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Bleeding Through

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Bleeding Through
Company typePrivate
IndustryMusic
Founded1999 in Orange County, California, United States
FounderBrandan Schieppati
Headquarters
Orange County
,
United States
ProductsMetalcore music albums

Bleeding Through is a metalcore group from Orange County, California, established in 1999. Drawing inspiration from hardcore punk and Swedish melodic death metal, the band was initiated by lead singer Brandan Schieppati as a solo endeavor following his departure from Throwdown. Schieppati, who also played with Eighteen Visions, initially managed both bands simultaneously while releasing the independent records Dust to Ashes (2001) and Portrait of the Goddess (2002), before dedicating himself exclusively to Bleeding Through. The current roster features drummer Derek Youngsma, keyboardist Marta Demmel, and guitarists John Arnold and Brandon Richter. As of 2024, Bleeding Through has achieved global sales exceeding 400,000 albums.

In 2003, the band secured a contract with Trustkill Records and launched their breakthrough album, This Is Love, This Is Murderous. Soon after, they attracted attention beyond the metal community due to a van accident that was broadcast live on television in December 2003. Following the critically praised This Love, they released The Truth (2006) and Declaration (2008), both under Trustkill Records.

Financial struggles and conflicts with Trustkill around the time of Declaration’s release prompted the band to part ways with the label after completing their tour. In 2009, Bleeding Through signed with Rise Records, releasing Bleeding Through (2010) and The Great Fire (2012) before disbanding in 2014. After a three-year break, they reunited in 2017 and issued Love Will Kill All (2018) through SharpTone Records. Their most recent album, Nine, was released on February 14, 2025.

Dust to Ashes and Portrait of the Goddess (1999–2002)

Originating from Orange County, California, Bleeding Through began in 1998 under the name Breakneck, a hardcore punk band founded by vocalist Brandan Schieppati and guitarist Javier Van Huss, both previously members of Eighteen Visions. The original lineup also included guitarist Scott Danough, bassist Chad Tafolla, and drummer Troy Born. Van Huss and Schieppati had played together in Throwdown as well. After performing one live show as an opener for Throwdown, Eighteen Visions, and Adamantium, Schieppati left Throwdown to concentrate on Breakneck’s transition towards a heavier sound, which led to renaming the band Bleeding Through. The band's name represents their belief in a universal human connection beyond individual backgrounds.

The early lineup shifted when Van Huss was briefly replaced by Dave Peters, Tafolla moved to guitar duties, Brandon Conway temporarily joined on bass, followed by Marc Jackson becoming the permanent bassist. Jackson departed before recording their debut album; Vijay Kumar took over bass responsibilities while Molly Street was added on keyboards. Their first record originated as a five-track demo recorded in Born’s bedroom. Both Born and Kumar exited early in 2001; however, the band released Dust to Ashes on March 25, 2001 through Prime Directive Records. Kumar rejoined later that year while Derek Youngsma replaced Born behind the drums.

In April 2001, Bleeding Through inked a deal with Indecision Records for two albums and one EP. Tafolla left in August 2001 and was succeeded by Brian Leppke. After touring the West Coast alongside From Autumn to Ashes, they recorded their sophomore album between December 2001 and March 2002 while touring with Throwdown. Portrait of the Goddess was released on April 13, 2002. Shortly thereafter, Kumar permanently left and Mick Morris of Eighteen Visions took over bass duties. The band toured with Every Time I Die and Norma Jean, though some shows were canceled due to Schieppati's injury. They also performed at Hellfest later that year.

Following Portrait of the Goddess, Schieppati committed fully to Bleeding Through by departing Eighteen Visions in July 2002. Molly Street was replaced by Marta Demmel (née Peterson), who later married Machine Head guitarist Phil Demmel. Mick Morris returned to Eighteen Visions later that year; Ryan Wombacher then became Bleeding Through’s permanent bassist.

This Is Love, This Is Murderous (2003–2005)

Following limited distribution of their first two records, Bleeding Through secured a deal with Trustkill Records in 2003. Their third studio effort, produced by Ulrich Wild, titled This is Love, This is Murderous, was released in September of that year and garnered positive critical reception, marking a significant breakthrough for the band. Music videos for "Love Lost in a Hail of Gun Fire" and "On Wings of Lead" received considerable airplay on MTV2's Headbangers Ball and Fuse TV's Uranium.

The group embarked on extensive touring across the United States, initially supporting AFI before joining the Pure Hatred tour alongside Chimaira, Soilwork, and As I Lay Dying. Their national visibility soared after a televised accident involving their tour van, which destroyed their equipment but resulted in only minor injuries to the members. This event was covered by major outlets such as CNN, Good Morning America, and NBC News.

In 2004, Bleeding Through initiated the Mutilation Tour, culminating in a sold-out performance at The Glasshouse in Orange County, which was later released as the live DVD This Is Live, This Is Murderous. That year also saw them participating in Ozzfest, sharing the stage with headliners like Slipknot and supporting acts including Unearth, Lamb of God, and Atreyu. They were also direct support on MTV2's third Headbangers Ball tour with bands such as Cradle of Filth, Arch Enemy, and Himsa. Furthermore, Bleeding Through contributed a rendition of "Rocket Queen" to the 2004 Guns N’ Roses tribute compilation Bring You to Your Knees.

A 2005 re-release of This Is Love, This Is Murderous featured three additional live tracks, two music videos, and a documentary. Following this edition, the band toured Europe in February 2005 with support from Cult of Luna.

The Truth (2005–2007)

In April 2005, Bleeding Through entered Cherokee Studios to record The Truth with producer and then-Anthrax guitarist Rob Caggiano. After surpassing 100,000 U.S. sales for This Is Love, This Is Murderous, they headlined the second annual Strhess Fest alongside acts like Darkest Hour and Zao, followed by a two-week stint on the Warped Tour. In November, they performed with Day of Contempt and recorded covers of Black Flag's "My War" and Unbroken's "Fall On Proverb" for tribute albums.

Released on January 10, 2006 through Trustkill, The Truth represented a deliberate sonic evolution. Guitarist Danough explained it as "removing metalcore elements while infusing metal into hardcore," with Leppke highlighting its distinctiveness within the scene. The album debuted at No. 48 on the Billboard 200, selling 17,000 copies in its first week, and claimed the top spot on Top Independent Albums. To support the release, Bleeding Through toured U.S. dates with Every Time I Die, Between the Buried and Me, and Haste the Day, played at the UK's Download Festival, and appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno in July.

Throughout 2006, Bleeding Through became part of Ozzfest’s second stage permanent lineup alongside bands such as Black Label Society and Unearth. On off days they supported acts like Disturbed, Avenged Sevenfold, and Hatebreed. They also performed an impromptu benefit show in Medford, Oregon that attracted local fans and raised money for cancer research. The year concluded with tours alongside Saosin and Senses Fail.

In early 2007, Bleeding Through headlined the Darkness Over Europe Tour featuring I Killed The Prom Queen, All Shall Perish, and Caliban. In April, guitarist Danough amicably parted ways due to creative differences and was replaced by Jona Weinhofen from I Killed The Prom Queen, which led to that band's dissolution. The band then supported a summer tour co-headlined by Slayer and Marilyn Manson, followed by a six-week North American tour opening for Finnish group HIM. This marked the conclusion of touring activities supporting The Truth by December 2007.

Declaration and record label challenges (2008–2009)

In March 2008, Bleeding Through revealed that their fifth studio effort would be titled Declaration, a concept album exploring the hardships of being distant from home. Lead vocalist Brandan Schieppati expressed that the theme reflected feelings of insignificance when placed in unfamiliar surroundings. The recording sessions for Declaration took place in Vancouver, with producer Devin Townsend at the helm.

On June 6, 2008, the band publicly aired their grievances with Trustkill Records through an MTV blog post, highlighting issues such as unpaid royalties, insufficient financial support for Declaration, and an unauthorized reissue of The Truth under the name The Complete Truth. Although Trustkill had announced an August 2008 release date, Bleeding Through withheld the master recording until outstanding payments were made to Townsend, their management team, and to cover a personal loan from Schieppati’s father. Over a year earlier, the band had pitched an expanded re-release concept, which Trustkill’s owner Josh Grabelle declined; later financial constraints led Grabelle to proceed with the re-release without consulting the band. A subsequent MySpace update confirmed that Trustkill eventually secured funds—reportedly borrowed from a distributor—to finalize the album.

Following the recording process, Bleeding Through performed at the UK’s Download Festival in June 2008. During this event, Schieppati disclosed that multiple labels had reached out after their public fallout with Trustkill. By July 2008, they had secured a European distribution agreement with Nuclear Blast for Declaration.

In August 2008, the band participated in the No Fear Music Tour alongside Bullet for My Valentine across the United States, including their inaugural show in Mexico City as part of the Warped Tour. On September 25, Robb Flynn of Machine Head joined them on stage in San Francisco. Nuclear Blast released Declaration in Europe on September 26, while Trustkill handled the US release on September 30. The album debuted at number 104 on the Billboard 200 chart after selling fewer than 6,000 copies during its first week in America. Between November and December, Bleeding Through toured Europe with Bullet for My Valentine and Lacuna Coil, performing four headline shows in Russia—marking their first appearances there.

Early in 2009, Bleeding Through co-headlined the Thrash and Burn European Tour alongside Darkest Hour. By the conclusion of this tour, they had officially parted ways with Trustkill. The main campaign supporting Declaration, known as The Declaration Tour, followed shortly after and featured support acts such as As Blood Runs Black, Impending Doom, and the Acacia Strain. In May 2009, guitarist Weinhofen departed to return to Australia; he was succeeded by Dave Nassie from No Use for a Name. To celebrate their tenth anniversary, the band embarked on a west coast US tour in August with support from Carnifex, Miss May I, and Motionless in White.

Although plans were made to close out 2009 touring with Satyricon, Toxic Holocaust, and Chthonic, these were cut short due to urgent personal matters requiring their immediate return home. Instead, Bleeding Through appeared as special guests on October 31 at Tiger Army’s Octoberflame festival.

Bleeding Through (2009–2010)

In June 2009, Bleeding Through inked a deal with the independent label Rise Records, based in Portland, signaling a deliberate shift following conflicts with their previous label, Trustkill. Vocalist Schieppati conveyed excitement about collaborating with an expanding label during a turbulent period in the music industry. Recording sessions for a new album commenced in December 2009 at Planet Z Studios under the guidance of producer Zeuss. The eponymous album was launched on April 13, 2010, distributed by Rise Records across North America and Roadrunner Records internationally. Singles such as "Anti-Hero" and "Breathing in the Wrath" supported the release, which moved 3,700 units in its debut week and entered the Billboard 200 chart at position 143.

Throughout 2010, Bleeding Through embarked on an extensive touring schedule, beginning with the European segment of Machine Head's Black Procession Tour, sharing the stage with Hatebreed and All Shall Perish. Their itinerary expanded to include shows in Japan and Australia, featuring openers Crossfaith and Emmure. Due to family obligations, drummer Youngsma was absent during this period and was temporarily replaced by Mark Garza from the Famine. Subsequently, the band headlined their US Spring Breakdown tour alongside Born Of Osiris and Sleeping Giant (band), culminating at California Metalfest in May.

Following the tour, a music video for "Anti-Hero" was released in May 2010. The band then supported the Faceless on a European tour that included an appearance at Graspop Metal Meeting. In August, they led a California tour featuring Terror (band) and The Ghost Inside (band), followed by the US Anti-Hero Tour with support acts For Today (band) and After The Burial. They wrapped up the year with another European stint on the Impericon Never Say Die! Tour alongside Parkway Drive and Comeback Kid (band).

The Great Fire, disbandment announcement and final tours (2010–2014)

By November 2010, Wombacher revealed plans for Bleeding Through to release their seventh studio album toward the end of 2011, intending to self-produce after completing their self-titled album tour. Nassie later characterized the creation of The Great Fire as "completely free-form" and hailed it as "our most intense record — extremely brutal and extravagant." The album’s completion was announced on November 24, 2011; produced by Mick Kenney, it was released on January 31, 2012. Leading singles "Faith in Fire" and "Goodbye to Death" preceded the launch, with first-week sales reaching 3,000 copies and landing at number 193 on the Billboard 200. To promote it, they conducted a six-date headlining tour in early 2012. However, mid-2012 saw them withdraw from Demon Hunter’s North American tour due to Schiepati undergoing urgent orthodontic surgery.

On January 3, 2013, Bleeding Through declared their forthcoming European tour would be their final one, confirming plans to disband following concluding tours across North America, Europe, and Australia. Schiepati attributed the decision to personal projects and life changes; Demmel added that they were unwilling to continue as a part-time endeavor. Schiepati later reflected that they had lost credibility within the industry.

In February 2013, Danough returned for the closing European tour. November of that year featured a farewell North American run supported by Winds of Plague, Oceano, Gideon, and Sworn In. En route to their ultimate concert in Albuquerque—nearly a decade after a previous van accident—their trailer was destroyed in a road mishap; fortunately, no injuries were reported and the performance proceeded as scheduled. Their first appearance in 2014 took place at New England Hardcore & Metal Fest in April, marking their final East Coast show. Final West Coast dates were announced for May with Winds of Plague and Scars of Tomorrow. Bleeding Through’s concluding live performance occurred on August 3, 2014, at Chain Reaction in Anaheim, California.

Reunion and Love Will Kill All (2018–2022)

In December 2015, Bleeding Through hinted at a reunion through a Facebook message stating "Nothing Is Over. 2016," which was later specified to be for a one-off event.[1] This reunion show took place in February 2016 during Friends Fest, a charity event organized to support The Ghost Inside's medical expenses after their bus accident.Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have content

On January 1, SharpTone Records teased upcoming music slated for 2018, with fans recognizing the distinctive voice of vocalist Brandan Schiepatti. The band officially announced their comeback on March 28, 2018, unveiling the album Love Will Kill All, which was released on May 25 through SharpTone.Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have content Schiepatti revealed that the band's hiatus was marked by mental health challenges and personal grief, which heavily influenced the album’s themes, including critiques of the music industry and feelings of alienation.[2] Prior to the album launch, singles "Set Me Free" (April 6) and "Fade into the Ash" (May 11) were released.Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have contentCite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have content

Their initial reunion concert sold out on June 8 at the Observatory in Santa Ana, California. Footage from this performance was incorporated into the "No Friends" music video released on July 4.[3] To support the album, Bleeding Through appeared at several festivals such as East Coast Tsunami in Reading, Pennsylvania and Texas Revolution in Austin, Texas.Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have contentCite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have content In 2019, they participated in Hatebreed’s 25th anniversary North American tour stop in San DiegoCite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have content and performed at Musink Festival in Costa Mesa, California, followed by European festival appearances at Jera on Air in the Netherlands and With Full Force in Germany.Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have contentCite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have content In March 2020, amid the emerging COVID-19 pandemic, the band played at Hell and Heaven Fest in Mexico City.Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have content

Rage EP and 20th Anniversary of This Is Love... (2022–2023)

In November 2020, Schiepatti revealed that new material was being developed alongside Kenney. Although progress was gradual, tentative track titles surfaced on their Instagram by February 2022. The single "Rage" debuted on May 20, 2022, followed by an unexpected release of an EP with the same title on July 1. Shortly thereafter, John Arnold replaced Leppke as the band's bassist. To promote the EP, Bleeding Through performed at the revived Tattoo the Earth festival held at Worcester Palladium. In November, they announced two East Coast shows scheduled for January alongside reunited God Forbid, and in December confirmed that additional new material was in development. A West Coast tour ran from February to April with Ov Sulfur supporting the first three dates.

On April 21, 2023, Bleeding Through unveiled the single "War Time". That year also commemorated the 20th anniversary of This Is Love, This Is Murderous; in July they toured Texas with Unearth as part of the latter’s 25th anniversary celebration. Following their appearance on the opening night of Indecision 30—a festival honoring Indecision Records’ three decades—the band issued a re-recorded version of "Love Lost in a Hail of Gun Fire" on August 16. They also re-recorded "On Wings of Lead" and "Number Seven with a Bullet". After performing Midwest anniversary shows and consecutive New York gigs in early September, "On Wings of Lead" saw a re-release on November 24. The final show marking the anniversary took place on December 16 at Anaheim's House of Blues.

Nine (2024–present)

At the start of 2024, Bleeding Through began hinting at upcoming releases with Brandon Richter stepping in as guitarist. While crafting new tracks, the group played at the UK's Damnation Festival in February, followed by two anniversary concerts for This Is Love... held in the Pacific Northwest during March. On May 8, they unveiled "Our Brand Is Chaos," the lead single from their ninth studio album, and later that month performed at Big Texas Metal Fest. In June, they joined Unearth for a special Boston event commemorating the 20th anniversary of The Oncoming Storm.

September 2024 saw the band touring Australia, coinciding with the release of the album’s second single, "Dead But So Alive," on September 17. Shortly thereafter, they appeared at the New England Metal and Hardcore Festival. These performances marked the last appearances of bassist Ryan Wombacher before he withdrew from touring due to persistent back problems.

On November 29, Bleeding Through revealed their album Nine alongside the third single, "Path of Our Disease," also sharing the tracklist and artwork. The record includes three guest spots—the first since Declaration—notably featuring Andrew Neufeld of Comeback Kid on "I Am Resistance," which was released as the fourth single on January 9, 2025. Wombacher officially parted ways with the band on February 6 because of ongoing back issues but maintained an amicable relationship with the group.

Nine was released on February 14 and received widespread praise for its blend of vocal approaches, incisive guitar work, and unfiltered intensity, with some critics considering it a strong candidate for Best Album of 2025.

Musical style and influences

Bleeding Through's sound is categorized within metalcore, having transitioned from their initial hardcore punk origins into incorporating elements of death metal and black metal. Similar to many bands in the metalcore genre, they draw inspiration from Swedish melodic death metal, which is particularly noticeable on Dust to Ashes. Over time, their music adopted a more melodic dimension, exemplified by the power ballad "Line in the Sand" from The Truth. The inclusion of a keyboardist introduced fresh textures that set them apart within the metalcore landscape.

Initially shaped by hardcore pioneers like Integrity, Bleeding Through broadened their sound toward heavier metal styles. Danough has cited influences such as At the Gates, Slayer, Cradle of Filth, and Earth Crisis. Schieppati emphasized American thrash metal acts including Testament and Exodus. Guitarist Brian Leppke mentioned bands like Cro-Mags, Entombed, Crowbar, and Pantera as key inspirations. Keyboardist Marta Demmel contributed industrial and gothic nuances that connect the band to black metal aesthetics.

Although frequently identified as metalcore, Schieppati regards Bleeding Through foremost as a hardcore band striving to expand the boundaries of hardcore rather than fitting neatly into conventional metal subgenres.

Band members

Current members

  • Brandan Schieppati – lead vocals (1999–2014, 2017–present)
  • Derek Youngsma – drums and percussion (2001–2014, 2017–present)
  • Marta Demmel – keyboards, backing vocals (2002–2014, 2017–present)
  • John Arnold – guitar (2022–present)
  • Brandon Richter – guitar (2023–present)
  • Marc Battung – bass (2025–present)

Past members

  • Javier Van Huss – guitar (1999)
  • Dave Peters – guitar (1999)
  • Scott Danough – guitar (1999–2007; touring 2013–2014)
  • Molly Street – keyboards (2000–2002)
  • Brian Leppke – guitar (2001–2014, 2017–2022)
  • Jona Weinhofen – guitar (2007–2009)
  • Dave Nassie – guitar (2009–2014)
  • Troy Born – drums (1999–2001)
  • Chad Tafolla – bass (1999), guitar (1999–2001)
  • Marc Jackson – bass (1999–2000)
  • Vijay Kumar – bass (2000–2001, 2001–2002)
  • Mick Morris – bass (2002, died 2013)
  • Ryan Wombacher – bass, backing vocals (2002–2014, 2017–2025)
  • Mark Garza – drums (2010; touring)

Discography

Studio albums

External links

  • Official website
  • : Shout! Music Webzine on April 1, 2007
  • : Interview with Derek Youngsma
  1. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named LGcoldwater
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  3. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named miNoFriends
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