American Nightmare (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1998 |
| Headquarters | Boston, Massachusetts , United States |
| Products | Studio albums, EPs, compilations |
American Nightmare—initially known for a short period as Give Up the Ghost—is a hardcore punk group originating from Boston, Massachusetts. Under the name American Nightmare, they have produced three studio albums, one EP, and a compilation featuring earlier tracks.
Origins and Early Years (1998–2004)
The formation of American Nightmare took place in 1998 when Tim Cossar and Wesley Eisold, who was then working as a roadie for Ten Yard Fight, joined forces with Azy Relph and Jesse van Diest. In 1999, they recorded a demo, followed by their debut self-titled EP released through Bridge 9 Records in 2000. After extensive touring and several lineup adjustments, the band unveiled their second EP, The Sun Isn't Getting Any Brighter. Both EPs were later combined into the compilation Year One, which was initially issued by Reflections Records in 2001 and subsequently re-released posthumously by Bridge 9.
Their first full-length album, Background Music, came out via Equal Vision Records in 2001. To promote the album, American Nightmare embarked on numerous tours, including a North American run alongside Converge. Their touring schedule extended well into the following year.
In 2003, facing legal challenges from another Philadelphia-based band also called American Nightmare, they briefly adopted the names "A.N." and then American Nothing. When further legal threats emerged, they settled on Give Up the Ghost—the title originally intended for their sophomore album. Their second full-length release, We're Down Til We're Underground, distributed by Equal Vision, marked a shift toward longer compositions and a move away from conventional hardcore structures.
Disbandment and Subsequent Projects (2004–2010)
The group unexpectedly dissolved in June 2004, just one day after canceling a planned European tour, citing personal and health-related issues. Following the breakup, members became involved with or established other musical ventures such as Cold Cave, Some Girls, XO Skeletons, Ye Olde Maids, Head Automatica, Bars, and the Hope Conspiracy. In 2007, Give Up the Ghost drew attention when Fall Out Boy faced allegations of using lyrics penned by Wesley Eisold without permission; this resulted in an out-of-court resolution granting Eisold songwriting credits on Fall Out Boy’s multi-platinum albums From Under the Cork Tree and Infinity on High.
Reunions and Recent Activity (2011–present)
After seven years apart, the band reunited under their original moniker for two performances in December 2011 held in Revere, Massachusetts, and Los Angeles. To coincide with this reunion, Deathwish Inc. reissued their albums Background Music (2001) and We're Down Til We're Underground (2003). Since then, American Nightmare has appeared sporadically at live events annually. In 2017, they participated in the Togetherfest tour alongside Youth of Today and Trash Talk. Later that year in November, they announced a new self-titled album set for release on February 16, 2018 via Rise Records; its lead single "The World Is Blue" premiered in December 2017.
In January 2022, American Nightmare embarked on a Background Music 20th Anniversary tour that featured full live renditions of the album and included support acts Chemical Fix and Gel on the East Coast dates and Scowl on the West Coast. On May 1, 2023, they issued a four-track EP entitled Dedicated to the Next World. After not performing live during 2024, they commemorated their 25th anniversary with a special concert held in Brooklyn, New York.
Musical style and legacy
American Nightmare's sound has been described within the genres of hardcore punk, melodic hardcore, and emo. Their approach emerged as a counterpoint to the optimistic lyrical themes characteristic of the Youth Crew revival scene in Boston, represented by bands such as In My Eyes, Floorpunch, and Bane. Instead, they embraced a more somber and nihilistic tone, drawing inspiration from acts like the Smiths and Joy Division. Additional influences encompass a wide range of artists including Turning Point, Mission of Burma, the Bruisers, Heroin, the Lemonheads, Slapshot, Bauhaus, Converge, Ink & Dagger, New Order, Unbroken, Orchid, One Last Wish, Archers of Loaf, Cat Power,Leatherface, Avail, Jawbreaker, Lifetime, Sebadoh, SSD, Sick of It All, Moss Icon, Chisel, Suede, Chain of Strength, Sheer Terror, the Afghan Whigs, the Magnetic Fields, Sonic Youth, Eric's Trip, Agnostic Front, Galaxie 500, the Microphones, Cave In,Black Flag, the Cro-Mags and Siouxsie and the Banshees.
Their compositions are characterized by rapid tempos, breakdowns, collective vocals, and anthemic singalongs. American Nightmare’s musical style has had a notable impact on bands such as the White Noise,Frameworks,Killing The Dream,Defeater,Touché Amoré and Dead Swans.
Lawsuit
In September 2024, Wesley Eisold initiated legal action against the professional wrestling organization WWE, wrestler Cody Runnels (known professionally as Cody Rhodes), and merchandise distributor Fanatics concerning the use of the "American Nightmare" trademark on commercial products. Eisold has held ownership of this trademark for apparel, music, and entertainment services since 2016. In 2019, he granted Runnels permission to utilize the moniker after Runnels sought to register it himself. A subsequent agreement in 2021 allowed Runnels to employ the trademark only if his name, image, and wrestling affiliation were clearly displayed. Eisold claims that WWE, Runnels, and Fanatics breached this contract by marketing merchandise that inadequately referenced Runnels. He further highlights confusion among consumers, citing instances where fans wear Runnels-branded items at his band's performances and mistakenly associate his band with Runnels on social media platforms. Eisold is pursuing damages amounting to no less than $150,000, with potential treble damages reaching $300,000 for federal trademark infringement, in addition to legal fees.
Studio albums
- Background Music (2001, released via Equal Vision)
- We're Down Til We're Underground (2003, Equal Vision)
- American Nightmare (2018, under the label of Rise Records)
Compilations
- Year One (2001, issued by Bridge 9 and Reflections Records)
EPs
- American Nightmare (2000, Bridge 9)
- The Sun Isn't Getting Any Brighter (2001, Bridge 9)
- Love American (2003, Bridge 9)
- Live in London (2003, Bridge 9)
- Life Support (2020, released through Deathwish Inc.)
- Dedicated To The Next World (2023, also via Deathwish Inc.)
Contributions to Compilations
- "Depression" – featured on Black on Black: A Tribute to Black Flag (2002, Initial)
- "It’s The Limit" – included in Still Having Their Say: A Compilation (2017, Bridge 9)