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Four Year Strong
Four Year Strong
from Wikipedia

Four Year Strong is an American pop-punk band from Worcester, Massachusetts, formed in 2001. The group consists of vocalists and guitarists Dan O'Connor and Alan Day, bassist Joe Weiss, and drummer Jake Massucco. They have released eight studio albums; their most recent album, Analysis Paralysis, was released on August 9, 2024, through Pure Noise Records.

Key Information

History

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Formation and early releases (2001–2006)

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Four Year Strong was formed in Worcester, Massachusetts, in 2001 by Dan O'Connor, Alan Day, Jake Massucco and a fourth musician who played bass guitar. They all attended Doherty Memorial High School.[2] Soon, they released a demo EP titled All The Lonely Girls. In the subsequent years, they released two more EPs; The Glory EP (2003) and a three track demo in 2004. Around this time, Joe Weiss was brought in as a replacement bassist.[2] In 2005 the band released their first studio album, It's Our Time, digitally on Open Your Eyes Records. They went on a West Coast and Midwest tour with Maida and the Fully Down in October and November 2005.[3] They went on a tour with Showoff in March and April 2006.[4]

The band released another demo in 2006, which contained early versions of their songs from Rise or Die Trying. Keyboardist Josh Lyford joined in late 2006 to make the band a five-piece.[2]

Rise or Die Trying, Explains It All (2006–2009)

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The band's 2007 release Rise or Die Trying with I Surrender Records peaked at number 31 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart in its debut week.[5] On the back of their increasing popularity, the band was signed to Decaydance Records in February 2008.[6]

On July 21, 2009, Four Year Strong released a covers album, titled Explains It All. The album features guest appearances from Keith Buckley of Every Time I Die, Travie McCoy of Gym Class Heroes, and JR and Buddy of Less Than Jake.[7] The band explained their reasoning behind the album in a MySpace blog, saying "It's what we grew up listening to. Everyone has those songs that instantly transport you back to when you were younger. Whether we were in our bedrooms playing air guitar, or riding in the car to little league practice, or it was just that song that was all over the radio during that awesome summer at the Cape. These songs have impacted us in some way and we want to share that feeling with you."[8]

Enemy of the World (2010–2011)

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The band's third full-length album, Enemy of the World, was released on March 9, 2010, with Universal Motown Records. The band released the album's first single, "It Must Really Suck to Be Four Year Strong Right Now", on December 21, 2009. The name of the song is a reference to the final sentence of a review in Alternative Press in which the magazine praised Set Your Goals' new album while remarking on the future of Four Year Strong and how their record would compare. The vinyl record was made available to pre-order on March 2, 2010. The album sold 12,400 copies in its first week, debuting at number 47 on the Billboard 200. Four Year Strong has accompanied Set Your Goals in an Asian tour, but both canceled touring in Indonesia.

In Some Way, Shape, or Form and hiatus (2011–2013)

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On April 3, 2011, it was announced that Josh Lyford would be leaving the band. Initially, it was implied that Lyford had chosen to leave in order to focus on his side project, Foxfires. However, it was later confirmed by both Lyford and Alan Day that Lyford had been ejected from the band, as the musicians had elected to remove synthesizers from their sound, leaving no room for Lyford to continue. On April 13, 2011, in an interview with Alternative Press, the band revealed that they had been in the middle of recording their fourth studio album with producer David Bendeth in New Jersey's House of Loud. The band was set to return to the studio, without Josh Lyford, to finish the album in June, after they finished touring with Rise Against.[9] Vocalist Alan Day also revealed that the new songs the band had written were very diverse, and that the new material was different from anything the band had ever written before. While touring with Rise Against, they played a newly recorded, yet unreleased, song called "Falling on You".

On August 18, 2011, the band released "Stuck in the Middle", a new song from the upcoming album. The band announced that the new album, In Some Way, Shape, or Form, would be released on November 8, 2011.[10] On September 8, 2011, the band released another song from the album, titled "Falling on You".[11] The first official single from the album, "Just Drive", was released on September 27, 2011.[12] During the Fall 2011 AP Tour, the band played another new unreleased song to be released on the upcoming album. The band dedicated it to fans who have been there "from the very beginning, and will be there till the very end"; a video of the song has been leaked on YouTube. It is called "Fairweather Fan". In an interview, it was revealed that Four Year Strong would be playing the Warped Tour 2012.

As of May 15, 2012, Four Year Strong parted ways with their label Universal Motown/Universal Republic.[13] Regardless of the departure of the label, the band is still active as they played at the 2012 Warped Tour, and they performed with Blink-182 on their UK and Ireland tour. As of 2013, rumors have speculated if Four Year Strong had broken up. O'Connor had been married to his wife for almost two years, and Day started his side project The Here and Now, an alternative/blues group who released an EP of music that year. When interviewed by PropertyOfZack, Day mentioned that the band isn't breaking up but rather taking time off. Going further, he said, "This is the first time in five years or more that we've taken more than three weeks off on tour...We're definitely not breaking up. It seems like a lot of people are saying that, but I don't know why they're saying that. Just because we haven't come through your city three times this year doesn't mean we're broken up."[14]

Signing to Pure Noise Records, Go Down in History EP and Self-titled album (2014–2016)

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During their annual holiday show in Worcester, MA in 2013, Four Year Strong announced they were working on new material set to be released at a later date. They later announced an upcoming North American tour supporting Bayside set to tour throughout April 2014 and will play the Vans Warped Tour in its entirety the following summer. On May 27, 2014, the band announced a new EP titled Go Down in History, to be released through Pure Noise Records, on July 22, 2014. The EP's lead single, entitled "Tread Lightly", was released on June 5, and the EP was streamed in its entirety a day prior to release. The EP received critical acclaim upon release, with many critics praising the band's return to their signature sound.[15] The band, as of October, has tweeted and posted photos on Instagram confirming that they are in the studio recording a new full-length album, set to release sometime during 2015. They kick off their Go Down in History tour on November 1, 2014, accompanied by Transit, Such Gold, and Seaway.

The band's self-titled album was released on June 2, 2015. The album was produced by Converge guitarist Kurt Ballou. Vocalist/guitarist Dan O' Connor stated that the album was "one of the most raw records we've ever made, it's just us playing. No fancy computer shit. Made for singing along and head banging.".[16]

On April 9, 2015, they released a single titled "We All Float Down Here", followed by "I'm a Big, Bright, Shining Star" and "Eating My Words" on April 27 and May 13, respectively.

The album was made available for streaming on May 27.

Rise Or Die Trying 10th Anniversary Tour and Some of You Will Like This, Some of You Won't (2017–2019)

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On November 9, 2016, the band announced a 10th Anniversary World Tour for their album Rise or Die Trying in which they played the album in its entirety for every tour date. Beginning in late January 2017, the tour spanned several countries, eventually coming to an end in February 2018.[17]

While touring, the band also released a new compilation album titled Some of You Will Like This, Some of You Won't which contained re-workings and re-recordings of several of their most popular songs as well as several rarities. The album was released September 8, 2017.[18]

The band also performed on the entirety of the final Vans Warped Tour in 2018.

Brain Pain and Enemy of the World re-recording (2020-2023)

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On January 14, 2020, the band announced their next album Brain Pain, which was released on February 28, 2020, through Pure Noise Records.[19][20] The announcement was accompanied by the release of the first two singles from the album, "Talking Myself in Circles" and "Brain Pain".[21]

The band featured on the song "Sundress" on the State Champs album, Kings of the New Age, that was released on May 13, 2022. On May 17, the band released a new single, a cover of the Green Day song "Brain Stew / Jaded", on the Pure Noise Records split single, "Dead Formats, Vol. 1".

In Spring and Summer 2022, the band opened for New Found Glory's Sticks and Stones 20th anniversary tour, alongside Be Well.[22]

In October 2022, the band announced they will be releasing a re-recorded version of their 2010 album, Enemy of the World, on October 27, 2022.[23]

Analysis Paralysis (2023–present)

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In November 2023 and April 2024, the band released the songs "Dead End Friend" and "Daddy of Mine", respectively. On May 28, 2024, the band released the song "Uncooked" and announced their eighth album Analysis Paralysis. It was released on August 9, 2024.[24]

On November 6, 2025, the band released a new single, "Whiplash", accompanied by a music video.[25] That same month, they also announced they would be the direct support for The Devil Wears Prada's Flowers Spring 2026 US headlining tour, with additional support from Split Chain and I Promised The World.[26]

Touring

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The band has participated in multiple national tours, sharing the stage with such bands as the Starting Line, Slip On It, Hellogoodbye, From First to Last, Every Time I Die, Meg & Dia, Hidden in Plain View, Alexisonfire, All Time Low, Blink-182, Mayday Parade, New Found Glory, Bayside and Steel Train.

The band toured in February–April 2009 as part of the Taste of Chaos tour, alongside Thursday, Bring Me the Horizon, Pierce the Veil, and Cancer Bats. They undertook the Summer co-headline tour with Set Your Goals, Fireworks, the Swellers, Polar Bear Club, A Loss for Words, Drive A and Grave Maker from July to August 2009. Four Year Strong also performed on the Australian Soundwave festival in February and March 2010, alongside headliners Faith No More, Jane's Addiction, Placebo; also playing alongside Alexisonfire, Set Your Goals, A Day to Remember, Paramore, It Dies Today, Gallows, Emarosa, A Wilhelm Scream, Anthrax, All Time Low, Escape the Fate, This Is Hell, Enter Shikari, Anti-Flag, Baroness, Comeback Kid, The Almost, Dance Gavin Dance, Architects, You Me at Six, Rolo Tomassi, Dichi Michi, Sunny Day Real Estate and many more. In May 2010, the band subbed the mainstage at Slam Dunk Festival in Hatfield and Leeds, playing alongside New Found Glory, Set Your Goals, the Wonder Years, Hit The Lights and many more. The band was in the lineup for Vans Warped Tour 2010.[27][28]

They also played the first day on the Bamboozle festival. Late 2010, Four Year Strong headlined a tour with Comeback Kid, The Wonder Years, American Fangs, and Mountain Man. The tour was titled "Tonight We Feel Alive!", and spanned the entire United States. In February 2011, Four Year Strong co-headlined the Kerrang! Relentless Tour 2011 with Good Charlotte with support from Framing Hanley and the Wonder Years. The tour began on February 3, 2011, in Dublin, Ireland. On February 15, 2011, it was announced that they had been added to support Blink-182 on their UK tour alongside You Me at Six. They joined Rise Against and Bad Religion on a US summer tour in 2011. They also announced that they will come back to Australia later in the year to play Soundwave Revolution along with already announced bands the Damned Things, Story of the Year, Every Time I Die, Hellogoodbye, We Are the In Crowd and many others.

The band performed with New Found Glory and Attack Attack! in September 2011 in Brazil on the XLive Music Festival (Curitiba 08/09, Rio de Janeiro 09/09 and São Paulo 10/09). It was announced the band would be supporting Blink-182 during their UK Arena tour in summer 2011, however, the tour was postponed until 2012, but Four Year Strong would be supporting, along with Blink-182 and the All-American Rejects, but only for their chosen dates. The other dates are taken up by Twin Atlantic and the Blackout.

Four Year Strong toured in the UK in January 2012, along with Don Broco as support.[29]

Four Year Strong embarked on a headline tour of Europe in 2017 to mark the 10th Anniversary of the album Rise or Die Trying,[30] which started in Barcelona Spain and finished in the UK; they had 20 dates booked throughout February including but not limited to Berlin, Munich, Amsterdam, Paris, London, Dublin and Belfast.[31]

Musical style

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The band's sound can be described as a blend of pop-punk and hardcore punk. The band simply developed their sound off the idea of playing 'exactly what they want to hear' or music that they would listen to, but no one else was playing at the time.[32] The band's sound has been described as a "combination of pop-punk energy, uplifting singalong choruses, and metalcore flourishes".[33] with "assertive and (relatively speaking) intricate guitar lines and riffs".[34] This fusion between pop punk and metalcore has been often labeled as "easycore", a style the band is considered to have popularized alongside New Found Glory.[35]

Band members

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Timeline

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Discography

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Four Year Strong is an American and band formed in 2001 in , by high school friends, consisting of vocalists and guitarists Dan O'Connor and Alan Day, bassist Joe Weiss, and drummer Jake Massucco. The band blends aggressive and influences with uplifting melodies and fast-paced, motivational songwriting, carving out a distinctive niche in the genre over more than two decades. Emerging from the early-2000s scene, Four Year Strong gained initial attention with their 2007 debut full-length album Rise or Die Trying on I Surrender Records, which showcased their high-energy sound and helped establish them alongside contemporaries in the pop-punk revival. They have since released eight studio albums, including the covers collection Explains It All (2009) featuring pop and rock reinterpretations, the self-titled Four Year Strong (2015), Brain Pain (2020) produced by Will Putney, and their most recent effort (2024) on Pure Noise Records, as well as the single "WHIPLASH" (2025), maintaining a focus on personal, relatable lyrics amid evolving production. Known for extensive touring, including appearances on the Vans Warped Tour and support slots for major acts, the group continues to emphasize creative freedom without rigid deadlines in their recording process.

History

Formation and early releases (2001–2006)

Four Year Strong was formed in 2001 in , by vocalists and guitarists Dan O'Connor and Alan Day alongside drummer Jake Massucco, while the members were still in high school. The band initially drew from and influences, reflecting the vibrant punk scene at the time. The early lineup underwent several changes as the group solidified its sound and roster. Bassist Joe Weiss joined in 2004, providing stability to , while Josh Lyford came on board a couple of years after formation to add synth elements that complemented the punk energy. Earlier iterations featured multiple s, vocalists, bassists, and even a percussionist, but the core quartet of O'Connor, Day, Massucco, and Weiss emerged by the mid-2000s. During this period, the band focused on local performances in the Worcester area, building a following through shows at small venues and regional punk events in the mid-2000s. The band's first musical outputs included self-released efforts that captured their evolving style. In 2003, they issued The Glory EP independently, followed by a 2005 demo that showcased raw, energetic tracks. That same year, Four Year Strong signed with the independent label Open Your Eyes Records and released their debut full-length It's Our Time, a digital album limited to 400 copies that highlighted their blend of aggressive riffs and melodic hooks. By this point, the group had transitioned away from prominent ska elements toward a heavier sound infused with hardcore intensity, setting the stage for broader appeal.

Breakthrough period (2006–2009)

In 2006, Four Year Strong signed with independent label I Surrender Records, marking a pivotal step toward broader recognition in the scene. Their second studio album, Rise or Die Trying, followed on , 2007, showcasing the band's signature blend of high-energy hooks and hardcore-infused breakdowns. Key tracks like "The Takeover" and "Abandon Ship or Abandon All Hope!" highlighted vocalists/guitarists Dan O'Connor and Alan Day's dual vocal style, while the album's reception praised its infectious energy and anthemic choruses, earning it a spot as a breakout release for emerging acts. The record debuted at number 31 on the Heatseekers chart and number 24 on the Independent Albums chart, establishing the band's commercial foothold. Building on this momentum, Four Year Strong joined Decaydance Records in 2008, a label co-founded by Fall Out Boy's , which amplified their visibility through distribution and promotional support. The band's sophomore effort, Explains It All, arrived on July 21, 2009, via I Surrender/Decaydance, presenting a unique tribute to 1990s influences through covers of songs by artists such as ("So Much for the Afterglow"), (""), and ("Absolutely (Story of a Girl)"). The latter track, in particular, became a standout single, resonating with fans for its faithful yet punk-energized rendition and contributing to the album's playful yet reverent tone. Critics noted the record's fun, nostalgic appeal, though some viewed it as a lighter detour from original material, with awarding it 3 out of 5 stars for its spirited execution and guest features from artists like Travis McCoy of . During this period, the band solidified its live reputation through high-profile appearances, including slots on the Vans Warped Tour in 2007, 2008, and 2009, where their high-octane performances drew growing crowds and helped cement their status in the community. These tours, alongside support slots for acts like and , exposed them to national audiences and fueled fanbase expansion. Internally, the lineup remained stable with O'Connor, Day, bassist Joe Weiss, and drummer Jake Massucco at the core, allowing creative focus amid the rising demands of label-backed success, though the intense touring schedule tested the group's dynamics without leading to changes.

Enemy of the World era (2010–2011)

Four Year Strong released their fourth studio album, , on March 9, 2010, through the Decaydance imprint of . The record marked a polished evolution in the band's sound, emphasizing their dual-vocalist approach with guitarists Alan Day and Dan O'Connor trading leads and harmonies across tracks, which created dynamic interplay between melodic hooks and heavier breakdowns. This fusion of accessibility and emo-infused emotional depth was produced by at The Machine Shop in , resulting in a cleaner, more mature production compared to their prior efforts. Critics praised the album's songwriting for its growth, noting stronger lyrical introspection on themes of youth, regret, and resilience, while retaining the band's high-energy gang vocals and anthemic choruses. The , "It Must Really Suck to Be Four Year Strong Right Now," was digitally released on December 21, 2009, ahead of the album, capturing the band's self-deprecating humor and relentless drive. Its accompanying , released in June 2010, featured a high-octane performance shot in a setting, emphasizing the track's chaotic energy and the band's synchronized stage presence, directed under Universal Motown's production. Follow-up single "Wasting Time (Eternal Summer)" further highlighted the album's summery and driving rhythms, contributing to its promotional push. These releases underscored the record's focus on catchy, relatable narratives that resonated with fans, blending upbeat tempos with underlying vulnerability. Commercially, debuted at No. 47 on the chart, selling over 13,000 copies in its first week and marking the band's highest chart position to date. The album received positive reception for its refined balance of aggression and melody, with outlets like hailing it as a step forward in maturity without losing the raw edge that defined their earlier work. A reissue followed in June 2010, adding four bonus tracks including covers and acoustic versions to extend its momentum during summer tours. Promotional activities centered on intensive touring, including headlining slots and appearances, which amplified the album's reach but began revealing strains on . Members later reflected that the nonstop schedule from onward contributed to personal exhaustion and relationship challenges, signaling early fatigue amid their rising profile. Subtle tensions with label expectations also emerged around creative control and promotion, foreshadowing future shifts, though the era solidified Four Year Strong's status in the scene.

In Some Way, Shape, or Form and hiatus (2011–2013)

Following the success of their previous album, Four Year Strong released their fifth studio album, In Some Way, Shape, or Form, on November 8, 2011, through Decaydance and Universal Republic Records. The record, produced by , marked a notable stylistic for the band, incorporating heavier rock influences with reduced synth elements after the departure of keyboardist Josh Lyford earlier that year, aiming for a more mature and radio-accessible sound that blended hooks with textures reminiscent of and . However, this shift drew criticism for diluting the band's signature energetic easycore style, with fewer breakdowns and anthemic choruses in favor of streamlined, melody-driven tracks. On May 15, 2012, the band parted ways with their label amid ongoing creative frustrations, effectively ending their major-label era without a self-release of the album as initially planned. The album received mixed reviews, praised by some for its accessible hooks and mature songwriting but lambasted by others for straying too far from the band's roots, resulting in a loss of their high-energy identity. Critics noted that tracks like the "Just Drive" exemplified the pivot toward moody alt-rock, while songs such as "Unbreakable" and "Stuck in the Middle" attempted to retain fan-favorite elements but often felt predictable and overproduced. Overall, the stylistic changes alienated portions of their core audience, contributing to underwhelming commercial performance and a sense of creative dissatisfaction within . In the wake of the album's reception, Four Year Strong entered an indefinite hiatus in late , quietly stepping away from the music scene without a formal public announcement, driven primarily by collective burnout from relentless touring and an exacerbated by the project's challenges. The band members chose to prioritize personal lives and side pursuits, with guitarist Dan O'Connor taking a at a pharmaceutical company to focus on family and recovery from the intense schedule. This period of reflection lasted approximately a year and a half, allowing the group to recharge amid the emotional toll of their major-label experiences. The hiatus effectively concluded with the band's participation in the 2012 Vans Warped Tour, which served as their final major performances of the era, spanning 41 dates across from June 16 in , , to August 5 in . Fans expressed disappointment and confusion during this time, with many voicing frustration over the album's direction on forums and reviews, leading to a sense of abandonment as shows became sporadic and communication ceased. The break fostered a loyal but concerned fanbase, who speculated about the band's future while appreciating the opportunity for the members to address their exhaustion.

Return to Pure Noise Records (2014–2016)

Following a hiatus after their 2011 album In Some Way, Shape, or Form, Four Year Strong signaled their return by announcing new material during their annual holiday show in , in December 2013. In May 2014, the band officially signed with independent label Pure Noise Records, a move that provided stability and aligned with their ethos after previous major-label experiences. This partnership marked a fresh start, allowing the group to focus on authentic releases without the pressures of larger commercial expectations. The band's comeback began in earnest with the release of their EP Go Down in History on July 22, 2014, via Pure Noise Records. The five-track effort, featuring songs like "Living Proof of a Stubborn " and the title track, showcased a return to their signature blend of high-energy and hardcore aggression, recapturing the intensity of their earlier work. Critics praised the EP for its explosive riffs, dual vocals, and relentless pace, positioning it as a strong reintroduction that revitalized their presence in the scene. Building on the EP's momentum, Four Year Strong issued their self-titled sixth studio on June 2, 2015, again through Pure Noise. The record included singles such as "We All Float Down Here," released in April 2015, which highlighted their thematic depth with references to horror elements alongside catchy, anthemic hooks. Unlike the polarizing shift toward a cleaner sound on their prior , this self-titled release was lauded for its heavier production, intricate songwriting, and return to dynamic easycore elements, earning acclaim as their strongest effort to date. The period's smaller-scale promotions, including a main stage slot on the 2014 Vans Warped Tour, fostered renewed fanbase growth by reconnecting with core audiences through intimate venues and grassroots efforts. This approach helped expand their following organically, as the band's consistent touring and indie-backed output drew in both longtime supporters and new listeners appreciative of their unpolished energy.

Anniversary tours and new album (2017–2019)

In 2017, Four Year Strong launched the "Rise or Die Trying" 10th Anniversary Tour to commemorate the release of their 2007 album, performing the record in its entirety at each show to celebrate its enduring impact on their career. The tour's first U.S. leg kicked off in March, followed by a second leg in September and October, spanning intimate venues across the East Coast, Midwest, West Coast, and South, with support from bands including Seaway, Like Pacific, , and Life Lessons. This celebratory run highlighted the band's commitment to their roots, drawing fans eager for nostalgic full-album sets and reinforcing their reputation for high-energy live performances. The anniversary momentum carried into the release of their compilation album Some of You Will Like This, Some of You Won't on September 8, , via Pure Noise Records, which collected acoustic reimaginings of fan favorites, B-sides, and previously unreleased tracks to showcase the band's versatility beyond their high-octane sound. Produced with a focus on intimate arrangements, the album featured stripped-down versions that emphasized emotional depth while maintaining the group's signature hooks, serving as a bridge between their past catalog and future explorations. Leading up to the , singles like "We All Float Down Here" and "Find My Way Back" were issued, with the former tying into tour promotions by appearing in setlists and merchandise bundles, helping to boost visibility and fan engagement during the anniversary shows. Throughout 2018 and 2019, Four Year Strong extended the anniversary spirit with international outings, including an Australian leg of the "Rise or Die Trying" tour in January 2018 around their UNIFY Gathering appearance, where they continued full-album performances to connect with global audiences. In interviews, band members reflected on their longevity, noting that prioritizing live shows as the "core" of their identity—writing songs designed for crowd interaction—had sustained them over nearly two decades, while the acoustic project demonstrated their adaptability without diluting their punk ethos. This period marked a resurgence, blending retrospection with forward momentum as they prepared for heavier material ahead.

Brain Pain release and re-recordings (2020–2023)

In early 2020, Four Year Strong released their seventh studio album, Brain Pain, on February 28 via Pure Noise Records, marking their first full-length project in nearly five years. The album was preceded by the announcement of lead singles "Talking Myself in Circles" and the title track "Brain Pain" on January 14, with additional singles "It's Cool" and "Get Out of My Head" following in the lead-up to release. Recorded prior to the onset of widespread COVID-19 restrictions, the project explored themes of mental health struggles, including anxiety and self-doubt, delivered through the band's signature blend of high-energy pop-punk and heavier elements. Critics praised the record for its raw emotional depth and revitalized sound, with Kerrang! noting its "electrified tension" in grappling with personal evolution, while Distorted Sound lauded it as a "fantastic" addition to their catalog that showcased exceptional songcraft. The global severely disrupted the band's promotional plans and touring schedule shortly after the album's launch, as live music venues shut down and industry-wide restrictions took hold in March . Four Year Strong adapted by shifting to virtual formats, including livestreamed performances such as their 13th annual holiday show on December 19, , which was reimagined as a fully online event to connect with fans amid the isolation. This virtual approach allowed them to maintain engagement despite canceled tours, with the band performing holiday-themed sets from a , venue to put " behind us," as described in local coverage. The pivot highlighted their resilience in navigating the era's constraints, earning appreciation for sustaining community ties through digital means during a time when traditional live promotions were impossible. By 2022, as live events resumed, Four Year Strong turned to catalog updates with the re-recording of their 2010 breakthrough album . Announced on October 13, 2022, the project aimed to secure full ownership of the masters—mirroring strategies employed by artists like —and enable affordable vinyl represses without licensing fees from the original Decaydance/Island Def Jam release. Four tracks, including re-recorded versions of "It Must Really Suck to Be Four Year Strong Right Now" and "Find My Way Back," were released digitally that month via Pure Noise Records, with the expanded full album following on October 27, 2022, featuring bonus content like B-sides and covers. Physical editions, including various colored vinyl pressings, arrived in early 2023. The re-recording preserved the album's anthemic spirit while updating the production for a fuller, modern sound, allowing the band greater control over their foundational work amid ongoing industry shifts.

Analysis Paralysis and ongoing activity (2023–2025)

In late 2023, Four Year Strong began teasing new material with the release of their lead single "Dead End Friend" on November 7, via Pure Noise Records, marking their first original song since the 2020 EP Brain Pain. This track set the tone for the band's evolving sound, blending energy with heavier elements. The band followed with "Daddy of Mine" on April 4, 2024, accompanied by a directed by Benjamin Lieber, which explored introspective lyrics about familial relationships. On May 28, 2024, they released "Uncooked," alongside the official announcement of their eighth studio album, , produced by Will Putney and slated for release on August 9, 2024, through Pure Noise Records. Analysis Paralysis debuted on August 9, 2024, featuring 12 tracks that delve into themes of , overthinking, and personal growth, as articulated by vocalists/guitarists Dan O'Connor and Alan Day. O'Connor described the album's creation as a process of questioning "where do I fit into the world that I’ve created around myself," while the title itself stemmed from Day's admission of "" during songwriting deliberations, capturing the band's struggle with creative decisions. Critics praised it as a return to form, highlighting its classic hooks infused with hardcore intensity, with New Noise Magazine calling it "another undeniably classic pop-punk record with a touch of hardcore heaviness." Kerrang! noted the album's expansive approach, describing it as the band's most varied work yet, while maintaining their signature high-energy ethos. Building on the album's momentum, Four Year Strong released the single "Whiplash" on November 5, 2025, via Pure Noise Records, with an official directed by Kris Moyes. The track upholds the band's high-energy style, featuring punchy riffs and dual vocals that echo the intensity of , signaling ongoing creative vitality as of late 2025. In support of these releases, the band maintained an active touring schedule in 2025, including a performance at the in , on July 27 at the Shoreline Waterfront, where they delivered a full set drawing from their catalog. They also joined as support for the fall leg of their U.S. tour, commencing in and extending into , with dates such as November 15 at the Ruth Eckerd Hall in . This ongoing activity underscores the band's enduring presence in the scene, fostering fan engagement through live performances that emphasize their dynamic stage presence.

Touring and live performances

Headlining and support tours

Four Year Strong has undertaken several notable headlining tours throughout their career, often featuring high-energy performances with elaborate and to match their and hardcore-infused sound. In late 2010, the band headlined the Swing Set Tour across , supported by Comeback Kid, , American Fangs, and Mountain Man, playing to packed venues and emphasizing crowd participation through mosh pits and sing-alongs to tracks from Explains It All. The following year, they topped the bill on the Fall 2011 AP Tour, joined by , , The Swellers, and Sharks, where full production elements like synchronized lights and confetti cannons amplified the chaotic energy of songs such as "It Must Really Suck to Be Four Year Strong Right Now," allowing for extended sets averaging and direct fan engagement via stage dives. In 2015, coinciding with the release of their self-titled album, Four Year Strong headlined the Pure Noise Records Tour in the UK, with direct support from Hit the Lights, Forever Came Calling, and Light You Up on select dates. This run showcased a more polished stage setup, including backdrops referencing the album's themes of resilience and custom LED screens displaying lyrics for audience involvement, contrasting their earlier raw club shows by incorporating choreographed breakdowns that encouraged unified crowd chants during anthems like "Go Down in History." Headlining allowed the band to curate setlists blending new material with classics, fostering deeper fan connections through post-show meet-and-greets and acoustic interludes not feasible in opening slots. As supporting acts, Four Year Strong has frequently opened for prominent pop-punk peers, delivering concise 30- to 40-minute sets focused on high-impact openers to energize venues without full production rigs. They joined All Time Low on the 2008 AP Tour as part of a rotating lineup including Forever the Sickest Kids, building early buzz through energetic renditions of Rise or Die Trying tracks amid shared stage banter. The band has supported All Time Low on multiple occasions over the years, including co-billed runs that highlighted their complementary styles and mutual fanbases. In 2023, they opened for Fall Out Boy on select dates of the So Much For (Tour) Dust tour at massive venues like Fenway Park, where limited stage access meant relying on raw vocal interplay with the crowd rather than elaborate visuals, yet still inciting mosh pits for staples like "Absolutely (Story of a Girl)." The band's ongoing Fall 2025 support slot on All Time Low's Everyone's Talking! Tour, alongside and , spans over 30 North American dates starting in October, promoting their recent single "Whiplash" within a shared bill at arenas and amphitheaters. Setlist highlights include openers like "It Must Really Suck to Be Four Year Strong Right Now" and "Uncooked" from Brain Pain, mid-set classics such as "Heroes Get Remembered, Legends Never Die," and closers featuring "Whiplash" and "Get Out of My Head" to bridge into the headliners, with fan interactions limited to quick crowd surfs due to the opening role but still generating fervent sing-alongs. This configuration underscores their adaptability, using shorter bursts of intensity to warm up audiences for the main event while teasing material from .

Festival appearances and special events

Four Year Strong secured regular performance slots at the Vans Warped Tour, a prominent traveling , from 2007 to 2010, followed by a return appearance in 2013 and participation in the 2025 Long Beach edition celebrating the event's 30th anniversary. These appearances allowed the band to showcase their high-energy sets to diverse audiences across multiple U.S. stops each summer, contributing to their growing visibility in the scene. In 2022, Four Year Strong took the stage at the inaugural When We Were Young Festival in Las Vegas, delivering sets focused on their early catalog during the event's emo and pop-punk revival theme, performing multiple weekends to enthusiastic fans. These festival outings highlighted the band's adaptability to large-scale environments, often featuring condensed setlists emphasizing anthemic hits like "It Must Really Suck to Be Four Year Strong Right Now" to fit time constraints. Beyond standard festival billing, Four Year Strong has engaged in special events that emphasize intimate or thematic performances. In 2017, they launched a 10th anniversary tour for their debut album Rise or Die Trying, playing the record in full at club venues across the U.S. and internationally, with live recordings capturing the raw energy of tracks like "Heroes Get Remembered, Legends Never Die." The band has also hosted acoustic sets, such as stripped-down sessions at in-stores and their annual Holiday Special livestreams, which blend holiday covers with fan favorites to foster closer connections during off-tour periods. Festival appearances have significantly broadened Four Year Strong's fanbase by exposing them to new listeners in multi-act settings, leading to increased streaming and merchandise sales post-events, as seen after their 2022 When We Were Young slots. These opportunities often prompted setlist variations, with festivals favoring shorter, crowd-pleasing medleys over full album playthroughs, allowing the band to experiment with transitions and guest spots while maintaining their signature mosh-pit intensity.

Music and artistry

Musical style and evolution

Four Year Strong's music is rooted in , blending , , and elements to create an energetic, melodic sound characterized by fast-paced rhythms and infectious hooks. The band's core style emphasizes accessibility through uplifting choruses while incorporating aggressive breakdowns, earning them recognition as pioneers of "easycore"—a hybrid that combines pop-punk's catchy structures with metalcore's heavier, mosh-friendly riffs. Central to their approach are the dual lead vocals of guitarists Dan O'Connor and Alan Day, who alternate between clean, harmonious singing and shouted, intense deliveries to heighten emotional and dynamic contrast. Production techniques play a key role in their sound, featuring layered gang vocals for communal anthemic choruses and polished yet raw mixes that balance melody with chaos, fostering high-energy live experiences. These elements, evident across their , prioritize crowd engagement through sing-along refrains and rhythmic drive, drawing from punk's DIY ethos while achieving radio-friendly polish. The band's evolution began with straightforward melodic hardcore in their formative years, transitioning to riff-heavy aggression by 2010 that amplified their hardcore influences. A temporary pivot toward textures in 2011 gave way to renewed heaviness in mid-decade releases, marked by intricate guitar work and dynamic shifts. By the late and into the , they expanded further, integrating electronic infusions such as industrial synths into their base, as heard in albums like Brain Pain and , allowing for broader sonic experimentation without abandoning their foundational intensity.

Influences and lyrical themes

Four Year Strong's musical influences are rooted in the 1990s pop-punk and emo scenes, with the band frequently citing bands such as New Found Glory, Blink-182, and Lifetime as key inspirations that shaped their energetic, melodic style. These influences are prominently showcased in their 2009 cover album Explains It All, which serves as a direct homage to the era's sounds through punk-infused renditions of tracks by those artists and others from the decade, allowing the band to pay tribute to the music and culture that influenced their formation. The band's lyrics often explore themes of relationships, youth angst, and self-doubt, capturing the emotional turbulence of personal and professional growth. For instance, on their 2010 album , songs like the title track reflect feelings of isolation and adversity in the music industry, portraying a sense of the "world being against you" amid touring pressures and self-questioning. Later works delve deeper into relational dynamics, as seen in Brain Pain (2020), where tracks address mutual misery in partnerships and the challenges of balancing personal connections with band life. Resilience emerges as a recurring motif, particularly post-hiatus, emphasizing rebirth and authenticity in overcoming identity struggles. Over time, Four Year Strong's thematic focus has shifted from the high-energy party anthems of their early releases to more introspective content in the . Their 2024 album marks this evolution, centering on , creative doubts, and the anxiety of reinvention, as the band grapples with their place in a changing landscape while maintaining relatability for fans.

Band members

Current members

The current lineup of Four Year Strong consists of four core members who have been instrumental in the band's output since the mid-2000s. Dan O'Connor serves as lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, having co-founded the band in 2001 while still in high school in . As a primary songwriter, O'Connor contributed to the writing and performance on the band's 2024 album , and he has occasionally taken on production roles. He remains active in live performances, including the band's 2025 tours supporting releases like the single "Whiplash." Alan Day handles and shared lead vocals, also joining as a founding member in 2001. Day co-wrote several tracks on Analysis Paralysis and has been a key performer on recent headlining tours, contributing to the band's dual-vocal dynamic that defines their sound. Joe Weiss plays bass and provides backing vocals, having joined the band in 2004. He participated in the recording of Analysis Paralysis and supports the rhythm section during ongoing live shows, including appearances in 2025. Jake Massucco rounds out the group on drums, another founding member from 2001. Massucco laid down the percussion for Analysis Paralysis and has been essential to the band's high-energy performances on their 2025 itinerary.

Former members

Josh Lyford served as the band's keyboardist and backing vocalist from 2006 to 2011, contributing to their early albums Rise or Die Trying (2007), Stop Drop and Roll (2008), and Enemy of the World (2010), where his synth elements helped define their pop-punk sound with melodic hardcore influences. On April 3, 2011, Four Year Strong announced Lyford's departure, initially framing it as a mutual decision to allow him to focus on personal pursuits, though Lyford later revealed he was informed just over a week prior—two days before a tour—that the band was phasing out the keyboard role as they shifted musical directions. He expressed surprise and hurt over the decision after five years with the group, emphasizing his efforts as a positive team player, while the band wished him well without elaborating further. Following his exit, Lyford pursued music production and performance with the hardcore band Foxfires, which he fronted starting around 2011, releasing albums like The Golden Age (2013) and emphasizing a serious approach to melodic hardcore without taking themselves too seriously. He also developed a writing career, contributing a column called "Lyford Files" to Worcester Magazine from 2011 onward, covering local music and culture until at least 2019. Among the band's earliest members, Ardie Petsas played bass from 2001 to 2004, helping establish the initial lineup alongside co-founders Dan O'Connor, Alan Day, and Jake Massucco during their high school years in . Bryan Gregoire provided lead vocals from 2001 to 2002, contributing to the group's formative and style before departing amid early lineup adjustments. Other early members included Chris Pigao on vocals (2001–2004) and John Dagnello on guitar (2002). These shifts, including Petsas's exit, paved the way for Joe Weiss to join on bass in 2004, stabilizing the core as the band signed with I Surrender Records for their debut EP in 2004. By 2008, further transitions integrated Lyford more prominently, though subsequent changes like his 2011 departure factored into the band's brief hiatus after their self-titled album.

Timeline

PeriodLineupKey ChangesAssociated Releases
2001–2002Dan O'Connor (guitar/vocals), Alan Day (guitar/vocals), Jake Massucco (drums), Bryan Gregoire (vocals), Ardie Petsas (bass)Band formed in Worcester, Massachusetts, with this initial lineup.Early demos.
2002–2004Dan O'Connor (guitar/vocals), Alan Day (guitar/vocals), Jake Massucco (drums), Ardie Petsas (bass)Bryan Gregoire departs.Continued local performances and demo recordings.
2004–2006Dan O'Connor (guitar/vocals), Alan Day (guitar/vocals), Jake Massucco (drums), Joe Weiss (bass/vocals)Ardie Petsas departs; Joe Weiss joins.It's Our Time (2005); build-up to debut album.
2006–2011Dan O'Connor (guitar/vocals), Alan Day (guitar/vocals), Jake Massucco (drums), Joe Weiss (bass/vocals), Josh Lyford (keyboards/backing vocals)Josh Lyford joins.Rise or Die Trying (2007), Explains It All (2009), Enemy of the World (2010); tours including Taste of Chaos (2009) and Vans Warped Tour (2010).
2011–presentDan O'Connor (guitar/vocals), Alan Day (guitar/vocals), Jake Massucco (drums), Joe Weiss (bass/vocals)Josh Lyford departs to shift away from synthesizer elements.In Some Way, Shape or Form (2011), Four Year Strong (2015), Brain Pain (2020), Analysis Paralysis (2024); ongoing tours.

Discography

Studio albums

Four Year Strong's studio albums represent the core of their discography, spanning from their debut full-length to their most recent release, with a focus on pop-punk and easycore styles. The band has consistently worked with notable producers to refine their sound, and several albums achieved notable positions on Billboard charts.
AlbumRelease dateLabelProducerPeak chart positions
Rise or Die TryingSeptember 18, 2007I Surrender RecordsNik TylerUS Heatseekers #31
Explains It AllJuly 22, 2009DecaydanceMachineUS Billboard 200 #115
Enemy of the WorldMarch 16, 2010DecaydanceDavid BendethUS Billboard 200 #47, US Independent #24, US Heatseekers #7, US Rock #35
In Some Way, Shape, or FormJune 21, 2011DecaydanceDavid BendethUS Billboard 200 #73, US Rock #13, US Independent #26, US Heatseekers #14
Four Year StrongJune 2, 2015Pure Noise RecordsWill PutneyUS Billboard 200 #59, US Independent #6, US Alternative #9, US Rock #9
Some of You Will Like This, Some of You Won'tJanuary 26, 2018Pure Noise RecordsWill PutneyUS Billboard 200 #77, US Independent #10, US Alternative #13, US Rock #13
Brain PainFebruary 28, 2020Pure Noise RecordsWill Putney
Analysis ParalysisAugust 9, 2024Pure Noise RecordsWill PutneyUS Independent #15, US Alternative #19, US Rock #29
In 2023, released a re-recorded version of , titled Enemy of the World (Redux), on October 28 through Pure Noise Records, produced by Will Putney. It peaked at #76 on the US , #11 on US Independent, #8 on US Rock Albums, and #1 on US Alternative Albums.

Extended plays and singles

Four Year Strong has released several extended plays that served as early milestones and transitional releases in their career, alongside a selection of standalone singles and covers that highlighted their energy and influences. These supplementary releases often bridged gaps between full-length albums, experimenting with shorter formats to maintain fan engagement. The band's debut EP, It's Our Time, marked their entry into the scene with raw, tracks. Released in January 2005 on Open Your Eyes Records, it was issued as a CDr and digital download, featuring five songs that showcased their youthful aggression and harmonious vocals. In , following a period of lineup changes and label shifts, Four Year Strong issued Go Down in History via Pure Noise Records. This four-track EP, released on July 22, arrived in digital, cassette, and later vinyl formats, blending hooks with heavier elements and serving as a precursor to their self-titled . Tracks like "Go Down in History" and "Tread Lightly" emphasized themes of perseverance, produced by the band alongside Kyle Black. Four Year Strong's singles have often functioned as album lead-ins or standalone statements, with notable entries including covers from their 2009 Explains It All era, where they reinterpreted 1990s alt-rock hits in punk style. These covers were released digitally and physically (via the album's variants), distinct from original material for their nostalgic appeal. Key examples include:
TitleRelease DateFormatNotes
"Absolutely (Story of a Girl)" (cover of Nine Days)July 21, 2009Digital, CD (album tie-in)Featured on Explains It All; punk-infused rendition emphasizing emotional intensity.
"It Must Really Suck to Be Four Year Strong Right Now"March 23, 2010Digital, 7-inch vinylLead single from Enemy of the World; no B-side, focused on resilience themes with video promotion.
"Uncooked"May 28, 2024DigitalStandalone single preceding Analysis Paralysis; raw production by Benjamin Lieber, accompanied by music video.
"Whiplash"November 5, 2025DigitalHeavy, standalone single with official music video; explores internal conflict, released via Pure Noise Records.
Other Explains It All-era covers released as promotional singles included "" () and "Ironic" (), both digital in 2009, highlighting the band's ability to punk-ify 90s anthems without B-sides.

References

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