40 Below Summer
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1998 |
| Headquarters | New Jersey , United States |
| Products | Studio albums, EPs, music videos |
40 Below Summer is a nu metal group originating from New Jersey, United States. Established in 1998, the ensemble dissolved in 2005, regrouped briefly in 2006 and again in 2010, before reuniting permanently in 2011. Their most recent release, Untethered, came out in 2025.
Formation and Early Years (1998–2000)
The inception of 40 Below Summer occurred when Peruvian drummer Carlos Aguilar connected with vocalist Max Illidge while performing in a band named Alien. Later, guitarist Joey D'Amico joined after meeting Illidge toward the end of 1997. Initially, Pete Savad handled bass duties but later transitioned to guitar, with Jordan Plingos stepping in as bassist. Their first independent effort, Side Show Freaks (1999), was recorded within their rehearsal space in New York City. Prior to securing a record contract, Savad departed; Plingos shifted to guitar, Steve Ferreira briefly filled the bassist role, and was soon replaced by Puerto Rican bassist Hector Graziani. In 2000, they independently released the Rain EP.
Invitation to the Dance Era (2001–2002)
By late 2000, their self-produced CD Side Show Freaks caught the attention of No Name Management, known for managing acts such as Slipknot and Mudvayne. Collaborating with No Name led to performances before approximately fifteen major labels, ultimately resulting in a contract with Warner Music Group through its subsidiary London-Sire, narrowly missing an opportunity with Madonna's Maverick Records. In March 2001, they recorded their major label debut Invitation to the Dance in Los Angeles under the production of GGGarth (Rage Against the Machine, Mudvayne). Ahead of the album's release, the band toured alongside Chimaira and Ill Niño, though audience turnout was modest. The album officially launched on October 16, 2001.
Two months following its release, London-Sire ceased operations due to a corporate merger, temporarily transferring the band to parent company Warner Bros. Records in 2002. The album was reissued by Reprise/Warner Bros., but by December 2002, the band had parted ways with the label. Max Illidge cited that London-Sire's shutdown halted financial support and Warner Bros.' lack of familiarity with their music left them contractually stranded for nearly a year before obtaining release.
After participating in the Jägermeister Music Tour with acts like Drowning Pool, Coal Chamber, and Ill Niño, they commenced writing material for their sophomore album. Approximately fifteen initial tracks were discarded before finalizing ten songs plus an additional bonus track titled "The Day I Died."
The Mourning After Period (2003–2005)
Without a label at that time, Razor & Tie Records signed the group in June 2003 after witnessing a live performance in New York City. The label later arranged licensing for the album’s UK distribution through Roadrunner Records.
Their sophomore album, The Mourning After, was released on October 28, 2003, featuring singles such as "Self-Medicate" and "Taxi Cab Confession". The music video for "Self-Medicate" received significant rotation on MTV2's Headbangers Ball. In 2004, the band negotiated an exit from Razor & Tie, regaining ownership of their album rights along with some financial remuneration. Shortly thereafter, lineup adjustments included Jordan being temporarily replaced by Ty Fury before Ryan Juhrs (formerly part of Flaw) officially joined; Carlos Aguilar also departed soon after.
The Last Dance (2006)
Although the group had disbanded, 40 Below Summer launched The Last Dance on October 31, 2006, through Crash Music Inc. This release featured nine demo tracks originally intended for their third studio album, accompanied by a bonus DVD showcasing their final 2005 concert at New Jersey's Starland Ballroom. According to Nielsen SoundScan, the album moved 1,095 units in its debut week.
In October 2006, speculation about a reunion emerged but was refuted by guitarist Joey D'Amico, who confirmed only a handful of performances aimed at promoting the album. Nonetheless, he left open the door for potential future recordings.
The band produced a music video for the single "Relapse," directed by Frankie Nasso. This song was initially composed by guitarist Ty Fyhrie (Fury), who also provided secondary guitar tracks on the album before pursuing other ventures such as Murder Of Crows and Dirty Little Rabbits.
During an interview with All Knowing Force, Illidge mentioned intentions to undertake limited touring—approximately 5 to 10 shows annually—while dedicating most of his efforts to his new endeavor Black Market Hero, though he did not dismiss the possibility of releasing another 40 Below Summer album.
On July 31, 2007, 40 Below Summer reissued their self-released EP Rain through Crash Music, adding seven demo recordings and refreshed artwork. Furthermore, Sideshow Freaks was re-released on July 15, 2008, under ex-Korn guitarist Brian "Head" Welch’s label Driven Music Group.
Break-up (2006–2010)
Following Carlos’s departure, Ali Nassar took over drumming duties, and after performing two shows as 40 Below Summer, the band transitioned into the new project Black Market Hero. They were joined by Flaw members Micah Havertape and Ryan Jurhs. In January 2006, Graziani exited due to significant hearing impairment. Matt Fortin, formerly of Confliction, stepped in as bassist in August 2006. By 2008, guitarist Angel Vivaldi replaced Ryan Jurhs and contributed fresh compositions. Black Market Hero released their debut single "Freedom Dealer" during the summer of 2007.
The band With Daggers Drawn included former members of 40 Below Summer such as Max Illidge and Joey D'Amico. Angel Vivaldi performed live with them throughout 2009 before focusing on his solo career. Despite the split, Max occasionally brought back 40 Below Summer for performances at Starland Ballroom to support his own projects and those of collaborators.
Reformation and Fire at Zero Gravity (2011–2014)
On July 12, 2010, it was announced that 40 Below Summer would reunite for a show scheduled on October 2 at Starland Ballroom, supported by God Forbid and With Daggers Drawn; they performed their album Invitation to the Dance in its entirety.
By February 2012, Max Illidge and Joey D'Amico departed from With Daggers Drawn to concentrate exclusively on 40 Below Summer as other members formed Pralaya. On April 3, Max disclosed the tracklist for their forthcoming album Fire at Zero Gravity, describing it as a powerful offering. Joey D'Amico was confirmed as drummer in June of that year. Ahead of the album’s release, the band made available "Bottom Feeder" and "My Name Is Vengeance" as complimentary downloads. A planned release event in December 2012 was canceled due to damage caused by Hurricane Sandy.
Fire at Zero Gravity officially debuted on April 30, 2013 via Super Massive Music Group, featuring Derrick Klybish on bass and Anthony Devizio on drums. Throughout 2013, Illidge highlighted their commitment to producing music independently from record labels while capitalizing on their fanbase to maintain ongoing creative output.
Transmission Infrared (2015–2022)
In February 2015, the group revealed on Facebook that they were in the process of recording a new album, which was mainly financed through a crowdfunding initiative. On August 31, 2016, they unveiled a music video for "Snake Charmer," one of three songs made available for streaming prior to the album's official release. Bassist Derrick Klybish exited the band in September 2017 and was succeeded by Tom McNamara, known for his work with Scare Don't Fear and Beyond Visible. McNamara made his live debut with the band in October 2017. Derrick Klybish passed away on November 11, 2020, at the age of 39.
Untethered (2023–present)
The band commenced recording eleven new tracks in December 2023, with plans to complete the vocal recordings the following year. Their first single since 2016, titled "King Ghidorah," was released on May 23, 2025. An anniversary concert scheduled for October 2025 will feature both the current lineup and the early-2000s roster, including Illidge, D'Amico, Aguilar, Plingos, and Graziani. Additionally, Robi Kirsic was introduced as the band's new bassist.
On September 29, 2025, they announced their seventh studio album, Untethered, which is slated for release on October 10.
Musical style and influences
While frequently categorized as a nu metal act, vocalist Max Illidge characterizes 40 Below Summer as an "aggressive rock band" that "incorporates elements from various genres." Their musical inspirations encompass Tool, Incubus, The Smashing Pumpkins, Deftones, Led Zeppelin, Monster Magnet, Alice in Chains, Yngwie Malmsteen, Candiria, Faith No More, and Soundgarden.
Members
- Current
- Max Illidge – vocals (1998–2005, 2006, 2010, 2011–present)
- Joey D'Amico – rhythm guitar (1998–2005, 2006, 2010, 2011–present)
- Anthony Devizio – drums (2012–present)
- David Mondragon – lead guitar (2014–present)
- Robi Kirsic – bass (2025–present)
- Former
- Peter Savad – bass guitar (1998), guitar (1998–2000)
- Carlos Aguilar – drums (1998–2005, 2006, 2010, guest 2025)
- Steve Ferreira – bass guitar (2000)
- Jordan Plingos – lead guitar (2000–2004, 2006, 2010, 2011–2014, guest 2025), bass guitar (1998–2000)
- Hector Graziani – bass guitar (2000–2005, 2006, 2010, guest 2025)
- Ty Fury – lead guitar (2004–2005)
- Ryan Jurhs – lead guitar (2005, 2006, 2010)
- Ali Nassar – drums (2005)
- Derrick Klybish – bass guitar (2012–2017, died in 2020)
- Tom McNamara – bass guitar (2017–2019)
- Timeline
Studio albums
- Side Show Freaks (1999)
- Invitation to the Dance (2001)
- The Mourning After (2003)
- The Last Dance (2006)
- Fire at Zero Gravity (2013)
- Transmission Infrared (2015)
- Untethered (2025)
EPs
- Rain (released in 2000)
Videography
| Year | Title |
|---|---|
| 2001 | "Invitation to the Dance Electronic Press Kit (EPK)" |
| 2001 | "Wither Away" [Cancelled] |
| 2002 | Live performance of "Rope" |
| 2003 | "Self Medicate" |
| 2004 | "Taxi Cab Confession" |
| 2007 | "Relapse" |
| 2016 | "Snake Charmer" |
| 2025 | "King Ghidorah" |
| 2025 | "Darkside" |