Hubbry Logo
SpiritboxSpiritboxMain
Open search
Spiritbox
Community hub
Spiritbox
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Spiritbox
Spiritbox
from Wikipedia

Spiritbox is a Canadian heavy metal band, originally from Victoria, British Columbia, publicly established by guitarist Mike Stringer and vocalist Courtney LaPlante in October 2017. The band's full lineup comprises married couple LaPlante and Stringer alongside drummer Zev Rose and bassist Josh Gilbert. The band's style incorporates electronic elements and draws from a variety of influences, crossing multiple metal subgenres with its roots in metalcore and progressive metal. Their music is currently released through their label, Pale Chord, via a partnership with Rise Records.

Key Information

LaPlante and Stringer had been members of Iwrestledabearonce, but were dissatisfied with their roles and founded Spiritbox to better express themselves artistically. They released a debut extended play, Spiritbox (2017), followed by a second EP, Singles Collection (2019), with an expanded lineup. Spiritbox initially built their fanbase by focusing on promotion through the Internet and introduced their music through a series of popular music videos before debuting as a touring band in 2020. They continued to gain popularity with several singles that reached the Billboard charts before releasing their debut album Eternal Blue (2021), which entered the US Billboard 200 at number 13. They released their third EP, Rotoscope, in 2022 and their fourth EP, The Fear of Fear, in 2023. The band's second studio album, Tsunami Sea, released on March 7, 2025.

History

[edit]

2015–2019: Formation and early years

[edit]
Courtney LaPlante, shown performing with Iwrestledabearonce in 2013, left that band in 2015 to form what became Spiritbox.

Before co-founding Spiritbox, singer Courtney LaPlante and guitarist Mike Stringer were both in Iwrestledabearonce.[1][2] The couple were engaged during this time, and since 2011 had wanted to form their own joint musical project.[3] In late 2015, they decided to quit the band.[2] LaPlante and Stringer had each replaced a previous member of Iwrestledabearonce, and were never comfortable with that status in the band; the two also desired to pursue a new personal and creative direction.[4] The couple decided to take a break from touring and return home to find regular employment.[3] Throughout 2015, multi-instrumentalist Stringer presented LaPlante demos of songs in different musical styles to help them decide on a direction for their band.[3] LaPlante and Stringer married in 2016 and began recording songs two weeks later.[3] Stringer wrote the drum parts for a planned extended play, which were rearranged by their session drummer at the time, former Iwrestledabearonce bandmate Mikey Montgomery. The EP was recorded by LaPlante and Stringer in their home studio, along with their friend Tim Creviston. It was mixed and mastered by former Volumes member Dan Braunstein in Los Angeles.[5]

On October 9, 2017, LaPlante and Stringer announced the launch of their band, Spiritbox,[6][7][8] based in Victoria, British Columbia.[1][9][10] LaPlante explained that Iwrestledabearonce had made no statement regarding their situation,[11] and thus, on October 25, she officially confirmed her departure from Iwrestledabearonce.[12] Spiritbox ultimately received over $38,000 in funding from FACTOR (the Foundation to Assist Canadian Talent on Records), funded by the Government of Canada and private broadcasters, to support the band's recording and touring.[13][14] As Spiritbox, the couple released a seven-song self-titled debut EP on October 27, 2017, which followed a single, "The Beauty of Suffering".[15] Soon afterward, the project was paused for some time, finding themselves deadlocked in their efforts to play the songs in live performances without additional musicians.[3]

In 2018, Bill Crook of the pop-punk band Living with Lions joined the band as the permanent bassist.[16] Shortly after, they secured permanent drummer Ryan Loerke, who also played in the Kelowna-based Shreddy Krueger.[17][18] Jason Mageau, the former manager of Iwrestledabearonce, founded the Pale Chord label to release Spiritbox's music through a distribution deal with The Orchard.[1] Mageau advised the band to promote Spiritbox's music online for two years rather than undertaking an expensive touring regimen.[19] While Spiritbox grew their fan base, they released a five-song EP titled Singles Collection on April 26, 2019.[20][21] Throughout 2018 and 2019, the band composed most of the songs for their intended debut album.[22]

2020–2021: Eternal Blue

[edit]

Loerke left the band in 2020,[17] and Philadelphia-based drummer Zev Rose (full family name Rosenberg) was recruited.[1][23] The band's debut full-length album, Eternal Blue, was originally scheduled for release in 2020, but production was interrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[22] The band's first tour, a supporting slot for After the Burial in Europe, was canceled for the same reason.[24][25] On July 3, 2020, Spiritbox released the single "Holy Roller",[26][27] which achieved critical and commercial success, debuting at No. 25 on Billboard Hot Hard Rock Songs.[28][16] The song's original version spent seven weeks as No. 1 on Sirius XM Liquid Metal's Devil's Dozen,[16] and was deemed the best song of 2020 by the station's listeners.[10][1] In September 2020, Spiritbox announced that they had signed with Rise Records, as part of the label's partnership with Pale Chord.[16][29]

On October 4, 2020, the band released a remix of "Holy Roller" featuring Ryo Kinoshita of Crystal Lake.[30][31] The remix spent five weeks as No. 2 spot on the Devil's Dozen.[16][28] On December 4, 2020, Spiritbox debuted "Constance", a song about dementia that was dedicated to LaPlante's grandmother.[32][33] In the same month, a Kerrang! magazine reader's poll voted Spiritbox as "New Band of the Year".[34] The continued release of "super popular" music videos created anticipation for Spiritbox's forthcoming album.[1]

In January 2021, Revolver included Spiritbox's upcoming release in its list of "60 Most Anticipated Albums of 2021".[35] Due to quarantine rules, the band gathered in isolation at a studio in Joshua Tree, California, to continue working on their debut album.[36] They set a deadline of April 2021 to ensure that the album would release that year.[10] The third single from the album, "Circle with Me", was released on April 30, 2021.[37][38] In May, LaPlante appeared on the cover of the May issue of Kerrang!.[2] On May 25, 2021, the band released the single "Secret Garden",[39][40] which landed in the top 40 of the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart.[1] While the band were recording the album, the Grammy Museum asked Spiritbox to perform and record a live acoustic version of "Constance" as part of their Collection: Live series in a church, accompanied by a string ensemble. The acoustic version of the song premiered in July 2021.[41][42] The band attempted to tour again in July 2021, supporting Limp Bizkit in the US;[43] this was also canceled after a few dates due to safety concerns involving the pandemic. This aborted tour with Limp Bizkit led the band to many unexpected expenses; Shinedown singer Brent Smith offered Spiritbox $10,000 to help cover lost tour expenses, while We Came as Romans waived rental charges for their lighting package.[44] According to Stringer, Smith was empathetic and did not want the band to collapse due to financial hardship. Smith decided to donate despite having never met the band before.[44][45] One final single, "Hurt You", was released in advance of the album on August 20, 2021.[46][47]

At the end of August 2021, the band's songs surpassed 80 million streams across all global streaming platforms. All physical releases and most merchandising items were sold out.[48] By this time, Eternal Blue was described as one of the most anticipated debut albums of 2021 by Alternative Press, Kerrang!, and Metal Hammer.[49][2][50]

Nearing the release of Eternal Blue in mid-September 2021, LaPlante revealed that drummer Rose was an official member of Spiritbox. Since joining in early 2020, Rose had not been photographed with the band, leading to speculation that he was not an official member, though LaPlante explained that this was because of travel restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic that prevented Rose from physically joining the band in Victoria. The band had met Rose in-person only two days before embarking on their first tour.[51]

Eternal Blue was released on September 17, 2021, to positive reviews from critics.[52][53][54] LaPlante said she considered Eternal Blue as the realization of "[her] true voice".[2] The album peaked at No. 13 on the US Billboard 200, No. 3 on the Top Album Sales chart, and at the top of Billboard's Top Rock Albums and Hard Rock Albums charts. The album peaked at No. 8 on the ARIA Charts and No. 19 on the UK Albums Chart.[55] According to Pollstar, Spiritbox's official merchandise store grossed $1 million from its opening in May 2020 to October 2021, with sales earning between $30,000 and $60,000 per month.[19]

2021–2024: Return to touring and EPs

[edit]
Josh Gilbert began playing with Spiritbox in 2022.

In October 2021, Spiritbox performed on the Coheed and Cambria-headlined S.S. Neverender cruise, produced by Norwegian Cruise Line partner Sixthman.[56] In August 2021, Spiritbox was announced as one of the supporting bands on Underoath's Voyeurist tour, along with Bad Omens and Stray from the Path, in February and March 2022.[57][nb 1] In May 2022, dubstep artist Illenium released the single "Shivering", which showcased Spiritbox in their feature debut.[59][60] Ghost announced a few days later that Spiritbox would be guests alongside Mastodon as opening acts for the second North American leg of their Imperatour through August and September 2022.[61][62] However, Spiritbox announced the departure of bassist Bill Crook less than a week later, a mutual decision within the band.[63][64] Spiritbox quickly recruited Josh Gilbert, who had recently left As I Lay Dying, as their temporary touring bassist.[63][64] He would be welcomed as a full-time member in April 2023.[65][66]

The band played their first live show in the United Kingdom in June 2022 at Download Festival.[67][68] On June 22, the band released the three-song Rotoscope EP and a video for the title track "Rotoscope".[69][70] Guitar World noted that the title track was a dance-like number, while the other two tracks "Sew Me Up" and "Hysteria" were "synth-flavored arrangements".[70] In November 2022, Spiritbox announced their first headlining tour of the United States; they were joined by After the Burial and Intervals from April to May 2023.[71][72] On March 7, 2023, Falling in Reverse announced the Popular Monstour, a tour of the United States on which Spiritbox would perform as a guest at six shows.[73][74] However, in the following days, Falling in Reverse frontman Ronnie Radke attracted controversy after a fan who alleged him of assault drew an aggressive response from Radke on Twitter.[75][76] On March 13, Spiritbox announced from their own Twitter account that they had dropped off the dates they were scheduled for the tour.[75][76]

On April 19, 2023, the band released a new single, "The Void".[77][78] Two weeks later, the band was announced as support for the fall leg of Shinedown's Revolutions Live tour along with Papa Roach;[79][80] they preceded this tour with a stop at Rock am Ring in June.[81] On August 25, the band released another new single "Jaded", along with the announcement of a new EP.[82][83] On October 13, 2023, the band released another new single "Cellar Door".[84][85] The Fear of Fear EP was released on November 3, 2023 through Pale Chord and Rise.[82][83] On the same day of the EP's release, the band released music videos for the songs "Ultraviolet"[86][87] and "Angel Eyes".[88][89] They also released a music video for the song, "Too Close/Too Late", on November 4.[88][90] On November 9, 2023, the band collaborated with rapper Megan Thee Stallion for a remix of her song, "Cobra".[91][92] Later that month, "Jaded" was nominated for the Best Metal Performance at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards.[9][93][94]

2024–present: Tsunami Sea

[edit]

On December 14, 2023, Korn announced a July 2024 concert in Poland which featured Spiritbox as a guest.[95] Meanwhile, LaPlante confirmed in a Revolver interview released the same day that the band planned to create another full-length album in 2024.[96] On January 12, 2024, it was revealed Spiritbox would accompany Korn for their United Kingdom tour in August 2024,[97] five days later, it was revealed the band was in a recording studio with Jordan Fish, the keyboardist who had recently departed Bring Me the Horizon.[98] Former bassist Bill Crook died in July 2024.[99] Spiritbox was featured on Megan Thee Stallion's album Megan: Act II on the song "TYG".[100]

Spiritbox embarked on a European headlining tour in February 2025, making five stops in Germany and one each in London, Paris and Tilburg.[101][102] On September 6, 2024, the band released the single "Soft Spine";[103] a music video for the song followed on September 26.[104] In November 2024, the band's 2023 single, "Cellar Door", was nominated at the 67th annual Grammy Awards in the category of Best Metal Performance;[93][105] weeks later on November 18, the band announced their second studio album, Tsunami Sea, with a release date of March 7, 2025. The album's second single, "Perfect Soul", was released alongside the announcement.[106][107] The album's third single, "No Loss, No Love", was released on February 6, 2025.[108] On March 3, 2025, the song, "Crystal Roses", appeared on streaming services. The band did not approve of the single release, and the song was shortly removed.[109]

The band promoted Tsunami Sea in North America by splitting it into two legs. The first ran from April through May 2025, featuring Loathe and Dying Wish as supporting acts.[110] Gel was to join the three on the tour, but the band broke up two weeks before the tour began.[111] The second leg, announced in July, is set to begin in November and conclude in December; Periphery and Honey Revenge will serve as opening acts.[112] In November 2025, the band's song, "Soft Spine", was nominated for Best Metal Performance at the upcoming 68th Annual Grammy Awards.[93]

Musical style and influences

[edit]

Spiritbox employs several heavy metal-based musical styles. Max Morin wrote for Metal Injection that attempting to assign the band a single genre label is "pointless".[113] Critics have described their style as metalcore, alternative metal, progressive metal, djent, post-metal, melodic metalcore, hard rock, deathcore, and nu metal.[note 1] They have also been labelled as "post-metalcore".[125] John D. Buchanan of AllMusic wrote that "[Spiritbox echos] acts like Tesseract, Deftones, and Evanescence, their sound -- incorporating elements of metalcore, nu-metal, prog, shoegaze, and djent -- combines crushing heaviness with atmospheric ethereality, while Courtney LaPlante's versatile voice swoops from gorgeous melodicism to tortured screams and shrieks."[120] Bobby Olivier of Billboard wrote that the band displayed aspects ranging from atmospheric to industrial.[126] Revolver's Eli Enis described the band's musical style as an arrangement of "alt-metal with elegant vocals and thunderous djent grooves".[122] In a 2019 interview, LaPlante said the band's music was constructed out of a progressive metal foundation before being condensed for the final version of the songs.[127] However, she more closely identified Spiritbox as a metalcore group near the release of Eternal Blue,[10] though she also said that "[her] main goal with this band is fluidity".[3]

The band integrates electronic elements within their sound as distinctive characteristics, as part of a musical genre evolving through the artistic use of new technologies. Guitar World wrote that Spiritbox "successfully mastered the art of digitally infused metal" while "maintaining a sonic stamp that's completely their own".[128] The digital synthesizer appears as a particular sonic aspect of much of the band's music.[129][130] Spiritbox combined electronic styles after deriving inspiration from the 1980s pop music scene, Nine Inch Nails, and early post-punk bands such as the Cure.[126] The band has acknowledged that the impact of 1980s dark rock and pop bands, embodied by uncluttered musical compositions through synthesizer minimalism in "airy" song structures, inspired Spiritbox's style.[126]

LaPlante and Stringer have credited Alexisonfire and Protest the Hero as early musical influences which carried over into their work with Spiritbox.[1] The band referred to Depeche Mode and Tears for Fears as particularly significant influences.[126] Stringer's guitar playing style includes a "Gojira-esque pick scrape technique".[128] LaPlante has cited Tesseract,[3] Deftones,[2] Kate Bush,[131] and Amy Lee as influences;[132] and mentioned that Meshuggah was her "standard bearer" in heavy metal.[133] She has also expressed admiration for Gojira,[5] Björk,[133] Beyoncé,[133] and FKA Twigs.[10] Kerrang! additionally observed "clear influences on the tones and tunings" of the band from the Acacia Strain and Architects.[2]

LaPlante's first experience with the death growl came from listening to Cannibal Corpse at the age of five, which developed into a marked interest in harsh vocals during her early adolescence while listening to nu metal. At the age of eighteen, LaPlante laid down her screamed vocals for the first time on a breakdown of a song written by her brother.[134] She said that it is necessary to push the boundaries of the metalcore genre by being inclusive and progressive, to stay relevant.[10] Her vocal phrasing, based on her musical expression, is influenced by contemporary R&B artists such as Doja Cat, H.E.R., SZA, and the Weeknd.[126] LaPlante's singing has received acclaim from music critics. Morin called her "one of the best vocalists in the modern metal scene".[113] Sam Coare of Kerrang! highlights her vocal performance saying that "Few frontpeople handle the transition from cleans to screams with the skill, depth and ferocity of Courtney LaPlante".[2]

Band members

[edit]

Timeline

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

Awards and nominations

[edit]

Grammy Awards

[edit]
Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2024 "Jaded" Best Metal Performance Nominated [9][93][94]
2025 "Cellar Door" Nominated [93][105]
2026 "Soft Spine" Nominated [93]

Heavy Music Awards

[edit]

The Heavy Music Awards is an annual awards ceremony in partnership with Amazon Music and Ticketmaster.[136]

Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2021 Spiritbox Best International Breakthrough Band Won [137]
2024 Best International Artist Won [138]
2025 Nominated [139]
Best International Live Artist Nominated

Juno Award

[edit]
Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2022 Spiritbox Breakthrough Group of the Year Nominated [140][141]
Eternal Blue Metal/Hard Music Album of the Year Nominated
2025 Spiritbox Group of the Year Nominated [142]
The Fear of Fear Metal/Hard Music Album of the Year Nominated

Saskatchewan Independent Film Awards

[edit]

The Saskatchewan Independent Film Awards is a ceremony presented annually by the Saskatchewan Filmpool Cooperative, honoring the province's independent film achievements.[143]

Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2021 "Constance" Best Music Video Nominated [144]

Saskatchewan Music Awards

[edit]

The Saskatchewan Music Awards is an annual awards ceremony established in 2018, honoring the achievements of the province's music industry.[145]

Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2020 "Blessed Be" Music Video of the Year Won [146]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Spiritbox is a Canadian progressive heavy metal band formed in 2017 in , by vocalist and guitarist Mike Stringer. The band blends elements of , , , and cinematic soundscapes, often featuring ethereal vocals and intricate instrumentation that have earned them acclaim in the metal scene. Initially gaining attention through independent singles like "Holy Roller" in 2020, Spiritbox achieved mainstream breakthrough with their debut studio album Eternal Blue (2021), which peaked at No. 13 on the and showcased their signature mix of heavy riffs and atmospheric production. Their sound draws from influences spanning 1980s pop, , and acts like , while incorporating electronic textures and dynamic vocal performances by LaPlante. Spiritbox's lineup currently consists of LaPlante on vocals, Stringer on guitar, Zev Rose on drums, and Josh Gilbert on bass. Following Eternal Blue, they released the EPs Rotoscope (2022) and The Fear of Fear (2023), the latter including the track "Too Close/Too Late." Their second studio album, Tsunami Sea (2025), debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Hard Rock Albums chart, solidifying their rising prominence with singles like "Soft Spine" and "No Loss, No Love." The band has garnered multiple Grammy nominations in the Best Metal Performance category, including for "Jaded" (2024), "Cellar Door" (2025), and "Soft Spine" (2026). Notable collaborations include a remix of Megan Thee Stallion's "Cobra" (2023) and a feature on Illenium's "Shivering" (2022), expanding their reach beyond traditional metal audiences. Spiritbox won the Best International Breakthrough Band at the 2021 Heavy Music Awards and has sold out headlining tours, sharing stages with acts like Limp Bizkit, Ghost, and Bring Me the Horizon.

History

2017–2019: Formation and early releases

Spiritbox was officially formed in October 2017 in , by vocalist and guitarist Mike Stringer, who had previously collaborated in the experimental band , which disbanded in 2016. The duo, who married in 2016, began their songwriting process as early as late 2015, initially as a creative outlet following their departure from , focusing on a blend of progressive heaviness, atmospheric elements, and melodic vocals inspired by bands like and . This period involved home demo recordings in their isolated island setting, emphasizing emotional depth and compression over technical , which marked a shift toward what would become their signature atmospheric metal sound. The band's initial recordings were handled primarily by LaPlante and Stringer in their home studio, with Stringer contributing guitar, programming, drums, and bass, assisted by friend Tim Creviston on additional guitar elements; the material was mixed and mastered by former Volumes member Dan Lang. On October 27, 2017, they independently released their self-titled debut EP through their own Pale Chord imprint, distributed via platforms like , featuring seven tracks including the multi-part "The Mara Effect" suite and "The Beauty of Suffering," which showcased intricate riffs layered with ethereal clean vocals and electronic textures. The EP's production was self-funded in part by contributions from wedding guests, highlighting their grassroots approach without major label backing. Despite the lack of traditional promotion, the EP generated early online buzz through uploads and shares within and communities, drawing attention for LaPlante's versatile vocal delivery and the band's genre-blending innovation, amassing initial streams and fan engagement that built a dedicated following organically. As an independent act, Spiritbox faced significant challenges, including financial constraints from self-funding recordings and marketing, geographical isolation in Victoria that limited networking opportunities, and no live performances until 2019, relying instead on digital platforms to sustain momentum. This foundational period set the stage for their transition to full album production in 2020.

2020–2021: Eternal Blue and breakthrough

In 2020, Spiritbox achieved viral success with their single "Holy Roller," released independently in July, which quickly amassed over 10 million streams across platforms and propelled the band toward a major label deal. Building on this momentum, the band signed with in September 2020 as part of the label's partnership with Pale Chord, marking their transition from independent releases to broader distribution. The significantly impacted the band's plans, including the cancellation of their first major tour—a European run supporting in March 2020—due to travel restrictions and health concerns. Undeterred, Spiritbox shifted focus to virtual promotion, releasing additional singles like "Circle With Me" in October 2020 and engaging fans through previews and live-streamed performances to maintain momentum during lockdowns. Production on their debut studio album, Eternal Blue, had begun in 2019 with producer Daniel Braunstein and guitarist Mike Stringer handling engineering and mixing, but was paused by pandemic restrictions before resuming in late 2020 at an isolated 20-acre property in . The remote setting allowed the band to complete recording amid isolation protocols, incorporating ethereal electronic textures and LaPlante's layered vocals into the progressive metal framework, with tracks like "Secret Garden" featuring a music video that highlighted the album's atmospheric depth upon its August 2021 release. Eternal Blue was released on September 17, 2021, via Pale Chord in partnership with , debuting at No. 1 on chart and No. 13 on the with 23,000 equivalent album units in its first week. The album's singles, including "Circle With Me" and "Secret Garden," each accompanied by visually striking , contributed to its breakthrough, with "Holy Roller" continuing to surpass streaming milestones as a cornerstone of the band's rising profile. Critics acclaimed Eternal Blue for its innovative blend of heavy riffs, electronic elements, and Courtney LaPlante's versatile vocals, which shifted seamlessly between soaring melodies and screams, creating an emotional and immersive listening experience. Kerrang! awarded it a perfect 5/5 score, praising the "grey-tinged " that amplified the in tracks like "Sun Killer" and LaPlante's "incendiary" performance as a highlight of modern metal. Revolver featured the band in a cover story, noting the album's polished production and genre-defying scope as key to their emergence as heavy music's most exciting new act during the era. This positive reception marked Spiritbox's first widespread media breakthrough, solidifying their status beyond niche online communities.

2021–2023: Touring resumption and EPs

In late 2021, Spiritbox resumed live touring after the release of their debut album Eternal Blue, joining nu-metal veterans as support on a summer North American headline run that marked one of the band's first major post-pandemic outings. The tour, which kicked off in July and spanned 12 dates across the U.S., showcased the band's rising profile amid the growing success of their breakthrough record. This period also saw the band solidify their lineup, with Philadelphia-based drummer Zev Rose joining as a permanent member after contributing to Eternal Blue and handling touring duties. Building on their momentum, Spiritbox released the three-track Rotoscope EP on June 23, 2022, via Rise Records and Pale Chord, featuring the title track "Rotoscope" alongside "Sew Me Up" and "Hysteria." The EP highlighted the band's experimental edge, blending progressive metal riffs with electronic elements and ethereal vocals, and served as a bridge to new material while they expanded their live presence. In 2022 and 2023, the band broadened their international reach, performing at major European festivals such as Download Festival in the UK and supporting acts like Ghost and Bring Me the Horizon on arena dates across France, Hungary, and beyond. They also made their Australian debut at Knotfest in March 2023, delivering high-energy sets that included staples from Eternal Blue alongside newer cuts. The band's growing fanbase was evident in the sustained success of Eternal Blue, which had amassed over 244 million streams on by this time, underscoring their breakthrough into mainstream heavy music circles. In November 2023, Spiritbox issued the six-track The Fear of Fear EP on November 3 via and Pale Chord, featuring singles like "Jaded," "The Void," and "" that explored themes of emotional turmoil through dense, atmospheric production. The release, which included reworkings and new compositions, further cemented their reputation for innovative songcraft while teasing the direction of their album.

2024–2025: Tsunami Sea and ongoing activities

In late 2024, Spiritbox announced their second studio , Tsunami Sea, which was released on March 7, 2025, through Pale Chord in partnership with . The album was produced by Dan Braunstein alongside the band's own Mike Stringer, marking a continuation of their collaborative production approach from prior releases. Building on the stylistic seen in their 2021–2023 EPs, Tsunami Sea features a mix of elements and atmospheric textures. Key singles from the album included "Soft Spine," released in September 2024, which earned a nomination for Best Metal Performance at the 2026 , marking the band's third consecutive nod in the category. "No Loss, No Love" followed as the third single in February 2025, accompanied by an official and serving as a preview of the album's intense, riff-driven sound. In March 2025, a limited-time digital edition of Tsunami Sea added live bonus tracks, including performances of "Fata Morgana" and "Perfect Soul" recorded during the band's European tour, available only briefly before expiration. The album debuted at No. 26 on the , No. 1 on the Top Hard Rock Albums chart, and No. 4 on the Top Album Sales chart, underscoring its commercial impact. With the addition of Josh Gilbert as permanent bassist in April 2023—following his time as a touring member—the band's lineup solidified ahead of their 2025 touring cycle. Spiritbox launched a spring headline tour across from April 3 to May 2025, supported by Loathe, , and , performing material from Tsunami Sea alongside earlier hits. This was followed by a fall tour from November 12 to December 2025, featuring Periphery and Honey Revenge as special guests, with dates including stops in , , and Albuquerque. In October 2025, Spiritbox contributed to discussions on the resurgence of heavy metal, with vocalist highlighting the genre's growing appeal among younger audiences in a feature alongside acts like and . Later that month, on November 1, LaPlante made a guest appearance with at their sold-out show at in , joining for a performance of "My Queen" to a crowd of over 17,000.

Artistry

Musical style

Spiritbox's music is defined by a fusion of , , and , enriched with atmospheric and electronic integrations that create immersive, dreamlike soundscapes. The band's style blends syncopated riffs and industrial breakbeats with alt-metal structures, emphasizing emotional depth over traditional genre constraints. This approach incorporates nu-metal aggression through rhythmic drive and ambiance via expansive, hypnagogic textures, resulting in dynamic tracks that shift between intensity and introspection. Central to their sound is vocalist Courtney LaPlante's versatile delivery, spanning ethereal clean singing and harsh screams, often layered with effects for added depth and intensity. Her animalistic screams provide raw power in breakdowns, while cleaner passages evoke haunting beauty, anchoring the band's emotional core. Guitarist Mike Stringer's heavy riffs, crafted on 8-string guitars in ultra-low tunings like Drop F#, deliver djent-style chugs and melodic leads, complemented by complex drumming patterns and synth/electronic elements that add textural layers. These components build tension through atmospheric builds and explosive heaviness, with effects like delay and reverb enhancing the guitars' clarity under high gain. Production hallmarks include extensive use of reverb for ethereal atmospheres, on guitars for bite, and dynamic shifts between crushing breakdowns and soaring melodic choruses, as exemplified in the modern mixing of Eternal Blue. Techniques such as reverbs on vocals and SoundToys Decapitator for guitar saturation, combined with compression for tightness, create a polished yet aggressive sonic palette. The band's evolution traces from the raw aggression of early EPs to the more refined progressive structures in Tsunami Sea, where genre explorations like and drum & bass amplify their atmospheric sophistication.

Influences

Spiritbox's music draws heavily from a diverse array of influences spanning , industrial, and progressive genres, with frontwoman and guitarist Mike Stringer citing key artists that shaped their atmospheric and technical approach. LaPlante has frequently highlighted the impact of , particularly their album (2000), for its blend of sexy, grungey nu-metal and dynamic vocal delivery, praising Chino Moreno's floaty falsettos in tracks like "" as a pivotal inspiration for her own ethereal and aggressive singing style. Similarly, , led by , influenced the band's electronic experimentation, with LaPlante noting Reznor's innovative production as a cornerstone for incorporating industrial elements into heavy music. Meshuggah's (2008) also left a mark on LaPlante's vocal ferocity, as she described its "pure, animalistic screams" as her preferred technique for conveying raw intensity in Spiritbox's tracks. LaPlante's personal inspirations extend to female-fronted acts, including Evanescence's Amy Lee, whom she has idolized since age 12 for her powerful, emotive range in gothic rock, crediting Lee as a major influence on her ability to balance vulnerability and strength in vocals. Stringer's guitar work reflects progressive and technical metal roots, with Animals as Leaders' Tosin Abasi and Polyphia's Tim Henson and Scott LePage cited as key figures for their innovative, melodic phrasing and experimental techniques that inform his intricate layering and seven-string prowess. He also draws from Tool's Adam Jones for atmospheric depth and Periphery's Misha Mansoor for modern production and rhythmic complexity, emphasizing how these shape Spiritbox's blend of heavy riffs and ambient textures. Broader inspirations include early 2000s metalcore's emotional intensity, though the band prioritizes genre fluidity over strict adherence, as LaPlante and Stringer advocate drawing from non-metal sources like R&B and pop to avoid creative stagnation. These influences manifest in Spiritbox's sound through electronic intros echoing ' industrial vibe and djent-inspired rhythms reminiscent of , creating a nu-metal revival feel in their heavy sections. Growing up in Canada's metal scene, particularly , exposed the band to regional acts like , fostering a sense of community-driven innovation amid the country's progressive heavy music landscape. Online platforms further amplified this, allowing early genre-blending experiments to gain traction through fan communities that encouraged hybrid styles beyond traditional metal boundaries.

Personnel

Current members

The current lineup of Spiritbox, as of 2025, consists of four core members. – lead vocals (2017–present)
LaPlante is a founding member of the band, co-forming Spiritbox in , alongside her husband Mike Stringer. She is renowned for her multifaceted vocal delivery, seamlessly blending ethereal clean singing with powerful screams and growls that define the band's dynamic sound.
Mike Stringer – lead guitar, backing vocals (2017–present)
Stringer co-founded Spiritbox in 2017 and serves as the primary songwriter, crafting intricate guitar riffs and structures central to the band's style. He also acts as a key producer on their releases, collaborating closely with engineer Dan Braunstein to shape their polished sonic identity.
Zev Rosenberg (also known as Zev Rose) – drums (2020–present)
Rosenberg joined Spiritbox in early 2020 following the departure of previous Ryan Loerke, initially as a touring member before becoming official. His playing contributes to the band's complex rhythms and powerful grooves, evident in both studio recordings and live performances.
Josh Gilbert – bass (2023–present)
Gilbert, formerly the bassist and clean vocalist of As I Lay Dying from 2007 to 2022, joined Spiritbox as a touring member in 2022 and was elevated to full-time status in April 2023 after the exit of bassist Bill Crook. His addition has provided stability to the live lineup, enhancing the band's low-end drive during extensive touring.

Former members

Spiritbox began as a duo consisting of vocalist and guitarist Mike Stringer, evolving into a full band with additional members in 2018 before solidifying its current lineup. The band's first official drummer, Ryan Loerke, joined in 2018 after contributing to early singles like "" and performing on drum playthroughs for tracks such as "The Mara Effect, Pt. 2." Loerke, who also played in the band Shreddy Krueger, departed in 2020 to pursue other projects, including session work and his band Tidebringer. Bassist Bill Crook joined Spiritbox the same year as Loerke, providing bass lines and backing vocals on the debut album Eternal Blue (2021) and subsequent tours. Crook, originally from the band Living with Lions, left the band amicably in May 2022 due to personal reasons, with the group announcing his departure via social media and naming touring bassist Josh Gilbert as his replacement at the time. Tragically, Crook passed away in July 2024. Prior to these additions, the debut self-titled EP (2017) featured session contributions, notably drums written by Mikey Montgomery, a former bandmate of LaPlante and Stringer from . Montgomery's involvement was limited to enhancing drum arrangements on the EP, with Stringer handling guitar, bass, and additional drum programming. Early live performances from 2019 to 2021 relied on temporary touring drummers amid the transition from a studio project to a touring act, though no long-term commitments formed beyond Loerke until the lineup stabilized. The core duo of LaPlante and Stringer has remained intact throughout, with changes primarily affecting the rhythm section as the band grew.

Discography

Studio albums

Spiritbox's debut studio album, Eternal Blue, was released on September 17, 2021, through Pale Chord Records in partnership with . The album consists of 12 tracks, including "Sun Killer," "Holy Roller," and "Circle with Me," and was produced during the through remote collaboration sessions among band members, with mixing handled by Daniel Braunstein. In its first week, Eternal Blue earned 23,000 equivalent album units in the United States, with 19,000 from pure sales. It debuted at No. 13 on the , No. 1 on the Top Rock Albums chart, and No. 1 on the Albums chart. The release was supported by promotional extended plays such as Singles Collection and Rotoscope, which tied into the album's singles rollout. The band's second studio album, Sea, followed on , 2025, also via Pale Chord and . Featuring 11 tracks such as "Fata Morgana," "Soft Spine," and the title track, the album incorporated expanded electronic production elements, building on the band's sound with layered synths and atmospheric effects. "Soft Spine" served as the , released prior to the album. In its debut week, Tsunami Sea accumulated 22,000 equivalent album units in the U.S., including 16,000 from traditional sales, with strong vinyl performance contributing to its debut on the Vinyl Albums chart. The album peaked at No. 26 on the and No. 1 on the Top Albums chart, marking the band's second consecutive leader on the latter. Bonus editions include digital deluxe versions with additional remixes and live recordings.

Extended plays

Spiritbox's extended plays represent key milestones in the band's early development and post-album experimentation, showcasing their evolution from independent releases to more polished, promotional efforts under and Pale Chord. These shorter formats allowed the band to test new sounds, compile singles, and maintain momentum between full-length albums, often featuring innovative production and visual accompaniments. The debut self-titled EP, Spiritbox, was independently released on October 27, 2017, via Pale Chord Records. Comprising seven tracks, it introduced the band's signature blend of and atmospheric elements, with standout pieces like the interconnected "The Mara Effect" trilogy (Parts 1–3) and "." This release marked the project's emergence from the duo of and Mike Stringer, establishing their DIY ethos before lineup expansions. In 2019, Spiritbox issued Singles Collection, a five-track EP released on June 14 through Pale Chord, compiling pre-album singles to bridge their initial output. Key tracks include "Perennial," "Electric Cross," "Trust Fall," "Belcarra," and "Bleach Bath," highlighting aggressive riffs and LaPlante's versatile vocals while previewing the heavier direction of their debut . The EP served as a promotional tool, solidifying fan engagement ahead of signing with . Rotoscope, the third EP, arrived as a surprise digital release on June 22, 2022, via , consisting of three experimental tracks that leaned into industrial and '90s alt-rock influences. Featuring "Rotoscope," "Sew Me Up," and "Hysteria," it was accompanied by an official for the title track, emphasizing glitchy visuals and thematic depth drawn from techniques. This EP maintained the band's streaming momentum post-Eternal Blue, with tracks amassing millions of plays on platforms like . The fourth EP, The Fear of Fear, was released on November 3, 2023, through Pale Chord and , expanding to six tracks that explored djent-infused with electronic flourishes. Highlights include "Cellar Door," the "Jaded," the dual-sided "Too Close / Too Late," "Angel Eyes," a reimagined "The Void," and "Ultraviolet," building on promotional singles to deliver introspective themes of anxiety and resilience. Collectively, these EPs have contributed to Spiritbox's growing digital footprint, with over 100 million combined streams across releases as of late 2023.

Awards and nominations

Grammy Awards

Spiritbox first received a Grammy nomination in 2024 for Best Metal Performance with their track "Jaded" from the album Eternal Blue, though the award was won by Metallica for "72 Seasons". The band earned a second consecutive nomination in 2025 for "Cellar Door" from Tsunami Sea in the same category, but lost to Gojira's "Mea Culpa (Ah! Ça ira!)" featuring Marina Viotti and Victor Le Masne. On November 7, 2025, Spiritbox secured their third nomination in Best Metal Performance for "Soft Spine" from Tsunami Sea at the 2026 , competing against acts including , , , and ; the outcome remains pending as of November 19, 2025. To date, Spiritbox has not won a , but their successive nominations in the metal category highlight their emergence as a leading act.
YearCategorySongAlbumResult
2024 (66th)Best Metal Performance"Jaded"Eternal BlueNominated
2025 (67th)Best Metal PerformanceTsunami SeaNominated
2026 (68th)Best Metal Performance"Soft Spine"Tsunami SeaPending

Heavy Music Awards

Spiritbox first gained recognition at the Heavy Music Awards in 2021, winning the Best International Breakthrough Band category for their debut album Eternal Blue. This accolade, presented by Afterlive Music, marked the band's emergence as a significant force in the international heavy music landscape following the album's release on . The following year, in 2022, Spiritbox received a for Best Album for Eternal Blue at the Heavy Music Awards, alongside entries from acts like and . Although they did not secure the win—which went to Architects for For Those That Wish to Exist—the affirmed the album's critical reception and influence within the heavy music scene. Spiritbox returned to the winners' circle in 2024, claiming the Best International Artist award at the Heavy Music Awards, held at London's . This honor acknowledged their expanding global presence, driven by extensive touring and releases including the Rotoscope EP on Pale Chord. The victories underscore the band's cultivation of a dedicated audience, accelerated by headline and festival appearances since their 2021 European outings.

Juno Awards

Spiritbox received their first Juno Award nominations in 2022 for their debut album Eternal Blue (2021). The band was nominated in the Breakthrough Group of the Year category, alongside , , , and , but won the award. Eternal Blue also earned a nomination for Metal/Hard Music Album of the Year, competing against releases by , , and , though took the win for Bleed the Future. In 2025, Spiritbox secured two further nominations at the 54th Juno Awards. They were recognized in the Group of the Year category, nominated with Crash Adams, Mother Mother, Sum 41, and The Beaches, with the latter winning. Their 2023 EP The Fear of Fear was nominated for Metal/Hard Music Album of the Year, facing competition from Devin Townsend's PowerNerd, Kittie's Fire, Anciients' Beyond the Reach of the Sun, and Striker's ULTRAPOWER, but Anciients prevailed.
YearCategoryWorkResult
2022Breakthrough Group of the YearN/ANominated
2022Metal/Hard Music Album of the YearEternal BlueNominated
2025Group of the YearN/ANominated
2025Metal/Hard Music Album of the YearThe Fear of FearNominated
Spiritbox's second studio album, Tsunami Sea (released March 7, 2025), positions the band as eligible for consideration in the 2026 Juno Awards, particularly in rock and metal categories. These nominations underscore Spiritbox's growing prominence within the Canadian music industry, reflecting their breakthrough from independent metal scenes to national recognition.

Saskatchewan Music Awards

Spiritbox received early regional recognition from the Saskatchewan Music Awards, underscoring the band's connections to the province through collaborations with local production talent like Dylan Hryciuk of Versa Films, based in . These accolades preceded the group's broader international breakthrough and major label signing with Pale Chord in 2021. At the 2020 Saskatchewan Music Awards, the music video for "Blessed Be"—the second single from the band's self-titled EP, released in 2020—won Music Video of the Year. Directed by Hryciuk, the video's horror-themed narrative contributed to its success in capturing atmospheric visuals aligned with Spiritbox's style. The win was announced on January 24, 2021, during a virtual ceremony amid the . The following year, at the 2021 Music Awards, Spiritbox secured another victory in the Music Video of the Year category for "Hurt You," the from their debut Eternal Blue. Once again directed by Hryciuk, the video's introspective and ethereal direction earned praise for enhancing the track's emotional depth. This award, presented virtually on January 20, 2022, highlighted the band's growing regional impact during their transition to national prominence. In 2025, the music video for "Perfect Soul" from Tsunami Sea, directed by Hryciuk, was nominated for Music Video of the Year at the Saskatchewan Music Awards but lost to Joshua Stade's "Gimme One More" by The Gladstone. The nominees were announced on January 21, 2025, with the ceremony held on March 2, 2025. Beyond the Saskatchewan Music Awards, Spiritbox garnered additional regional nods from the Saskatchewan Independent Film Awards. In 2021, videos for "Constance" and "Hurt You" received nominations in the Best Music Video category, recognizing the cinematic quality of Hryciuk's work in elevating the band's visual storytelling. These honors reflect the province's role in nurturing the creative partnerships that shaped Spiritbox's early aesthetic before their ascent to Juno and Grammy nominations.

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.