Breakdown of Sanity
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2007 in Bern, Switzerland |
| Founder | Oliver Stingel |
| Headquarters | Bern , Switzerland |
| Products | Metalcore and deathcore music |
Breakdown of Sanity (BoS) is a metalcore and deathcore ensemble originating from Bern, Switzerland, established in 2007 by lead guitarist and principal songwriter Oliver Stingel.
History
Following the dissolution of his former band Paranoia in early 2007, lead guitarist and lyricist Oliver "Oly" Stingel began composing new tracks. Vocalist Carlo Knöpfel, who was then a guitarist with Nerph, joined the project, soon accompanied by bassist César Gonin, also formerly of Paranoia. By December that year, drummer Thomas Rindlisbacher and rhythm guitarist Sandro Keusen had completed the group’s lineup; Keusen departed in early 2009 and was succeeded by Christoph Gygax.
The band’s initial studio album, The Last Sunset, was self-funded and produced by Stingel, released in early 2009, though the group regards it more as a demo. Their sophomore effort, Mirrors (2011), followed the same independent production approach. On 23 December 2011, they unveiled their debut single titled "Chapters".
In 2013, Breakdown of Sanity embarked on a tour alongside August Burns Red and Architects, including an appearance at the With Full Force festival. That October saw the release of their third self-produced album, Perception.
Their fourth record, Coexistence (2016), reached number 28 on the Swiss Hitparade charts. After a hiatus beginning in 2017, the band returned in 2020 with singles such as "Traces" and "Black Smoke". Additional singles released include "Collapse" (2023), "Echoes of the Void" (July 2024), and "Perfect Enemy" (December 2024), all produced independently. In 2024, they collaborated with Czech metalcore act Abbie Falls on the track "Purge".
Touring resumed in spring 2024 during the Impericon Festivals. Due to health complications, original drummer Thomas Rindlisbacher was replaced by David Stutzer, who had previously filled in and subsequently became the official drummer. At the close of 2024, vocalist Carlo Knöpfel left following his final performance in Bern; a public search for a new frontman commenced in October 2024.
On May 2nd, 2025, Breakdown of Sanity released "The Hunt" accompanied by a music video and announced Kivi Brändle as their new lead singer.
Current
- Kivi Brändle – Vocals (2025–present)
- César Gonin – Bass (2007–present)
- Christoph Gygax – Rhythm guitar (2008–present)
- Oliver Stingel – Lead guitar (2007–present)
- David Stutzer – Drums (2025–present)
Former
- Sandro Keusen – Rhythm guitar (2007–2008)
- Carlo Knöpfel – Vocals (2007–2024)
- Thomas Rindlisbacher – Drums (2007–2023)
Albums
- The Last Sunset (2009)
- Mirrors (2011)
- Perception (2013)
- Coexistence (2016)
Singles
- Chapters (2011)
- My Heart In Your Hands (re-recorded) (2014)
- Traces (2020)
- Black Smoke (2021)
- Collapse (2023)
- Echoes of the Void (2024)
- Perfect Enemy (2024)
- Purge (with Abbie Falls, 2024)
- The Hunt (2025)