Needless to say, last week was a horrendous time for music fans. Earlier in the week, George Pettit released a statement explaining that Alexisonfire were (inevitably) breaking. Dallas Green had left 18 months ago to take his folk side project City and Colour further. Now, Wade MacNeil is fronting Gallows as well as wanting to take his side project, Black Lungs further. On Thursday night, The Bled confirmed that they were also breaking up.
The Bled released this statement via AbsolutePunk: "After 10 years of making music together we have decided its time to move on to new things. We are in the process of booking our final tour and will post dates for that as soon it's confirmed. We want to thank Rise Records, Paradigm Talent Agency, the companies who endorsed us, tour mates, promoters, anyone who worked for us, and most of all, those of you who supported us. Whether you were a fan or just sat through one of our sets to see the next band, we can't thank you guys enough. We have met some amazing people all over the world and that has been the best part of being in this band. That being said, we hope to see you in all November for one last run. Much love." This statement was followed by a tweet "Warms out hearts to see all the love. Thank you".
I loved Alexisonfire but to me, they cannot be compared to The Bled. They were so unique and the most underrated bands in music. They were one of a kind. The hardcore band from Tucson, Arizona formed in 2001 and were influenced by Refused, The Dillinger Escape Plan and Cave In. After so many line up changes and financial problems, it is understandable why they have called it a day. For me, this is one of the most heart wrenching things to have ever happened in music. You have bands like this who are so talented, passionate and different who (mainly, at a guess, due to their finances) are unable to proceed with their artistic work. Moments like this, show the bad side of the music industry. Talent nowadays is not really what you need to be successful, just look at the charts and the lack of talent in there.
Even though, due to their history, it might not be surprising that they have come to a crossroads, they did recently (a matter of a couple of weeks ago) stated that they were in the middle of writing a new album. Is there more to this? Quite possibly. Regardless of their reason, it doesn't change their decision, however they have come to it.
The music industry has lost one of the most exciting bands in music. The band dabbles with severe tempo changes, moving from over the top chaos to ringing guitars and mumbled vocals, all without falling into the dreaded emo-core trap. If a band is talented enough, they will write one masterpiece in their career. Pass the Flask is one of my favorite albums of all time, however all their albums are so different, this hardcore band has brought a new sound to each of their albums, evolving and developing like all great bands. I couldn't tell you which one of their back catalogue could accomplish the masterpiece status, because to me, they all do.
When you listen to them, you’re instantly pulled into a hardcore wonderland as front man James Muñoz lets out a roar screaming or uses his dulce tones to engross the audience into the song from their original hardcore style to more of a groovy drum and bass style to just straight rock. You get to experience The Bled and find different sounds every time you listen to them. There are so many levels, they leave you wanting more the more you listen to them. If you haven’t given them a chance yet, you’re missing out on some very good music from one of the best bands ever created.
James Muñoz and Jeremy Ray Talley wanted to "rock by any means necessary" and continue releasing music as The Bled after many line up changes. Unfortunately, for whatever reason, they have had to stop this, at least as part of The Bled. I trully hope that this is not a break up but some time apart. Hopefully the music industry will see the huge void where they should be and maybe then, they will reunite and be given the recognition that they deserve. Their facebook page has been inundated with so many supporting messages from their fans. Making the final line up included Robbie Burbridge, Shane Sheffer and Josh Skibar who were fans of The Bled. They brought an outside perspective of what fans liked about the band to their writing process. Even though, personally their first album was one of the most epic albums ever created, the final line up was flawless. They each contributed something untamed to the band that blew my mind with their inventive music. They brought aggressive music to it's best, raising the bar and no other band came close to hitting their level.
Their farewell tour is due to take place in November, wether they shall only do the U.S. or come further afield we shall have to wait and see. Music truly has lost one of the best bands in history.
NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
We don't run any advertising! Our editorial content is solely funded by lovely people like yourself using Stereoboard's listings when buying tickets for live events. To keep supporting us, next time you're looking for concert, festival, sport or theatre tickets, please search for "Stereoboard". It costs you nothing, you may find a better price than the usual outlets, and save yourself from waiting in an endless queue on Friday mornings as we list ALL available sellers!
When you listen to them, you’re instantly pulled into a hardcore wonderland as front man James Muñoz lets out a roar screaming or uses his dulce tones to engross the audience into the song from their original hardcore style to more of a groovy drum and bass style to just straight rock. You get to experience The Bled and find different sounds every time you listen to them. There are so many levels, they leave you wanting more the more you listen to them. If you haven’t given them a chance yet, you’re missing out on some very good music from one of the best bands ever created.
