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Flyleaf (band)
Flyleaf (band)
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Flyleaf is an American rock band formed in Belton, Texas, in 2002.[2] The band has charted on mainstream rock, Christian pop, and Christian rock charts. They performed around the US in 2003 before releasing their eponymous debut album, Flyleaf, in 2005. The album went platinum after selling more than one million copies.[3] Flyleaf released their second album, Memento Mori, in 2009, which debuted and peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard charts.

Key Information

Shortly before the release of their third album, New Horizons (2012), lead vocalist Lacey Sturm announced her departure.[4] Kristen May subsequently became the new lead vocalist. May sang with the band until August 2016.[1] After several years of inactivity, the band announced in November 2022 that Sturm had rejoined.[5]

History

[edit]

Early years (2002–2004)

[edit]

Early on, Lacey Sturm performed with James Culpepper. Guitarists Jared Hartmann and Sameer Bhattacharya were later recruited. "Sameer and Jared are really experimental with melodies and pedals," said Sturm, "and we all had different influences that were all blending together with the same passionate and hopeful heart, and that brought out this beautiful feeling. It was magical."[6] Bassist Pat Seals joined after leaving his previous band, The Grove.

As Passerby, the band released three EPs and played over 100 shows in Texas alone over the span of two years under the booking and promotion company Runt Entertainment.[citation needed] In 2004, Passerby played a showcase for RCA Records in New York City in hopes of getting signed. RCA passed on the band, but the president of Octone Records was very interested. They waited for two days in their van at a truck stop for a phone call about an Octone showcase. They were signed after the showcase, and on January 7, 2004, Octone Records' website announced their arrival to the label.

In March 2004, Passerby traveled to Seattle, Washington, to record an EP with producer Rick Parashar. Afterwards, they toured with Skillet, Breaking Benjamin, Staind, and 3 Doors Down to promote their self-titled EP. For legal reasons, they renamed themselves Flyleaf in June 2004.[7] In October, the EP was released to stores (as Flyleaf), spawning their first official single and video for the EP version of "Breathe Today".

Debut album (2005–2008)

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In 2005, the band recorded their first full-length album with Howard Benson. On October 4, 2005, the record was released under the title Flyleaf. Appearances on the album include Dave Navarro of Jane's Addiction and Ryan White of Resident Hero. The first mainstream single from their debut album was "I'm So Sick", "Fully Alive" was the second, "All Around Me" was the third, and "Sorrow" was the fourth.

In the summer of 2006, the band played on the mainstage of the Family Values Tour 2006, and in late 2006, Flyleaf toured with Disturbed, Stone Sour and Nonpoint on the Music as a Weapon III Tour. The band issued an exclusive EP, which was sold at the tour called Music as a Weapon EP which features an acoustic version of "Fully Alive", and three previously unreleased tracks: "Much Like Falling", "Justice And Mercy", and "Christmas Song" (Much Like Falling and Justice and Mercy later appeared on Much Like Falling EP). A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the EP went to World Vision.[8]

In 2007 Flyleaf toured with Three Days Grace and throughout Australia with the Soundwave festival, and also toured Europe with Stone Sour and Forever Never. In the spring of 2007, Flyleaf headlined their Justice & Mercy Tour which first featured Skillet and Dropping Daylight. Later on they did a second leg of the tour which featured Sick Puppies, Kill Hannah and Resident Hero. Flyleaf again joined the Family Values Tour in 2007.[9] The music video for "I'm So Sick" appeared briefly in the 2007 film Live Free or Die Hard. Also a remix of the song "I'm So Sick" is on the Soundtrack to the movie Resident Evil: Extinction. "Perfect" was also released as a single in late 2007 to Christian radio stations. Released on November 5, 2007, The Sims 2 expansion pack Teen Style Stuff featured the band's song "Cassie" recorded in Simlish.

Flyleaf at Beale Street Music Festival on May 2, 2008

Flyleaf also released a song entitled "Tina" which was the first song that they debuted in the release of Guitar Hero 3 as part of the Companion Disk Set. Also, the song "I'm So Sick" appears in Rock Band. On October 30, Flyleaf also released a digital EP titled Much Like Falling EP. The songs included on this EP were "Much Like Falling", an acoustic version of "Supernatural", the limited release song "Tina", and The EP is available on iTunes along with the expanded edition of their debut album.

On April 26, 2008, the band released their fourth video, "Sorrow", from their debut album on MTV2.[10] The band toured with Seether in late spring but had to cancel five shows due to a problem with Sturm's voice. The members of Flyleaf took the fall off to write new music, hoping to begin recording by January.

Flyleaf also contributed a cover of the song "What's This?" from The Nightmare Before Christmas soundtrack for the album Nightmare Revisited.

The band also toured heavily in 2008 in both North America and Europe.[11][12]

Memento Mori (2009–2010)

[edit]

When Flyleaf finished recording their second album, they had selected 14 songs out of the 30 already written. Some of these songs, such as "Again", "Have We Lost", and "Beautiful Bride", have been performed live. The band reunited with producer Howard Benson and enlisted the mixing services of Chris Lord-Alge[13] It was released on November 10, 2009.[14] The album, titled Memento Mori, features songs such as "Beautiful Bride", "Arise", "Missing", "Again" and "Set Apart This Dream", which was inspired by the Christian book Wild at Heart.[15] Flyleaf debuted an additional two songs live during a small acoustic tour the band did in Afghanistan for United States Armed Forces called "Chasm" and "Circle".[16] As they published on their MySpace page, Flyleaf's first single "Again" was released on iTunes and also played on the radio. Meiert Avis directed the single's music video.

Sturm performing in Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan in 2009

The group, starting in Seattle, Washington, on September 28, 2009, held VIP listening parties throughout the country inviting fans to be the first to hear a selection of songs from the new record and view brand new music videos before they aired nationwide. By partnering with Eventful, fans were given the opportunity to demand that their city get routed into the "Road to Memento Mori" using Eventful's "Demand It!" service.

Based on overwhelming demand there were over 10 events. Fans saw Sturm, Sameer Bhattacharya, and Jared Hartmann, who made special appearances at these intimate gatherings across the country.[17]

On November 2, 2009, the band released a short Webisode for their new album.[18]

Flyleaf's other video, "Beautiful Bride", was shot in early August 2009 by director Don Tyler. The video was originally released at the Memento Mori listening events, but was later featured on Yahoo! the day Memento Mori came out. The video features James' sister/Sameer's wife, April, as the bride and Joshua, Sturm's husband, as the groom. Like "Again," this video features Pat's artwork throughout the video. Future singles are set to include "Chasm" for rock stations and "Missing" for alternative.

Flyleaf toured throughout the United States with Breaking Benjamin and Three Days Grace from January to March 2010. They embarked on a headlining tour called the "Unite & Fight Tour" with 10 Years and Fair to Midland. The tour began on April 28, 2010, and ended on June 6, 2010. The band attended the Muz-TV Award 2010 awards (Премия МУЗ-ТВ) in Russia and performed the songs "I'm So Sick", "Again" and "All Around Me". They are one of many bands that performed at Download Festival on June 12, 2010. The band encouraged fans to donate to stop human trafficking in other countries.

Flyleaf performing in 2010

The band was scheduled to continue with the second leg of the "Unite & Fight" tour from September 10, 2010, to October 23, 2010, with Story of the Year, and performed at various festivals through the end of the year. They also released an animated music video for "Chasm" on September 22, which was directed/animated/illustrated by Giles Timms. At the end of the Unite and Fight tour in early November, Sturm collaborated with band Apocalyptica on the song "Broken Pieces", as well as with Australian singer Orianthi in her new song "Courage".[19] Soon after they released "Arise" as the next single from Memento Mori.

On November 6, 2010, the band performed at Rock the Hood, a festival at Fort Hood in memory of all the soldiers who have died, especially the 13 who died at the November 2009 shooting.

On November 15, 2010, Sturm shared via Facebook that she and her husband, Joshua, were expecting a baby boy in early 2011.[20]

On December 7, 2010, Flyleaf released an EP titled Remember to Live, then released a cover of the John Mark McMillan song "How He Loves" on December 21, 2010.[21][22]

New Horizons and departure of Sturm (2011–2013)

[edit]

On January 22, 2011, Hartmann announced that he and Culpepper were building a recording studio and preparing to record demos for their next album.[23] In February 2011, the band started pre-production for their next album at Treelady Studios in Pittsburgh, PA.[24][unreliable source?]

On June 1, 2012, the band confirmed via Twitter that the album and first single would be called New Horizons.[25] The single premiered on Windsor, Ontario's 89X Radio on August 1, 2012,[26] and released through iTunes on August 21, 2012.[27]

On September 4, 2012, Sturm's birthday,[citation needed] Flyleaf released the official video for "New Horizons" on Fuse. The video included a picture in the background as a tribute to Rich Caldwell and footage of Lacey and Joshua Sturm's son, Joshua "Jack" Sturm.[28][failed verification]

Flyleaf also released an additional single, entitled "Call You Out", on September 25, 2012.[citation needed] The album was released on October 30, 2012.[29]

On October 22, 2012, the band announced that Lacey Sturm was stepping down as the band's lead vocalist. In a statement written by Pat Seals, Kristen May, formerly of Vedera, was announced as Sturm's replacement. Sturm expressed that with the birth of her son, Jack, and the death of one of the band's lead audio engineers, Rich Caldwell, that she knew the true meaning of "Memento Mori" (the title of their second full-length album).[30]

Guitarist Sameer Bhattacharya stated in an interview that they would write new music with their new lead vocalist Kristen May.[31]

Flyleaf released a new single on June 18, 2013, with May on vocals, "Something Better" featuring P.O.D. front man Sonny Sandoval. A new EP, Who We Are, was released on July 9, 2013.[32] Later that year, the band was featured in an NME article titled "28 Nu-Metal Era Bands You Probably Forgot All About".[33]

Between the Stars (2014–2016)

[edit]

Flyleaf announced that a new album was in the works for a 2014 release and released a teaser video on PledgeMusic.com.[34][better source needed] The new album was fully funded on February 2, 2014.[citation needed] On March 29, they confirmed Don Gilmore as the producer for their upcoming album.[35]

On May 20, 2014, Flyleaf announced that they were now signed to Loud & Proud Records[36] and would be releasing their album in early fall. The first single will be released in July and tour dates will be announced after that.[37]

"Set Me on Fire", the lead single from the upcoming album, Between the Stars, premiered on July 1 through Revolver. The album was released on September 16, 2014.[38] They then went on tour in support of the album.[39]

The band released the album cover via a puzzle game starting on July 21, 2014.[40][41] and the track list the following day.[42]

In 2015 the group headlined the “Hottest Chicks In Hard Rock' Tour alongside The Agonist and Fit For Rivals.[43] Also headlining the “SnoCore Tour” alongside Adelita's Way.[44]

Between the Stars is also the band's first release from their new home, label Loud & Proud Records.[45]

May's departure and hiatus (2016–2022)

[edit]

On August 15, 2016, lead vocalist Kristen May announced her departure from the band, citing a growing desire to stay at home with her family and that she never really felt as if she was part of the band.[46]

Following May's departure, the band went on hiatus. The remaining members went on to pursue other interests. Jared, along with his wife, Kat formed a musical duo called Kat&Jared in 2017.[47] Bhattacharya would tour with P.O.D. as their keyboardist from 2016 until 2018.[48] He and Seals, along with P.O.D. drummer Wuv Bernardo formed a musical project called Belle and the Dragon, they released their debut album Birthrights in 2020.[49] Seals joined Crobot in 2023.[50]

Sturm's return (2022–present)

[edit]

In 2021, the band's social media accounts were reactivated after being inactive since the band's hiatus. In November 2022, the band began teasing their return, including releasing band photos with their original lead singer, Lacey Sturm. On November 7, 2022, the band's profile pictures on their social media accounts changed to feature the phrase Flyleaf with Lacey Sturm.[5][51] On April 27, 2023, the band played a reunion show in Belton, Texas, marking their first live performance in 7 years, and the first with Sturm in nearly 11 years.[52] On December 6, 2024, the band began offering pre-orders for the first vinyl pressing of their self-titled album, to be released in 2025, 20 years after the album's original release.[citation needed] The group have performed at several festivals in 2025 with Sturm as the vocalist.[53]

On February 24, 2026, the band announced the Flyleaf with Lacey Sturm 20th Anniversary Tour.[54] The tour will run from July 8, 2026 to July 30, 2026 across 14 cities.[citation needed] The band are also confirmed to be making an appearance at Welcome to Rockville, which will take place in Daytona Beach, Florida in May 2026.[55]

Musical style

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Flyleaf been categorized under various genres of rock music,[56] including alternative metal,[57][58][59][60] hard rock,[31][61][62][63] alternative rock,[64][65][66] post-grunge,[60][67][68] nu metal,[63][69][70] post-hardcore,[62] and "emo-metal".[71] Because of the many religious references in Flyleaf's music, they are also considered to be a Christian rock band.[69][72] Despite the numerous genres they have been labeled as, May considered the band to be simply alternative rock, saying, "I think the reason we get put in different genres is because there are so many different influences in the songwriting."[73]

Christianity

[edit]

Lead vocalist Lacey Sturm is a Christian.[74] While faith has influenced the band's music, Sturm said that she does not believe that necessarily makes Flyleaf strictly a Christian band. The band says they are Christians who play in a rock band, and their faith is heard within their music.[75]

In November 2006, Flyleaf performed a free concert at Los Angeles Pierce College for a Christian group called The Revolt, which was a three-day event. The band performed a half-hour set Thursday night. It was The Revolt's opening night at Pierce College and the first time the campus has been used as an outdoor music venue.[76]

In a May 2010 interview, Sturm was asked how it felt to be in a Christian rock band and play in Las Vegas:

Well, you know what? I don't know what you mean by a "Christian rock band." It's hard to say that because people all have a different definition of what that means. If it means that we're Christians, then yeah, we're Christians, but if a plumber's a Christian, does that make him a "Christian plumber?" I mean we're not playing for Christians. We're just playing honestly and that's going to come out.[77]

Shortly after joining the band, former lead vocalist May stated that she felt that some of the band's fans believed she was "not Christian enough" compared to Sturm, despite professing to be a Christian.[78]

Although the band explores themes transcending many faiths and ways of life, they insist being a Christian will always be a part of them and influence their writing.[79]

Band members

[edit]

Current

  • James Culpepper – drums, percussion (2002–2016; 2022–present)
  • Sameer Bhattacharya – lead guitar (2002–2016; 2022–present); backing vocals (2012–2016; 2022–present); keyboards, piano (2014–2016; 2022–present)
  • Jared Hartmann – rhythm guitar (2002–2016; 2022–present)
  • Pat Seals – bass (2002–2016; 2022–present); backing vocals (2012–2016; 2022–present)
  • Lacey Sturm – lead vocals (2002–2012, 2022–present)

Former

Timeline

Discography

[edit]

Awards

[edit]
Title Award Nominated work Result
AMTV Favorite Music Video "Missing" Won[80]
BMI 2009 Pop Song Award "All Around Me" Won[81]
Revolver Golden Gods Awards 2010 Hottest Chick in Metal Lacey Sturm Nominated[82]
Dove Awards 2011 Rock Album of the Year Memento Mori Nominated[83]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Flyleaf is an American band formed in , in 2002. Known for their intense sound that blends aggressive riffs with introspective lyrics exploring themes of faith, despair, and redemption, the band has garnered a dedicated following in both mainstream rock and scenes. Their music often features powerful vocals and dynamic , appealing to fans of and nu-metal influences. The band's core lineup has remained relatively stable, currently consisting of lead vocalist , lead guitarist Sameer Bhattacharya, rhythm guitarist Jared Hartmann, bassist Pat Seals, and drummer James Culpepper. Formed initially by Sturm (then Mosley) and Culpepper, who bonded over shared musical interests, the group recruited Bhattacharya and Hartmann from a local band before adding Seals to complete . Flyleaf released their self-titled debut EP in 2003, followed by their breakthrough full-length album Flyleaf in 2005, which achieved platinum status and featured hits like and "Fully Alive." Subsequent studio albums include Memento Mori (2009), (2012), and (2014). After Sturm's departure in to focus on and solo pursuits, the band recruited vocalist , who contributed to before leaving in 2016, leading to a period of inactivity. Flyleaf reunited with Sturm in for select performances, and by , they continue to tour major rock festivals such as , Boardwalk Rock, and , performing their classic catalog to enthusiastic crowds.

History

Formation and early years (2002–2004)

Flyleaf originated from earlier local projects such as Listen and Sporos around 2000 in the Belton/Temple area, but was formally formed in , in 2002 under the name Passerby by vocalist (later known as ), guitarist Jared Hartmann, and drummer James Culpepper. The band emerged from these earlier collaborations, with Mosley and Culpepper initially writing songs inspired by her personal experiences and faith. Their first performance took place on May 4, 2002, at the First (FUMC) in Belton, where they won a Battle of the Bands competition, marking the start of their local presence in the music scene. The early lineup underwent changes as the band sought stability, with bassist Pat Seals joining in the summer of 2002 after previous bassists departed; Seals had previously played in a local group called The Grove. Guitarist Sameer Bhattacharya soon followed, reuniting with Hartmann after their prior band Sporos disbanded, bringing experimental guitar elements to the sound. Influenced by the vibrant scene in , the group performed at faith-based venues such as FUMC again on May 25, 2002, and The Door in Fort Worth on July 27, 2002, where they won another Battle of the Bands. These shows, combined with Mosley's songwriting rooted in Christian themes of hope and testimony, fueled their decision to pursue a professional career beyond local gigs. In 2003, Passerby gained initial industry attention when producer of praised their live performance in , urging others to see them immediately. The band recorded a three-song demo that year, which circulated among fans and helped build buzz. By 2004, after changing their name to Flyleaf due to legal conflicts with another act using "Passerby," they released their self-titled EP on October 26 via Octone Records, featuring tracks like "Red Sam," "Breathe Today," "I'm Sorry," and "Cassie," which highlighted their raw style and introspective lyrics.

Debut album and breakthrough (2005–2008)

In early 2004, Flyleaf signed with Octone Records, a label that provided the band with greater resources for recording and promotion following their EP release. The deal marked a significant step toward mainstream exposure, allowing the group to work with producer on their full-length debut. On October 4, 2005, they released their self-titled album Flyleaf through Octone, which debuted at number 88 on the and sold over 13,000 copies in its first week. The record blended , , and emotional lyrics, showcasing vocalist Lacey Mosley's dynamic range from screams to soaring melodies, and quickly established the band in both rock and scenes. By 2006, Flyleaf achieved platinum from the RIAA after surpassing one million units sold, reflecting its enduring commercial impact. The album's lead single, "I'm So Sick," released in October 2005, propelled Flyleaf into the spotlight, peaking at number 12 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart and number 27 on the Alternative Songs chart. This aggressive track, with its raw energy and themes of inner turmoil, introduced the band's sound to rock radio and helped build momentum for the album. Follow-up singles like "Fully Alive" and "All Around Me" further solidified their breakthrough; "All Around Me," released in April 2007, reached number 20 on the Mainstream Rock chart, number 6 on the Alternative Songs chart, and number 2 on the Christian Rock chart, crossing over effectively between secular and faith-based audiences. These releases not only drove album sales but also highlighted Flyleaf's ability to appeal broadly, with "All Around Me" earning a BMI Pop Music Award for its widespread airplay. To capitalize on their rising profile, Flyleaf embarked on extensive touring from 2005 to 2008, including performances on the Vans Warped Tour in 2005, where they played multiple dates across the U.S. to diverse festival crowds. They also supported established acts like on headlining tours, sharing stages in late 2004 and into 2005, which exposed them to larger rock audiences and honed their live energy. These outings, combined with appearances at other festivals and club shows, helped cultivate a dedicated fanbase and positioned the band as a staple in the circuit. Amid their growing success, personal milestones emerged for frontwoman Lacey Mosley. On September 6, 2008, she married guitarist Josh Sturm, adopting his last name and becoming known professionally as Lacey Sturm thereafter. This change coincided with the band's peak momentum from the debut era, as they continued to tour and promote the album's singles. Critically, Flyleaf received generally positive reception for its intensity and Mosley's compelling vocals, though some reviewers noted its familiarity within the nu-metal and post-grunge landscape. AllMusic awarded it 3.5 out of 5 stars, praising the album's "enormous sound" and emotional depth while acknowledging influences from bands like Evanescence. Sputnikmusic highlighted its "frantic riffs" and strong hooks in a favorable review, calling it a solid entry for the genre. The album's production earned recognition at the 49th Annual Grammy Awards in 2007, where Benson received a nomination for Producer of the Year, Non-Classical, partly for his work on Flyleaf alongside other projects. This accolade underscored the record's polished execution and its role in launching the band's career.

Memento Mori era (2009–2010)

Following the success of their debut album, Flyleaf began recording their sophomore effort in October 2008 at a studio with producer , who had previously helmed their self-titled release. The sessions extended into 2009, capturing a more mature sound influenced by the band's evolving experiences. Titled —a Latin phrase translating to ""—the album was released on November 10, 2009, via , emphasizing themes of mortality, urgency, and spiritual reflection. The album's lead single, "Again," marked the band's highest-charting track to date, reaching No. 3 on the Modern Rock chart after 28 weeks, while also appearing on the Rock Songs chart at No. 12 and Christian Songs at No. 40. The follow-up single, "Missing," further solidified their crossover appeal, peaking on 's Christian Songs and rock airplay lists, contributing to the album's debut at No. 8 on the with 56,000 first-week sales. These releases highlighted Flyleaf's blend of intensity and emotional depth, deepening their Christian motifs amid broader explorations of loss and redemption. Lead vocalist Lacey Sturm's personal struggles profoundly shaped Memento Mori, including a molar pregnancy—a rare condition diagnosed via sonogram showing no fetal heartbeat—which compounded her ongoing faith exploration and battles with doubt. Sturm has described these experiences as fueling the album's raw urgency, transforming personal tragedy into lyrical calls for resilience and divine connection, as detailed in her 2014 memoir The Reason: How I Discovered a Life Worth Living. To promote the album, Flyleaf launched the headlining Tour in late 2009, spanning North American venues through early , with support slots alongside acts like and . The band also expanded internationally, performing an acoustic set for U.S. troops in in 2009 and embarking on a European headlining run in , including stops in the UK at venues like in and Rock City in . These efforts underscored the band's growing global footprint, blending high-energy shows with intimate outreach to diverse audiences.

New Horizons and Sturm's departure (2011–2013)

Following the success of their previous releases, Flyleaf entered the studio in early 2012 to record their third studio album, , with longtime producer , completing the sessions in just six weeks. The album was released on October 30, 2012, through , marking the band's final project with lead vocalist . Lyrically, explored themes of hope amid uncertainty and personal rebirth, as articulated by bassist Pat Seals, who described the title track as expressing "a feeling of looking toward the unknown future with hope" and the album artwork symbolizing "the opening of refreshed vision and rebirth of the soul." The album debuted at No. 16 on the , selling 20,000 copies in its first week, while topping the Christian Albums chart and reaching No. 2 on the Alternative Albums chart. "New Horizons," released in August 2012, and follow-up "Call You Home" achieved moderate airplay success on rock and Christian radio formats, though neither reached the upper echelons of mainstream charts. In a sudden shift, Sturm announced her departure from the band on October 22, 2012, just days before the album's release, citing personal and family priorities after the birth of her son earlier that year. In her official statement, she expressed gratitude for her time with Flyleaf but explained, "After much prayer and many tears, I have come to the conclusion that I can no longer tour with Flyleaf," emphasizing her new role as a and the emotional toll of constant touring. The band responded supportively, stating they respected her decision and wished her well in her family life. To maintain momentum, Flyleaf quickly held auditions for a new vocalist, selecting Kristen May, formerly of the indie rock band Vedera, who joined the lineup in late October 2012. May made her debut with the band in an interim performance on November 1, 2012, at the Grand Stafford Theater in Bryan, Texas, where the group played tracks from New Horizons. Despite the lineup change, Flyleaf committed to ongoing touring, embarking on a U.S. headlining run with Drowning Pool in early 2013—both bands featuring new vocalists at the time—and continuing to promote New Horizons through live shows that showcased the album's material. This period of transition highlighted the band's resilience, as they adapted to the vocal shift while sustaining their presence on the rock festival and club circuits.

Between the Stars (2014–2016)

Flyleaf released their fourth studio album, , on September 16, 2014, through Loud & Proud Records. The album was produced by Don Gilmore, marking a departure from the band's previous collaborator, , and was funded via a successful campaign. Recorded in , it featured new lead vocalist , who had joined the band in 2012 following Lacey Sturm's departure. Gilmore's production emphasized a more polished sound, incorporating electronic and pop elements that contrasted with the group's earlier intensity. The album's lead single, "Set Me on Fire," was released in July 2014, followed by "Thread" in early 2015, both showcasing May's versatile vocals alongside synth-driven hooks and atmospheric production. Tracks like "Magnetic" and "Platonic" further explored pop-infused arrangements, blending electronic textures with the band's signature emotional lyricism. This stylistic evolution aimed to refresh Flyleaf's sound while addressing personal struggles and relationships, though it marked a subtle shift away from the overt Christian themes prominent in prior works. Critical reception was mixed, with reviewers noting the vocal change as a significant adjustment; some praised May's and the 's accessibility, while others critiqued it as less aggressive than Flyleaf's roots, calling it "safe-sounding" amid the band's identity shift. Despite this, fan response to live performances was largely positive, with the debuting at No. 1 on the Alternative Albums chart and drawing enthusiastic crowds. In support of the release, Flyleaf embarked on extensive touring, including a fall 2014 U.S. headlining run and co-bills with acts like . They also performed at Christian music festivals such as and Rock the Universe, where May's stage presence helped win over audiences. However, internal tensions arose, with May later citing a sense of not fully fitting in with the band dynamic, culminating in her departure in August 2016 to focus on family and personal pursuits.

Hiatus period (2016–2022)

Following the departure of lead vocalist on August 15, 2016, Flyleaf entered an indefinite hiatus, ceasing all group activities such as touring and recording. May cited personal reasons, including a desire to focus on her family and feeling that she had not fully integrated with the band during her tenure. Without a replacement vocalist, the remaining members—guitarists Sameer Bhattacharya and Jared Hartmann, bassist Pat Seals, and drummer James Culpepper—shifted their focus away from the band. During the hiatus, individual members pursued separate musical and personal endeavors. Jared Hartmann collaborated with his wife, Kat Hartmann, to form a worship music duo called Kat & Jared, releasing their self-titled EP in early 2017, which featured tracks like "We Adore You" and "." Pat Seals continued developing his solo project, , originally initiated in 2015 via a campaign, though the EP's release was delayed amid the band's inactivity. No new music or full-band performances emerged from Flyleaf itself over the next six years. Fan enthusiasm for a potential reunion persisted throughout the period, with ongoing discussions and speculation in music communities about reuniting with original vocalist , though the band remained silent on after 2016. The , beginning in 2020, compounded the inactivity by disrupting the live globally, postponing any informal plans or opportunities for the members to reconvene. Occasional one-off appearances by individual members occurred at local events, but these did not involve the full lineup or represent official band efforts.

Reunion and recent developments (2022–present)

In November 2022, Flyleaf announced their reunion with original vocalist , marking the first time the classic lineup would perform together since 2012, with their initial appearance scheduled for the inaugural Sick New World festival on April 22, 2023, in . The band's return generated significant excitement among fans, who praised the restoration of Sturm's distinctive vocal style and the group's signature intensity. Prior to the festival, Flyleaf held a warm-up show on April 27, 2023, at Schoepf's BBQ in , where they delivered a setlist heavy on early hits like "I'm So Sick" and "Fully Alive," receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback for the emotional reunion. Following the 2023 performances, Flyleaf maintained momentum through a selective festival circuit in 2024 and 2025, including standout sets at Boardwalk Rock Fest on May 17, 2025, in , on September 21, 2025, in , and on October 5, 2025, in . At Boardwalk Rock Fest, the band energized crowds with tracks such as "Chasm" and "Fully Alive," while their Aftershock appearance was hailed as a highlight, with Sturm's powerful delivery and the original lineup's chemistry drawing tears and cheers from attendees who described it as a "historic" moment. Fan reception to the reunion has been enthusiastic, with many citing the performances as a nostalgic return to the band's raw, faith-infused rock roots, evidenced by sold-out festival slots and viral social media clips. To mark the 20th anniversary of their self-titled debut album, released on October 4, 2005, Flyleaf launched special commemorative merchandise in October 2025, including a limited-edition vinyl pressing with signed inserts and anniversary collections available through their official store. These releases were accompanied by retrospective posts from band members reflecting on the album's impact, such as producer Howard Benson's recollections of its creation amid label skepticism, underscoring its role in establishing Flyleaf as a breakthrough act in . The anniversary aligned with their 2025 festival runs, which served as informal celebrations featuring full renditions of debut-era songs, further amplifying fan appreciation for the milestone. As of November 2025, Flyleaf has not released a new studio album since their 2014 effort , though Sturm has hinted at potential future collaborations and projects in updates expressing gratitude for the reunion's success and openness to more music with the band. The group continues an active touring schedule focused on major rock festivals, with confirmed appearances at events like Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival in 2026, sustaining the positive momentum from their revival.

Musical style and themes

Musical style

Flyleaf's music is primarily classified within the genres of , , and , incorporating influences from and that contribute to its aggressive yet emotionally charged sound. The band's early work draws heavily on these elements, blending heavy riffs with introspective dynamics to create anthemic tracks that resonate with both mainstream rock and Christian audiences. Influences from bands like , , and Nirvana further shape this foundation, emphasizing raw energy and melodic hooks amid distorted guitars and driving rhythms. Over time, Flyleaf's sound evolved from the raw, punk-infused aggression of their 2005 self-titled debut—characterized by nu-metal and elements—to a more polished and melodic approach in subsequent releases. Their second album, (2009), shifted toward a radio-ready emo-metal style with refined production, while later efforts like (2012) leaned into structures with broader emotional depth. By (2014), the band incorporated lighter, indie pop-rock sensibilities, introducing subtler melodic layers and reduced heaviness to highlight accessibility and vocal prominence. This progression reflects a move away from debut-era intensity toward experimental and atmospheric elements, occasionally touching on electronic textures for added depth in their more mature works. Production techniques play a key role in Flyleaf's sonic identity, particularly through the heavy, layered guitar work of Sameer Bhattacharya and Jared Hartmann, who employ textural flourishes and atmospheric overlays to build . Albums like the debut were produced by , emphasizing thick riffing and balanced aggression that amplifies the band's core without overpowering the melodies. These layers create a wall-of-sound effect in verses, contrasting with open choruses to enhance emotional impact. As a female-fronted rock act, Flyleaf is often compared to for shared roots and gothic-tinged intensity, as well as for energetic, youth-oriented influences. Lacey Sturm's style exemplifies this, transitioning seamlessly from screamed, visceral verses—drawing inspiration from scream techniques—to soaring, melodic choruses that convey raw vulnerability and power. Her versatile delivery, blending whispers, growls, and high-range belts, remains a defining feature, adding emotional layers to the band's hard-edged instrumentation.

Christian themes

Flyleaf's roots trace back to the scene in , where the band originated in 2000 amid a local community influenced by evangelical faith and youth group activities. The members' shared Christian beliefs shaped their early songwriting, infusing lyrics with explorations of redemption, doubt, and , often drawing from personal struggles and biblical undertones without overt proselytizing. This foundation allowed the band to connect with audiences seeking deeper emotional and existential content in . Rather than preaching explicitly, Flyleaf integrated Christian elements subtly into their work, enabling broad appeal in mainstream rock circles while resonating within faith-based communities. Lead vocalist , who converted from to in her youth after a , channeled her testimony into the band's lyrics, emphasizing hope amid pain and the transformative power of . For instance, "Fully Alive" reflects Sturm's perspective on embracing life fully despite suffering, inspired by her mother-in-law's battle with cancer and the joy found through spiritual resilience. Similarly, "Sorrow" addresses grief and eternal hope, blending gospel-inspired motifs of loss and renewal with raw emotional intensity. Sturm has noted that her journey—from hating to advocating for —informs this duality of darkness and praise in Flyleaf's music. During Kristen May's tenure as vocalist from 2012 to 2016, the band's lyrics shifted toward more ambiguous explorations of , hardship, and empowerment, moving away from the overt spiritual undertones of the Sturm era while still retaining inspirational qualities. Albums like focused on themes of self-discovery and resilience without explicit references, reflecting the lineup change's impact on the band's ideological direction. Following the band's hiatus and reunion with Sturm in 2022, the performances reemphasized faith-driven messaging, as seen in Sturm's onstage testimony about at secular rock festivals. Following the 2022 reunion, the band released a deluxe edition of their debut and has continued touring with Sturm, performing their classic material and emphasizing faith-driven messaging as of 2025, without new studio releases. Despite their secular label under major imprints like Lava Records, Flyleaf's releases consistently charted on Christian music lists, underscoring their dual audience. Their self-titled debut album reached No. 1 on the Billboard Christian Albums chart in 2007 and ranked among the decade's top-selling Christian records. Later works like Memento Mori also topped Christian charts, affirming the enduring classification of their music within the genre despite the band's reluctance to be pigeonholed exclusively as Christian rock.

Personnel

Current members

The current lineup of Flyleaf, as of 2025, consists of the original core instrumentalists alongside the return of lead vocalist following the band's 2022 reunion. This configuration has been performing select festival shows and events, including 2025. – lead vocals (2002–2012, 2022–present)
Sturm co-founded the band and served as its primary songwriter and frontwoman during its initial rise to prominence in the mid-2000s, delivering powerful, emotive performances that defined Flyleaf's sound; she rejoined for the reunion, contributing to live sets and a deluxe reissue of the band's debut album.
Sameer Bhattacharya – lead guitar, backing vocals (2002–present)
A founding member, Bhattacharya has been instrumental in shaping the band's heavy riffs and melodic structures across all eras, maintaining continuity through the hiatus and reunion while also handling production elements.
Jared Hartmann (2002–present)
Hartmann joined as a co-guitarist early in the band's formation, providing rhythmic drive and harmonic support that bolstered Flyleaf's dynamic live energy; he has remained a constant presence, participating in the 2022 reactivation.
Pat Seals – bass, backing vocals (2002–present)
Seals became the band's bassist in 2002, contributing to the low-end groove and touring stability; his tenure spans the commercial peak, hiatus, and recent festival appearances.
James Culpepper (2002–present)
As an original member, Culpepper has anchored the band's percussion since , delivering intense and precise rhythms that underpin Flyleaf's aggressive style; he continues in this role for post-reunion shows.

Former members

Flyleaf's lineup has remained largely consistent since its inception in 2002, with the core instrumentalists—James Culpepper on drums, Jared Hartmann and Sameer Bhattacharya on guitars, and Pat Seals on bass—staying together through the band's major releases and periods of activity. The group originated under the name Listen before becoming Passerby in the early , but no significant member changes occurred among the founding musicians prior to the official name change to Flyleaf in June 2004 due to issues. The band's most notable departure involved lead vocalist , who joined in late 2012 as a replacement for original singer and served until August 2016. During her tenure, May provided powerful vocals for the Who We Are EP (2013), which marked a transitional sound for the group, and the full-length album (2014), contributing to tours that included support slots for major acts like . Her time with Flyleaf helped the band navigate a challenging period following Sturm's exit, though the project ultimately entered hiatus after her announcement. May's departure was driven by personal reasons, including a growing desire to prioritize family life and a sense that she never fully integrated into the band's dynamic or identity. In a video statement, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity but emphasized the need for a change to focus on her home life. This led to the band's extended break, during which the remaining members pursued individual projects before the 2022 reunion.

Discography

Studio albums

Flyleaf's debut studio album, Flyleaf, was released on October 4, 2005, through Octone Records. Produced by , it features 12 tracks including "," "Fully Alive," and "." The album peaked at number 57 on the , number 1 on the Top Christian Albums chart, number 5 on the Hard Rock Albums chart, and number 11 on the Alternative Albums chart. It has sold over 1.3 million copies in the United States and was certified platinum by the RIAA on February 22, 2008. The band's second studio album, , arrived on November 10, 2009, also produced by and released via A&M/Octone. It includes 12 tracks such as "Again," "Chasm," and "In the Deep." The record debuted and peaked at number 8 on the , number 1 on both the Hard Rock Albums and Alternative Albums charts, and number 1 on the Christian Albums chart, selling 56,000 copies in its first week and over 300,000 to date. , Flyleaf's third studio album, was released on October 30, 2012, under A&M/Octone, with production again by . The 11-track effort features songs like "," "Call You Home," and "Great Love." It debuted at number 16 on the and reached number 4 on the Christian Albums chart, number 2 on the Alternative Albums chart, and number 3 on the Rock Albums chart, highlighting the band's continued success in the genre. The fourth studio album, , came out on September 16, 2014, via Loud & Proud Records, marking a shift in production to Don Gilmore, known for work with and . Recorded in , the 11-track album includes "Set Me on Fire," "Magnetic," and "Traitor." It peaked at number 33 on the and number 10 on the Rock Albums chart, selling 8,200 copies in its debut week. As of November 2025, Flyleaf has not released a fifth studio album following their reunion with original vocalist in 2022, though the band is currently writing and arranging material for a new album and remains active with tours and anniversary celebrations.

Other releases

Flyleaf's early independent output included their self-titled EP, released in 2004 after the band changed its name from Passerby for legal reasons. Produced by in , the EP featured early versions of tracks like "Breathe Today" and "I'm So Sick," serving as a precursor to their major-label debut and helping build a grassroots following in the Texas rock scene. In 2006, Flyleaf contributed to the Music as a Weapon III tour organized by Disturbed, releasing a promotional EP of the same name that included acoustic renditions and previously unreleased songs. The EP featured an acoustic version of "Fully Alive," the new track "Much Like Falling," "Justice and Mercy," and a holiday song titled "," distributed exclusively during tour stops to fans attending the multi-band event. Among their notable singles, "I'm So Sick" from the 2005 debut album peaked at number 12 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart in early 2006, marking the band's breakthrough in the rock radio format. Similarly, "All Around Me," released in 2007, achieved wider crossover success, reaching number 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 23 on the Adult Top 40 chart, bolstered by its music video directed by Paul Fedor. Flyleaf explored acoustic and live formats with the 2010 Remember to Live EP, which included stripped-down versions of songs like "Amy Says" alongside live recordings, emphasizing the band's evolving sound during their active touring period. In the post-hiatus era following their 2022 reunion with original vocalist , the band issued a deluxe edition of their self-titled debut , featuring additional tracks and remastered audio to commemorate their legacy.

Recognition

Awards and nominations

Flyleaf has earned recognition through various awards and nominations in the rock and Christian music genres, highlighting their crossover appeal. The band's single "All Around Me" from their self-titled debut album won the BMI Pop Song Award in 2009, acknowledging its significant airplay and popularity. Their 2009 album Memento Mori received a nomination for Rock Album of the Year at the 42nd Annual GMA Dove Awards in 2011. The band's self-titled debut album was certified by the RIAA in 2007. On , Flyleaf achieved a No. 1 position in categories, with their debut album Flyleaf topping the Top Christian Albums chart in 2007 and remaining there for 156 non-consecutive weeks. The single "" marked a major crossover success, while "Again" from peaked at No. 40 on the chart. Following their 2022 reunion with original vocalist , Flyleaf has not received major new awards or nominations as of 2025.

Legacy and influence

Flyleaf's role as a pioneering female-fronted in the mid-2000s helped pave the way for subsequent acts in the genre, particularly within the alternative and scenes, by demonstrating the commercial viability of intense, emotive vocals paired with heavy instrumentation. Their success challenged the male-dominated landscape of at the time, influencing bands that adopted similar dynamic structures and themes of personal struggle and resilience, such as , whose sound echoes Flyleaf's blend of aggression and melody. The band played a significant part in bridging the Christian and mainstream music markets, achieving success on both secular rock charts and Christian lists without being confined to niche genres. By touring with mainstream acts like Korn while incorporating faith-infused lyrics, Flyleaf expanded the reach of Christian alternative music, attracting diverse audiences and fostering discussions on in rock contexts. In 2025, marking the 20th anniversary of their self-titled debut album, Flyleaf released limited-edition vinyl and merchandise, underscoring an enduring fanbase that continues to engage with their catalog through streaming and live . This milestone highlights the band's lasting relevance, with songs like "" and "" maintaining strong digital presence and inspiring covers by artists including . Through lead vocalist Lacey Sturm's advocacy, Flyleaf's legacy extends to broader conversations on and , as Sturm has shared her personal experiences with depression and , emphasizing the interplay between spiritual healing and emotional well-being in her solo work and public discussions. Her has encouraged fans to address these issues openly, amplifying the band's impact beyond music into cultural dialogues on resilience and redemption.

References

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