Cave In
Encyclopedia
Cave In is an American rock band that formed in 1995, in Methuen, Massachusetts
. After several members changes in the late 90's, their lineup solidified with the 1998 release of Until Your Heart Stops
through Hydra Head Records
. Their early albums were prominent releases in the independent metalcore
scene. After this release, the band started experimenting with other genres. Cave In later received mainstream recognition for their 2003 RCA Records
album Antenna
and its lead single "Anchor," which had an overall alternative rock
style. The group went on hiatus in 2006 and later reformed in 2009 with the release of a new EP, Planets of Old
—a release that saw a return to Cave In's earlier and heavier sound.
and Early Grace, and see Matthes briefly replaced by Andy Kyte. 1997 saw Cave In's first release; a self-titled 7" on Aaron Turner
's Hydra Head Records
. Following that release, the band embarked on a three week East Coast tour. That tour was, however, cut a week short due to Jay Frechette's prior obligations to join and tour with Boston
-based Ten Yard Fight
. After Frechette returned from a month on tour with Ten Yard Fight it was a mutual decision for him to leave Cave In and to join Ten Yard Fight full time. At this point, Dave Scrod stepped in for a short-lived tenure as interim vocalist. In 1998, most tracks from previous 7" releases and recordings were compiled to form Beyond Hypothermia.
, featured Brodsky as lead vocalist. The album's release was followed by extensive touring.
Before their next full-length, Cave In began experimenting with their sound offering Creative Eclipses, a five-song EP which indicated a space rock
direction the band would then pursue for several years, as opposed to their metal roots. Then, in 2000, they released Jupiter, receiving a good deal of press. The band was featured in Spin Magazines "Sound Advice" section, where their new sound was described as "emo-metal Radiohead
", though the band themselves rejected this categorization. Jupiter also caught the attention of major labels, who began courting the band after its release. The band released a final six-song EP for Hydra Head titled Tides of Tomorrow
, with an even further-expanded melodic approach, before moving on to RCA Records
.
, their debut for RCA. Antenna had more success than previous albums and Cave In was chosen to play the second stage on the 2003 Lollapalooza
tour. After Lollapalooza, Cave In toured Europe in support of the Foo Fighters
and Muse
. Shortly after, the band began to revisit their metal roots during concerts, and new heavy material led to a mutual agreement to cut ties with RCA Records shortly after.
on September 13, 2005.
Following the release of Perfect Pitch Black, Conners departed from the band, due to an injury and temporarily relocating to Germany
, and was replaced by Converge
drummer Ben Koller
. According to postings on Hydra Head Records website news, Adam McGrath was temporarily listed as "ex-Cave In guitarist" in his new band Clouds.
In November, 2006, Cave In announced that they were officially on hiatus.
, that was originally exclusive to vinyl from Hydra Head Records
, and first made available at their reunion show on July 19, 2009 at Great Scott's in Allston, Massachusetts. The EP was later released on CD in January 2010 with a bonus DVD of Cave In's reunion show. Two songs from the EP, "Retina Sees Rewind" and "Cayman Tongue", were released through iTunes. Cave In chose to make Planets of Old a short EP instead of a full-length because it was less expensive and faster to record and release. Commenting on the duration of recording, Steve Brodsky stated, "we didn't really wanna make a big deal out of it. In the past, we've had more than a couple instances of spending far too long into making a recording. [...] It was a good exercise for us to give ourselves a very strict amount of time to record and then move on."
Looking forward, Brodsky announced in a January 2010 interview that Cave In will be more selective about their touring schedule, and that future releases from the band might be more focused on a digital medium. Brodsky uploaded a live audio recording of a new song titled "Centered" in July 2010 on YouTube. The song comes from Cave In's recording sessions for an upcoming studio album, and first since 2005's Perfect Pitch Black.
The upcoming album is titled White Silence
, and is set for release on May 24, 2011 through Hydra Head Records.
Former members
Methuen, Massachusetts
Methuen is a city in Essex County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 43,789 at the 2000 census.-History:Methuen was first settled in 1642 and was officially incorporated in 1726; it is named for the British diplomat Sir Paul Methuen. Methuen was originally part of Haverhill,...
. After several members changes in the late 90's, their lineup solidified with the 1998 release of Until Your Heart Stops
Until Your Heart Stops
Until Your Heart Stops is the debut album by Metalcore band Cave In. It was released in 1998 on Hydra Head Records.-Background:Despite being the band's second full-length release, Until Your Heart Stops represents the first time Cave In went into a studio to record a full album together...
through Hydra Head Records
Hydra Head Records
Hydra Head Records is an independent record label which specializes in heavy metal music, founded in New Mexico by Aaron Turner in 1993...
. Their early albums were prominent releases in the independent metalcore
Metalcore
Metalcore is a subgenre of heavy metal combining various elements of extreme metal and hardcore punk. The name is a portmanteau of the names of the two genres. The term took on its current meaning in the mid-1990s, describing bands such as Earth Crisis, Deadguy and Integrity...
scene. After this release, the band started experimenting with other genres. Cave In later received mainstream recognition for their 2003 RCA Records
RCA Records
RCA Records is one of the flagship labels of Sony Music Entertainment. The RCA initials stand for Radio Corporation of America , which was the parent corporation from 1929 to 1985 and a partner from 1985 to 1986.RCA's Canadian unit is Sony's oldest label...
album Antenna
Antenna (Cave In album)
Antenna is the third studio album and first major label album by American rock band Cave In. Released in 2003, it marks Cave In's first and only album under RCA before being dropped and resigning fully with Hydra Head. Antenna marked a more commercial shift in Cave In's style which, while...
and its lead single "Anchor," which had an overall alternative rock
Alternative rock
Alternative rock is a genre of rock music and a term used to describe a diverse musical movement that emerged from the independent music underground of the 1980s and became widely popular by the 1990s...
style. The group went on hiatus in 2006 and later reformed in 2009 with the release of a new EP, Planets of Old
Planets of Old
Planets of Old is an extended play released by American alternative rock band Cave In. This EP is the first release of new material from the band since their split in 2006.-Recording and release:...
—a release that saw a return to Cave In's earlier and heavier sound.
Formation and early releases (1995–1998)
Cave In was formed by Jay Frechette and Steve Brodsky in early 1995. The initial line-up consisted of Frechette on vocals, Brodsky on guitar and vocals, Adam McGrath on second guitar, JR Conners on drums and Justin Matthes on bass. They would soon release a demo and a handful of split 7" releases with bands such as Gambit, PiebaldPiebald (band)
Piebald is an American alternative rock band. Piebald started as a hardcore band in Andover, Massachusetts, out of the same scene that produced legends Converge. They later moved to the Boston suburb of Somerville and became a staple of the Greater Boston indie rock scene. Two members still live in...
and Early Grace, and see Matthes briefly replaced by Andy Kyte. 1997 saw Cave In's first release; a self-titled 7" on Aaron Turner
Aaron Turner
Aaron Turner is a musician, singer, graphic artist, and founder of label Hydra Head Records. He is most widely known for his role as guitarist and vocalist for the post-metal band Isis, while also participating in several other bands and projects such as Old Man Gloom and Lotus Eaters.Though raised...
's Hydra Head Records
Hydra Head Records
Hydra Head Records is an independent record label which specializes in heavy metal music, founded in New Mexico by Aaron Turner in 1993...
. Following that release, the band embarked on a three week East Coast tour. That tour was, however, cut a week short due to Jay Frechette's prior obligations to join and tour with Boston
Boston
Boston is the capital of and largest city in Massachusetts, and is one of the oldest cities in the United States. The largest city in New England, Boston is regarded as the unofficial "Capital of New England" for its economic and cultural impact on the entire New England region. The city proper had...
-based Ten Yard Fight
Ten Yard Fight
Ten Yard Fight was a straight edge, football-based band formed in 1995 in Boston, Massachusetts. Along with In My Eyes and Floorpunch, they spearheaded the youth crew revival in 1997. Ten Yard Fight's "official" last show was in Boston on October 17, which would become the first National Edge Day...
. After Frechette returned from a month on tour with Ten Yard Fight it was a mutual decision for him to leave Cave In and to join Ten Yard Fight full time. At this point, Dave Scrod stepped in for a short-lived tenure as interim vocalist. In 1998, most tracks from previous 7" releases and recordings were compiled to form Beyond Hypothermia.
Until Your Heart Stops and Jupiter (1998–2002)
Two weeks before the band was to record their first proper full-length, Scrod left the band, pushing guitarist Steven Brodsky to a position as vocalist, and Caleb Scofield filled in the then-vacant position on bass. Their debut studio album, 1998's Until Your Heart StopsUntil Your Heart Stops
Until Your Heart Stops is the debut album by Metalcore band Cave In. It was released in 1998 on Hydra Head Records.-Background:Despite being the band's second full-length release, Until Your Heart Stops represents the first time Cave In went into a studio to record a full album together...
, featured Brodsky as lead vocalist. The album's release was followed by extensive touring.
Before their next full-length, Cave In began experimenting with their sound offering Creative Eclipses, a five-song EP which indicated a space rock
Space rock
Space rock is a subgenre of rock music; the term originally referred to a group of early, mostly British, 1970s progressive and psychedelic rock bands such as Hawkwind and Pink Floyd, characterised by slow, lengthy instrumental passages dominated by electric organs, synthesizers, experimental...
direction the band would then pursue for several years, as opposed to their metal roots. Then, in 2000, they released Jupiter, receiving a good deal of press. The band was featured in Spin Magazines "Sound Advice" section, where their new sound was described as "emo-metal Radiohead
Radiohead
Radiohead are an English rock band from Abingdon, Oxfordshire, formed in 1985. The band consists of Thom Yorke , Jonny Greenwood , Ed O'Brien , Colin Greenwood and Phil Selway .Radiohead released their debut single "Creep" in 1992...
", though the band themselves rejected this categorization. Jupiter also caught the attention of major labels, who began courting the band after its release. The band released a final six-song EP for Hydra Head titled Tides of Tomorrow
Tides of Tomorrow
Tides of Tomorrow is an EP by alternative rock band Cave In, released through Hydra Head Records on October 15, 2002.-Track listing:# "Come Into Your Own" – 4:52# "Dark Driving" – 5:28# "The Calypso" – 4:02# "Tides of Tomorrow" – 6:25...
, with an even further-expanded melodic approach, before moving on to RCA Records
RCA Records
RCA Records is one of the flagship labels of Sony Music Entertainment. The RCA initials stand for Radio Corporation of America , which was the parent corporation from 1929 to 1985 and a partner from 1985 to 1986.RCA's Canadian unit is Sony's oldest label...
.
RCA Records and Antenna (2003–2004)
In 2003, the band released AntennaAntenna (Cave In album)
Antenna is the third studio album and first major label album by American rock band Cave In. Released in 2003, it marks Cave In's first and only album under RCA before being dropped and resigning fully with Hydra Head. Antenna marked a more commercial shift in Cave In's style which, while...
, their debut for RCA. Antenna had more success than previous albums and Cave In was chosen to play the second stage on the 2003 Lollapalooza
Lollapalooza
Lollapalooza is an annual music festival featuring popular alternative rock, heavy metal, punk rock and hip hop bands, dance and comedy performances, and craft booths. It has also provided a platform for non-profit and political groups. The music festival hosts more than 160,000 people over a...
tour. After Lollapalooza, Cave In toured Europe in support of the Foo Fighters
Foo Fighters
Foo Fighters is an American alternative rock band originally formed in 1994 by Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl as a one-man project following the dissolution of his previous band. The band got its name from the UFOs and various aerial phenomena that were reported by Allied aircraft pilots in World War...
and Muse
Muse (band)
Muse are an English alternative rock band from Teignmouth, Devon, formed in 1994. The band consists of school friends Matthew Bellamy , Christopher Wolstenholme and Dominic Howard...
. Shortly after, the band began to revisit their metal roots during concerts, and new heavy material led to a mutual agreement to cut ties with RCA Records shortly after.
Perfect Pitch Black and hiatus (2005–2006)
Cave In returned to Hydra Head Records and released Perfect Pitch BlackPerfect Pitch Black
Perfect Pitch Black is the fourth studio album by American rock band Cave In. The album was released on September 13, 2005 through Hydra Head Records, and was the band's final release before going on hiatus in 2006...
on September 13, 2005.
Following the release of Perfect Pitch Black, Conners departed from the band, due to an injury and temporarily relocating to Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
, and was replaced by Converge
Converge (band)
Converge is an American band from Salem, Massachusetts. Playing a blend of hardcore punk and metal since 1990, Converge has helped to define many of the elements of the metalcore genre.-Description:...
drummer Ben Koller
Ben Koller
Ben Koller is an American drummer currently in Converge, United Nations, Acid Tiger, and All Pigs Must Die. He started playing a full drum kit at age 14.-Early bands:...
. According to postings on Hydra Head Records website news, Adam McGrath was temporarily listed as "ex-Cave In guitarist" in his new band Clouds.
In November, 2006, Cave In announced that they were officially on hiatus.
Reformation, Planets of Old and White Silence (2009–present)
In April 2009, Cave In publicly announced they had ended their more than three year hiatus. The band recorded a new four-song EP, Planets of OldPlanets of Old
Planets of Old is an extended play released by American alternative rock band Cave In. This EP is the first release of new material from the band since their split in 2006.-Recording and release:...
, that was originally exclusive to vinyl from Hydra Head Records
Hydra Head Records
Hydra Head Records is an independent record label which specializes in heavy metal music, founded in New Mexico by Aaron Turner in 1993...
, and first made available at their reunion show on July 19, 2009 at Great Scott's in Allston, Massachusetts. The EP was later released on CD in January 2010 with a bonus DVD of Cave In's reunion show. Two songs from the EP, "Retina Sees Rewind" and "Cayman Tongue", were released through iTunes. Cave In chose to make Planets of Old a short EP instead of a full-length because it was less expensive and faster to record and release. Commenting on the duration of recording, Steve Brodsky stated, "we didn't really wanna make a big deal out of it. In the past, we've had more than a couple instances of spending far too long into making a recording. [...] It was a good exercise for us to give ourselves a very strict amount of time to record and then move on."
Looking forward, Brodsky announced in a January 2010 interview that Cave In will be more selective about their touring schedule, and that future releases from the band might be more focused on a digital medium. Brodsky uploaded a live audio recording of a new song titled "Centered" in July 2010 on YouTube. The song comes from Cave In's recording sessions for an upcoming studio album, and first since 2005's Perfect Pitch Black.
The upcoming album is titled White Silence
White Silence
White Silence is the fifth studio album by the American rock band Cave In. The album was released on May 24, 2011 through Hydra Head Records...
, and is set for release on May 24, 2011 through Hydra Head Records.
Members
Current members- Stephen Brodsky – vocals, guitarGuitarThe guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
(1995–2006, 2009–present) - Caleb ScofieldCaleb ScofieldCaleb Scofield is a bassist and singer mostly known for playing bass & contributing vocals in the alternative metal band Cave In, and is now most active with his own sludge metal band Zozobra. Caleb is also a part of the sludge band Old Man Gloom. He currently lives in Boston with his wife and...
– vocals, bass guitarBass guitarThe bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
(1998–2006, 2009–present) - Adam McGrath – guitar, vocals (1995–2006, 2009–present)
- John-Robert Conners – drumsDrum kitA drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....
(1995–2005, 2009–present)
Former members
- Jay Frechette – vocals (1995–1997)
- Dave Scrod – vocals (1997–1998)
- Justin Matthes – bass guitar (1995–1997)
- Andy Kyte – bass guitar (1997–1998)
- Ben KollerBen KollerBen Koller is an American drummer currently in Converge, United Nations, Acid Tiger, and All Pigs Must Die. He started playing a full drum kit at age 14.-Early bands:...
– drums (2005–2006)
Discography
Studio albums- Until Your Heart StopsUntil Your Heart StopsUntil Your Heart Stops is the debut album by Metalcore band Cave In. It was released in 1998 on Hydra Head Records.-Background:Despite being the band's second full-length release, Until Your Heart Stops represents the first time Cave In went into a studio to record a full album together...
(1998) - Jupiter (2000)
- AntennaAntenna (Cave In album)Antenna is the third studio album and first major label album by American rock band Cave In. Released in 2003, it marks Cave In's first and only album under RCA before being dropped and resigning fully with Hydra Head. Antenna marked a more commercial shift in Cave In's style which, while...
(2003) - Perfect Pitch BlackPerfect Pitch BlackPerfect Pitch Black is the fourth studio album by American rock band Cave In. The album was released on September 13, 2005 through Hydra Head Records, and was the band's final release before going on hiatus in 2006...
(2005) - White SilenceWhite SilenceWhite Silence is the fifth studio album by the American rock band Cave In. The album was released on May 24, 2011 through Hydra Head Records...
(2011)
Side projects
- Kid KilowattKid KilowattKid Kilowatt was a rock supergroup formed in 1996 and dissolved in 1997, including members of Cave In, Converge and Piebald. They wrote only one album, Guitar Method, first released by Second Nature Recordings in 2003....
(Cave In and Converge member side project) - Old Man GloomOld Man GloomOld Man Gloom is a sludge/doom metal/post-metal band originally formed in Santa Fe, New Mexico, United States, but now based in Massachusetts. The group, formed by Aaron Turner of Isis and Santos Montano, has now expanded to become a sort of supergroup in the Boston hardcore and metalcore scene....
(Caleb Scofield's side project) - New Idea Society (Stephen Brodsky's side project)
- Pet Genius (Stephen Brodsky's side project)
- Sacrifice Poles (Cave In's instrumental alter-ego)
- The Octave Museum (Stephen Brodsky's side project)
- ZozobraZozobra (band)Zozobra is a metal band that was first conceived by Caleb Scofield during 2006. He was joined by Santos Montano for the band's first release, Harmonic Tremors in 2007...
(Caleb Scofield's current project) - Clouds (Adam McGrath's current project)
- Stephen Brodsky (Solo projects, also released as Steve Brodsky and Stove Bredsky)
External links
- Official Cave In website
- Cave In on Myspace
- Cave In on Facebook
- New Idea Society's website (Stephen Brodsky's side project)
- Lazy-i Interview: September 2003
- Adam McGrath exclusive interview on peta2
- Stephen Brodsky interview on Rockmidgets.com
- Interview w/Caleb Scofield at Lambgoat.com
- Cave In To Release New EP in July 2009
- Stephen Brodsky contemplates the entire Cave In catalog