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These Arms Are Snakes
These Arms Are Snakes
These Arms Are Snakes
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These Arms Are Snakes was an American post-hardcore band that formed in 2002 and featured former members of Botch and Kill Sadie. Before disbanding in 2009, they released three studio albums: Oxeneers or the Lion Sleeps When Its Antelope Go Home (2004), Easter (2006) and Tail Swallower and Dove (2008). Former members of These Arms Are Snakes currently play in Russian Circles, Narrows, Minus the Bear, Crypts, Dust Moth, and Hooves.

Key Information

They toured with the bands Minus the Bear, Big Business, Mastodon, Cursive, The Blood Brothers, Engine Down, Hot Water Music, Isis, Pelican, Chiodos, and Against Me!.

History

[edit]

Formation (2002–2003)

[edit]

The band formed as a five-piece in 2002 with Steve Snere of Kill Sadie, Brian Cook of Botch, and Ryan Frederiksen of Nineironspitfire in addition to Joe Preston and Jesse Robertson.[1] They chose the name "These Arms Are Snakes" as their band name because it was "ridiculous and [didn't] really sound like any other band name that's out there."[2] The group announced that they had signed to Jade Tree Records in March 2003,[3] and released their debut EP This Is Meant to Hurt You on August 19, 2003.[1][4] This was the only release with a full-time keyboardist, as Jesse Robertson left the band in 2004 after having differences in opinion about the group's touring style.[5] AllMusic rated the debut EP three stars out of five and called the lyrics "smart [and] cunning."[6]

They continued as a four-piece band from this point forward. Before recording their follow-up album to This Is Meant to Hurt You, Joe Preston also left the group and was replaced by Erin Tate who played in Kill Sadie with Steve Snere and Minus the Bear.[1] Preston and other members of These Arms Are Snakes got into a van accident with a semi-truck following his farewell show.[7]

Oxeneers (2004–2005)

[edit]

Brian Cook would still occasionally perform keys throughout the remainder of the group's existence. According to Ryan Frederiksen, this move opened up more space on stage allowing them to "run free across the whole stage," allowing for a more intense live show.[5] The loss of Robertson also allowed These Arms Are Snakes to focus on their overall sound and create "stripped-down, spacious arrangements."[5] These changes impacted their debut full-length Oxeneers or the Lion Sleeps When Its Antelope Go Home (often referred to more simply as either The Lion Sleeps or Oxeneers) released through Jade Tree in September 2004.

In support of Oxeneers, These Arms Are Snakes joined the "Totally Badical Tour" with headliner Underoath and openers The Chariot, Hopesfall, and Fear Before the March of Flames.[8] The band was not warmly received on this tour. Audience members bought merchandise, though according to the group this felt more like an "empty gesture."[9] Band members also experienced friction between themselves and some of the other bands on the tour. The members of Underoath were at the time ardent Christians, openly expressing their thoughts on religion and politics and frequently conflicting with the ideals of These Arms Are Snakes.[10]

Artwork of Like a Virgin (EP)

These Arms Are Snakes followed up their debut album with Like a Virgin, a split EP with Seattle group Harkonen through Hydra Head Records and Mind Over Matter Records.[7] The EP featured two new tracks from both bands, and one track written and performed by both groups. This would be the second and final release with drummer Erin Tate, who was replaced by Ben Verellen in 2005 before going on tour with Minus the Bear.[11] One of the tracks included is "Touched for the Very First Time" in collaboration with the band Harkonen.[12]

Easter (2006–2007)

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Verellen quit the band without an explanation given in 2005, and was quickly replaced by drummer and producer Chris Common.[13] Ben Verellen would later go on to join Helms Alee and form his own amplifier company called Verellen Amplifiers.[14][15] The group's previous conflicts with Underoath would loosely inspire their second studio album, Easter, released through Jade Tree in 2006.[10] While These Arms Are Snakes weren't trying to make a public statement about organized religion, themes about religion (most notably on "Perpetual Bris") were present. A more prominent lyrical theme throughout Easter was vocalist Steve Snere trying to examine the "bigger picture" of life and existence.[10][16]

At the end of 2006, they toured in support of their new album with Thrice, Planes Mistaken for Stars, Mouth of the Architect and Young Widows.[17] In early 2007, These Arms Are Snakes did a small headlining tour in Europe with various bands, and returned to America to open for Against Me! and Mastodon.[18]

Tail Swallower and Dove (2008–2009)

[edit]

For their third studio album, These Arms Are Snakes signed to Suicide Squeeze Records—a label that far better supported the band than their previous record label, Jade Tree.[9] Over their former label, they praised Suicide Squeeze's treatment of the band and ability to market and sell records, in addition to being with more familiar groups like Minus the Bear.[19] Tail Swallower and Dove was released in October 2008. It was again produced by Chris Common and was only recorded in one month—the shortest recording period of an album for the group.[19] The album was seen as a departure from their more hardcore-sounding songs and took a more experimental approach, and also more traditional song structures.[2][19]

During this period, These Arms Are Snakes also released a number of split releases. They released Pelican / These Arms Are Snakes, a split release with Pelican through Hydra Head. A limited edition 12-inch split with Cook's side project Russian Circles was released on tour, and a split with Tropics, Meet Your Mayor / Future Gets Tense was also made in limited quantities. The band's final release before disbanding was a split single with All the Saints, which was originally released as a limited edition 7-inch vinyl through Touch and Go Records, but later released as a digital download.[9][20] Their contributed track "Washburn" was recorded during the Tail Swallower and Dove sessions.[9]

Break up (2009–2010)

[edit]

On December 25, 2009 These Arms Are Snakes announced that they had broken up.[21] The band had been inactive since late 2009 with most of the members focusing on their respective side projects. Guitarist Ryan Frederiksen had formed Narrows in 2008 with former Botch vocalist Dave Verellen and released their debut album New Distances in May 2009. Bassist Brian Cook focused on Russian Circles who had released their third album Geneva in October 2009. Prior to disbanding, These Arms Are Snakes had expressed interest in taking their music in a new direction for a potential fourth studio album,[22] with writing and recording expected to begin in December 2009.[9]

Also in 2009, the group announced they had recorded tracks for a split with Minus the Bear and a compilation covers album paying tribute to Nirvana's In Utero[22]—both of which were unreleased at the time of the band's break up. After seven years of "extended delays and legal wrangling," Robotic Empire released In Utero, in Tribute, in Entirety on Record Store Day 2014, which features These Arms Are Snakes' cover of Nirvana's "Heart-Shaped Box."[23] The split EP with Minus the Bear failed to materialize, so the band decided to use the track intended for that release — a cover of Lost Sounds' song "Energy Drink and the Long Walk Home" — for a split release with The Coathangers instead, which was released in December 2014.[24] Cook said he thought that with the exception of a 4-song demo recorded before This Is Meant to Hurt You, the Lost Sounds cover was the final recorded but unreleased material from These Arms Are Snakes.[24]

Since disbanding, These Arms Are Snakes have performed two reunion shows: a secret reunion show in Seattle on December 29, 2016[25] and a publicly announced show in Seattle on August 28, 2021.[26]

In April 2022, These Arms Are Snakes released Duct Tape & Shivering Crows through Suicide Squeeze. The album compiles all of the band's non-album tracks, split EP songs and compilation contributions, in addition to the band's unreleased original four-song demo recorded before This Is Meant to Hurt You.[27]

Members

[edit]
Final lineup
Former members
  • Bill Quinby – guitar (2002)
  • Joe Preston – drums (2002–2004)
  • Jesse Robertson – keyboards (2002–2004)
  • Erin Tate – drums (2004–2005)
  • Ben Verellen – drums (2005)
Timeline

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]

EPs

[edit]
  • This Is Meant to Hurt You (Jade Tree, 2003)

Split albums

[edit]
  • Like a Virgin (Split with Harkonen) (Hydra Head/Mind Over Matter, 2004)
  • PLCN/TAAS (Split with Pelican) (Hydra Head, 2008)
  • Russian Circles / These Arms Are Snakes 12" (Split with Russian Circles) (Sargent House, 2008)
  • Meet Your Mayor / Future Gets Tense 7" (Split with Tropics) (We-Be, 2008)
  • All the Saints / These Arms Are Snakes 7" (Split with All the Saints) (Touch and Go, 2009)
  • The Coathangers / These Arms Are Snakes (Split with The Coathangers) (Suicide Squeeze, 2014)[24]

Singles

[edit]
  • Good Friday 7" (Suicide Squeeze, 2006)[28]

Compilation albums

[edit]
  • Duct Tape & Shivering Crows (Suicide Squeeze, 2022)[27]

Music videos

[edit]
Year Song Album
2006 "Horse Girl"[29] Easter
2009 "Red Line Season"[30] Tail Swallower and Dove

Other contributions

[edit]
Year Contributed song Album Label
2006 "Old Paradise" Slaying Since 1996[31] Suicide Squeeze
2014 "Heart-Shaped Box" In Utero, in Tribute, in Entirety[22][23] Robotic Empire

References

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

These Arms Are Snakes

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
These Arms Are Snakes is an American post-hardcore band formed in Seattle, Washington, in 2002, known for blending punk urgency with math rock complexity and featuring members from influential groups like Botch and Kill Sadie. The band initially consisted of vocalist and guitarist Ben Verellen (from Botch), bassist Brian Cook (also from Botch), vocalist Steve Snere (from Kill Sadie), and guitarist Ryan Frederiksen (from Nineironspitfire), with drummer Erin Tate joining early on before being replaced by Chris Common prior to their second album. They released their debut EP, This Is Meant to Hurt You, in 2003 on Dead Mech Records, followed by their first full-length album, Oxeneers or the Lion Sleeps When Its Antelope Go Home, in 2004 via Jade Tree Records. Subsequent albums included Easter (2006) and Tail Swallower and Dove (2008), both released on Suicide Squeeze Records, showcasing evolving experimental sounds with baritone guitars, keyboards, and intricate rhythms that solidified their place in the post-hardcore scene. These Arms Are Snakes disbanded abruptly in late after a series of financially strained tours and low-attendance shows, leaving fans without a proper farewell performance. The core reunion lineup of Cook, Snere, Frederiksen, and Common first reconvened for a one-off show in 2016, followed by additional shows in 2021, culminating in a 2022 reunion tour and the release of the rarities compilation Duct Tape & Shivering Crows on Suicide Squeeze, which collected unreleased demos, B-sides, and live tracks from their original run. The band has remained sporadically active since, performing at festivals like the Best Friends Forever Festival in in October 2025.

History

Formation (2002–2003)

These Arms Are Snakes formed in , Washington, in 2002, emerging from the vibrant scene of the . The band was founded by vocalist Steve Snere, formerly of the Minneapolis-based punk outfit Kill Sadie, and bassist Brian Cook, a key member of the influential Seattle hardcore group Botch, which had disbanded earlier that year. This connection to Botch, known for its technical precision and aggressive energy, immediately positioned These Arms Are Snakes within the local underground community, drawing on the region's rich history of experimental and intense rock acts. The initial lineup also featured drummer Joe Preston and keyboardist/guitarist Jesse Robertson, establishing a core sound rooted in 's angular rhythms and dynamic shifts. In 2003, the band recorded a four-song demo at The Metal Mansion studio with engineer Ben Verellen, capturing their early raw intensity and serving as a tool to attract label interest. The tracks—"Riding the Grape Dragon," "Run It Through the Dog," "The Blue Rose," and "Layers"—highlighted Snere's urgent, emotive vocals layered over Cook's driving bass lines and Preston's propulsive drumming, blending aggression with math-rock complexity. This demo led to a signing with Second Nature Recordings, who released an expanded version as the EP This Is Meant to Hurt You later that year, marking the band's first official output and solidifying their ties to the indie circuit. The recording process emphasized the group's collaborative approach, with Verellen's production accentuating their live-wire energy without over-polishing the material. The band quickly built momentum through early live performances, starting with their debut show in in early 2003 and expanding to regional gigs across the Pacific Northwest, including a May appearance in Portland. These sets, often shared bills with like-minded acts in the community, generated local buzz for their chaotic yet controlled stage presence, where Snere's theatrical delivery and the rhythm section's precision created an immersive experience. By late 2003, they had ventured further, touring the East Coast—such as a November show in —further honing their material and forging connections in the broader U.S. underground scene. This grassroots activity laid the groundwork for their transition to a full-length debut, as the demo's success prompted interest from larger indie labels.

Oxeneers Era (2004–2005)

In 2004, These Arms Are Snakes recorded their debut full-length album, Oxeneers or the Lion Sleeps When Its Antelope Go Home, at Studio Litho and Spectre Sound Studio in , Washington, with production handled by . The sessions built on the raw, aggressive style of the band's early demos, incorporating chaotic structures with bursts of noise, math-rock precision, and subtle synth elements from keyboards. The album's 11 tracks, including standout songs like "The Shit Sisters," "Big News," and the sprawling "Gadget Arms," explore surreal and whimsical themes through abstract and dynamic shifts between and abrasion, reflecting the band's experimental . The lineup during recording featured vocalist Steve Snere, bassist Brian Cook, guitarist Jesse Robertson, and drummer Erin Tate, with Ryan Frederiksen contributing guitar and parts, marking his integration as a core member and expanding the band's dual-guitar approach. Released on September 21, 2004, via Second Nature Recordings, the was later reissued by Jade Tree Records in 2006, broadening its reach within the scene. Following the release, the band embarked on early U.S. tours to promote the album, sharing stages with acts like The Blood Brothers and building a reputation for high-energy live performances. was positive, with awarding it a 7.6 out of 10 and commending its "willfully abrasive and easily approachable" blend of hardcore intensity and melodic hooks, solidifying the band's chaotic identity. After the album's completion, drummer Erin Tate departed to prioritize his commitments with , where he had been a member. This shift prompted further lineup adjustments, including Frederiksen's solidified role on guitar. Amid these changes, the era saw the emergence of collaborations, notably the 2004 split EP Like a Virgin with Harkonen on Hydra Head Records, featuring joint tracks that highlighted the band's growing network in the underground scene.

Easter and Moon Sleeper (2006–2007)

Following the success of their debut full-length, These Arms Are Snakes maintained their core lineup of vocalist Steve Snere, guitarist Ryan Frederiksen, bassist Brian Cook, and drummer Chris Common for their sophomore album Easter, which marked a maturation in their songwriting approach. The album was recorded in 2006 at Red Room Recording in Seattle, with Common handling engineering and production duties, allowing the band greater control over the sound compared to their previous efforts. Released on October 10, 2006, via Jade Tree Records, Easter features 12 tracks blending intricate riffs, dynamic shifts, and atmospheric elements, with standout cuts like "Mescaline Eyes"—a nearly five-minute opener driven by danceable yet aggressive grooves—and the sprawling closer "Crazy Woman Dirty Train," which builds to an explosive crescendo. The tracklist includes: "Mescaline Eyes," "Horse Girl," "Subtle Body," "Desert Ghost," "Child Chicken Play," "Hell's Bank Notes," "Abracadabraca," "Deer Lodge," "Lady North," "Perpetual Bris," "Coporeal," and "Crazy Woman Dirty Train." Thematically, Easter shifts toward a more structured sound while retaining the band's signature intensity, with delving into themes of personal isolation, relational strain, and existential unease, often delivered through Snere's versatile yelps and snarls that adapt fluidly to the music's demands. This evolution reflects a deliberate push for originality, incorporating subtle electronic washes and prog-influenced complexity without abandoning their raw energy, as the band explored suspect and emotional vulnerability in tracks like "Subtle Body" and "Lady North." The album's production emphasizes clarity in the chaos, highlighting hammer-on riffs and occasional organ textures that add depth to the framework. In support of Easter, These Arms Are Snakes embarked on extensive touring throughout 2006 and 2007, including a fall U.S. run opening for alongside Planes Mistaken for Stars, which helped expand their audience in key markets. The following year saw European dates, such as shows in the UK and stops at festivals like On the Rocks in , alongside appearances at SXSW in Austin. These performances solidified their reputation for chaotic yet captivating live sets, blending precision with improvisation. Critics praised the album's growth, with Punknews.org noting it as the band's best recording to date, commending the increased songwriting complexity and Snere's refined vocal delivery that elevated the material beyond their earlier rawness.

Tail Swallower and Dove (2008–2009)

The band's third studio album, Tail Swallower and Dove, was recorded at Red Room Studio in , with engineering and mixing handled by drummer Chris Common. Released on October 7, 2008, via Suicide Squeeze Records, it features ten tracks that incorporate experimental elements through extended compositions, including the seven-minute "Ethric Double" and the nearly seven-minute "Briggs," which expand on the angular framework established in prior releases. The full tracklist is as follows:
TrackTitleDuration
1Woolen Heirs4:15
2Prince Squid3:18
3Red Line Season2:33
42:36
5Ethric Double7:32
6Seven Curtains5:15
7Long and Lonely Step2:34
8Lead Beater4:20
9Cavity Carousel4:35
10Briggs6:51
Promotion for Tail Swallower and Dove included an extensive U.S. tour spanning late 2008 into 2009, with the band performing over 50 shows and appearing at festivals such as in and SXSW in Austin. These live outings highlighted the album's , from jagged noise-rock bursts to prog-infused builds, solidifying the band's reputation in the scene. Amid growing internal tensions and creative exhaustion from years of relentless touring and recording, These Arms Are Snakes announced their disbandment on January 12, 2010, reflecting that the project had simply run its course after a rewarding seven-year run. In their statement, the members expressed deep gratitude to fans, collaborators, and tour companions for shared experiences, while acknowledging the personal toll of their intense lifestyle. The group wrapped up their initial era with a series of final performances in late 2009, culminating in a hometown show at The Vera Project in on October 17. This all-ages gig, part of their ongoing tour, marked an unceremonious close to the band's activities before the official split confirmation. Critics hailed Tail Swallower and Dove as a ambitious culmination of the band's evolving sound, blending aggression with expansiveness and moments of restraint. commended its "taut and tortured center" amid diverse structures, while Punknews praised the evident devotion in fine-tuning their progressive approach across releases. noted its welcoming reception as a sophisticated take on experimental hardcore, underscoring the album's role in elevating the genre.

Hiatus and Disbandment (2009–2016)

Following the release of their final album Tail Swallower and Dove in 2008, the exhaustive cycle of recording and extensive touring left the band members experiencing significant burnout, contributing to their decision to end the project. These Arms Are Snakes officially announced their disbandment on January 12, 2010, through a statement posted on their website, expressing gratitude to fans and collaborators after what they described as a "great run" but confirming the band was "no more." In the wake of the breakup, the members pursued individual musical endeavors within the and experimental scenes. Bassist Brian Cook, who had already been contributing to since 2007, became a full-time member of the instrumental band in 2009 and continued his work with the heavy rock duo , which he co-founded in 2004.) Vocalist Steve Snere formed the electronic noise project Crypts, releasing material that explored more abstract and synth-driven sounds. Drummer Chris Common shifted focus to production and engineering, working on albums for artists including and , and establishing Twin Hills Mastering studio. Guitarist Ryan Frederiksen remained active in the music community, joining the supergroup (with members from Botch and Unbroken) for their 2009–2013 run and later forming the ambient band Dust Moth. From 2010 to 2015, These Arms Are Snakes produced no new material or official activities, entering a period of complete dormancy that fueled occasional speculation among fans about potential reunions, often discussed in music press retrospectives on the era. The hiatus concluded with a surprise one-off performance on December 29, 2016, at Barboza in —a venue affiliated with Neumos—as part of a local event, marking the band's first show in seven years and featuring the core lineup of Cook, Common, Frederiksen, and Snere. While not signaling a formal reunion, the unannounced set rekindled fan interest and highlighted the enduring appeal of their chaotic, genre-blending style.

Reunion and Recent Activities (2016–present)

These Arms Are Snakes made their first public appearance since disbanding with a surprise reunion show on December 29, 2016, at Barboza in , where they performed a selection of tracks from their catalog, including songs from their albums Oxeneers or the Lion Sleeps When Its Antelope Go Home and . The performance marked a tentative return after years of inactivity, drawing a crowd of fans eager for the band's signature intensity. The band followed this one-off with official reunion announcements in 2021, scheduling two shows at Neumos in on August 28 and August 29, both of which sold out quickly and featured support from local acts like Filth Is Eternal and . Building on this momentum, These Arms Are Snakes embarked on a short U.S. tour in June and July 2022, their first multi-city run in over a decade, with dates including performances at Marquis Theater in on June 15, Lincoln Hall in on June 16, and Warsaw in , New York, on June 18, alongside Young Widows. These outings emphasized legacy material, reinforcing the band's enduring appeal without committing to regular touring. In conjunction with the 2022 tour, the band released the rarities compilation Duct Tape & Shivering Crows on April 15 via Suicide Squeeze Records, featuring demos, outtakes, B-sides, and previously unreleased tracks spanning their active years from 2002 to 2009. The collection served as a archival project rather than new material, highlighting unreleased experiments like early versions of songs from Tail Swallower and Dove. These Arms Are Snakes continued their sporadic activity with a performance at the on October 12, 2025, in , delivering a full set that included chaotic energy and selections from their , coinciding with anniversary celebrations for the band's longevity. Since reuniting, the group has maintained a low-key schedule focused on occasional legacy tours and one-off appearances, with no indications of a full comeback album as of late 2025.

Musical Style and Influences

Core Characteristics

These Arms Are Snakes are classified as a band incorporating elements of and , marked by angular, riff-driven guitar work, abrupt dynamic shifts, and the abstract, poetic delivery of vocalist Steve Snere. Their sound draws from punk's raw urgency while embracing 's technical intricacy, resulting in songs that eschew conventional verse-chorus forms in favor of fragmented, evolving compositions. Central to their sonic identity is the intricate guitar interplay, often featuring cascading riffs from guitarist Ryan Frederiksen that intertwine with propulsive bass grooves provided by Brian Cook, underpinning the rhythmic complexity. Drummers Erin Tate and later Chris Common contribute with precise, shifting patterns that amplify the band's dynamic volatility, creating a sense of controlled chaos through interlocking rhythms rather than straightforward propulsion. Snere's vocals, delivered in a scraping, spoken-screamed style, add an urgent, confrontational layer that complements the instrumental tension without overpowering it. Lyrically, the band explores surreal imagery intertwined with themes of personal alienation and existential unease, as seen in lines evoking sinking into or ritualistic sacrifice, conveyed through Snere's enigmatic, stream-of-consciousness phrasing. This poetic abstraction often reflects a sense of isolation amid , aligning with the music's disorienting structures to evoke emotional disquiet. The band's style invites comparisons to contemporaries such as The Blood Brothers, with their shared flair for chaotic energy, and , echoing the latter's intellectual rigor, yet distinguished by a Seattle-inflected edge that infuses grit into the mix. This regional flavor manifests in raw, unpolished textures reminiscent of aggression. Their commitment to a DIY ethic, rooted in the independent scene, shaped a production approach emphasizing live-wire intensity over studio gloss, primarily through releases on labels like Suicide Squeeze and Jade Tree that prioritized artistic autonomy.

Evolution Across Albums

These Arms Are Snakes' debut album, Oxeneers or the Lion Sleeps When Its Antelope Go Home (2004), captured the band's early raw and chaotic energy through short, explosive tracks that emphasized noise and dissonance, with distorted vocals integrated into layers of foreboding atmospherics and disorienting reverb. Tracks like "Gadget Arms" exemplified this approach, blending instrumental noise with urgent, scraped vocals and cascading guitar riffs to create a visceral post-hardcore foundation marked by groove and intensity. On their follow-up (2006), the band introduced greater structure and length to their compositions, incorporating melodic undertones and atmospheric elements that built on the core traits while adding density and abrasion. Songs featured complex rhythms, tight musicianship, and reverb-layered vocals that evoked a darker, more immersive sound, with calmer stretches providing contrast to the prevailing heaviness. This shift allowed for a balance of catchiness and dissonance, as heard in tracks that expanded the urgent energy of Oxeneers into broader, more enjoyable sonic landscapes. The final studio album, Tail Swallower and Dove (2008), marked an experimental expansion with progressive song lengths, swinging rhythms suggestive of influences, and refined production that unified a broad palette of sounds into a cohesive yet defying style. The rhythm section drove intense, ethereal passages without relying on speed or overt melody, blending with traditional rock elements in tracks like "Lucifer," which incorporated dance-beat accents and thrilling blasts reminiscent of contemporaries. Post-reunion releases, particularly the 2022 rarities compilation Duct Tape & Shivering Crows, highlight the contrast between the grit of early demos and the polished ambition of later work, offering an overview of the band's varied influences and raw creativity across their career. This archival material underscores a trajectory from visceral, noise-driven to more ambitious, genre-blending , as evidenced by the evolution in production and compositional scope from debut to disbandment.

Band Members

Current Members

The current lineup of These Arms Are Snakes consists of Steve Snere on lead vocals, Brian Cook on , Chris Common on , and Ryan Frederiksen on guitar and keyboards. This quartet has been the core of the band's reunion activities since their surprise performance in 2016. Steve Snere serves as the and primary songwriter, contributing haunting and versatile vocal performances that have defined the band's dynamic range across their . He has remained active in the band's reunions, including the 2021 one-off show and subsequent tours. Brian Cook handles duties and has been a key collaborator in the band's creative process, including contributions to production elements on reunion-era releases like the 2022 rarities compilation Duct Tape & Shivering Crows. He also participated in the 2022 North American tour, marking the band's first extensive run since 2009, and continues to balance These Arms Are Snakes with his work in . Chris Common provides drums and has served as the band's producer since joining in 2005, overseeing albums like (2006) and maintaining consistency through the original run and all reunion efforts. His production role extends to engineering and mixing, ensuring the band's intricate sound remains polished yet aggressive. Ryan Frederiksen plays guitar and keyboards, adding layers of technical fretwork and atmospheric elements that are central to 's math-rock influences. He joined early in its formation and has been integral to reunion performances, including the 2022 tour dates and their October 2025 set at the Best Friends Forever Festival in .

Former Members

Ben Verellen served as fill-in drummer for These Arms Are Snakes from 2004 to 2005, replacing Joe Preston and contributing drums to live shows and the 2004 split EP Like a Virgin with Harkonen, as well as additional bass on the debut full-length Oxeneers or the Lion Sleeps When Its Antelope Go Home (2004). Known for his work with Botch and Harkonen, he departed in mid-2005 to focus on other projects. Erin Tate served as the drummer for These Arms Are Snakes from 2004 to 2005, joining after the departure of founding member Joe Preston and contributing to the band's debut full-length album, Oxeneers or the Lion Sleeps When Its Antelope Go Home (2004). His tenure helped solidify the band's dynamic post-hardcore sound during early tours and recordings, but Tate left in 2005 to commit full-time to his role as the drummer for Minus the Bear, with whom he had been involved since 2001. Although he did not return to the core lineup following the band's hiatus, his influence on the early rhythmic foundation is acknowledged in retrospective discussions of the group's formation. Joe Preston was the original drummer for These Arms Are Snakes, performing from the band's inception in 2002 until early 2004 and appearing on their debut EP, This Is Meant to Hurt You (2003). Known for his work with influential acts like and , Preston's brief involvement brought a heavy, experimental edge to the group's initial sessions and live shows before he departed to pursue other projects, including his solo endeavor Thrones. His exit prompted the recruitment of Erin Tate, and Preston did not rejoin for subsequent recordings or the band's reunion activities. Jesse Robertson contributed keyboards and additional instrumentation to These Arms Are Snakes during their formative years from 2002 to 2004, appearing on the debut EP This Is Meant to Hurt You and early live performances that helped establish the band's presence. As part of the initial lineup alongside Ryan Frederiksen on guitar and Brian Cook on bass, Robertson's atmospheric elements supported the group's math-rock leanings in pre-Oxeneers material, though he stepped away as the band evolved toward a more streamlined quartet configuration. He received credits for specific early shows but did not participate in later albums or the 2016 reunion. Bill Quinby was an early guitarist in the band's original lineup around 2002, brought in through connections in the Seattle scene, but tragically passed away before any recordings could be completed with him. His involvement was limited to rehearsals and initial touring preparations, contributing to the group's foundational energy prior to the debut EP sessions; band members have reflected on his loss as a poignant moment in their history, with acknowledgments in later compilations like Duct Tape & Shivering Crows (2022). Quinby did not appear on any released material, and no further contributions followed his untimely death.

Discography

Studio Albums

These Arms Are Snakes released three studio albums between 2004 and 2008, each showcasing their evolution within the genre while maintaining ties to independent labels. The band's debut came via Jade Tree Records, followed by a second release on the same label before shifting to Suicide Squeeze for their final full-length during the initial active period. These albums garnered critical attention for their intricate compositions and raw energy, with reception varying from solid acclaim to mixed praise across review aggregators and publications. The debut album, Oxeneers or the Lion Sleeps When Its Antelope Go Home, was released on September 21, 2004, by Jade Tree Records and produced by alongside the band. Running 46 minutes across 11 tracks, it marked the group's introduction to a broader audience following their earlier EPs. The album received a score of 65 out of 100, based on seven critic reviews, reflecting a generally favorable but not overwhelming response that highlighted its chaotic yet structured sound.
No.Title
1.The Shit Sisters
2.Angela's Secret
3.Big News
4.Tracing
5.Your Pearly Whites
6.Gadget Arms
7.Greetings From The Great North Woods
8.La Stanza Bianca
9.Darlings Of New Midnight
10.Oxeneer
11.
Easter, the band's sophomore effort, arrived on October 10, 2006, also through Jade Tree Records, with production handled by Chris Common and the band members. Clocking in at 46 minutes over 12 tracks, it featured the single "Big Business," which shared its name with bassist Brian Cook's concurrent of the same name. Critics praised its dense, abrasive qualities, earning positive notices in outlets like (rated 3.5 out of 5 stars) and Punknews.org (4 out of 5), though no aggregate score was compiled.
No.Title
1.Mescaline Eyes
2.Horse Girl
3.Subtle Body
4.Desert Ghost
5.Child Chicken Play
6.Hell's Bank Notes
7.Abracadabraca
8.Deer Lodge
9.Lady North
10.Perpetual Bris
11.Coporeal
12.Crazy Woman Dirty Train
The final studio album, Tail Swallower and Dove, was issued on October 7, 2008, by Suicide Squeeze Records and produced by Chris Common. Spanning 44 minutes with 10 tracks, it represented the band's longest runtime to date and concluded their initial catalog on a note of experimental intensity. Reception was warmly received, with AllMusic awarding it 3.5 out of 5 stars and Pitchfork commending its balanced diversity in a 7.3 out of 10 review, emphasizing the album's taut execution.
No.TitleDuration
1.Woolen Heirs4:15
2.Prince Squid3:18
3.Red Line Season2:33
4.2:36
5.Ethric Double7:32
6.Seven Curtains5:15
7.Long And Lonely Step2:34
8.Lead Beater4:20
9.Cavity Carousel4:35
10.6:51

Extended Plays

These Arms Are Snakes released one extended play during their initial active period, serving as a concise creative outlet that allowed the band to experiment with their post-hardcore sound and transition between full-length albums. The first, titled This Is Meant to Hurt You, was initially self-released in limited form before receiving official distribution. The EP This Is Meant to Hurt You features five tracks clocking in at 23 minutes, including "Riding the Grape Dragon," "Run It Through the Dog," "Diggers of Ditches Everywhere," "The Blue Rose," and "Drinking From The Necks Of The Ones You Love." It was engineered, produced, and mixed by Matt Bayles at Avast! Studios in Seattle, capturing the band's early lineup with Joe Preston on drums and Jesse Robertson on keyboards—the only release to include a full-time keyboardist before Robertson's departure in 2004. Released on August 12, 2003, via Second Nature Recordings for the 12-inch vinyl (catalog SN046) and Jade Tree for the CD edition, the EP bridged the raw energy of the band's 2002 self-released demo The Blue Rose EP and their debut studio album Oxeneers or the Lion Sleeps When Its Antelope Go Home. The vinyl pressing was limited, with variants including standard black and clear editions, enhancing its appeal to collectors. These extended plays highlighted the band's ability to refine their chaotic, angular style in shorter formats, providing fans with glimpses of their evolving influences amid the gap between Oxeneers... (2004) and Easter (2006).

Compilation and Split Releases

These Arms Are Snakes participated in several split releases throughout their active years, collaborating with other post-hardcore and experimental acts to showcase original material on shared formats. Their earliest notable split came in 2005 with Harkonen on the Like a Virgin EP, released by Hydra Head Records in CD and 7-inch vinyl formats; the band contributed two tracks, "Payday Loans" and "Hook on This," recorded by Jack Endino at The Sound House in Seattle, marking some of their rawer, early compositions before the lineup solidified further. In 2008, they issued multiple splits, including a 12-inch with Russian Circles on Sargent House Records featuring "Camera Shy" and "Trix," both recorded at Red Room Recording by band member Chris Common; a 10-inch with Pelican on Hydra Head Records featuring TAAS's cover "Pink Mammoth"; and a 7-inch with Tropics on We Be Records with the track "Meet Your Mayor." These releases highlighted the band's willingness to experiment with shorter, punchier formats alongside peers in the underground scene. Later splits included a 7-inch with All the Saints in 2009 on Touch & Go Records, featuring "Washburn," and a posthumous 7-inch with The Coathangers in 2014 on Suicide Squeeze Records with "Energy Drink and the Long Walk Home." The band's archival material received focused attention in 2022 with the release of Duct Tape & Shivering Crows, a 15-track double LP compilation on Suicide Squeeze Records that gathered rarities, B-sides, and demos spanning their 2002–2009 run. Issued following reunion shows, the collection includes early 2003 demos recorded by Ben Verellen at The Metal Mansion—such as "Riding the Grape Dragon," "Run It Through the Dog," "Diggers of Ditches Everywhere," and "The Blue Rose"—which served as their initial four-song tape that attracted label interest from Jade Tree. It also incorporates outtakes from various album sessions, including tracks from the Oxeneers or the Lion Sleeps When Its Antelope Go Home era like unreleased material tied to "The Shit Sisters," alongside B-sides such as "Old Paradise" from the 2006 "Horse Girl" single on Suicide Squeeze. The compilation fills gaps in their discography by remastering these pieces, emphasizing the band's evolution from lo-fi hardcore roots to more polished post-hardcore arrangements, and was pressed on splatter vinyl in limited editions. Beyond splits and the rarities compilation, These Arms Are Snakes contributed to tribute projects post-hiatus, including a cover of Nirvana's "Heart-Shaped Box" on the 2014 Robotic Empire tribute album , In Tribute, In Entirety, recorded at Red Room by Chris Common with guest vocals from ; this track reinterprets the original through the band's angular, math-rock lens. These non-standard releases collectively preserve lesser-known facets of the band's output, bridging their active period with later archival interest.

Singles and Music Videos

These Arms Are Snakes issued a modest number of promotional singles and split releases, often in limited physical formats like 7-inch vinyl and CD singles, which featured exclusive tracks alongside their studio albums. These outputs emphasized the band's experimental post-hardcore sound and were typically distributed through independent labels such as Touch and Go and Hydra Head. One notable single was "Washburn," originally appearing on a 2009 split 7-inch with All The Saints (Host / Washburn) on Touch and Go Records, limited to a small pressing, and later reissued as a digital single on Suicide Squeeze Records in September 2009. The band also released split singles with peers in the scene, including "Like A Virgin" with Harkonen in 2005 on , available as CD and 7-inch vinyl featuring two original tracks per band, and "Pink Mammoth / Gold Diggers" with in 2008 on , issued as a limited-edition 10-inch vinyl and CD. Additionally, the promotional EP The was distributed as a in 2003, containing early material. These releases achieved no significant commercial chart performance but have sustained a cult audience through streaming services like and , where tracks such as "Washburn" remain accessible. The band's music videos were sparse but visually distinctive, often incorporating surreal and abstract elements that complemented their cryptic, narrative-driven lyrics. The primary video from their active period (2002–2010) was for "Horse Girl" from the 2006 Easter, directed by Artificial Army and released via Jade Tree Records; it features animated sequences of a fantastical consuming grubs and hallucinogens, evoking themes of altered perception and whimsy amid chaos. Following the band's 2010 hiatus, promotional videos emerged with the 2022 rarities compilation Duct Tape & Shivering Crows on Suicide Squeeze Records, including official clips for "Camera Shy" (a live-performance style edit highlighting raw energy) and "Riding the Grape Dragon (Demo)" (an archival footage montage underscoring the track's origins from their 2003 EP This Is Meant to Hurt You). These videos, along with fan-uploaded live footage of tracks like "Red Line Season," have cultivated a dedicated online following on , with views typically ranging from 10,000 to 150,000 per clip.

References

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