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Anberlin

From Alfawiki
Anberlin
Company typeBand
IndustryMusic
Founded2002 in Winter Haven, Florida, United States
FounderStephen Christian, Joseph Milligan, Deon Rexroat
Headquarters
Winter Haven
,
United States
Area served
Worldwide
Key people
Stephen Christian (lead singer), Joseph Milligan (guitarist), Christian McAlhaney (guitarist), Deon Rexroat (bassist), Nathan Young (drummer)
ProductsMusic albums, EPs

Anberlin is a United States-based alternative rock group that originated in Winter Haven, Florida in 2002. Since 2007, the ensemble has consisted of lead singer Stephen Christian, guitarists Joseph Milligan and Christian McAlhaney, bassist Deon Rexroat, and drummer Nathan Young.

The band members initially came together as SaGoh 24/7 in 1998, producing two studio albums before shifting their musical direction and rebranding to Anberlin in 2002. Within a year of this transition, they secured a contract with the semi-independent label Tooth & Nail Records and launched their debut record, Blueprints for the Black Market. Their sophomore release, Never Take Friendship Personal, was issued in 2005. The 2007 album Cities marked their first appearance within the top 20 of the Billboard 200, debuting with sales of 34,000 copies.

In 2007, Anberlin signed with the major label Universal Republic and followed with New Surrender in 2008, which reached No. 13 on the Billboard 200 chart. The lead single "Feel Good Drag" achieved the No. 1 position on the Alternative Songs chart after an unprecedented 29-week climb. By the release of their fifth studio album, Dark Is the Way, Light Is a Place (2010), Anberlin had surpassed one million albums sold. Their sixth album, Vital, was unveiled in October 2012 and later reissued as Devotion in 2013 through Big3 Records.

On January 16, 2014, the band announced their intention to disband following the release of their seventh album, Lowborn, under Tooth & Nail Records and a subsequent farewell tour. After performing reunion shows in late 2018 and touring throughout 2019, they commenced work on new material by 2020. The EP Silverline was released on July 29, 2022.

In October 2023, Stephen Christian declared an indefinite pause from touring activities and was succeeded by Memphis May Fire's Matty Mullins.

SaGoh 24/7 and formation of Anberlin (1998–2002)

Stephen Christian met bassist Deon Rexroat during their high school years, leading to the formation of the punk outfit SaGoh 24/7 alongside drummer Sean Hutson and guitarist Joseph Milligan. The group released two albums: Servants After God's Own Heart (1999) and Then I Corrupt Youth (2001), both under Rescue Records. After modest sales totaling roughly 1,300 units, Hutson departed to focus on family life, with Nathan Young stepping in as drummer.

Christian, Milligan, and Rexroat initiated a side project that gradually evolved into Anberlin after Milligan proposed adopting a more rock-centric sound. Utilizing earnings from SaGoh performances, they recorded five demos with producer Matt Goldman and uploaded them online. Encouragement from peers such as Chad Johnson and Timmy McTague of Underoath helped them secure a deal with Tooth & Nail Records.

Blueprints for the Black Market and Never Take Friendship Personal era (2002–2005)

From their Goldman-produced demos, three songs—"Readyfuels," "Driving" (later renamed "Autobahn"), and "Foreign Language"—were refined for inclusion on their debut album. The demo "Embrace the Dead" was excluded due to stylistic mismatch.

Taking inspiration from the band Acceptance, Anberlin recorded Blueprints for the Black Market (2003) with producer Aaron Sprinkle, initiating a collaborative relationship that lasted throughout their time at Tooth & Nail. Although it did not chart initially, the album sold over 60,000 copies propelled by the single "Readyfuels." The band embarked on extensive tours alongside label peers.

Rhythm guitarist Joey Bruce was dismissed owing to conflicting commitments; his replacement was Nathan Strayer from The Mosaic.

In early 2005, Anberlin released their second album, Never Take Friendship Personal, again produced by Sprinkle. This record reached No. 144 on the Billboard 200, reflecting growing mainstream recognition and favorable critical reviews. Promotion involved weekly track releases via PureVolume and MySpace platforms. Singles such as "A Day Late" and "Paperthin Hymn" achieved success on alternative radio stations, with "Paperthin Hymn" peaking at No. 38 on the Hot Modern Rock Tracks chart.

During this timeframe, Anberlin contributed cover versions of Bob Dylan's "Like a Rolling Stone," Depeche Mode's "Enjoy the Silence," and "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" for various compilation albums.

Cities and Lost Songs (2005–2007)

Anberlin's third studio album, titled Cities and produced by Aaron Sprinkle, was launched in early 2007. It debuted at number 19 on the Billboard 200, moving 34,000 units during its initial week, and garnered favorable reviews from critics. Ahead of the album's release, the band issued the Godspeed EP exclusively via the iTunes Store in late 2006 as a promotional preview. To promote Cities, Anberlin embarked on their inaugural headlining tour, supported by acts such as Bayside, Meg & Dia, and Jonezetta.

In various interviews, frontman Christian discussed the evolution of the band's lyrical focus: progressing from "Man vs. World" on their debut Blueprints for the Black Market, to "Man vs. Man" on Never Take Friendship Personal, and eventually reaching a more self-reflective "Man vs. Self" theme on Cities. This album was highly anticipated, securing the top spot on Jesus Freak Hideout's Most Anticipated Albums of 2007 list.

Just prior to the release of Cities, guitarist Nathan Strayer departed amicably to rejoin Mosaic; he was succeeded by Christian McAlhaney from Acceptance.

On November 20, 2007, Anberlin unveiled Lost Songs, a compilation featuring B-sides, demos, cover tracks, acoustic renditions, and recordings from Sessions@AOL, offering fans additional material and broadening their discography.

Universal Republic signing and New Surrender (2007–2009)

On August 16, 2007, Anberlin inked a deal with Universal Republic, commencing work on their major-label debut album, New Surrender, which was released on September 30, 2008. This marked their first project not released through Tooth & Nail Records nor produced by Aaron Sprinkle. Early live sets included "Bittersweet Memory," later retitled "Breaking," with an acoustic remix sold exclusively during the 2008 Warped Tour. The band debuted "Disappear" on their MySpace page on July 11, 2008. The lead single was a re-recorded version of "Feel Good Drag", distributed to radio stations on August 18 and officially released on August 26.

Recording took place over eight weeks beginning February 2008 with producer Neal Avron (known for work with New Found Glory, Yellowcard, Fall Out Boy). Stephen Christian mentioned the difficulty of writing 29 songs while seeking inspiration beyond personal experiences. Fans were engaged through a live studio webcam broadcast on MySpace. Jesus Freak Hideout ranked New Surrender second among the Most Anticipated Albums of 2008.

During its debut week, the album sold 36,000 copies and entered the Billboard 200 at number 13, also achieving number five on the Top Current Rock chart. To support this release, Anberlin headlined a U.S. tour featuring Scary Kids Scaring Kids, Straylight Run, and There For Tomorrow, with Kyle Flynn (formerly of Acceptance) joining on keyboards and backing vocals. The band also toured in the UK supporting Elliot Minor and headlined shows alongside Furthest Drive Home and Data.Select.Party.

Anberlin recorded cover versions including New Order's "True Faith", which was made available online, and Danzig's "Mother", performed during an interview with Billboard. Following their support tour with Taking Back Sunday in May and June 2009, plans were made to begin writing a follow-up to New Surrender later that summer to allow ample time for development. In August, they toured Australia alongside The Academy Is.... The B-side "A Perfect Tourniquet" was featured on the soundtrack for the television series 90210. Starting November 17, their cover of New Order's track received radio airplay concurrently with Tooth & Nail's release of Blueprints for City Friendships: The Anberlin Anthology, a comprehensive collection containing 33 songs from their studio albums under Tooth & Nail.

Dark Is the Way, Light Is a Place (2010–2011)

In December 2009, frontman Stephen Christian shared plans for the band to begin studio sessions in early 2010, targeting a release later that year. Drummer Nathan Young described the forthcoming album as having a "darker" tone and being "less pop-oriented." While Christian confirmed the album’s title was set, he withheld further details.

Recording commenced in March 2010 at Nashville’s Blackbird Studios with Grammy-winning producer Brendan O'Brien. Tracking wrapped up by April 9, followed by mixing starting on April 13. Initial release windows were projected between late July and September 2010, with the official launch date ultimately set for September 21.

The band unveiled their fifth studio effort, Dark Is the Way, Light Is a Place, in June 2010, taking its name from a line in a Dylan Thomas poem. The lead single "Impossible" hit radio on July 12. Stephen Christian expressed enthusiasm about the album’s potential impact, suggesting it represented considerable artistic evolution.

During April and May of 2011, Anberlin toured as support for Thirty Seconds to Mars on their Closer to the Edge Tour, alongside CB7.

Vital and Devotion (2012–2013)

In an interview with Common Revolt, Stephen Christian revealed that work had begun on their next album, with early tracks including "Control" (later retitled "Orpheum") and "Someone Anyone," inspired by events in Egypt.

By February 2012, Anberlin announced via Facebook and e-mail that they would reunite with producer Aaron Sprinkle—who had helmed their first three albums—to record from March through May. By 2011, Christian confirmed the album was finished. On June 11, during an acoustic tour, he announced the album's title as Vital, describing it as their most intense record yet, scheduled for a fall release. The release date was later confirmed as October 16.

The lead track "Self-Starter" premiered exclusively on Billboard.com on August 17, followed by the release of the second single "Someone Anyone" on August 22.

By October 2012, Infectious Magazine reported significant progress on writing material for the band’s subsequent project.

On September 20, 2013, Anberlin debuted "City Electric," the first of three new songs from a reimagined version of Vital, titled Devotion, which was released on October 15, 2013.

Return to Tooth & Nail, Lowborn and breakup (2014)

On January 16, 2014, Anberlin announced that year would mark their final chapter together. They planned to release one last studio album mid-year under their original label Tooth & Nail Records and embark on farewell tours celebrating their career. On May 6, they revealed the album’s title as Lowborn along with its cover art. Their concluding performance took place November 26 at Orlando’s House of Blues.

On December 15, 2017, former rhythm guitarist Nathan Strayer passed away at age 34.

Reunions, Equal Vision signing and Vega (2018–present)

Anberlin announced a reunion show on October 18, 2018, scheduled for December 14 at Tampa’s Yuengling Center as part of Underoath’s Erase Me Tour. They also performed a surprise comeback concert on December 13 at The Orpheum in Tampa. Social media activity indicated ongoing band engagement from that point forward. In March 2019, they confirmed Australian headline dates for May and a subsequent twenty-two-city U.S. tour in June. Although initially denying a full-scale return, Stephen Christian disclosed in May 2020 that new music was underway.

Their first new song in over seven years, “Two Graves,” was released on September 2, 2021, accompanied by touring to support it.

In July 2022, Anberlin signed with Equal Vision Records and issued the EP Silverline, mixed by Jeremy SH Griffith and mastered by Jonathan Berlin at The Loft Studio LA.

On June 9, 2023, the band released “Lacerate,” featuring guitarist Christian McAlhaney performing lead vocals—the initial single from their EP Convinced, which came out on June 30. Following this release, they appeared at Furnace Fest’s three-day event in September.

Stephen Christian announced an indefinite break from touring on October 10, 2023; Memphis May Fire vocalist Matty Mullins was named as live lead singer. On June 14, 2024, Anberlin revealed their eighth studio album Vega, which merges tracks from both Silverline and Convinced EPs and is set for an August 2 release. The record features two songs with Mullins on lead vocals: “Walk Alone” (released June 21 alongside a music video) and “Seven,” whose video premiered one day before the album launch. On March 21, 2025, Anberlin issued Nevertake, a re-recorded version of Never Take Friendship Personal featuring Mullins as lead vocalist.

Origin of name

Stephen Christian, the lead singer of Anberlin, has provided multiple explanations regarding the band's name origin. A frequently mentioned story is that he initially planned to name his first daughter Anberlin and proposed using it as a temporary band name. He recalled, "We were all brainstorming names... since I was thinking of naming my daughter Anberlin, I suggested we use that until something better came up." Although he eventually decided against naming his daughter Anberlin, he humorously remarked that if he had, she might assume her name was inspired by the band.

Christian also revealed that the name was derived from a list of European cities he wished to visit—London, Paris, Rome, and Berlin. His original suggestion was "And Berlin," which gradually transformed into "Anberlin."

In early interviews, Christian confessed that some stories about the band’s name origin were fabricated as a joke, including tales such as his grandfather rescuing a girl named Anberlin during World War II or hitting a dog with that name. Ultimately, the band chose to disclose the genuine inspiration.

The true source of the name traces back to the Radiohead track "Everything in Its Right Place" from their album Kid A. Christian explained that a background sound approximately 2 minutes and 31 seconds into the song resembled the word "Anberlin," which led him to adopt it for the band’s identity.

Christianity

Anberlin is often categorized as a Christian group, primarily due to their affiliation with Tooth & Nail Records, a label traditionally associated with Christian music. Nevertheless, lead vocalist Stephen Christian has clarified that their spirituality is nuanced and does not strictly define their artistry: "I don’t label us as a Christian band," he remarked, emphasizing their music’s intent to resonate across diverse audiences. He further stated, "[My faith] influences every part of my life, but I’m not a preacher; I’m an entertainer."

Despite this distinction, Anberlin frequently appears within the Christian rock scene. Their lyrics incorporate spiritual themes, and they have performed at faith-based music events like Parachute Music Festival and Cornerstone Festival. Their tracks have been included in Christian rock compilations and DVDs and receive airtime on channels such as the Gospel Music Channel.

The band has also been featured in HM magazine (formerly Heaven's Metal), a publication focused on Christian rock. Stephen Christian openly criticized the group Knights of the New Crusade over promotional material he felt misrepresented Christianity. In various interviews, he discussed Anberlin’s desire to "break out of the bubble" while promoting principles like love and grace reflective of Jesus’ teachings. He also noted that bands such as Fall Out Boy encountered Jesus’ message through touring alongside Anberlin.

Drummer Nathan Young expressed openness about discussing their faith but questioned labeling the band strictly as "Christian," stating, "I don’t understand how a band can be Christian... Anberlin is — as humans."

Band members

Current lineup

  • Stephen Christian – lead vocals, keyboards (2002–2014, 2018–present; inactive on tour since 2023)
  • Joseph Milligan – lead guitar, backing vocals (2002–2014, 2018–present)
  • Deon Rexroat – bass guitar (2002–2014, 2018–present)
  • Nathan Young – drums, percussion (2002–2014, 2018–present)
  • Christian McAlhaney – rhythm guitar, backing vocals (2007–2014, 2018–present)
  • Matty Mullins – lead vocals (2023–present)

Past members

  • Joey Bruce – rhythm guitar (2002–2004)
  • Nathan Strayer – rhythm guitar, backing vocals (2004–2007; deceased 2017)

Former touring personnel

  • Jimmy Aceino – rhythm guitar (2004)
  • Randy Torres – rhythm guitar, keyboards, percussion, backing vocals (2010)
  • Kyle Flynn – keyboards, rhythm guitar, backing vocals (2009–2011)

Timeline


Studio albums

Extended plays

  • Silverline (2022)
  • Convinced (2023)

Anchor & Braille

Stephen Christian initiated the acoustic project Anchor & Braille, collaborating initially with Aaron Marsh of Copeland, who produced and contributed to the debut album, Felt (2009). The project’s first release was a 7" vinyl. The follow-up album, The Quiet Life, appeared in 2012. After Anberlin’s disbandment, the third release, Songs for the Late Night Drive Home, came out in 2016.

Carrollhood

In 2011, Nathan Young joined forces with Tim McTague from Underoath and Reed Murray to form Carrollhood. They produced two EPs consisting of three tracks each: Afraid (2012), featuring songs like "Afraid" and "Mr. Tampa," and Violence (2013), which included "Two Minutes Hate" and "Violence."

Sins

Joseph Milligan embarked on a solo endeavor titled "Sins," releasing the album Sink Away in 2012 and subsequently adding more works to his creative output beyond Anberlin.

Loose Talk

The band Loose Talk was founded by Deon Rexroat and Christian McAlhaney, with former drummer Nathan Young participating on their initial EP.

External links

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