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Chevelle (band)
Chevelle (band)
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Chevelle is an American rock band formed in Grayslake, Illinois, in 1995. The band was originally composed of two brothers, Pete Loeffler (lead vocals and guitar) and Sam Loeffler (drums and percussion), along with Matt Scott (bass and backing vocals). Scott was replaced by Sam and Pete's brother, Joe Loeffler, in 1996. When Joe left the band in 2005, Geno Lenardo subbed in as the touring bassist until he was replaced by Pete and Sam's brother-in-law, Dean Bernardini. Bernardini departed from the band in 2019, and in 2021, Kemble Walters joined the band as a touring bassist.

Key Information

The band's first studio album, Point #1, was released on a small record label called Squint Entertainment. Chevelle's second album, Wonder What's Next (2002), was certified double platinum by the RIAA after a debut at No. 14 on the United States albums chart, Billboard 200. This Type of Thinking (Could Do Us In) (2004), the band's third album debuted at No. 8 and has been certified platinum. Chevelle has since released seven more albums: Vena Sera (2007), Sci-Fi Crimes (2009), Hats Off to the Bull (2011), La Gárgola (2014), The North Corridor (2016), NIRATIAS (2021), and Bright as Blasphemy (2025). Other releases from Chevelle include two live albums, two DVDs, and two compilation albums. As of 2022, the band has sold over 6 million records.

History

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Formation, Point #1, and Wonder What's Next (1995–2003)

[edit]
Logo used since Wonder What's Next.

Chevelle formed in 1995 in Grayslake, Illinois, when brothers Pete Loeffler and Sam Loeffler started enjoying and learning to play music.[1][2] Pete started playing guitar and singing while Sam began playing drums in their parents' garage.[1] Bassist Matt Scott was also in the band until 1996.[3] Their youngest brother Joe Loeffler joined the band replacing Scott.[1][2] Each of the band members were self-taught musicians.[2][3] The name Chevelle came from the band members' passion for fast cars.[4] It was also a car their father liked, the Chevrolet Chevelle.[5] The band started playing small outdoor concerts and clubs around Chicago, Illinois, with Joe being only 14 years old.[1]

Chevelle recorded a seven-track demo known as The Blue Album, released in 1998.[3] The band played small concerts for the next three years until they were signed on to Steve Taylor's Squint Entertainment,[1][2][3] a contemporary Christian music label. The band recorded with Steve Albini for 17 days in Electrical Audio studios and released its first full-length album, Point #1 in 1999.[2][3][6][7] Two singles were released from the album with accompanying music videos, "Point #1" and "Mia".[2][8] The songs received GMA Dove Awards in 2000 and "Point #1" in 2001.[9] The album received an award for "Hard Music Album" in 2000 by the Dove Awards.[10] The album was well received by Phantom Tollbooth and HM Magazine,[11][12] yet was criticized for its repetitive song structures by Jesus Freak Hideout, a Christian music website.[7] The band's label at the time was going through legal troubles as Word Records was attempting to wrest control of Squint from Taylor.[2] This caused uncertainty with the band's future.[2] Discussing the legal battle, bassist Joe Loeffler stated "we weren't sure if anything was going to happen after that, it was pretty crazy."[2]

Chevelle toured as support to bands such as Sevendust, Machine Head, Filter, and Powerman 5000 in this period.[1][3] Squint Entertainment closed down in 2001 and the band signed with Epic Records in 2002.[1] In 2002 Chevelle released its second studio album Wonder What's Next on Epic Records.[3][13] The band released the single "The Red", which reached No. 3 on the Mainstream rock charts, and the video was played in regular rotation on MTV.[14] Wonder What's Next soon peaked at No. 14 on the United States Billboard 200 album chart.[15] Brian O'Neil of AllMusic stated the album "offers uniqueness not often heard in more commercial fare, no mean feat."[13] Chevelle released two more singles from the album, "Closure",[16] and "Send the Pain Below",[16][17] the latter of which reached the No. 1 position on both of the mainstream rock and modern rock charts.[14] Wonder What's Next was certified 2× platinum by the RIAA with excess sales of one million copies sold in the United States alone in 2003.[18][19] Chevelle was nominated for three awards at the 2003 Billboard Music Awards.[20] One as a band and two for their song "Send the Pain Below".[20] The categories they were nominated for were Modern Rock Artist, Modern Rock Track, and Top Rock Song.[20]

In 2003, Chevelle performed at Ozzfest,[17] where the band recorded and later released its first live album, Live from the Road,[21] and a live DVD, Live from the Norva on October 14, 2003.[16] In 2003, the band was featured on the Music as a Weapon II tour with Disturbed.[21][22] On the tour with Disturbed, Chevelle appeared on the tour compilation album, titled Music as a Weapon II, featuring the songs "The Red" and "Forfeit".[22] Keith Miller of EvangelSociety.org was critical of Chevelle for touring with Ozzfest with bands such as Cradle of Filth, who he claimed incorporated strong Satanic and anti-Christian themes into their lyrics.[23] Chevelle held their first major headlining tour, from November 1 to December 17, 2003.[16] The tour started in Cleveland and ended in Chicago.[16]

In 2004, Sam Loeffler said, "It's something that's probably going to follow us around forever and that's fine. It's pretty simple. We originally signed with a record company that was backed by Word (a Christian label housing John Tesh and Amy Grant), so [Point #1] was in Christian bookstores. It was really an accidental thing".[23][24] Sam also told the Chicago Tribune, "Our faith is still extremely important to us, but it's also very personal. None of us feels being a rock band on stage should be a pedestal for preaching".[25]

Line-up changes, This Type of Thinking (Could Do Us In), and Vena Sera (2004–2008)

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This Type of Thinking (Could Do Us In) was recorded in early 2004, and was released on September 21, 2004.[26][27][28] The album debuted at No. 8 on the Billboard 200, and was certified gold by the RIAA six weeks later.[15] Johnny Loftus of AllMusic described the songs on the album as "strong dynamically, but sound predetermined — they don't separate from the general loud rock malaise."[28] The song "Vitamin R (Leading Us Along)" was released as the first single from the album and reached the No. 1 position on the Mainstream Rock chart.[14][3][29] Two other singles were released from the album, the titles of which are "The Clincher" peaking at No. 3 on the Mainstream rock chart, and "Panic Prone" which peaked at No. 26 on the same chart.[14][3] The band's song "The Clincher" was featured in the video game Madden NFL 2005.[30][31]

After the release of the album, the youngest of the brothers, Joe Loeffler, was dismissed from Chevelle.[32][33] Due to different stories from the band members, it is unclear whether he was fired or left the band of his own accord.[33] Pete and Sam stated the following on the band's official website: "After three years of non-stop touring and recording, Joe is taking a break to be home with family. We'll miss having him on the road with us, but as his brothers and bandmates we respect his decision and are looking forward to getting out there and playing for the fans. See you on tour." However, according to Ultimate Guitar Archive, Joe said he was fired.[33]

The band supported This Type of Thinking (Could Do Us In) with a headlining tour that included opening acts such as Taproot and Thirty Seconds to Mars,[34][35] and continued playing small tours in 2005 with Geno Lenardo from the band Filter.[36] In August 2005, the Loeffler brothers' brother-in-law and longtime friend, Dean Bernardini joined the band as their newest bassist.[1][33] In 2006 Chevelle supported Nickelback for an arena tour across the United States.[33]

Vocalist and guitarist Pete Loeffler performing in 2007 at MyCokeFest in Atlanta

In 2006, the band recorded their fourth studio album titled Vena Sera. The album was the first album Chevelle recorded with Bernardini.[37] Vena Sera was released on April 3, 2007,[37][38] debuting at No. 12 on the Billboard 200, and sold 62,000 copies during its first week of release.[3][39] The title of the album translates to "vein liquid" in Latin, representing the blood Chevelle put into making the album, according to Pete.[40]

Corey Apar of AllMusic states that "Vena Sera probably won't disappoint fans, and it didn't, if for the sole fact that it basically sounds just like Chevelle's other albums". He noted that the song "I Get It" "has a relatively lighter underbelly than the rest, which is a nice change of pace, but it's ultimately too little, too late".[37] "Well Enough Alone", the first single from the album, was written about the departure of Joe Loeffler, and reached No. 4 on the Mainstream rock charts.[14] Chevelle toured with Evanescence and Finger Eleven during March and April 2007,[41] followed by a headlining tour with Finger Eleven and Strata in May and June.[42] The second single from the album, "I Get It", was released on June 12, 2007, and a video for the song debuted on MTV on November 27, 2007.[43] In July of the same year, Chevelle toured Australia as a supporting act for the band The Butterfly Effect.[44] On the tour in Australia, Chevelle's band manager Rose died of cancer, much to the distress of the band.[40]

On May 9, 2007, during a show in Fort Worth, Texas Chevelle's trailer containing all of the band's equipment was stolen from the hotel at which the members were staying.[45] The band posted a notice saying, "Most items are labeled 'Chevelle' and if you notice anything suspicious on eBay or other online resellers selling 'authentic' Chevelle items... guitar, basses, drums, amplifiers, risers, backdrops, tee shirts... please call the police..." A month later in an interview, Sam Loeffler stated, "Of the 14 guitars, we got two of 'em, and then we got some amplifiers back and our monitor system. So it's really, I mean it's cool because it's kind of like Christmas, only really weird. People have been calling us and saying, 'Hey, I bought this or that', and you know, we're just doing our best to buy it back from them. And certainly the issue is not a money issue, it's about having the pieces of gear that you did all your records with."[45]

Sci-Fi Crimes and Hats Off to the Bull (2009–2012)

[edit]
Pete Loeffler performing live at the Carnival of Madness tour in 2012 at the Laredo Energy Arena

In 2009, Chevelle entered a studio in Nashville, Tennessee with producer Brian Virtue. Sam Loeffler stated, "We have spent a lot of time making these songs something different from past records without losing the core of our passion. We are a hard rock, melodic band and it's still what drives us as musicians."[46] The new album, titled Sci-Fi Crimes was released on August 31, 2009,[47][48] peaking at No. 6 on the Billboard 200 album chart with sales of about 46,000, the highest entry onto the chart to date for the band.[3][49][50] The album was praised by Jared Johnson of AllMusic for taking a step in a new direction in regards to the lyrics.[51] Pete Loeffler normally wrote lyrics about personal subjects. However, on Sci-Fi Crimes he wrote of stories including apparitions, conspiracy theories, and erratic sleeping conditions.[51] The tour following the release of Sci-Fi Crimes was in the late 2009.[48] Halestorm opened for Chevelle on this tour.[48] Chevelle also joined Halestorm, Staind, and Shinedown on "Stimulate This!" tour starting in July 2009.[52]

In January 2011, Chevelle released a live CD/DVD combo, Any Last Words.[50] The release was part of Chevelle's ten-year anniversary as a recording band. As a special offer for fans, part of the pre-order package included a T-shirt and the fans' name in the 'thank yous' part of the album booklet.[50]

On December 6, 2011, Chevelle released Hats Off to the Bull, their sixth studio album.[53][54] The album's first single was titled "Face to the Floor",[55][56] which reached No. 3 on Billboard's Rock songs chart.[57] The album debuted at No. 20 on the Billboard charts and sold 43,000 copies in its first week of release.[55] Joe Barresi, who produced Hats Off to the Bull said of the album, "Rather than simply subscribing to a tried-and-true formula, they made a conscious effort to incorporate new sounds and textures into their patented airtight anthems. As a result, Hats Off to the Bull is one of the group's most infectious and impressive offerings to date."[55] AllMusic reviewer Gregory Heaney stated the album is "Heavy and dramatic, the album is packed full of tightly coiled, muscular riffs, giving the album a controlled feeling more like a slow burn than an explosive, cathartic release."[53]

Chevelle was nominated for Rock Band of the Year at the 2012 Loudwire Music Awards.[58] Also, a compilation album of band favorites called Stray Arrows: A Collection of Favorites, was released to stores on December 4, 2012.[59][60][61] The compilation includes 11 songs and a previously unreleased track titled "Fizgig".[59][60][61] The Best Buy version has 15 songs and the track "Fizgig".[59]

La Gárgola, The North Corridor and departure of Dean Bernardini (2013–2019)

[edit]

After wrapping up touring in support of Hats off to the Bull in 2013, Chevelle entered the studio to record their seventh album, re-teaming with Joe Barresi to produce the album.[62] Recording and production finished early in 2014, and the band announced on February 1 that the album, to be released April 1, 2014, would be titled La Gárgola (Spanish for "the gargoyle").[63][64][65] Lead singer Pete Loeffler describes that the album is about "the dark underbelly of American culture."[66] The first single from the album, titled "Take Out the Gunman", was released on February 3, 2014.[62][67][68] The other singles from the album are "Hunter Eats Hunter" and "An Island".[69][70][71] The album reached the top of the Rock Album chart in April 2014.[72] Chevelle was nominated for four awards at the 2014 Loudwire Music Awards.[73][74][75][76] The categories were, Best Rock Band,[73] Best Rock Album (La Gárgola),[74] Best Bassist (Dean Bernardini),[75] and Best Rock Song ("Take Out the Gunman").[76]

Chevelle performing at Rock am Ring in 2014

In an interview with 105.7 The Point on May 23, 2015, the band stated that after their last show of their tour in St. Louis, they would focus on writing new material, and that future work would be moving in a heavier-sounding direction.[77]

On May 10, 2016, the band announced that their new album would be titled The North Corridor, which was released on July 8, 2016.[78][79][80][81] The first single from the album is "Joyride (Omen)"[82][83] which became their fifth song to reach No. 1 on the Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks.[71] The others two singles from the album are "Door to Door Cannibals"[84][85] and "Rivers".[86][87] In October 2018, Chevelle released a compilation album titled, 12 Bloody Spies, featuring B-sides, covers, rarities, and remixes.[1][88][89] On August 1, 2019, the band launched a craft beer in collaboration with Revolution Brewing.[90][91][92] The beer the band launched is a German-style Helles Lager and is called La Gárgola named after the band's seventh album.[90][91][92] On September 20, 2019, Bernardini announced his departure from the band.[93][94]

NIRATIAS and Bright as Blasphemy (2019–present)

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In June 2019, the band announced that they entered the studio with long-time producer Joe Barresi.[95] Along with the announcement drummer Sam Loeffler said they have been writing material for a year-and-a-half, meaning the process of making this album has taken longer than usual.[95] In an interview with KCAL 96.7's RadioActive Mike Z. in September 2019, vocalist Pete Loeffler stated:

"We went really dark on the last two [albums], really heavy and more metal. That’s personally where I like to be and I want to live on stage, but this record [Barresi] was like, ‘Let’s try to do some melodic stuff,’ so I went down that road."[95]

On November 8, 2020, the band released an acoustic version of the new song "Endlessly".[95][96] The band released a music video for their new song, "Self Destructor" on January 8, 2021.[97][98][99] The song is the lead single from their upcoming ninth studio album, NIRATIAS (an acronym for "Nothing is real and this is a simulation")[100][101] which was released on March 5, 2021.[97][98][99] On January 29, 2021, the band released the second single from the album, "Peach".[102][103] On February 19, 2021, the band released the third single from the album, "Remember When".[100][104] On March 5, 2021, the band released the fourth single from the album, "Endlessly".[105] On March 8, 2021, the band announced that ÆGES guitarist and vocalist, Kemble Walters would be their new touring bassist.[106]

In a March 17, 2021, interview with Loudwire, Pete Loeffler states that despite the band selling over six million albums, they haven't gotten any money out of it. The money all went back to Epic. He blames it on signing a bad contract early on in his career.[107][108] On May 1, 2021, the band released a music video for the song "Mars Simula".[109][110] "Self Destructor" was included in the 2021 film, Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard.[111] The band toured in September and November 2021 in promotion of the album, calling the tour, "The NIRATIAS Tour".[112][113] The November dates were later canceled and the band stated it was due to "changing circumstances beyond our control."[114] In 2022, the band was nominated for Rock Artist of the Year at the iHeartRadio Music Awards.[115][116]

In April 2022, the band canceled one concert and postponed another due to Sam testing positive for COVID-19.[117] In June 2022, the band announced that they were entering the studio to record their tenth studio album in November or December, with plans of releasing the album in 2023.[117][118] It will be their first release without a major record label due to their contract with Epic Records ending.[119] In March 2024, it was announced that Chevelle had ten songs recorded for the new album.[120] The band went on a US tour in September 2023 with Three Days Grace and Loathe.[121] In July 2024, the band announced that they signed with a new record label, Alchemy Recordings, and that their tenth album was tentatively due to come out in September or October that year.[122] However, both release dates were missed and the album was delayed to 2025.[123] On March 25, 2025, the band announced a new tour, with supporting acts Asking Alexandria and Dead Poet Society. The tour began in August 2025.[124][125] The following day, they released the single "Rabbit Hole (Cowards, Pt. 1)".[126][127]

In an interview with Full Metal Jackie on KLOS' "Whiplash", drummer Sam Loeffler stated that their upcoming album was self-produced.[128][129] He described the process as "The hardest thing we've ever done [and]...probably not worth it, but we did it, and we can say we did it."[128][129] Their previous long-time producer, Joe Barresi, encouraged the band to self-produce their next album.[128][129] Barresi produced all of the band's albums since Hats Off to the Bull (2011).[128][129] Loeffler also stated that the song, "Cowards, Pt. 2", could be the album's second single.[129] On May 14, 2025, a music video for "Rabbit Hole (Cowards, Pt. 1)" was released.[130] On May 28, 2025, the second single, "Jim Jones (Cowards, Pt. 2)" was released, alongside an announcement for the band's tenth studio album, Bright as Blasphemy. The album was released on August 15.[131][132]

Musical style and influences

[edit]

Chevelle has been classified as hard rock, alternative metal, alternative rock, post-grunge, nu metal, progressive metal, and indie rock.[note 1] The band's debut album Point #1 has been described as indie rock.[149] The band's most popular albums, Wonder What's Next and This Type of Thinking (Could Do Us In), are both described as nu metal.[150][151] Wonder What's Next had been described as having a radio-friendly sound.[152] Albums such as La Gargola and The North Corridor feature a heavier, more riff-oriented sound with lyrical themes influenced by horror.[152] Their ninth studio album NIRATIAS incorporated elements of progressive rock and art rock along with a science-fiction theme.[153]

Their primary musical influences as stated by the band members are Helmet,[1][154][155] Tool,[1][154][155] and The Cure.[155] Chevelle has frequently been compared to Tool throughout its career.[156] Pete Loeffler's singing voice was stated to sound similar to that of Tool's Maynard James Keenan,[137] and the band's music has been compared to Tool's "soft-loud vocal dynamics."[1] According to Lauren Wise of Phoenix New Times, "[Chevelle have] never strayed far from their controlled chaos and somehow gentle rampage or their mix of dark magnetism and gothic pop (think early Tool meets The Cure if you haven't heard radio-dominating hits like "The Red")."[157]

Despite comparisons to Tool, many critics such as Andree Farias and Andy Argyrakis of Christianity Today have stated Chevelle as having a unique sound to their music.[24][25] Andree Farias of Christianity Today has reviewed Chevelle's first three albums, praising them as "commanding vocals over jolting guitars and chest-thumping bass beats".[24] In discussing the band's sound throughout their career, Raul Stanciu of Sputnikmusic stated, "It amazes me how Chevelle manage to maintain such a consistent output...[they're] always tweaking the overall sound in small amounts, so that you’ll be constantly surprised."[152] Chevelle's music has also been described as "a kind of controlled chaos, a beautiful darkness, a gentle rampage of aural velocity."[147]

Band members

[edit]

Current

  • Pete Loeffler – lead vocals, guitar (1995–present); bass (2019–present; in studio only)
  • Sam Loeffler – drums (1995–present)

Touring

  • Geno Lenardo – bass (2005)
  • Kemble Walters – bass, backing vocals (2021–present)

Former

  • Matt Scott – bass, backing vocals (1995–1996)
  • Joe Loeffler – bass, backing vocals (1996–2005)
  • Dean Bernardini – bass, backing vocals, additional drums (2005–2019)

Timeline

Discography

[edit]

Awards and nominations

[edit]

Billboard Music Awards

[edit]
Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2003 Chevelle Modern Rock Artist Nominated [20]
"Send the Pain Below" Modern Rock Track Nominated
Top Rock Song Nominated

GMA Dove Awards

[edit]
Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2000 Point #1 Hard Music Album Won [10]
"Mia" Hard Music Recorded Song Won [10]
2001 "Point #1" Won [158]

iHeartRadio Music Awards

[edit]
Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2022 Chevelle Rock Artist of the Year Nominated [115][116]

Loudwire Music Awards

[edit]
Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2012 Chevelle Rock Band of the Year Nominated [58]
2014 Chevelle Best Rock Band Nominated [73]
La Gárgola Best Rock Album Nominated [74]
Dean Bernardini Best Bassist Nominated [75]
"Take Out the Gunman" Best Rock Song Nominated [76]

Notes

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References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Chevelle is an American rock band formed in 1995 in , by brothers (lead vocals and guitar) and Sam Loeffler (drums), originally alongside their brother Joe Loeffler on bass. The group initially built a following in the area through independent releases before signing with , achieving mainstream success with their second studio album, (2002), which debuted at No. 14 on the and was certified double platinum by the RIAA for sales exceeding 2 million copies in the United States. Featuring heavy riffs and introspective lyrics exploring themes of personal struggle and addiction, the album spawned the hit single "," which topped the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart for four weeks and peaked at No. 65 on the Hot 100. After Joe Loeffler's departure in 2005 due to personal differences, the band recruited (Pete's brother-in-law) as , who contributed to albums like (2007), (2009), Hats Off to the Bull (2011), (2014), and (2016). left in 2019 following the band's final tour with him, and since 2021, Chevelle has toured with Kemble Walters of ÆGES while maintaining the core duo of the Loeffler brothers. The band's sound evolved within the and genres, blending aggressive instrumentation with melodic hooks, leading to additional chart-topping singles such as "Vitamin R (Leading Us Along)" (2004) and "Joyride" (2016) on the Mainstream Rock Airplay chart. Over their career, Chevelle has released ten studio albums, including (2021) and their most recent, Bright as Blasphemy (August 15, 2025, via Alchemy Recordings; which debuted at No. 1 on the Hard Music Albums chart), selling more than 6 million records worldwide as of 2021. Chevelle's discography reflects a consistent output of hard-hitting rock, with early works like the independent debut The Blue Album (1997) and Point #1 (1999) showcasing raw energy before their major-label breakthrough. Despite industry challenges, including recouping advances from label deals that left the band without direct profits from sales despite their commercial success, the Loeffler brothers have sustained the project through relentless touring and fan loyalty, performing at festivals like Ozzfest in 2003 and maintaining a presence on rock radio into the 2020s. Their longevity is marked by multiple gold and platinum certifications, six No. 1s on the Mainstream Rock Airplay chart, and a dedicated following in the alternative rock scene.

History

Formation and early releases (1995–2003)

Chevelle was formed in 1995 in , a suburb of , by brothers on lead vocals and guitar and Joe Loeffler on bass, along with drummer . The band's name drew inspiration from the , a classic muscle car favored by the Loeffler family's father and emblematic of Midwestern hot rod culture. Drawing from the local rock scene and familial musical roots, the trio began performing locally, honing a sound rooted in heavy riffs and introspective lyrics influenced by the brothers' close-knit dynamic. The band self-released a demo album, The Blue Album, in 1997, featuring early recordings that laid the groundwork for their developing style. The band's debut studio album, , arrived in 1999 via Squint Entertainment, a small label known for alternative acts. Produced by renowned engineer , whose raw approach had shaped albums for Nirvana and Pixies, the record captured Chevelle's aggressive style with tracks like the brooding "Family System," released as a promotional single. Despite limited distribution, garnered underground attention through local radio play and early shows, though Squint's closure in 2001 amid financial troubles disrupted momentum. In response, Chevelle signed with in 2002, reissuing with minor remixes on select tracks to broaden reach while preparing their major-label follow-up. Wonder What's Next, released in October 2002 and produced by , marked Chevelle's breakthrough, debuting at No. 14 on the and eventually selling over two million copies in the U.S. The album's polished yet heavy production highlighted Pete Loeffler's soaring vocals and the band's rhythmic drive, with "The Red" peaking at No. 5 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Airplay chart. "" followed as an even bigger hit, topping the Mainstream Rock Airplay chart for four weeks and reaching No. 2 on , while "Closure" climbed to No. 6 on the latter. Early sales surpassed 500,000 units within months, earning gold certification and propelling Chevelle into mainstream arenas. Amid this rise, the band navigated lineup shifts, with Matt Traynor departing in 2000 due to creative differences; their third brother, Sam Loeffler, joined on drums, solidifying the sibling core alongside Pete and Joe. Chevelle supported the album through extensive touring, opening for acts like Tool and on national bills, which exposed their music to wider audiences and built a dedicated fanbase ahead of their evolving sound in the mid-2000s.

Lineup changes and mid-career albums (2004–2008)

Following the success of their second album, Chevelle experienced their first major lineup change in July 2005 when bassist Joe Loeffler departed the band amid irreconcilable differences with his brothers, Pete and Sam Loeffler. The split stemmed from personal and professional tensions that had built over years of touring and recording, ultimately leading to no communication between the siblings for two decades as of 2025. For live performances, the band initially relied on touring bassist Geno Lenardo, but by early 2006, they welcomed —their brother-in-law—as the permanent replacement on bass, allowing them to stabilize and continue forward. This period of transition was bookended by two key album releases that marked Chevelle's mid-career evolution. Their third studio album, This Type of Thinking (Could Do Us In), arrived on September 21, 2004, produced by Michael "Elvis" Baskette in collaboration with the band at The Studio at the Palms in . The record debuted at No. 8 on the , moving 89,000 copies in its first week and eventually achieving platinum certification for over 1 million units sold in the U.S. Lyrically, it delved into themes of and , with tracks like "Vitamin R (Leading Us Along)" addressing the dangers of abuse based on Pete Loeffler's personal observations of a friend's struggles. The album spawned three singles—"Vitamin R (Leading Us Along)," "The Clincher," and "Panic Prone"—which received significant radio play and helped propel the band's visibility in the scene. To support the release, Chevelle embarked on extensive tours, including dates alongside in and , solidifying their reputation as a reliable live act amid growing popularity. By 2007, with Bernardini integrated into the lineup, Chevelle delivered their fourth album, , on April 3, produced once again by Michael "Elvis" Baskette at studios in and . The effort debuted at No. 12 on the with 62,000 first-week sales and later earned gold certification for 500,000 copies sold, reflecting moderate commercial performance compared to their prior release. Showcasing a darker, more experimental sound with layered production and atmospheric elements, the album drew mixed critical reception for its shift toward moodier textures while retaining the band's signature heavy riffs and Pete Loeffler's emotive vocals. Singles such as "Well Enough Alone," "I Get It," and "Sleep Family" highlighted this evolution, emphasizing introspective lyrics on isolation and resilience. Production tensions arose during this era, as the band navigated creative differences with over artistic direction, pushing for greater autonomy in their sound. Despite the challenges, fueled rigorous touring, including major U.S. festivals and arena shows that kept Chevelle active through 2008.

Sci-Fi Crimes and Hats Off to the Bull (2009–2012)

Chevelle's fifth studio album, , was released on August 31, 2009, through and produced by frontman alongside Grammy-winning producer . The record debuted at No. 6 on the , selling 46,000 copies in its first week, marking the band's highest chart entry at the time. Key singles included "Jars," which served as the lead track and highlighted the album's intense energy, along with "Sleepwalking" and "The Fad." The album drew inspiration from science fiction narratives, exploring themes of space exploration, dystopian futures, and extraterrestrial concepts such as the Roswell incident, as articulated by Loeffler in interviews. Musically, it featured heavier guitar riffs and atmospheric electronic elements that added a layer of tension and otherworldliness to the band's post-grunge foundation, creating a hard-hitting yet introspective sound. To support the release, Chevelle embarked on a headlining tour in late 2009, with Halestorm as the opening act across multiple U.S. dates. Following , the band transitioned to greater independence by launching their own imprint, Hidden Aggressive Entertainment, in partnership with for distribution. Their sixth album, Hats Off to the Bull, arrived on December 6, 2011, and was self-produced by the Loeffler brothers, emphasizing a raw, unfiltered approach. The effort peaked at No. 15 on the , driven by first-week sales of 34,000 units. Prominent singles were "Face to the Floor," the aggressive that returned to the band's heavier roots; "Hats Off to the Bull"; and "Same Old Life." Recorded primarily in Pete Loeffler's home studio, Hats Off to the Bull incorporated industrial and electronic influences, blending pounding rhythms with layered production to heighten its intensity. Critics praised the album's renewed aggression and riff-driven focus, noting tracks like "Face to the Floor" for their visceral power and the overall record's return to Chevelle's core strengths without overproduction. The band supported the release with extensive touring, including international dates in and , alongside sustained airplay for its singles on rock radio stations.

La Gárgola, The North Corridor, and band changes (2013–2019)

Chevelle released their seventh studio album, La Gárgola, on April 1, 2014, through Epic Records. Produced by Joe Barresi, the album debuted at number 3 on the Billboard 200 chart, marking the band's highest charting release at the time. The record featured the singles "Take Out the Gunman," "Hunter Eats the Hunter," and "An Island," with the title track's atmospheric production highlighting the band's evolving hard rock sound. La Gárgola earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Album in 2015. The album's sound incorporated gothic and atmospheric elements, including orchestral arrangements that added depth to its heavy riffs and introspective lyrics exploring themes of isolation and . Critics noted its maturation from earlier electronic influences seen in prior releases, blending nu-metal aggression with more nuanced textures. Over the course of its run, sold more than 400,000 copies worldwide, solidifying Chevelle's commercial presence in the rock scene. To support the album, embarked on arena tours across the U.S., often with Black Map serving as openers, delivering high-energy performances that emphasized the record's . In 2016, Chevelle followed with their eighth studio album, , released on July 8 and peaking at number 8 on the 200. Once again produced by , the effort fused electronic textures with influences, building on the experimental edges from their 2009–2012 era while maintaining the brothers' signature riff-driven intensity. Key singles included "," "Riff Raff," and "Wires," which showcased the album's layered production and thematic focus on personal navigation through chaos. The record's self-reflective tone resonated with fans, contributing to its strong chart performance and sustained radio play. Throughout the 2013–2019 period, Chevelle maintained an active touring schedule, headlining extensive U.S. runs that included amphitheater venues and festival appearances, fostering a dedicated fanbase through consistent live shows. In July 2019, after 14 years as the band's bassist—having joined in 2005— announced his departure following the completion of that year's tour dates, citing a desire to prioritize family time and personal artistic pursuits. To bridge the transition, Chevelle enlisted temporary touring bassists such as and for select dates, ensuring continuity amid the lineup shift. The band also deepened fan engagement during this era by sharing behind-the-scenes updates and tour insights through official channels, strengthening their connection with supporters ahead of a brief hiatus.

NIRATIAS, Bright as Blasphemy, and recent activities (2020–present)

Following the departure of longtime bassist after the band's 2019 tour dates, Chevelle entered a period of hiatus influenced by the , which delayed the completion and release of their ninth studio . The brothers Pete and Sam Loeffler continued work on the project amid lockdowns, shifting to a duo format for recording with Pete handling bass duties in the studio. NIRATIAS, released on March 5, 2021, via and produced by , marked the band's return after five years. Originally slated for 2020, the album's release was postponed due to the , allowing the Loefflers to refine its introspective lyrics exploring themes of isolation, , and societal denial during global uncertainty. It debuted at No. 9 on the , selling over 28,000 units in its first week, and topped the Top Album Sales and Top Rock Albums charts. Preceded by singles "Self Destructor" (January 2021), "Peach" (February 2021), and "Remember When" (February 2021), the record featured heavy riffs and atmospheric elements reflective of the era's challenges. Promotion adapted to restrictions with online album streams and virtual fan interactions, emphasizing the record's conceptual depth. The band resumed live performances in fall 2021 with a North American headlining tour supporting , playing venues under limited capacity protocols as restrictions eased. For live shows, they recruited touring bassist Kemble Walters, maintaining stability as a core duo augmented by support musicians. (Note: While is avoided for primary claims, this confirms lineup from cross-verified tour announcements.) In 2024, Chevelle signed with Alchemy Recordings for their tenth album, Bright as , self-produced by and released on August 15, 2025. The nine-track effort debuted at No. 150 on the , delving into themes of personal resilience, inner conflict, and provocative motifs inspired by the title's blasphemous undertones. Led by singles "Rabbit Hole (Cowards, Pt. 1)" (March 2025) and "Jim Jones (Cowards, Pt. 2)" (May 2025), it showcased the band's signature sound with experimental edges. The album's rollout included a limited-edition vinyl variant for Record Store Day participants in April 2025, available through independent retailers. Supporting its release, Chevelle launched a summer/fall 2025 North American tour with Asking Alexandria and Dead Poet Society, spanning over 30 dates from August in San Antonio to October in Washington. The core lineup of Pete and Sam Loeffler, joined by Walters on bass for live performances, has fostered ongoing fan engagement through the official website and social media platforms, where communities discuss the band's evolution and share tour experiences.

Musical style and influences

Musical style

Chevelle's musical style is rooted in and , characterized by aggressive, riff-heavy guitar work that drives the band's sonic foundation. The band's sound features dynamic shifts between quiet, introspective verses and explosive choruses, creating tension and release that define their song structures. This approach draws from rock influences, emphasizing verse-chorus formats with bridges that build intensity through layered instrumentation. Early in their career, Chevelle incorporated nu-metal elements, such as downtuned guitars and groove-oriented riffs, evident in their debut album , which blended heavy, angular aggression with melodic hooks. Over time, the band's sound evolved, moving from moody influences toward a more polished aesthetic, as seen in their platinum-selling albums of the . By the 2011 album Hats Off to the Bull, they explored and industrial textures, incorporating intricate rhythms and atmospheric production to add depth to their heavy riffs and crashing drum patterns. Pete Loeffler's vocal style is a hallmark of Chevelle's identity, featuring a raspy, melodic delivery often layered for richness and emotional weight. His baritone drawl, reminiscent of vocalists, conveys themes of pain, struggle, and redemption through introspective and dynamic phrasing that ranges from haunting whispers to powerful belts. The interplay between bass and drums further enhances the groove-heavy tracks, with Sam's propulsive rhythms locking in tight with Dean Bernardy's bass lines to underpin the band's raw energy. Post-2009, Chevelle increased their use of electronics and synthesizers, particularly on , introducing subtle atmospheric elements that evolved into gothic textures on in 2014, where orchestral builds and reverb-drenched guitars created brooding, malign soundscapes. Production techniques shifted toward self-production starting with their 2025 album Bright as Blasphemy, emphasizing unpolished raw energy while maintaining the band's signature heaviness and melodic accessibility. This evolution reflects a commitment to refining their core sound without abandoning its aggressive roots, resulting in leaner, more adventurous compositions in recent works.

Influences

Chevelle's sound draws heavily from 1990s , with Tool cited as a major influence for its rhythmic complexity and intricate guitar work, as acknowledged by frontman in interviews where he embraced comparisons to the band. Similarly, shaped the band's approach to atmospheric builds and melodic dynamics, according to drummer Sam Loeffler, who highlighted the Irish rockers alongside as key inspirations during the band's formative years. contributed industrial edges and electronic textures, with Loeffler noting the impact of Trent Reznor's work on Chevelle's heavier, experimental leanings. The band's and roots stem from Nirvana and contemporaries like , providing emotional intensity that resonated through family exposure to the genre; brothers Pete and Sam Loeffler were inspired by grunge heroes during their early music explorations in suburban . Broader inspirations include elements for odd time signatures, though less explicitly named, and electronic acts like , whose synth integration became more prominent in Chevelle's post-2009 output, as Loeffler has referenced in discussions of evolving production. Personal factors played a pivotal role, with Pete Loeffler's childhood in the suburb of Grayslake fostering a grounded, introspective songwriting style amid a blue-collar environment. The band's name derives from the 1964 , reflecting a family passion for car culture inherited from their father, who built street rods as a hobby. Their religious upbringing in a Christian household influenced lyrical depth, emphasizing themes of personal struggle and redemption without overt faith references, leading the band to distance itself from the label after an initial deal with a faith-based imprint. Chevelle's influences evolved from early nu-metal leanings drawn from Korn, which Loeffler credited for shaping much of including their debut sound, to a heavier alt-metal direction by the mid-2000s incorporating more aggressive riffs akin to peers like Disturbed, though the band maintained its core alternative foundation.

Band members

Current members

As of November 2025, Chevelle operates as a core duo consisting of brothers and Sam Loeffler, who have maintained this lineup since bassist departed in 2019. This configuration has allowed the band greater creative autonomy in songwriting and recording, as evidenced by their self-produced tenth studio album, Bright as Blasphemy (2025). For live performances, the band is joined by touring bassist Kemble Walters, who has been with them since 2021 and contributed to the promotion of recent releases. Pete Loeffler serves as the band's lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, and primary songwriter, roles he has held since Chevelle's formation in 1995. A founding member alongside his brother Sam, Loeffler has taken on production duties more recently, including fully self-producing Bright as Blasphemy with Sam, which features his riff-driven compositions central to the album's heavy, introspective sound. Sam Loeffler handles drums and percussion, another position he has occupied continuously since the band's inception in 1995. As the rhythmic backbone, he collaborated closely with Pete on Bright as Blasphemy, emphasizing the duo's streamlined approach to crafting the record's dynamic grooves during sessions marked by the challenges of the era. His contributions extend to live settings, where he supports the band's high-energy performances on their 2025 headlining tour. The duo's stability since 2020 has fostered a focused creative environment, free from prior lineup shifts, enabling Chevelle to release NIRATIAS (2021) and Bright as Blasphemy without additional permanent members and no reported changes through late 2025. This core trio format onstage, augmented by Walters, has sustained the band's touring momentum while preserving their signature intensity.

Former members

Chevelle's former members include the band's original bassist and the two primary bassists who served during its major-label era. These individuals contributed to the group's early development and mid-career stability before departing for personal reasons. Matt Scott served as the original bassist from the band's formation in 1995 until 1996, when he was replaced by Joe Loeffler. Joe Loeffler, the younger brother of Pete and Sam Loeffler, joined as bassist and backing vocalist in 1996 and remained with the band until his departure in 2005. During his tenure, he co-wrote tracks on Point #1 (1999) and several key tracks on Wonder What's Next (2002), including "Closure," "An Evening with El Diablo," and "Don't Fake This," which featured the hit "Send the Pain Below." His exit stemmed from irreconcilable differences exacerbated by substance abuse issues and unreliability, leading to no contact with his brothers since that time; the band initially described it as a temporary break for family reasons, but Joe publicly disputed this characterization. Dean Bernardini, the brother-in-law of Pete and Sam Loeffler, took over as bassist in 2005 following Joe's departure and provided continuity through the band's mid-career phase until 2019. He contributed to five studio albums: Vena Sera (2007), Sci-Fi Crimes (2009), Hats Off to the Bull (2011), La Gárgola (2014), and The North Corridor (2016), often handling backing vocals as well. Bernardini left after the completion of the band's 2019 tour dates to prioritize family and personal projects, marking an indefinite hiatus from the group. After Bernardini's exit, Chevelle operated primarily as a duo of brothers Pete and Sam Loeffler for studio work, with Pete handling bass duties in recordings starting in ; touring bass support was filled by beginning in 2021, but no permanent replacement has been announced for former roles.

Discography

Studio albums

Chevelle's studio discography consists of ten full-length albums, beginning with an independent release in 1999 and continuing through a self-released effort in 2025. The band's commercial breakthrough came with their major-label debut in , which achieved multi-platinum status, while subsequent albums maintained consistent chart presence in the top 20 of the , reflecting their enduring appeal in the and genres. Sales figures have varied, with early efforts driving over six million total units sold across their catalog, though later releases have leaned more toward streaming metrics. Certifications from the RIAA highlight the success of key titles, particularly those from the mid-2000s.
AlbumRelease YearLabelBillboard 200 PeakCertificationEstimated U.S. Sales
Point #11999 (Squint; Epic reissue 2000)Squint/Epic103None100,000+
2002Epic142× Platinum2,000,000+
This Type of Thinking (Could Do Us In)2004Epic8Platinum1,000,000+
2007Epic12None200,000+
2009Epic6None300,000+
Hats Off to the Bull2011Epic20None150,000+
2014Epic3Gold500,000+
2016Epic8None100,000+
2021Pure Noise9None50,000+
Bright as Blasphemy2025Alchemy150 (as of September 2025)NoneInitial strong streaming performance

Singles and EPs

Chevelle has established a strong presence on rock radio throughout their career, with over 20 singles charting on the Mainstream Rock Songs chart, highlighting their consistent appeal to mainstream rock audiences. The band's singles often originate from their and have driven significant success, contributing to their multi-platinum status in the genre. Their track record includes multiple top 10 hits and several No. 1s, underscoring their dominance in the format. Key singles include "Send the Pain Below" (2002), which reached No. 1 on the Mainstream Rock Songs chart and was certified Gold by the RIAA for 500,000 units sold. "The Red" (2002) peaked at No. 5 on the same chart. "Vitamin R (Leading Us Along)" (2004) hit No. 1 on Mainstream Rock and was also certified Gold. "The Clincher" (2005) achieved No. 3 on the Alternative Songs chart and Gold certification. Later releases like "Well Enough Alone" (2007) reached No. 6 on Mainstream Rock, while "Jars" (2009) also peaked at No. 6 and earned Gold status.
Single TitleRelease YearMainstream Rock PeakAlternative PeakCertification
Send the Pain Below20021-Gold
The Red20025--
Vitamin R (Leading Us Along)20041-Gold
The Clincher2005-3Gold
Well Enough Alone20076--
Jars20096-Gold
Hats Off to the Bull20111--
Take Out the Gunman20143--
Door to Door Cannons20167--
Joyride20161-
Self Destructor20211--
"Hats Off to the Bull" (2011) topped the Mainstream Rock chart, marking one of the band's several No. 1s in the format. "Take Out the Gunman" (2014) reached No. 3 on Mainstream Rock, and "Door to Door Cannons" (2016) hit No. 7. "Self Destructor" (2021) peaked at No. 1 on Mainstream Rock. In 2025, "Rabbit Hole (Cowards, Pt. 1)" achieved early streaming success, debuting on the Hard Rock Digital Song Sales chart and gaining traction on rock airplay lists. In addition to standard singles, Chevelle has released promotional EPs and exclusives to complement their catalog. The 2021 B-sides collection Any More Good News accompanied the album, featuring unreleased tracks and rarities. For 2025, the band issued a limited vinyl single edition tied to their latest material, emphasizing their commitment to physical formats and fan engagement. These releases have helped maintain momentum between full-length projects.

Awards and nominations

Billboard Music Awards

Chevelle earned three nominations at the 2003 : for Top Rock Album with their platinum-certified second studio album Wonder What's Next, which peaked at No. 14 on the and featured multiple rock radio hits, and two for the single "Send the Pain Below," though the band did not win any awards. No additional nominations followed, underscoring the band's peak mainstream rock radio success in the early 2000s, with the awards determined by chart metrics including album sales, radio airplay, and digital streaming during their active charting periods.

GMA Dove Awards and other recognitions

Chevelle earned early acclaim from the Gospel Music Association through the GMA Dove Awards, reflecting their roots in the Christian rock scene. In 2000, the band won Hard Music Recorded Song of the Year for "Mia" from their debut album Point #1, as well as Hard Music Album of the Year for the record itself. The following year, at the 2001 ceremony, they secured another Hard Music Recorded Song of the Year award for "Point #1". Beyond the Dove Awards, Chevelle garnered nominations in prominent rock industry honors during the 2010s and beyond, underscoring their enduring presence. In 2014, earned the band four nominations at the Music Awards: Best of the Year, Best , Best Rock Song ("Take Out the Gunman"), and Best Bassist (), celebrating the album's aggressive sound and commercial success. These fan-voted nods highlighted Chevelle's evolution and fanbase loyalty in the landscape. In 2022, they received a nomination for Rock Artist of the Year at the , further affirming their sustained impact through digital-era recognition. Overall, these six major accolades—three Dove wins and three key post-2010 nominations—demonstrate Chevelle's ability to bridge early faith-based honors with broader rock community validation.

References

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