Kill the Lights (band)
Kill the Lights | |
|---|---|
Kill the Lights performing in the Netherlands in 2024 | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Bridgend, Wales / United States |
| Genres | |
| Years active | 2019–present |
| Label | Fearless Records |
| Members |
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| Past members |
|
| Website | killthelightsofficial |
Kill the Lights is a Welsh-American heavy metal supergroup formed in 2019. The band was founded by former Bullet for My Valentine drummer Michael "Moose" Thomas and guitarist Jordan Whelan.[1]
The lineup has included members of Bullet for My Valentine, Throw the Fight, Still Remains, Threat Signal, and Glamour of the Kill.[2]
The band released their debut album The Sinner in 2020, followed by their second studio album Death Melodies in 2024 via Fearless Records.[3][4]
History
Formation and early releases (2019)
Kill the Lights was formed following Michael Thomas’s departure from Bullet for My Valentine in 2016. Thomas stated that he wanted to return to a heavier and more organic metal sound.[1]
The original lineup consisted of James Clark (vocals), Jordan Whelan (guitar), Travis Montgomery (guitar), and Davey Richmond (bass).[1]
The band released their debut single, "The Faceless", in January 2019.[1]
The Sinner (2020)
The band released their debut studio album, The Sinner, on August 21, 2020.[3]
The album featured the singles:
- "The Faceless"
- "Through The Night"
- "Shed My Skin"
- "Watch You Fall"
The album was released during the COVID-19 pandemic, limiting touring opportunities. Metal Hammer rated the album 4/5, praising its groove and traditional metal influence.[3] Kerrang! gave the album 2/5.[5]
The Sinner was produced by Colin Richardson.[1]
Line-up changes and standalone singles (2020–2021)
Following the release of The Sinner, bassist Davey Richmond departed the band. Chris Clancy briefly joined as bassist while also contributing to production duties.[6]
In 2021, former Bullet for My Valentine bassist Jason "Jay" James officially joined Kill the Lights.[6]
During this period, the band released additional standalone singles including:
Death Melodies (2024)
The band’s second album, Death Melodies, was released on March 8, 2024, via Fearless Records.[4]
The album was recorded in Canada, Minneapolis, and the United Kingdom, and produced by Colin Richardson and Chris Clancy.[4]
Themes explored on the album include anxiety, depression, addiction, and personal struggle.[4]
Kerrang! rated the album 3/5, describing it as confident and rooted in early-2000s melodic metal influences.[4]
Musical style
Kill the Lights have been described as melodic metalcore with strong influences from classic heavy metal.[4]
Their sound incorporates dual-guitar harmonies, thrash-inspired riffs, and a mix of clean and aggressive vocals.[1]
Touring
Touring activity following the release of The Sinner was limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The band later resumed live performances in the United Kingdom, Europe, and North America.
In 2024, Kill the Lights supported Death Melodies with festival appearances and club shows.
Career timeline
- 2019
Formation and release of debut single "The Faceless".
- 2020
Release of The Sinner via Fearless Records.
- 2021
Jason "Jay" James joined as bassist.
- 2024
Release of Death Melodies.
Discography
Studio albums
- The Sinner (2020)
- Death Melodies (2024)
Selected singles
- "The Faceless" (2019)
- "Through The Night" (2020)
- "Shed My Skin" (2020)
- "Watch You Fall" (2020)
- "Chasing Shadows" (2021)
- "Voices" (2021)
- "Battery" (Metallica cover) (2020)
References
- ^ a b c d e f "Meet Michael 'Moose' Thomas' new heavy metal supergroup, Kill The Lights!". Wall of Sound. January 9, 2019.
- ^ "Meet Kill The Lights: The New Supergroup With Members Of BFMV And Still Remains". Kerrang!. August 24, 2020.
- ^ a b c "Kill The Lights – The Sinner Album Review". LouderSound. August 24, 2020.
- ^ a b c d e f "Album review: Kill The Lights – Death Melodies". Kerrang!. March 7, 2024.
- ^ "Album Review: Kill The Lights – The Sinner". Kerrang!. August 20, 2020.
- ^ a b c "Kill The Lights Deliver 'Voices' With New Bassist Jason 'Jay' James". Wall of Sound. December 9, 2021.