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Mest is an American rock band originally formed by lead vocalist and guitarist Tony Lovato, bassist Matt Lovato, drummer Nick Gigler, and guitarist Jeremiah Rangel. They broke up in 2006 after eleven years, but temporarily reformed in California in 2008 for a "final tour." Tony released “Not What You Expected” in 2013 and it was announced in 2018 that the classic lineup of Mest, with Tony Lovato, Matt Lovato, Nick Gigler, and Jeremiah Rangel, would be getting back together to track Masquerade.

Key Information

History

[edit]

Cousins Matt Lovato and Tony Lovato formed the band together in October 1995. The band's last guitarist, Jeremiah Rangel, joined the band in 1998. Their previous guitarist was Steve Lovato, Tony Lovato's brother. Nick Gigler joined the band in 1997.

In 1998, the band self-released Mo' Money, Mo' 40z. Their debut album on Maverick Records, Wasting Time, was released in July 2000 and Destination Unknown in 2001. They toured as an opening band for Goldfinger on July 20, 2002, in Las Vegas and then a few months later, released a DVD called The Show Must Go Off! in January 2003. Later that same year, the band released their self-titled album, which featured the single Jaded (These Years), featuring Benji Madden of Good Charlotte.

In 2005, a tour with Social Distortion was cut short when drummer Nick Gigler required surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome in his wrists which was affecting his drumming. The band's last album, Photographs, was released October 18, 2005.[1]

In January 2006, the band announced on their MySpace blog that they would break-up following a U.S. tour.[2] The tour ran from late January until early March, with support from Allister and Scary Kids Scaring Kids.[2]

Mest played a reunion show at the House of Blues in Anaheim, California, on April 17, 2008.[3] In response, Nick Gigler posted a bulletin through his personal MySpace and confirmed that he would not be taking part, and that he had called Jeremiah Rangel and Matt Lovato, who had confirmed that they would not be appearing with Tony either.

Frontman Tony Lovato in 2009

After the one-off "One Night Stand" show, Tony decided to rebuild Mest and go on a monthlong tour, with help from Chris Wilson (Good Charlotte, The Summer Obsession), and his brother and founding member, Steve Lovato (at the time in Room One Eleven). Although Matt showed interest, he and Jeremiah were both reported to be too busy with other commitments to join. Nick and Tony had not been on speaking terms since the band broke up. The trek took place in October and November 2008, and featured Quietdrive, Rookie of the Year, and Automatic Loveletter.[4]

Mest went on a European tour in spring 2012 with its current members, Mike Longworth and Richie Gonzales, and also toured the US with Escape the Fate and Attack Attack in 2012.

Mest released their album Not What You Expected in September 2013, written and recorded with Richie Gonzales and Mike Longworth, making it available for free to download from their website.[5] Mest played 3 dates on the Warped Tour 2013. They self-released another album in 2014, entitled Broken Down.

On October 25, 2018, Mest officially announced[according to whom?] that they had signed with El Hefe, from NOFX's label Cyber Trax Records and a new album with the original lineup would be released in spring 2019. A single entitled "Masquerade" was uploaded to YouTube in July 2019, accompanied by an announcement to the effect that a new album would be released in the fall of that year, produced by Cameron Webb.

Mest's album Masquerade was released on January 17, 2020.[6]

On April 12, 2024, Mest released a new song called "When We Were Young" featuring Jaret Reddick of Bowling For Soup. At this time the band also announced Youth, which released on June 21, 2024.[7]

Projects

[edit]

Room One Eleven

[edit]

Steve Lovato a.k.a. "Locust", went on to assemble a music project called Room One Eleven which includes former Mest lighting engineer and merchandise salesman, Phil Cirullo a.k.a. "Swylla" and hip hop prodigy Damien Ringo. They are a group based out of Chicago's Southside. This band's first album "Tears Dry Slow" was released in early March 2008.

Kisses for Kings

[edit]

Tony Lovato went on to form a band called Kisses for Kings, whose line-up consists of Tony Lovato, Mike Longworth, and Richie Gonzales. They have performed on the 2007 Warped Tour and toured in July 2009 with Hollywood Undead, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus and The Sleeping on the "Taking Care of Business Tour" a.k.a. TCB Tour. Their first EP was released on May 1, 2010, at the MEST show at the House of Blues, Anaheim.

The Twilight and the Sound

[edit]

Matt and Jeremiah formed a new band called The Twilight and the Sound, announced publicly via Mest's MySpace page on Monday, October 27, 2008.

London Falling

[edit]

Tony Lovato’s second project after Mest, they released an EP and their single “Nightmare”, The single also features Ronnie Ficarro ex-bassist of Falling In Reverse.

The Get Go

[edit]

Nick Gigler's first project after Mest was Chicago-based The Get Go. The band was formed in January 2007, and also features members such as Allister's Scott Murphy on bass and vocals and Kyle Lewis on guitar and vocals, Showoff's Chris Messer on vocals and Nate Thruman on guitar and vocals.

The A-Gang

[edit]

The A-Gang is a current project involving Nick Gigler on drums. Based in Detroit, it also features former Suicide Machines bassist Rich Tschirhart.

Members

[edit]
Current
  • Tony Lovato – lead vocals, rhythm guitar (1995–present)
  • Gary Foster - drums (2020-present)
  • Bob Amendola - bass (2023-present)
  • Devin Parker - lead guitar (2023-present)
Former
  • Casey Artus - bass (2020-2023)
  • Matt Lovato – bass (1995–2006, 2015–2020)
  • Nick Gigler – drums (1995–2006, 2015–2020)
  • Jeremiah Rangel – lead guitar, backing and lead vocals (1998–2006, 2015–2020)
  • Chris Wilson – drums (2008)
  • Steve Lovato – guitar, bass (1995–1998, 2008–2012)
  • Richie Gonzales – drums (2010–2015)
  • Mike Longworth – lead guitar, studio bass (2010–2015)
  • Brandon Stewart – bass (2013–2015)
Timeline

Discography

[edit]
Main article: Mest discography

Studio albums

[edit]
Year Album Peak chart positions[8] Record company
US US Heat
1996 DAT,DAT! UH OH – – Self-released
1998 Mo' Money, Mo' 40z — — Self-released
2000 Wasting Time — — Maverick
2001 Destination Unknown — 12 Maverick
2003 Mest 64 — Maverick
2005 Photographs 116 — Maverick
2013 Not What You Expected — — Daiki Sound
2020 Masquerade — — Dead End Records
2024 Youth — — Dead End Records

Acoustic albums

[edit]
Year Album Record company
2014 Broken Down Self-released
2017 Broken Down 2 Self-released

Singles

[edit]
  • "Drawing Board" from Wasting Time
  • "Cadillac" from Destination Unknown
  • "Mother's Prayer" from Destination Unknown
  • "Jaded (These Years)" from Mest – No. 88 Australia[9]
  • "Rooftops" from Mest
  • "Take Me Away (Cried Out to Heaven)" from Photographs
  • "Kiss Me, Kill Me" from Photographs
  • "Almost" from Not What You Expected
  • "Radio (Something To Believe)" from Not What You Expected
  • "Masquerade" from Masquerade
  • "The Upside Down" from Masquerade
  • "I Am Right Here" from Masquerade
  • "Dead End Street" from Masquerade
  • "Don't Worry Son" from Masquerade
  • "When We Were Young (ft. Jaret Reddick of Bowling for Soup)" from Youth
  • "Hate You Sober (ft. Spencer Charnas of Ice Nine Kills)" from Youth

Music videos

[edit]
Year Song Director
2000 "What's the Dillio?" Nathan Cox
2001 "Cadillac" Marcos Siega
2003 "Jaded (These Years)" Steven Murashige
2005 "Take Me Away (Cried Out to Heaven)" Brian Lazzaro
2012 "Almost" Jeff Janke
2013 "Radio (Something to Believe)"
2024 "When We Were Young (Ft. Jaret Reddick)" Alex Ochoa

Videography appearances

[edit]

References

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

Mest

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Mest is an American pop-punk band formed in 1995 in Blue Island, , by cousins (vocals and guitar) and Matt Lovato (bass), with the group initially including Steve Lovato on guitar and bass. The band emerged from the Chicago punk scene, drawing influences from acts like and Blink-182, and quickly built a following through self-released material and energetic live performances characterized by themes of youth, relationships, and rebellion. Signed to Maverick Records in the late , Mest achieved commercial success in the early with a string of albums including Wasting Time (2000), Destination Unknown (2001), the self-titled Mest (2003), and Photographs (2005). Notable singles like "Rooftops" and "Jaded (These Years)" featuring of helped solidify their place in the wave alongside contemporaries such as and . The band toured extensively, including with Goldfinger in 2002 and appearances on the Vans Warped Tour, and released a live DVD, The Show Must Go Off!, in 2003 to capture their high-energy shows. Following internal tensions, Mest disbanded in January 2006 after announced the split, leading to a hiatus during which members pursued solo projects. They reunited for a one-off show in 2008 and resumed touring in and the starting in 2012, with as the sole constant member. The band reunited with its classic lineup in 2018 and has since released independent efforts, including the free download Not What You Expected (2013), the Kickstarter-funded Broken Down (2014), the album Masquerade (2020), and singles such as "When We Were Young" (2024) featuring and "Hate You Sober" (2024) featuring , maintaining a dedicated fanbase through nostalgic revivals, occasional new material, and tours including a 25th show for Wasting Time in August 2025.

History

Formation and early years

Mest was formed in October 1995 in Blue Island, , a suburb on the south side of , by cousins (lead vocals and guitar) and Matt Lovato (bass). The two, who grew up across the street from each other, began collaborating at a young age after Tony's earlier band Jack Move, which also featured Matt on bass. They held their first informal rehearsals in local spaces, focusing on crafting songs rooted in energy. Shortly after formation, longtime friend Nick Gigler joined the band on drums, solidifying the rhythm section and allowing the group to expand their sound. In 1998, guitarist Jeremiah Rangel completed the classic lineup, bringing additional melodic elements to their compositions. The band's name originated during one of these early sessions when , holding a can of , suggested "Mest" as a playful twist on "Best," combining the "M" from "" with a misspelled version of the word. This casual choice reflected the band's youthful, irreverent approach to their punk roots. Mest quickly immersed themselves in the punk scene, performing at local venues such as the Fireside Bowl and other clubs in the area, where they built a grassroots following through high-energy sets. They self-recorded and circulated demos within the punk community, releasing cassette tapes in 1996 and 1997 that showcased their raw, melodic style. These early efforts, influenced by the era's pop-punk wave including bands like and Blink-182, helped establish their signature blend of fast-paced riffs and catchy hooks. By the late 1990s, this foundation led to their transition toward independent releases.

Independent releases and major label debut

Mest's early independent era began with the self-release of their debut , Mo' Money, Mo' 40'z, in 1998, which captured the band's raw energy through tracks recorded in local studios. The , consisting of 20 songs, showcased the original lineup's humorous and rebellious lyrics, helping to build a following in the Midwest punk scene before attracting wider attention. The band's breakthrough came when frontman mailed a copy of Mo' Money, Mo' 40'z to of Goldfinger, who was impressed and facilitated their signing to Maverick Records, a subsidiary. This deal marked Mest's transition to a major label, leading to the release of their debut full-length album under Maverick, Wasting Time, on July 11, 2000. Produced and mixed by Feldmann and , the album refined the band's skate-punk sound with polished production, featuring the single "What's the Dillio?" which highlighted their catchy, upbeat style. Following Wasting Time, Mest solidified their place in the pop-punk landscape with their second major-label , Destination Unknown, released in November 2001 and also produced by Feldmann. The record included guest appearances from artists like and Monique Powell of , and spawned singles such as "Cadillac," which received notable radio airplay and helped expand their audience. Destination Unknown peaked at number 12 on the Heatseekers Albums chart, underscoring the band's rising momentum. To promote these releases, Mest embarked on extensive tours, opening for established acts like Goldfinger on their 2000 tour, which exposed them to larger crowds. In 2001, they joined the Take Off Your Pants and Jacket Tour alongside Blink-182, New Found Glory, and Midtown, performing at major venues and festivals that amplified their visibility within the burgeoning community. These outings, combined with consistent live energy, fostered a dedicated fanbase drawn to Mest's humorous, relatable anthems amid the early punk revival.

Mainstream success and challenges

Mest achieved their breakthrough with the release of their self-titled album on June 10, 2003. The record debuted at No. 64 on the Billboard 200, marking the band's first entry on the chart and solidifying their presence in the scene. Key tracks included "Jaded (These Years)", featuring a guest vocal from of and released to radio on July 1, 2003, as well as "Rooftops", which captured the band's energetic, youthful sound and contributed to their growing fanbase through extensive touring. The momentum carried into 2005 with Photographs, released on October 18 via Maverick, which shifted toward more introspective and mature themes of relationships, , and . The album featured collaborations, including "Take Me Away (Cried Out to Heaven)" with Simple Plan's and , and the single "Kiss Me, Kill Me", released on September 6. Despite these artistic evolutions, Photographs experienced a commercial downturn amid the band's ongoing major-label pressures. Amid this period of heightened visibility, internal challenges mounted. Bassist Matt Lovato, Tony Lovato's cousin and a founding member, left the band in 2004 to address personal issues, straining the lineup as Nick Gigler shifted to bass duties. Relentless touring, including appearances and international dates, exacerbated exhaustion and creative fatigue among the remaining members. These tensions culminated in the band's January 2006 announcement of their breakup via , following a final string of shows; the group cited burnout from years of non-stop activity as the primary factor.

Hiatus and reformation

Following the band's 2006 breakup, which stemmed from a combination of internal conflicts, substance abuse issues, and frustrations with their record label, Mest entered a prolonged hiatus spanning over a decade. During this inactive period, frontman Tony Lovato focused on personal recovery and various side projects to explore new musical directions. In 2008, the band staged a brief reformation, starting with a one-off reunion show at the in , on April 17, followed by a U.S. tour supporting acts like and , billed as their farewell performances. Fan enthusiasm persisted into the early 2010s, evidenced by the successful campaign launched by Lovato on November 13, 2013, which raised funds for the band's first acoustic , Broken Down, featuring re-recorded versions of 14 fan-favorite tracks in stripped-down arrangements; the project was fully funded and digitally released on March 25, 2014. This outpouring of support prompted a more sustained reformation, with Mest releasing their sixth studio album, Not What You Expected, on September 25, 2013, as a free digital download via their website; the self-produced record, featuring a revamped lineup with Lovato as the sole original member alongside drummer Richie Gonzales and guitarist Mike Longworth, blended melodies with heavier breakdowns and influences. The band maintained independent status without major label backing, leading to ongoing lineup changes and limited activity, including sporadic live appearances at festivals and clubs through 2019; however, the original members briefly reunited in 2015 for a series of anniversary shows, starting May 29 at the in Anaheim, to capitalize on renewed interest.

Recent developments

In early 2020, Mest released their seventh studio album, Masquerade, on January 17 through Cyber Trak Records. The album featured 12 tracks blending energy with introspective elements, produced amid the emerging challenges of the global . The band's lineup saw further stabilization in 2023, with Devin Parker joining on and Bob Amendola on bass, alongside core members on vocals and rhythm guitar and Gary Foster on drums. This configuration supported their return to recording and performing. On April 12, 2024, Mest issued the single "When We Were Young," featuring Jaret Reddick of Bowling for Soup, as the lead track from their eighth studio album. Youth followed on June 21 via SBÄM Records, a seven-track effort that revisited the band's pop-punk foundations with melodic hooks and nostalgic lyrics drawn from childhood influences and early career memories. Marking the 25th anniversary of their 2000 debut Wasting Time, Mest reissued the album digitally on streaming platforms on July 23, 2025, followed by a limited-edition vinyl release on July 25 in multiple color variants. Celebrations included live full-album performances, highlighting the record's enduring role in the band's catalog.

Musical style and influences

Genre and sound evolution

Mest's core musical identity is rooted in , defined by melodic hooks, fast tempos, and energetic instrumentation that captures the raw spirit of late-1990s and early-2000s punk revival. Their debut efforts emphasized a gritty, unpolished sound, blending quick guitar riffs, pounding drums, and straightforward chord progressions inspired by classic punk and ska-punk elements, as heard in the high-velocity tracks of Wasting Time (2000). This early style prioritized live-wire intensity and accessibility, with songs clocking in at breakneck paces to evoke youthful exuberance and rebellion. As the band transitioned into major-label releases in the 2000s, their sound evolved toward greater polish and sophistication while retaining fundamentals. Albums like Destination Unknown (2001) introduced a mix of upbeat anthems, mid-tempo ballads, and ska-infused rhythms, broadening their sonic palette without sacrificing catchiness. By the self-titled record (2003), production refinements—courtesy of cleaner mixes and layered arrangements—elevated the melodic choruses and driving rhythms, resulting in a more radio-friendly sheen that contrasted the debut's basement-tape rawness. This period marked a maturation in their approach, incorporating subtle heavier elements in bridges and verses to add depth to the formula. The 2010s brought a notable shift to acoustic-driven introspection, exemplified by Broken Down (2014), an all-acoustic collection of reimagined fan favorites that stripped back the electric energy for intimate, stripped-down performances emphasizing vocal delivery and subtle instrumentation. Entering the 2020s, Mest revitalized their high-energy roots with renewed vigor; Masquerade (2020) delivered explosive riffs and relentless pacing, recapturing the band's signature drive through infectious, riff-heavy structures. Their latest effort, (2024), further modernizes this return by blending fizzy, well-structured melodies with contemporary production clarity, ensuring the fast-tempo hooks feel vibrant and timeless. Throughout their career, Tony Lovato's emotive, melodic vocals and anthemic choruses have remained hallmarks, providing a consistent thread amid these sonic pivots.

Key influences and lyrical themes

Mest's musical style draws heavily from the 1990s pioneers, particularly the raw energy and melodic hooks of Green Day's era, which influenced their rapid guitar riffs and anthemic structures. The band's sound also echoes Blink-182's humorous takes on adolescence, blending punk attitude with witty, relatable narratives about youth and relationships. Additionally, elements of The Offspring's high-octane punk are evident in Mest's fast-paced rhythms and rebellious ethos, shaping their early high-energy performances. The punk scene further impacted the band, instilling a DIY through local club gigs and fostering an intense live energy characterized by crowd participation and unpolished authenticity. Lyrically, Mest's early work centers on teenage , romance, and humor, often capturing the chaos of young love and heartbreak with self-deprecating wit. Songs like "Jaded (These Years)" exemplify this through reflections on reckless youth and unapologetic breakups, portraying faded relationships without regret. This approach aligns with pop-punk's tradition of turning personal vulnerabilities into catchy, empathetic anthems about fun times amid emotional turmoil. In the , Mest's songwriting matured to address heavier themes of and loss, drawing from band members' real-life struggles. Tracks on albums like Masquerade (2020) delve into inner emotions and recovery, exploring the pain of personal demons and relational fallout. For instance, "I'm " confronts grief over familial loss, such as Tony Lovato's grandfather's illness and death, adding depth to their evolving narrative. By the 2020s, Mest's lyrics shifted toward reflective themes influenced by 's sobriety journey, emphasizing growth and hindsight. The 2024 single "Hate You Sober" captures this evolution, confronting the clarity and resentment that brings to past toxic dynamics, marking a therapeutic turn in their catalog.

Band members

Current lineup

As of 2025, Mest's current lineup consists of four members, with as the sole remaining original member and primary songwriter. Tony Lovato serves as lead vocals and rhythm guitar since the band's formation in 1995, anchoring the group's sound through decades of changes. Devin Parker joined as in 2023 and contributes to modern arrangements on the album . Bob Amendola has been on bass since 2023, adding groove to the band's live sets. Gary Foster provides drums since 2020, delivering the driving rhythm for recent tours.

Former members and contributions

Matt Lovato, cousin to frontman Tony Lovato and co-founder of Mest, served as the band's bassist from its inception in 1995 until the group's initial disbandment in 2006, and returned from 2015 to 2020 for the original lineup reunion. As a core member of the original lineup, he contributed to the band's early development, performing on all four major-label albums released during the initial period, including Wasting Time (2000) and Destination Unknown (2001), as well as reunion activities. His departure in 2006 was influenced by personal priorities, specifically a desire to spend more time with his young daughter after over a decade of intensive touring. Nick Gigler joined Mest as drummer in , forming part of the foundational quartet alongside the Lovato cousins and later guitarist Jeremiah Rangel. He provided the rhythmic backbone for the band's sound across their first four studio albums and numerous live performances during 1995–2006, helping establish Mest's energetic stage presence during the early , and returned for the 2015–2020 reunion. Gigler remained with the band until 2006 initially, when the group disbanded amid collective exhaustion from years on the road; a 2005 tour with was notably abbreviated due to his . He departed again in 2020. Jeremiah Rangel served as Mest's lead guitarist and backing vocalist from 1995 to and again from 2015 to 2020, joining shortly after the band's formation and contributing to its melodic style on releases like Mest (2003) and (2005), as well as reunion performances. As the eldest member, he played a pivotal role in shaping the group's guitar-driven arrangements and live dynamics during their peak popularity. Rangel's initial exit in stemmed from burnout related to extensive touring, and he left again in 2020, marking the end of the original lineup's second run. Steve Lovato, brother of Tony and Matt, initially played guitar and bass in Mest from 1995 to 1998 before departing due to creative differences; he briefly returned on bass from 2008 to 2012 during a period, supporting transitional recordings and tours. His early involvement helped solidify the band's initial punk influences on independent releases like Mo' Money, Mo' 40z (1998). No verified records indicate a member named Seth Lovato in the band's . Mike Longworth served as guitarist from 2008 to 2015, contributing to the band's tours, including European and U.S. outings in 2012. Richie Gonzales (also known as Lil' Rich) played drums from 2010 to 2015, supporting the post-2008 lineup during key tours. Casey Artus was bassist from 2020 to 2023, bridging the post-reunion period. Following the 2015 reunion with the full original lineup, which lasted until 2020, Mest underwent further lineup changes, achieving greater stability from 2023 onward with the current configuration, allowing focus on new material without the frequent changes of earlier eras.

Discography

Studio albums

Mest's studio discography reflects their evolution from energetic roots to more introspective sounds, marked by major label releases in the early followed by independent efforts after their . Their debut full-length album under a major label, Wasting Time, marked their entry into wider audiences with its high-energy tracks and humorous lyrics, produced by . Released in 2000 on Maverick Records, it established the band's playful style while touring extensively to build a following. The band's second major release, Destination Unknown (2001, Maverick Records), expanded on their sound with guest appearances and polished production, peaking at No. 12 on the Heatseekers Albums chart and solidifying their place in the scene alongside contemporaries like Blink-182. This album captured the youthful rebellion central to their early work, achieving notable radio play for singles like "." In 2003, Mest issued their self-titled third album on Maverick Records, which debuted at No. 64 on the and featured the lead single "Jaded (These Years)" featuring of , exploring themes of relationships and growth amid the band's rising popularity during the era. The record maintained their signature blend of catchy hooks and fast-paced rhythms but hinted at maturing songwriting. Photographs (2005, Maverick Records), their final major label effort, shifted toward more emotional and mature themes, reflecting personal experiences of band members; it was released amid lineup changes and served as a transitional work before the band's initial hiatus. Following a period of inactivity, Mest reformed and self-released Not What You Expected in 2013 (listed as 2014 in some sources) via Bullion Records, embracing a raw, DIY approach that recaptured their punk ethos with collaborations from former members. The 2020 self-released album Masquerade arrived during the , recorded remotely and focusing on resilience and reflection, distributed independently to maintain creative control. Their most recent studio album, (2024, self-released via SBÄM Records), revisits nostalgic vibes with guest features from bands like and , generating renewed fan interest and streaming activity in the post-pandemic revival of the genre.
Album TitleRelease DateLabelPeak Chart PositionNotes
Wasting TimeJuly 11, 2000MaverickN/AMajor label debut; produced by .
Destination UnknownNovember 13, 2001MaverickNo. 12 Billboard HeatseekersFeatured guests like ; key early success.
Mest (self-titled)June 10, 2003MaverickNo. 64 Lead single "Jaded (These Years)"; Warped Tour tie-in.
PhotographsOctober 18, 2005MaverickN/AThemes of maturity; final Maverick release.
Not What You ExpectedSeptember 2013N/A album; free digital release initially.
MasqueradeJanuary 17, 2020Self-releasedN/APandemic-era production; independent distribution.
YouthJune 21, 2024Self-released (SBÄM)N/AFeatures collaborations; nostalgic revival focus.

Acoustic and compilation releases

In 2013, Mest launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund an acoustic album, which was successfully backed by fans seeking a more intimate take on the band's catalog. Titled Broken Down, the project was spearheaded by vocalist Tony Lovato and featured stripped-down acoustic renditions of select hits from Mest's discography, primarily accompanied by vocals and guitar. The album was initially released as a CD exclusively to Kickstarter supporters in 2014, with a digital version following shortly after, emphasizing the raw, emotional core of tracks like "Lost, Broken, Confused." Building on the popularity of the first acoustic effort, Lovato released Broken Down II in 2017 as a follow-up collection of acoustic reinterpretations, again self-released and distributed digitally to maintain the fan-driven ethos. These acoustic releases marked a departure from Mest's high-energy sound, offering a subdued, reflective listening experience that highlighted lyrical vulnerability. Mest contributed to several compilations and soundtracks in the , showcasing their versatility within the punk scene. Notably, their track "" appeared on the Music from the Motion Picture soundtrack in 2001, a compilation featuring punk and alternative acts that aligned with the film's irreverent tone. Additionally, a 2000 promotional sampler cassette, Wasting Time / Warning, paired Mest's material with tracks, serving as an early rarity for collectors and highlighting cross-promotional efforts in the genre. In 2025, to mark the 25th anniversary of their debut major-label album, Mest reissued Wasting Time on vinyl in limited-edition variants, including splatter colors, available through their official merch store. This reissue coincided with the album's restoration to major streaming platforms in July 2025, following a brief removal earlier in the year, allowing broader access to the original tracks without confirmed bonus content. These efforts underscored the enduring fan interest in Mest's foundational work, bridging physical collectibles with digital revival.

Singles and EPs

Mest released a number of singles and extended plays primarily through their label Maverick Records in the early , with later digital-only releases following their reformation. Many early singles served as promotional tools for their studio albums, often accompanied by s to boost radio and airplay. One of the band's breakthrough singles was "Jaded (These Years)" from their 2003 self-titled album, featuring guest vocals by of ; it peaked at No. 16 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart and received a directed by . Subsequent singles included "Drawing Board" (2000, promo from Wasting Time) and "Cadillac" (2001, promo), both issued as CD maxi-singles to support touring and airplay. In 2003, alongside their self-titled album, Mest put out a promotional EP featuring tracks like "Rooftops," distributed in cardboard sleeves for industry use. Later singles from Photographs (2005) included "Take Me Away (Cried Out to Heaven)" and "Kiss Me, Kill Me" (2005), both promo CD releases tied to videos and live performances. Following a hiatus, Mest shifted to digital-only singles post-2010, including self-released tracks like "When We Were Young" (feat. of ) in 2024, which promoted their album and featured a nostalgic . "Hate You Sober" (feat. Spencer Charnas of ), also from , was similarly released digitally as a lead promotional single emphasizing the band's matured sound. An early independent EP, a white-label 12" titled 01, circulated in limited fashion around the late , containing raw demo versions of initial material.

Side projects

Tony Lovato's ventures

During Mest's hiatus from 2006 to 2008, pursued side projects to explore sounds beyond . then formed Kisses for Kings in 2006—initially under the name A Permanent Holiday—with bandmates Ryan Clayton, Richie Gonzales, and Mike Longworth. The group adopted a more acoustic-driven approach, emphasizing melody and introspection over high-energy punk. They released the EP Forget to Remember in 2010, which included tracks like "" featuring Hollywood Undead's Johnny 3 Tears. Kisses for Kings toured with during this period and remained active until around 2011, though much of their material beyond the EP remained unreleased. These projects offered Lovato creative freedom amid personal challenges, ultimately influencing his renewed focus upon Mest's reformation in 2008.

Other members' projects

Following Mest's initial disbandment in 2006, bassist Matt Lovato and guitarist Jeremiah Rangel formed the band The Twilight and the Sound in 2008, during the group's hiatus period. The duo, both providing vocals and handling guitar and bass respectively, released several tracks including the single "Ivy" in 2010, showcasing a shift toward more introspective pop-rock elements compared to Mest's punk sound. The project remained active primarily as a studio endeavor, with limited live performances in the area before the members returned to Mest in 2015. Drummer Nick Gigler pursued multiple endeavors outside Mest, beginning with the Chicago-based band The Get Go, formed in January 2007. Gigler handled drums for the group, which also featured alumni from , Showoff, and , and they debuted with the single "Face Down in the Dirt" in 2008, emphasizing high-energy punk tracks rooted in the mid-2000s scene. Later, in the , he contributed drums to the punk-rock trio Bastardous, contributing to their self-titled 2015 album that blended raw punk with rock influences. These collaborations highlighted Gigler's versatility in the punk genre while Mest was inactive. Prior to joining Mest as lead in 2023, Devin Parker was a key figure in Chicago's local rock scene as the vocalist and for Til Morning (formerly known as Parker), a pop-rock outfit blending soul and punk elements. The band, featuring Parker's brother Patrick on drums, released singles like "Okay" and "If She Only Knew" in 2020, along with acoustic tracks such as "Forever You & Me," establishing a presence through live shows and music videos in the Windy City circuit. Bassist Bob Amendola, who joined Mest in 2023, brought experience from Southern California's tribute scene, where he served as vocalist and guitarist for Blink-180True, a nationally touring Blink-182 homage band active since the mid-2010s. Amendola's work with the group included high-energy performances across the U.S., including Midwest dates that connected to punk communities, prior to his relocation and integration into Mest's lineup.

Tours and live performances

Early and mid-2000s tours

Mest participated in the Vans Warped Tour multiple times during the early 2000s, beginning with select dates in 2001 from July 15 to July 19 to promote their album Destination Unknown. The band returned for full runs in 2003 and 2005, performing alongside other pop-punk acts and gaining exposure to large festival audiences. In the mid-2000s, Mest transitioned to headlining their own U.S. club tours, starting with the 2002 Homegrown Tour featuring support from Catch 22, Homegrown, and Madcap. They continued headlining throughout 2003 and 2004, often sharing bills with bands like Yellowcard, while playing over 80 shows in 2003 alone across clubs and festivals. These tours helped build their domestic fanbase during the promotion of their self-titled 2003 album. The band expanded internationally in 2004, embarking on tours in and following the success of their 2003 self-titled release. This marked a significant step in their global reach, with continued promotion tied to their 2005 album Photographs, including a Japanese release that year. By 2006, internal challenges prompted Mest to announce their after a decade together, as stated by vocalist on the band's blog. These issues affected their final activities, leading to a abbreviated farewell tour titled "So Long and Thanks for the Booze" in late January, supported by and . The tour served as a capstone to their active period, with no further lineup adjustments noted before the disbandment.

Reformation and recent tours

Following their 2006 disbandment, Mest reformed in 2008 with announcing a one-off reunion show at the in , on April 17. This performance led to a full U.S. tour in October and November, supported by , Rookie of the Year, and , marking sporadic live activity amid the band's hiatus. Activity remained limited through the early until the release of the album Not What You Expected in September 2013, which prompted club tours and appearances on the Vans Warped Tour that summer. From 2014 to 2019, Mest focused on smaller-scale club and package tours to promote their material, including the 2016 "Three Headed Monstour" with and across North American venues. In 2019, they served as direct support for and on a co-headlining run with , alongside additional dates with Amber Pacific, Audio Karate, and Rookie of the Year. The curtailed live performances from 2020 to 2023, but Mest resumed touring in 2024 after releasing their album on June 21 via SBAM Records. These shows emphasized tracks from the new release alongside fan favorites, including U.S. dates like at The RBC in , , with Amber Pacific, and international appearances in the UK such as at New Cross Inn in . In 2025, Mest expanded their resurgence with a July Canada tour across eight cities, starting July 2 at Park Theatre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, followed by stops at The Pearl in Vancouver, British Columbia (July 4); Midway Music Hall in Edmonton, Alberta (July 5); and Commonwealth Bar & Stage in Calgary, Alberta (July 6), among others. The band also announced U.S. dates in August, highlighted by an August 30 anniversary show at 115 Bourbon Street in Merrionette Park, Illinois, featuring a full performance of their 2000 debut album Wasting Time to mark its 25th anniversary, with special guests Scott Russo of Unwritten Law and Tim Rogner of Allister. Earlier in the month, they played House of Blues in Anaheim, California, on August 16 with Unwritten Law. In September 2025, Mest continued touring with dates on the Boys Night Out Trainwreck 20th Anniversary tour, including a show on September 13 at Substation in Seattle, Washington.

References

  1. https://www.last.fm/music/Mest/+wiki
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  5. https://www.facebook.com/115BourbonStreet/posts/mest-is-coming-home-on-saturday-august-30th-to-celebrate-the-25th-anniversary-of/1174718981358777/
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  10. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRyt70eIIOU
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  15. https://genius.com/albums/Mest/Wasting-time
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  17. https://www.allmusic.com/album/destination-unknown-mw0000015700
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  25. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/378384301/mest-broken-down
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  28. https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/65156/Mest-Not-What-You-Expected/
  29. https://www.discogs.com/release/14942783-Mest-Masquerade
  30. https://www.last.fm/music/Mest/Masquerade
  31. https://flyingfiddlesticks.com/2024/06/24/mest-youth-sbam-2024/
  32. https://im-musicmagazine.com/f/mest-release-video-for-when-we-were-young-ft-jaret-reddick/
  33. https://thehardtimes.net/realnews/mest-releasing-new-album-youth-june-21/
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  36. https://chorus.fm/news/mests-wasting-time-comes-to-vinyl/
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  42. http://www.soundinthesignals.com/2014/04/mest-broken-down-album-review.html
  43. https://scenedaddy.com/blog/2020/01/18/2020-1-18-review-mest-masquerade
  44. https://newnoisemagazine.com/reviews/album-review-mest-youth/
  45. https://dailyvault.com/toc.php5?review=2101
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  47. https://moosicentertainment.com/2024/06/09/check-out-mests-brand-new-music-video-hate-you-sober-ft-spencer-charnas-of-ice-nine-kills/
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  49. https://www.wallofsoundau.com/reviews/mest-masquerade-album-review
  50. https://chorus.fm/features/interviews/tony-lovato-of-mest/
  51. https://ocmusicnews.com/mest-a-conversation-with-tony-lovato/
  52. https://www.discogs.com/artist/10091278-Gary-Foster-8
  53. https://www.vancouverisawesome.com/local-events?_evDiscoveryPath=/event/38002292t-mest-canada-tour-2025
  54. https://www.oleantimesherald.com/local-events/?_evDiscoveryPath=/event/1034680385n-mest
  55. https://www.discogs.com/artist/447017-Matt-Lovato
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  57. https://www.facebook.com/Mestofficial/posts/22-years-ago-today-our-self-titled-record-came-out-it-debuted-at-number-64-on-th/1260921548723744/
  58. https://www.discogs.com/master/289910-Mest-Photographs
  59. https://www.discogs.com/release/11191925-Mest-Broken-Down-II
  60. https://www.discogs.com/release/3376424-Mest-Green-Day-Wasting-Time-Warning
  61. https://www.discogs.com/artist/263395-Mest
  62. https://www.musicvf.com/Mest.songs
  63. https://www.discogs.com/release/10056308-Mest-Jaded-These-Years
  64. https://www.discogs.com/release/6251805-Mest-Drawing-Board
  65. https://www.discogs.com/master/442325-Mest-Whats-The-Dillio
  66. https://open.spotify.com/album/4yyDhCb1DBkS0VGy3L4fOa
  67. https://www.discogs.com/release/31019602-Mest-Youth
  68. https://www.discogs.com/artist/263395-Mest#releases
  69. https://www.last.fm/music/Kisses%2BFor%2BKings
  70. https://rateyourmusic.com/artist/kisses_for_kings
  71. https://www.discogs.com/release/11230832-Kisses-for-Kings-Forget-to-Remember
  72. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipeqyCbEkMs
  73. https://www.cnet.com/culture/the-404-375-where-that-aint-right/
  74. https://www.punknews.org/article/22789/former-members-of-allister-mest-showoff-and-home-grown-form-the-get-go
  75. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpHFtJ1ZYa4
  76. https://www.nickgigler.com/music
  77. https://www.reflectionsofdarkness.com/2020/20470-special-artists-and-their-tattoos-devin-parker-vocals-guitar-from-til-morning
  78. https://awesomedisaster.libsyn.com/episode-254-devin-parker-of-til-morning
  79. https://blink180true.wordpress.com/bio/
  80. https://mztributebands.com/tribute-bands/blink-180true/
  81. https://warped-tour.fandom.com/wiki/Warped_Tour_2001
  82. https://www.setlist.fm/stats/mest-bd6e9a6.html?tour=bd7f946
  83. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0R_jvW0eiM
  84. https://www.punknews.org/article/4304/tours-mest-catch-22-homegrown-tour-in-full-effect
  85. https://www.concertarchives.org/bands/mest?page=1&year=2003
  86. https://www.inmusicwetrust.com/articles/d1157045359t93378700r6161.html
  87. https://www.discogs.com/release/2572497-Mest-Photographs
  88. https://www.punknews.org/article/15215/breakups-mest-1996-2006
  89. http://blog.myspace.com/mest
  90. http://www.drivenfaroff.com/2008/03/12/mest-announce-reunion-show/
  91. https://dyingscene.com/archive/hawthorne-heights-mest-and-the-ataris-to-embark-on-three-headed-monstour/
  92. https://theencorenights.com/2024/10/03/live-review-mest-at-the-rbc-in-dallas-tx-on-september-27-2024/
  93. https://www.bandsintown.com/a/1114-mest
  94. https://www.facebook.com/Mestofficial/posts/-mest-canada-tour-july-2025-get-ready-for-an-unforgettable-summer-as-theofficial/1266708001478432/
  95. https://mestmusic.com/event/6163228/726976876/mest-w-scott-russo-of-unwritten-law
  96. https://www.facebook.com/Mestofficial/
  97. https://www.instagram.com/p/DOjM4FOEtTU/
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