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Love and Death (band)
Love and Death (band)
from Wikipedia

Love and Death is an American Christian metal band formed by Korn guitarist Brian "Head" Welch. The group was officially announced in February 2012 as a re-branding of Welch's solo music project.

Key Information

History

[edit]

Formation and early years (2009–2012)

[edit]

The group is effectively a re-branding of the touring group that performed under Welch's name to promote his solo album. Formed in 2009, Welch recruited musicians through open auditions via YouTube, and second-round auditions, in person, at his studio in Phoenix, Arizona.[4] The original group was a six-piece group, who featured Michael Valentine on bass, Ralph Patlan on guitar, Brian Ruedy on keyboards, Scott "SVH" Von Heldt on guitars and vocals and Dan Johnson on drums. After two years of touring, Von Heldt departed the band due to financial reasons,[citation needed] whereas Ruedy was let go a few months earlier and later joined Whitesnake.[5] Patlan also departed the band, but no reason was given. The search began to find a guitar player. In March 2011, two weeks before a tour, Welch discovered "the perfect fit" for his band through Thousand Foot Krutch's public audition videos for a new guitarist on YouTube. 15 years old at the time, J.R. Bareis was chosen by Welch to be the new guitar player and became an official permanent member of the band, as they settled on establishing themselves as a four-piece. The group released a single, "Paralyzed" in November 2011, under the Brian "Head" Welch name. In February 2012, the touring band was re-branded into the group Love and Death.

Love and Death was formally announced in February 2012 through an official statement made by Welch. In the statement, Welch explained that "I have wanted to use a band name for branding my music for a few years. It has been an ongoing discussion with my management, but we were just starting to tour and I was in the middle of supporting my third book and it seemed like a bad time to switch names. Now with the new music coming out, it's time to really separate the things I do. I want the music to be about music. I will still be doing public speaking under Brian Head Welch. I am happy that all the confusion will be over".[4] The name Love and Death was chosen because love and death are the two most significant things you can go through in life.[6]

Chemicals EP, Between Here & Lost (2012–2015)

[edit]

The band's debut single, "Chemicals", was released in early April, while their debut EP of the same name released on April 24, 2012.[4] Welch revealed that they would be releasing a cover version of the song "Whip It" by Devo and a remix of "Paralyzed" by Har Meggido.[citation needed]

In late September 2012, the band announced that it had signed a deal with record label Tooth and Nail Records/EMI and that the group's debut album, Between Here & Lost would be released on November 20, however this was pushed back and released on January 22, 2013.[7][8] On the album, Welch stated that "this record was birthed from trials, tribulations, pain, suffering, anxiety, depression, and drama. However, we came out on top and the end result is a very real, raw & honest record."[8]

Perfectly Preserved (2016–present)

[edit]

On March 15, 2016 a new single titled "Lo Lamento" was released.[9][10] In August 2019, it was announced that Welch was recruiting musicians such as Jasen Rauch, Lacey Sturm and Spencer Chamberlain about appearing on his next work, thought to be the next Love and Death album.[11]

On October 24, 2020, it was announced that the band had signed with extreme metal label Earache Records in order to release their new album in 2021.[12] On Friday, November 13, 2020, the band released "Down", with a new lineup of Welch, Bareis, longtime friend, producer, and Breaking Benjamin guitarist Jasen Rauch on bass, and Phinehas drummer Isaiah Perez on drums.[13] On January 8, 2021, the band released "White Flag" as the second single from Perfectly Preserved. It features sound similarities to both Korn and Breaking Benjamin.[14] Ahead of the album's release Welch explained that the band was able to get together to create the new album, because their main musical projects were on hold due the COVID-19 pandemic.[15] The album has sold 1,400 copies in its first week of release.[citation needed]

Band members

[edit]

Current members

Former members

  • Michael Valentine – bass (2012–2016)
  • Dan Johnson (Red) – drums (2012–2017)

Timeline

Discography

[edit]
Love and Death discography
Studio albums2
EPs1
Singles6
Music videos6

Studio albums

List of studio albums, with selected chart positions
Title Details Peak chart positions
US
[16]
US
Christ.

[17]
US
Hard
Rock

[18]
US
Rock

[19]
UK
Rock & Metal

[20]
Between Here & Lost 81 5 5 28
Perfectly Preserved[22]
  • Released: February 12, 2021[23]
  • Label: Earache[24]
  • Formats: CD, digital download
52 4 9

Extended plays

List of extended plays
Title Details
Chemicals EP
  • Released: April 24, 2012 (US)[25]
  • Label: Headdog
  • Formats: Digital download

Singles

List of singles, with selected chart positions, showing year released and album name
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
US
Sales

[26]
US
Christ.
Rock

[27]
US
Main.

[28]
"Paralyzed"[29] (as Brian "Head" Welch) 2011 Between Here & Lost
"Chemicals" 2012 6 4
"The Abandoning" 6
"Meltdown" 2013 14
"Lo Lamento"[30] 2016 Perfectly Preserved
"Down" 2020 26
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Promotional singles

Title[citation needed] Year Album
"I W8 4 U" 2013 Between Here & Lost
"By the Way"
"White Flag" 2021 Perfectly Preserved
"The Hunter"

Music videos

List of music videos, showing year released and director
Title[citation needed] Year Director(s)
"Paralyzed" 2011
"Chemicals" 2012 Poab Design
"The Abandoning" Daniel Davison
"Meltdown" 2013 Behn Fannin
"Down" 2020 Sam Link
"Let Me Love You" 2021 Alison Roberto

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Love and Death is an American Christian band formed in 2012 by Brian "Head" Welch, the former guitarist and co-founder of the nu metal band Korn. The project originated as a of Welch's solo work following his 2005 departure from Korn and his subsequent embrace of , which profoundly influenced his music. Initially performing under Welch's stage name "Head," the band shifted to a full group dynamic to foster collaborative creativity, blending heavy riffs, soaring melodies, and introspective lyrics addressing themes of faith, struggle, and redemption. The band's lineup has evolved over time, with current members including Welch on guitars and vocals, J.R. Bareis on guitars, on bass, and Isaiah Perez on drums; former members include bassist Michael Valentine and drummer Dan Johnson. debuted with the Chemicals EP in 2012, followed by their full-length album Between Here & Lost in 2013, released via and featuring production that emphasized melodic hooks alongside aggressive elements. After a period of activity tied to Welch's intermittent reunions with Korn, the band returned in 2021 with Perfectly Preserved on , an album crafted during the that incorporated eclectic influences, including covers of pop tracks like Justin Bieber's "Let Me Love You." In 2023, they issued a 10th-anniversary edition of Between Here & Lost via Girder Records, underscoring their enduring presence in the scene.

History

Formation and early years (2009–2012)

In 2005, Brian "Head" Welch, guitarist for the band Korn, left the group to prioritize his newly embraced Christian faith and recovery from drug addiction. Following the release of his debut solo album Save Me from Myself in 2008, Welch shifted focus to building a new musical project centered on themes of redemption and spirituality. In 2009, Welch announced plans for a solo project and recruited musicians through open auditions posted on YouTube, followed by in-person tryouts at his Phoenix studio. This process resulted in an initial six-piece lineup featuring Welch on vocals and guitar, alongside Michael Valentine on bass, Ralph Patlan on guitar, Brian Ruedy on keyboards, Scott Von Heldt on guitars and backing vocals, and Dan Johnson on drums. The ensemble began rehearsing and performing live, emphasizing heavy riffs and faith-infused lyrics during early tours. By 2011, Von Heldt and Ruedy had departed the project amid lineup adjustments, and 16-year-old guitarist J.R. Bareis was added on and backing vocals after submitting an audition video that caught Welch's attention. That same year, the group released its debut single "Paralyzed" under the Brian "Head" Welch moniker, a track showcasing aggressive elements and personal struggles with doubt. In February 2012, Welch rebranded the project as the band to better reflect its collaborative identity and mission of offering hope amid life's challenges. This paved the way for early recording sessions that would shape the band's full-length debut.

Debut album and EP releases (2012–2015)

In September 2012, Love and Death signed a recording contract with Tooth & Nail Records, paving the way for their major-label debut. The band's first official release came earlier that year with the single "Chemicals," issued in early April 2012, followed by the accompanying Chemicals EP on April 24, which served as their debut under the Love and Death moniker and featured five tracks blending heavy riffs with electronic elements. Building on this momentum, the band entered the studio in Nashville to record their full-length debut album, Between Here & Lost, produced by Jasen Rauch of Red and Breaking Benjamin, with mixing handled by engineers including Ben Grosse. The album was released on January 22, 2013, via , showcasing a sound characterized by aggressive guitar work and Brian "Head" Welch's evolved vocal delivery, which incorporated more melodic singing compared to his Korn era. Key singles from Between Here & Lost included "The Abandoning," released on November 30, 2012, as a promotional track ahead of the album, and "Meltdown," issued in August 2013 with an accompanying directed by Behn Fannin. The album achieved moderate commercial success, debuting at number 95 on the , number 5 on the Christian Albums chart, number 5 on the Hard Rock Albums chart, and number 28 on the Top Rock Albums chart. Following the album's release, embarked on extensive touring from 2013 to 2015, including support slots on major tours and appearances at festivals such as Rock am Ring in (2013), (2013), Fandana Festival (2013), and ShipRocked cruise (2014), where they performed sets drawing heavily from Between Here & Lost material. Early critical reception praised the album's return to roots while noting Welch's vocal growth, with reviewers highlighting tracks like "The Abandoning" for their intense energy and the overall production's clarity and heaviness. Outlets described it as a "well-balanced heavy album" that effectively merged '90s influences with modern polish, appealing to fans of the genre.

Hiatus and lineup changes (2016–2020)

Following the release of their debut album Between Here & Lost in 2013, which achieved moderate commercial success by debuting at number 95 on the , Love and Death entered a period of reduced activity. The band's only output during this four-year span was the standalone single "Lo Lamento," released on March 15, 2016, via . This track marked a temporary resurgence but ultimately underscored the project's dormancy, as no further tours or recordings followed immediately. Significant lineup changes occurred amid the hiatus, with bassist Michael Valentine and drummer Dan Johnson departing by 2016–2017. Frontman "Head" Welch cited multiple factors contributing to the slowdown, including his renewed commitment to Korn following his 2013 return, which involved extensive touring and shifted his creative focus back to guitar work rather than lead vocals. Welch also noted a personal loss of passion for fronting , compounded by the other members pursuing different musical paths or stepping away from the industry. These shifts, alongside Welch's emphasis on family life and solo endeavors during this time, effectively paused the band's momentum. As the hiatus progressed into 2020, preparations for a revival began, including the involvement of Jasen Rauch—guitarist from Breaking Benjamin—who initially served as a producer and collaborator before officially joining on bass. Rauch's contributions helped reshape the project's sound and lineup. On October 24, 2020, Love and Death signed with Earache Records, a move that signaled their intent to resume activity with a new studio album in development. The signing was accompanied by the release of the teaser single "Down" in November 2020, which peaked at number 26 on the US Mainstream Rock chart and featured Rauch's prominent role.

Perfectly Preserved era (2021–present)

marked their return after a lengthy hiatus with the release of their second studio album, Perfectly Preserved, on February 12, 2021, through . The album was co-produced by and Joe Rickard, blending heavy riffs with melodic elements reflective of the band's roots. It featured contributions from guest vocalists such as on "Let Me Love You" and marked a significant creative resurgence for frontman Brian "Head" Welch. The album solidified the band's current lineup, consisting of Welch on vocals and , J.R. Bareis on and backing vocals, Rauch on bass, and Isaiah Perez on , with Perez joining in 2021 to complete . Key singles from the record included "Down," released in late 2020, and "" featuring Ryan Hayes, which dropped in January 2021 and highlighted the band's aggressive yet anthemic sound. Perfectly Preserved debuted at number 9 on the Rock & Metal Albums , demonstrating renewed interest in the project. Following the album's launch, Love and Death resumed live activity with a globally streamed release concert on February 12, 2021, captured at Nashville's Cannery Ballroom and later issued as the live album Perfectly Preserved Live in November 2021 via Blu-ray, DVD, and digital formats. The performance included special guests like and , underscoring the band's collaborative spirit during a period limited by restrictions. This event kickstarted a touring resurgence, with appearances alongside Korn and other acts through 2023, allowing Welch to integrate Love and Death into his broader musical schedule. As of November 2025, remains active without a new studio album announced, as Welch balances commitments with Korn. In November 2025, Welch launched his XOVR Records, which released the tenth studio album by Spoken, featuring contributions from Bareis. Band members continue contributing to related projects, including Bareis's involvement with the rock band Spoken. The group maintains a presence through occasional live outings and digital releases, preserving their momentum from the Perfectly Preserved era.

Musical style and influences

Genre classification

Love and Death is primarily classified as a and Christian alternative metal band, incorporating elements of and in their sound. The band's music draws heavily from the genre, characterized by downtuned guitars, aggressive rhythms, and a blend of rap-influenced verses with screamed vocals, while the Christian alternative metal label reflects their faith-infused lyrics delivered through accessible, radio-friendly structures. Central to their style is heavy, riff-driven guitar work, influenced by frontman Brian "Head" Welch's tenure in Korn, which emphasizes grinding, low-end riffs and atmospheric textures combined with melodic choruses that provide emotional contrast. This approach creates a dynamic tension between raw aggression and soaring hooks, often evoking comparisons to Korn's earnest, riff-heavy alt-metal sound, as well as Linkin Park's fusion of heaviness and melody, and Christian metal acts like for their thematic intensity within a hard-edged framework. The band's production has evolved across releases, starting with dense, aggressive mixes on their 2013 debut album Between Here & Lost, which feature raw intensity and unpolished energy to amplify the grooves and industrial-tinged electronics. In contrast, the 2021 album Perfectly Preserved adopts a more polished, vocal-focused approach, with cleaner mixes that highlight melodic alt-metal elements and refined choruses while retaining chunky breakdowns and drive.

Lyrical themes

The lyrics of , primarily penned by frontman "Head" Welch, are deeply rooted in his personal testimony of Christian , often exploring themes of redemption, spiritual struggles, and triumph over . Welch's journey from to profoundly shapes the band's songwriting, with songs reflecting his battles against drugs and alcohol as a path to spiritual renewal. For instance, the track "Chemicals" metaphorically addresses the ravages of and depression, drawing from Welch's own experiences where "chemicals" symbolize both substances and the brain's imbalances that fuel despair. These narratives emphasize as a redemptive force, portraying struggles not as endpoints but as opportunities for divine intervention and personal growth. Beyond spiritual motifs, the band's lyrics delve into personal narratives of loss, challenges, and relational turmoil, offering raw insights into human vulnerability while seeking perseverance through adversity. Tracks like "Down" capture this through imagery of being "buried beneath" self-inflicted wounds and despair, yet plead for reassurance of life and belief, symbolizing a resilient push against overwhelming darkness often tied to faith's sustaining power. Welch has described such content as honest explorations of trauma, , and broken relationships, avoiding didactic tones to connect universally with listeners facing similar pains. This approach integrates subtle biblical allusions—evoking ideas of grace and renewal—without overt , allowing the music to resonate in broader rock contexts. Over time, Love and Death's lyrical evolution has shifted from the introspective, raw intensity of early releases to a more hopeful, communal outlook in later works. The debut album Between Here & Lost (2013) and preceding EP Chemicals (2012) lean heavily into unfiltered past, with visceral depictions of isolation and inner conflict. In contrast, the 2021 album Perfectly Preserved adopts a starker yet optimistic lens on and societal issues, co-written collaboratively to foster messages of collective resilience and spiritual uplift, as Welch notes that his foundational remains evident but expressed through anthemic encouragement rather than solo anguish. This progression mirrors Welch's maturing testimony, transforming personal redemption stories into broader calls for endurance and connection.

Band members

Current members

The current lineup of Love and Death, as of 2025, consists of Brian "Head" Welch on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, J.R. Bareis on lead guitar and backing vocals, on bass, and Isaiah Perez on drums. Brian "Head" Welch founded the band in 2009 and has served as its lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist since its official launch in 2012; he is the primary songwriter and guitarist and co-founder of Korn. J.R. Bareis joined in 2012 as lead guitarist and provides backing vocals; he also plays in the band Spoken and contributes to melodies and production within Love and Death. Jasen Rauch became the bassist in 2020, having previously produced the band's debut album Between Here & Lost; a member of Breaking Benjamin and former member of Red, he serves as co-songwriter and producer for the 2021 album Perfectly Preserved. Isaiah Perez joined as drummer in 2020, of , and has supported touring and recordings for Perfectly Preserved. This lineup has shaped the heavier, more collaborative sound of Perfectly Preserved, blending with elements.

Former members

Love and Death's former members consist of musicians who were part of the band's initial formation under the Head moniker and the early years following its 2012 rebranding, contributing to the debut Between Here & Lost and preceding releases. Scott Von Heldt – guitars, vocals (2009–2011); founding member of the project that became , departed prior to the official rebranding due to financial reasons. Ralph Patlan – guitar (2012); early member selected through auditions for the initial lineup, with a short tenure before further changes. Brian Ruedy – keyboards (2012); part of the original six-piece configuration, left before the release of the band's first EP Chemicals. Michael Valentine – bass, backing vocals (2012–2016); joined from Brian "Head" Welch's solo efforts as part of the debut lineup for Between Here & Lost, departed during the band's hiatus period. Dan Johnson – drums (2012–2017); original drummer who carried over from the Head project, contributed to the debut album and departed following the promotional cycle.

Discography

Studio albums

Love and Death's debut studio , Between Here & Lost, was released on January 22, 2013, through . The , produced by , features 11 tracks blending aggression with elements, highlighted by key singles "The Abandoning" and "Meltdown." It debuted at number 81 on the , number 5 on the Hard Rock Albums chart, number 5 on the Christian Albums chart, and number 28 on the Top Rock Albums chart.
No.TitleLength
1."The Abandoning"3:26
2."Whip It"3:08
3."Watching the Bottom Fall"3:37
4."By the Way..."3:50
5."Meltdown"4:06
6."My Disaster"4:12
7."I W8 4 U"4:31
8."Fading Away"3:40
9."Paralyzed"3:42
10."Chemicals"3:55
11."Bruises"4:22
An expanded edition featuring three bonus tracks—"Empty," "The Abandoning (Rauch )," and "Meltdown (Rauch )"—was released in 2013. A 10th anniversary edition of the expanded album was issued on , 2023, via Girder Records and Blind Tiger Records, marking the first vinyl pressing. The band's second studio album, Perfectly Preserved, arrived on February 12, 2021, via Blind Tiger Records. Also produced by , the 10-track effort incorporates guest vocals from of Flyleaf on "Let Me Love You," emphasizing themes of resilience amid personal turmoil.
No.TitleLength
1."Infamy"1:52
2."Tragedy"3:36
3."Down"4:02
4."Let Me Love You" (featuring )3:52
5."Death of Us"3:52
6."Slow Fire"3:29
7."The Hunter"3:39
8."Lo Lamento"3:49
9."Affliction"3:16
10."White Flag"3:56

Extended plays

Love and Death's debut , Chemicals, was released on April 24, 2012, through . This five-track EP marked the band's initial foray into recording under the moniker, building on Brian "Head" Welch's solo work while establishing a collaborative sound with heavy riffs, electronic elements, and themes of personal struggle and redemption. The release served as a foundational project, previewing the band's direction ahead of their full-length debut album. The EP features original tracks alongside remixes, clocking in at approximately 19 minutes. Key contributions include guest vocals from Matt Baird on "Whip It," a cover of Devo's 1980 hit reimagined in a heavier style, and remixes by Har Megiddo for "Paralyzed" and the title track. The tracklist is as follows:
No.TitleLength
1."Paralyzed"3:43
2."Whip It" (feat. Matt Baird)3:07
3."Chemicals"3:56
4."Paralyzed (Har Megiddo Remix)"3:37
5."Chemicals (Har Megiddo Remix)"4:35
The title track "Chemicals" was issued as the band's debut single, accompanied by an official that emphasized its intense, introspective about battling inner demons. Overall, Chemicals introduced core band members—Welch on guitar and vocals, Michael Valentine on bass and vocals, and Dan Johnson on drums—while highlighting Welch's evolution from Korn toward a faith-infused metal aesthetic.

Singles

Love and Death has issued a series of singles spanning their career, often serving as promotional teasers for albums and EPs while showcasing the band's evolving sound with themes of personal struggle and redemption. These releases include early solo efforts by frontman "Head" Welch rebranded under the band name, as well as collaborative tracks featuring guest vocalists. "Paralyzed," released on October 4, 2011, originated as a solo single by Welch prior to the band's official formation, but was later incorporated into Love and Death's debut EP, Chemicals. The track features heavy riffs and introspective lyrics about emotional numbness, marking Welch's transition from Korn to his new project. The band's first official single, "Chemicals," arrived in early April 2012 as the lead track for their Chemicals EP released later that month on April 24. It explores themes of and inner turmoil with aggressive vocals and electronic elements, establishing the group's identity. From their debut album Between Here & Lost, "The Abandoning" was issued on November 30, 2012, capturing the band's raw energy through pounding drums and lyrics addressing abandonment and faith. The single peaked at No. 6 on the US chart. "Meltdown," the third single from Between Here & Lost, followed on August 12, 2013, with a emphasizing chaotic live performance footage. The song delves into mental breakdown and resilience, blending industrial influences with melodic choruses. During a hiatus, "Lo Lamento" emerged as a standalone single on March 15, 2016, tied to Welch's promotion. This Spanish-titled track ("I'm Sorry") reflects regret and spiritual seeking, featuring atmospheric production and guest contributions. Signaling the band's revival, "Down" was released on November 13, 2020, as a teaser for their second album Perfectly Preserved. The heavy, anthemic track addresses depression and isolation, peaking at No. 26 on the US Mainstream Rock chart in 2021. "," dropped on January 8, 2021, also from Perfectly Preserved, features guest vocals from Ryan Hayes of Righteous Vendetta and confronts surrender to amid hardship with soaring hooks and breakdowns. Closing out the Perfectly Preserved era, "Let Me Love You" arrived on July 23, 2021, as a cover of the and hit, featuring of Flyleaf on vocals. The rendition infuses intensity into themes of unconditional love and vulnerability.

References

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