Chiodos
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2001 in Davison, Michigan, United States |
| Headquarters | Davison , United States |
| Products | Studio albums: All's Well That Ends Well, Bone Palace Ballet, Illuminaudio, Devil |
Chiodos (, ) is a post-hardcore group originating from Davison, Michigan, established in 2001. Originally called "The Chiodos Bros," their name pays homage to the filmmakers The Chiodo Brothers, recognized for the cult film Killer Klowns from Outer Space. Their first full-length album, All's Well That Ends Well, debuted on July 26, 2005. The subsequent release, Bone Palace Ballet, arrived on September 4, 2007, achieving a number 5 spot on the Billboard 200 chart and securing the top position on the Independent Albums ranking. In the United Kingdom, Warner Bros. Records handled distribution of Bone Palace Ballet beginning January 26, 2009.
The band’s third studio effort, Illuminaudio (2010), introduced Brandon Bolmer as the lead singer and Tanner Wayne on drums. Their fourth album, Devil (2014), signified the return of original vocalist Craig Owens along with drummer Derrick Frost.
Formation and All's Well That Ends Well Era (2001–2005)
Formed in 2001 in Davison, Michigan, the band initially performed as The Chiodos Brothers, playing local venues such as Flint Local 432—a hotspot for emerging alternative bands like The Swellers. After releasing three extended plays, they shortened their name to Chiodos and commenced production on their debut album, All's Well That Ends Well. This album was launched on July 26, 2005 through Equal Vision Records and climbed to number three on the Billboard Top Heatseekers chart while reaching position 164 on the Billboard 200.
'Bone Palace Ballet' Period and Craig Owens' Exit (2006–2009)
Chiodos built momentum by extensively touring as headliners and participating in tours including Alternative Press’s 2006 "Invisible Sideshow" and supporting Matchbook Romance on the Sub City "Take Action" tour. Their presence extended to the Warped Tour, sharing stages with notable bands such as Atreyu, Linkin Park, Coheed and Cambria, Nine Inch Nails, and Alice in Chains. In early 2009, they performed on Warped Tour’s main stage alongside acts like The Devil Wears Prada and Bad Religion. That same year, Chiodos contributed a cover of "Flagpole Sitta" to Fearless Records’ compilation Punk Goes Pop Volume 2.
On September 24, 2009, the group announced the dismissal of frontman Craig Owens, citing necessary but confidential reasons. They reassured fans of their intention to proceed without Owens and hinted at an exciting new phase ahead. Industry insiders expressed surprise over Owens’ removal given his pivotal role as lead vocalist.
Line-up Adjustments and Release of Illuminaudio (2010–2012)
On February 1, 2010, Chiodos revealed plans to record their third studio album under the production of Machine. The lineup at this time consisted of Jason Hale (guitar), Pat McManaman (guitar), Matt Goddard (bass), with new drummer Tanner Wayne—formerly of Underminded and Scary Kids Scaring Kids.
The identity of their new lead singer remained under wraps until their Bamboozle Left performance; however, on February 2, 2010, Alternative Press disclosed that Brandon Bolmer, previously with Yesterdays Rising, had joined as vocalist. Bolmer confirmed his departure from Yesterdays Rising to become part of Chiodos.
In May 2010, the band announced parting ways with Derrick Frost due to conflicts involving Craig Owens. At that time, they opted to retain Frost over Owens; nevertheless, Owens was dismissed several months later. The possibility of reinstating Frost was also considered.
A demo track featuring Owens’ vocals titled "Thermacare," recorded in September prior to his exit, leaked online on June 9, 2010. This song was later reworked instrumentally into "Stratovolcano Mouth" for Illuminaudio. Meanwhile, Owens’ project D.R.U.G.S. released a version with his lyrics and new instrumentation entitled "The Only Thing You Talk About."
On August 3, 2010, Alternative Press announced that the forthcoming album would be titled Illuminaudio, scheduled for release on October 5. Equal Vision Records confirmed this release date on August 9. The Australian edition arrived on January 21, 2011, featuring an exclusive bonus track called "New Thought Movement." In support of this album during 2011, Chiodos toured alongside Welsh band Skindred promoting their record Union Black, followed by U.S. tours with acts such as The Color Morale, Close to Home, and The Air I Breathe. Additionally, they took part in the "Scream It Like You Mean It" tour—a nationwide U.S. run spanning 39 dates with bands including Breathe Carolina, I See Stars, MOD SUN among others.
Second line-up adjustment (2012–2013)
On March 27, 2012, Chiodos announced that vocalist Brandon Bolmer and drummer Tanner Wayne had left the group. By April 26, 2012, the band confirmed Craig Owens' return as lead singer after an absence of two and a half years. Derrick Frost also rejoined as drummer by May 14.
On November 8, 2012, Owens and Bell disclosed they were working on new material for a Chiodos album. Shortly thereafter, guitarist Jason Hale departed on November 23. Thomas Erak from The Fall of Troy stepped in to fill Hale’s role for the remainder of the tour and was soon made an official member. In February 2013, the band toured the UK as part of the Kerrang! Tour supporting Black Veil Brides and later joined the Warped Tour lineup that year.
Signing with Razor & Tie, Devil, and disbandment (2013–2016)
Chiodos signed with Razor & Tie on May 15, 2013. During their June 21 performance at Warped Tour in Pomona alongside The Fall of Troy, the band announced intentions to record their fourth studio album following the tour’s conclusion.
Recording sessions began on September 11, 2013, at Dreamland Studio in Woodstock, New York with producer David Bottrill. Vocalist Craig Owens expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with Bottrill in such a distinctive studio environment. On September 25, Bradley Bell revealed in an Alternative Press interview that the upcoming album would revisit elements from their Bone Palace era while exploring fresh musical directions. Owens aimed to challenge his vocal range by incorporating falsetto and lower tones.
The band introduced a new track titled "Behvis Bullock" during their European shows on "The Road To Warped Tour 2013." A scheduled German tour supporting Escape The Fate was canceled late in 2013; instead, Chiodos performed headline shows. On January 27, 2014, they announced Devil, set for release on April 1 through Razor & Tie, alongside the lead single "Ole Fishlips Is Dead Now." In September and October, Chiodos supported A Day to Remember on the Parks & Devastation Tour and toured with The Blackout in the UK in November.
On September 3, 2014, Derrick Frost and Matt Goddard exited the band; Thomas Pridgen (formerly of The Mars Volta) took over drums while Joseph Troy (Rx Bandits) joined on bass. The band was confirmed for South by So What?! festival in March 2015. Thomas Erak left on December 9 to concentrate on his primary project, The Fall Of Troy.
In a November 1, 2016 interview with Billboard, Craig Owens announced that after fifteen years Chiodos had officially disbanded due to diminishing enthusiasm and difficulties maintaining full-time activity. Owens continues his musical career as badXchannels and with his earlier project Destroy Rebuild Until God Shows.
All's Well That Ends Well Tour (2024)
On November 13, 2023, Craig Owens revealed plans to perform under the Chiodos name at the When We Were Young Festival in Las Vegas scheduled for October 19, 2024. While the complete band roster remains undisclosed, Pat McManaman confirmed no other original members were invited to participate. Owens is also slated to represent Chiodos during the Emo's not Dead Cruise in February 2025. On November 6, 2024, Chiodos announced a commemorative tour celebrating the twentieth anniversary of All's Well That Ends Well, featuring Owens alongside his Destroy Rebuild Until God Shows bandmates and Nicholas Clemenson of Frail Body on drums.
This tour features performances utilizing original recordings identifiable by Bradley Bell’s piano and backing vocals along with Owens matching original vocal pitches. To honor this milestone on July 25, 2025, a "20th Anniversary Edition" of All's Well That Ends Well was released; it is a re-recorded version that includes Owens’ solo/DRUGS band members replacing the original lineup and vocals.
Band members
- Current lineup
- Craig Owens – lead vocals (2001–2009, 2012–2016, 2024–present)
- Touring musicians
- Mitch Rogers – guitar, keyboards (2024–present)
- Simon Martinez – guitar (2025–present)
- Nick Ventimiglia – bass guitar (2024–present)
- Nick Clemenson – drums (2024–present)
- Past members
- Blake Hardman – guitar, vocals (2024–2025)
- Pat McManaman – rhythm guitar (2001–2016); bass guitar (2015–2016)
- Bradley Bell – piano, keyboards, synthesizers, programming, backing vocals (2001–2016); bass guitar (2015–2016)
- Matt Goddard – bass guitar (2001–2014)
- Chip Kelly – lead guitar (2001–2004)
- Crosby Clark – drums (2001–2004)
- Jason Hale – lead guitar (2004–2012)
- Joseph Arrington – drums, percussion (2014–2016; also affiliated with A Lot Like Birds and Sianvar)
- Derrick Frost – drums, percussion (2004–2009, 2012–2014)
- Brandon Bolmer – lead vocals (2010–2012)
- Tanner Wayne – drums, percussion (2010–2012)
- Thomas Erak – lead guitar, vocals (2012–2015; also a member of The Fall of Troy)
- Joseph Troy – bass guitar (2014–2015; formerly of RX Bandits)
- Sergio Medina – lead guitar (2014; previously with Stolas, Eidola, and Sianvar)
- Thomas Pridgen – drums, percussion (2014; ex The Mars Volta)
- Chad Crawford – lead guitar, bass guitar (2015–2016; also part of Scary Kids Scaring Kids)
- Alex Lawrence – drums, percussion, vocals, lyricist (2004–2014); Bone Palace Ballet era contributor across several albums.
- Timeline
Discography
- Studio releases
- All's Well That Ends Well (2005)
- Bone Palace Ballet (2007)
- Illuminaudio (2010)
- Devil (2014)