20th anniversary of The Always Open Mouth in 2026. In an interview, Fisher revealed that the core members had recently explored the possibility of a commemorative tour but could not align on its scale—ranging from a single show to festival appearances—leading the talks to stall without commitment.[7] As of November 2025, no reunion has been confirmed, though Fisher's comments sparked increased fan speculation across online forums and social media, with enthusiasts debating potential setlists and venues based on the band's enduring cult following.[45] The prolonged hiatus has solidified Fear Before's legacy within the underground post-hardcore and mathcore scenes, where their innovative blend of jagged rhythms, atmospheric experimentation, and thematic intensity—exemplified in albums like Art Damage—continues to influence newer acts emphasizing genre boundaries and emotional rawness.[9] This enduring impact persists through member crossovers and archival interest, maintaining the band's status as a pivotal force in early 2000s chaotic hardcore without diminishing their absence from new output.[46]Artistry
Musical style and influences
Fear Before's musical style is rooted in mathcore and post-hardcore, characterized by chaotic structures, dissonant guitar work, and dual vocals that alternate between screamed aggression and melodic cleans. Their sound features abrasive, layered guitars that create a sense of disorientation through polyrhythms and odd time signatures, often punctuated by dynamic shifts from frenzied intensity to quieter, atmospheric passages. This approach draws on the manic energy of screamo and the technical complexity of mathcore, with elements of musical theatrics enhancing the overall unpredictability.[47][5] The band's evolution reflects a progression from raw, aggressive hardcore in their early work to more experimental and progressive territory in later releases. Debut album Odd How People Shake (2003) embodies a frenzied mathy hardcore aesthetic with heavy, screamy outbursts and minimal melodic respite, while Art Damage (2004) amplifies the darkness and abrasion, incorporating heavier riffs and near-constant screamed vocals. By The Always Open Mouth (2006), the style incorporates electronic elements, synthesizers, drum machines, and spoken-word-like vocal deliveries, shifting toward art rock experimentation with orchestral undertones in layered arrangements. Their self-titled final album (2008) polishes these ideas into a more accessible metalcore framework, emphasizing melody-soaked polyrhythms, bass-heavy grooves, and theatrical prog rock flourishes alongside crushing heaviness.[48][5][49] Signature techniques include abrupt tempo changes and dissonant harmonies that mirror the surreal, absurd themes in their lyrics, often exploring violence, existential dread, and human folly through abstract, narrative-driven storytelling. These elements contribute to a sound that prioritizes conceptual depth over straightforward aggression, with gloomy interludes providing contrast to the chaos.[47][5] Fear Before drew influences from a range of hardcore and experimental acts, including the mathy metalcore precision of Botch, the visceral intensity of Converge, the flamboyant dual-vocal chaos of The Blood Brothers, and the technical extremity of The Dillinger Escape Plan. Broader inspirations encompass progressive rock pioneers like Yes, Queen, and The Who for theatrical structures, as well as industrial and post-metal edges from Nine Inch Nails and Neurosis. Peers such as The Number Twelve Looks Like You share similarities in their erratic, genre-blending post-hardcore approach, often placing Fear Before within the same chaotic 2000s scene.[49][5][50]Critical reception
Fear Before received widespread acclaim within the underground post-hardcore and mathcore communities for their innovative approach to chaotic, experimental song structures that blended aggressive riffs, atmospheric elements, and unpredictable dynamics, setting them apart from contemporaries. Critics often highlighted the band's ability to push genre boundaries, with Art Damage (2004) praised as a seminal work in chaotic hardcore for its "complete chaos" that felt controlled yet boundary-breaking, earning inclusion in lists of influential 2000s mathcore albums. Similarly, The Always Open Mouth (2006) was lauded for its ambitious maturation, receiving a 4/5 rating from Alternative Press. Odd How People Shake (2003) was celebrated for its raw energy and emotional intensity, with reviewers calling it a "raw, chaotic and emotional masterpiece of modern post-hardcore." However, the band's relentless experimentation drew criticisms for being overly chaotic and inaccessible to mainstream audiences, often alienating listeners with its disjointed intensity and lack of conventional hooks. The self-titled album (2008) was noted for achieving greater accessibility through melodic elements but at the cost of the raw edge that defined their earlier work, with some outlets criticizing it as a step back from prior releases. The band's eventual hiatus in 2010 was viewed by critics as a missed opportunity to capitalize on their cult momentum, with reviews lamenting how their trajectory of bold innovation stalled just as they refined their sound. Fear Before's legacy endures as a cult favorite in post-hardcore. In May 2025, amid discussions of a potential reunion tour, frontman Adam Fisher reflected on the band's lasting appeal, noting the unique visions each member holds for any revival, underscoring their enduring draw for fans of experimental heavy music as of November 2025.[9]Personnel
Current and former members
Fear Before has been on indefinite hiatus since 2010, with no official current members. The band's final active lineup from 2009 to 2010 consisted of David Marion on vocals (2002–2010), Adam Fisher on guitar and vocals (2002–2010), Michael Madruga on bass (2002–2010), and Clayton Holyoak on drums (2006–2010). From 2008 to early 2009, the lineup also included guitarist Zachary Hutchings.[51][52][53][54] Former members include founding drummer Brandon Proff, who played from 2002 to 2006 and also contributed artwork to early releases, and early guitarist Mat Clouse (2002–2003).[55][53] Additional former members were guitarist Zachary Hutchings (2006–2009) and guitarist/keyboardist Billy Johnson (2006–2007).[55][56] The band occasionally used temporary touring members during its active years.[57] Post-hiatus, core members have remained active in music. David Marion formed the project Memorydrip (active as of 2023) and provided guest vocals on Portugal. The Man's 2025 track "Pittman Ralliers" from the album Shish.[8][58] Clayton Holyoak joined Norma Jean (2012–2017), Every Time I Die as drummer in 2017, performing with them until the band's 2022 breakup, and later contributed to Better Lovers (2023–present).[59][57][42] Adam Fisher formed the experimental rock project All Human in 2010 and the band Orbs in 2013, while continuing production and engineering work on various releases.[7] Michael Madruga has collaborated on recordings with former bandmates, including a 2018 contribution to an All Human split release.[60]| Member | Role | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| David Marion | Vocals | 2002–2010 | Founding member; post-hiatus Memorydrip (2023–present) and guest appearance on Portugal. The Man (2025). |
| Adam Fisher | Guitar, vocals | 2002–2010 | Founding member; founded All Human (2010) and Orbs (2013); production work. |
| Michael Madruga | Bass | 2002–2010 | Founding member; occasional post-hiatus collaborations, including All Human (2018). |
| Clayton Holyoak | Drums | 2006–2010 | Joined mid-career; later in Norma Jean (2012–2017), Every Time I Die (2017–2022), and Better Lovers (2023–present). |
| Brandon Proff | Drums | 2002–2006 | Founding drummer; artwork contributions. |
| Zachary Hutchings | Guitar | 2006–2009 | Added experimental elements; left in 2009 to join I Am the Ocean. |
| Billy Johnson | Guitar, keyboards | 2006–2007 | Contributed to The Always Open Mouth era. |
| Mat Clouse | Guitar | 2002–2003 | Early rhythm guitarist. |
Timeline
Fear Before, originally formed as Fear Before the March of Flames in 2002, underwent several lineup changes during its active period through 2010, primarily involving guitarists and the drummer position. The core members—vocalist David Marion, guitarist/vocalist Adam Fisher, and bassist Michael Madruga—remained consistent throughout. The following table outlines the key members and their active periods, based on album credits, tour announcements, and official statements.| Member | Role | Active Period | Key Events and Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| David Marion | Vocals | 2002–2010 | Founding member; post-hiatus projects include Memorydrip (2023–present). [8] [58] |
| Adam Fisher | Guitar, vocals, keyboards | 2002–2010 | Founding member; post-hiatus projects include Orbs and All Human, with reunion discussions in 2025. [7] [9] |
| Michael Madruga | Bass, backing vocals | 2002–2010 | Founding member; occasional post-hiatus collaborations, including All Human split (2018). [4] [60] |
| Mat Clouse | Rhythm guitar | 2002–2003 | Founding member; departed after debut album Odd How People Shake; credited on 2002 recordings. [61] [7] |
| Brandon Proff | Drums, programming | 2002–2006 | Founding member; played through The Always Open Mouth (recorded 2006, released 2007); left in 2006 for personal reasons, prior to Fear Before self-titled recording. [4] [62] |
| Zach Hutchings | Rhythm guitar | 2006–2009 | Joined in early 2006 ahead of West Coast tours and DVD filming; left in early 2009 to join I Am the Ocean. [63] |
| Billy Johnson | Guitar, keyboards | 2006–2007 | Joined as touring guitarist in 2006; left in 2007 for personal reasons. [57] [3] |
| Clayton Holyoak | Drums | 2006–2010 | Joined in 2006, replacing Proff; contributed to Fear Before self-titled album (recorded 2007–2008, released 2008); post-hiatus affiliations include Norma Jean (2012–2017), Every Time I Die (2017–2022), and Better Lovers (2023–present). [42] [64] [5] |
Discography
Studio albums
Fear Before released four studio albums between 2003 and 2008, all of which showcase the band's evolution from mathcore and post-hardcore roots to more experimental rock elements.[5] The debut album, Odd How People Shake, was released in 2003 on Rise Records in CD format, with a reissue on CD by Equal Vision Records in 2004 and a limited edition orange vinyl LP reissue in 2013. Produced by Kris Crummett along with band members Adam Fisher and the group itself, the album features 10 tracks with a total duration of 41:03.[12][65] Art Damage, the second studio album, came out in 2004 on Equal Vision Records, available initially on CD and later on vinyl and cassette formats, including limited-edition vinyl reissues in 2018, 2019, 2023, and 2024. Produced by Matthew Ellard, it includes 11 tracks lasting 29:41 in total.[16][66] The third album, The Always Open Mouth, was issued in 2006 by Equal Vision Records in CD and double vinyl formats, with an enhanced CD version containing additional multimedia content and limited-edition vinyl reissues in 2017, 2021, and 2024. Produced by Casey Bates, the record comprises 15 tracks over 45:56. Digital editions included bonus material such as live recordings.[67][5] The band's final studio album, the self-titled Fear Before, appeared in 2008 on Equal Vision Records in CD format, with subsequent limited edition vinyl reissues in various colors starting in 2022. Produced by Casey Bates, it contains 10 tracks with a runtime of 38:40 and peaked at number 29 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart and number 18 on the Independent Albums chart.[68][34] No additional studio albums have been released since the band's indefinite hiatus in 2010.[5]Extended plays
Fear Before the March of Flames released their self-titled debut extended play in 2002 as a self-released CD, marking the band's initial foray into recording and distribution during their early tours.[69] This EP, often regarded as a demo showcasing raw post-hardcore energy, features four tracks that introduced core elements of the band's chaotic sound, with several songs later re-recorded for their debut full-length album, Odd How People Shake. The tracklist includes "Given to Dreams of What Shall Never," "On the Brightside, She Could Choke," "A Shoreline Perspective," and "Quiet, And Drink This" (a demo version also known as an early take on "Fashion Tips Baby").[70] Physical copies were produced in limited quantities with variant cover artworks in colors such as orange, blue, pink, and teal, and were exclusively available at live shows before the band signed with Rise Records.[69] In 2007, the band issued A Little Less Teeth through Equal Vision Records as a limited-edition CD enhanced with a music video, distributed primarily during their summer headlining tour supporting the album The Always Open Mouth.[71] This EP, clocking in at approximately 21 minutes, blends live recordings, a soundtrack contribution, and early demos to provide supplementary material that highlights the evolution of songs from their recent full-length release. The tracklist comprises three live performances from the CJLO Kids Are So-So Sessions—"Mouth," "High as a Horse," and "Epic Song" (an unreleased live track at the time)—alongside "237" (featured on The Masters of Horror soundtrack), "Should Have Stayed in the Shallows (Original Demo)," and "Absolute Future, Absolute Past (Original Demo)."[32] The EP was released on August 28, 2007, in CD format with digital availability, emphasizing the band's experimental side through these acoustic and demo interpretations.[32]Live releases
Fear Before the March of Flames released one official live recording during their career, a limited-edition EP titled Live at the Epicentre. Recorded on August 7, 2004, at The Epicentre, a teen center in San Diego, California, the EP captures the band's performance during their early touring phase following the release of their debut full-length album Art Damage.[23][22] Issued by Equal Vision Records in the United States on CD format (specifically a MiniMax disc), Live at the Epicentre was distributed exclusively as a promotional item bundled with the initial pressing of Art Damage, highlighting the band's raw, energetic stage presence at the time.[22] The five-track set features selections from their early catalog, emphasizing chaotic post-hardcore elements performed live. No additional official live albums or recordings were released by the band.[23] The track listing is as follows:| No. | Title | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The 20th Century Was Entirely Mine | 3:19 |
| 2 | Absolutely Fabulous and Me | 2:33 |
| 3 | Given to Dreams | 3:37 |
| 4 | Whiskey Is Alright in Its Place, but Its Place Is in Hell | 2:12 |
| 5 | What Happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas | 4:45 |
Other releases
Fear Before the March of Flames contributed the track "237" to the soundtrack compilation Masters of Horror, a two-disc collection featuring original and previously unreleased material from various artists, released in 2005 on Ghostly International.[72] The song, clocking in at 3:16, provided an experimental post-hardcore interlude amid the horror-themed selections.[73] In 2007, the band planned a DVD titled Absolute Past, Absolute Future through Equal Vision Records, intended to include behind-the-scenes content and live clips from touring related to The Always Open Mouth, but it was never released.[74] The band teased an unreleased fifth album titled Absolute Future Absolute Past in 2014 via social media updates, including early demos that have since circulated online, such as the original demo version of the title track, though no full release materialized.Music videos
Fear Before, also known as Fear Before the March of Flames during their early years, produced several official music videos to promote their albums, primarily between 2004 and 2008. These videos were characterized by chaotic, experimental visuals aligning with the band's post-hardcore and mathcore style, often featuring surreal or intense narratives. They received airplay on MTV2's Headbanger's Ball during the band's peak in the mid-2000s, contributing to their underground visibility, and were later made widely available on YouTube via their labels Equal Vision Records and Rise Records.[75][76] No official music videos were released after the band's 2008 self-titled album, coinciding with their disbandment. The band's videos typically emphasized thematic elements like apocalypse, absurdity, and emotional turmoil, with directors drawn from independent filmmakers and label associates. Below is a list of their primary official music videos:| Year | Song | Album | Director | Description and Promotional Context |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | The 20th Century Was Entirely Mine | Odd How People Shake | Unknown | A high-energy performance-based video with abstract overlays, used to promote the band's debut album on Equal Vision Records; it highlighted their chaotic live energy and garnered early fan attention online.[77] |
| 2006 | Taking Cassandra to the End of the World Party | The Always Open Mouth | David Bell | Darkly apocalyptic narrative inspired by the Greek myth of Cassandra, featuring surreal destruction and performance shots; produced to support the album's release and aired on MTV2, emphasizing the band's evolving experimental sound.[78][79] |
| 2006 | The Waiting Makes Me Curious | The Always Open Mouth | David Gutterman | Animated and live-action blend depicting themes of isolation and curiosity, with student-film aesthetics from San Diego State University production; served as a secondary single promo, focusing on introspective lyrics amid the album's mathcore intensity.[29] |
| 2007 | My (F***ing) Deer Hunter | Art Damage | Unknown | Frenetic, hunter-prey chase sequence with raw performance elements, capturing the album's aggressive shift; promoted the Victor Records release and received MTV2 rotation.[80] |
| 2007 | Should Have Stayed in the Shallows | Art Damage | Mike Kaminsky | Chaotic party-gone-wrong scenario with underwater motifs and band antics, directed by the band's manager; premiered on MTV2's Headbanger's Ball to boost the album's heavier direction.[81][76] |
| 2008 | Fear Before Doesn't Listen to People Who Don't Like Them | Fear Before | Unknown | Defiant, anti-critic themed video with humorous rebellion and live clips; final promo for the Rise Records self-titled album, distributed primarily online post-disbandment announcement.[82] |