Confide (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2004 |
| Headquarters | Anaheim, California , United States |
| Products | Studio albums, EPs |
Confide was a metalcore group originating from Anaheim, California, established in 2004. Throughout their career, they produced two EPs alongside three studio albums. Although every member openly identified as Christian, the band was promoted through mainstream labels rather than targeting the Christian metal scene.
After launching their first album, Shout the Truth, Confide embarked on extensive tours across the United States before extending their reach to Europe and Asia. On October 4, 2010, lead vocalist Ross Kenyon revealed that the band would dissolve following their tour in Japan, culminating with a final performance on November 7, 2010, in Pomona, California. The group briefly reunited in August 2012 to compose and record their third album, All is Calm, funded through a Kickstarter campaign. Released on July 30, 2013, the album was supported by a brief promotional tour. Although Confide indicated no intentions for a permanent comeback, drummer Joel Piper hinted at the possibility of future live shows. On November 30, 2018, they held a show at The Glasshouse in Pomona commemorating the tenth anniversary of Shout the Truth, featuring the original members alongside acts such as Secrets and Dayseeker.
Following the band's breakup, members pursued other musical projects; notably, drummer Arin Ilejay joined Avenged Sevenfold in 2011.
Formation and early EPs (2004–2006)
Confide was formed in August 2004 by Aaron Van Zutphen, Jason Pickard, and Josh Plesh as a deathcore outfit. They enlisted fellow youth group members Billy Pruden and Jeff Helberg to complete the initial lineup. During this phase, the band released two EPs titled Innocence Surround and Introduction.
By late 2006, original vocalist Josh Plesh exited and was succeeded by Ross Michael Kenyon, who paused his involvement with Penknifelovelife to join Confide. Kenyon, hailing from the UK, initially connected with Helberg via online channels before moving to the United States to rehearse with the band. This personnel change marked a stylistic transition toward pure metalcore, minimizing previous death metal influences.
In 2007, Kenyon returned to England and resumed activity with Penknifelovelife, causing Confide to enter a temporary hiatus. After completing a European tour with And Their Eyes Were Bloodshot, he confirmed his permanent departure from that group to dedicate himself fully to Confide. Subsequently, Penknifelovelife disbanded and Confide began crafting their debut full-length release.
Signing with Science Records and debut album era (2006–2009)
Confide's first full-length record, Shout the Truth, was issued on June 17, 2008 via Science Records. Critics offered mixed feedback; some pointed out its unoriginality and somewhat outdated sound while praising the band’s energetic live shows and strong audience connection. The group supported the album with extensive touring throughout 2008.
Shortly after releasing the album, Science Records was dissolved by Warner Bros. Records leaving Confide without a label. Founding guitarist Aaron Van Zutphen and drummer Arin Ilejay departed in January 2009. In April of that year, Confide signed with Tragic Hero Records, reinstated former drummer Joel Piper—who also took on clean vocal duties—and added guitarist Joshua Paul. They toured nationally on the "Don't Take Your Guns to Tour" alongside Once Nothing, Here I Come Falling, and In Fear and Faith before headlining a promotional run with Therefore I Am and Oceana.
On July 25, 2009, Confide announced plans to reissue Shout the Truth featuring two bonus tracks including a cover of The Postal Service’s "Such Great Heights." This re-release became available on September 8, 2009.
Recover, cancelled tours, and disbandment (2009–2010)
In January 2010, founding bassist Billy Pruden departed from Confide to explore other opportunities. By the following month, the group had finalized recording their sophomore album, Recover, which was released on May 18. Prior to the album launch, they unveiled singles "When Heaven Is Silent" on April 7 and "Now or Never" on April 21, accompanied by their second full-length music video. The band intended to participate in the Band of Brothers tour.
Nonetheless, on September 28, 2010, Confide withdrew from the Band of Brothers tour and were subsequently removed from Miss May I's Monument Tour roster. Ryan Neff, bassist for Miss May I, initially confirmed Confide’s disbandment via a post that was later taken down. Joel Piper also alluded to the breakup through a tweet that was eventually deleted. Additionally, The Word Alive exited the Monument Tour to join A Day to Remember on tour. Miss May I announced that Confide would no longer be part of the lineup due to their breakup, though specific details were not disclosed. On September 29, Confide updated their Facebook page with information regarding their planned tour in Japan.
Confide officially declared their split on October 4, 2010, announcing they would disband after completing their Japan tour in early October. They arranged a few farewell performances along the West Coast. Their final concert occurred on November 7 at the Glasshouse in Pomona, California—a sold-out show with an attendance capacity of 800 and featuring local opening bands. Following the event, fans gathered for goodbyes and photographs, marking the conclusion of Confide’s active period.
Reunion album, All Is Calm (2012–2013)
Confide reunited for a single performance at California’s Playground Festival on September 4, 2011. Vocalist Kenyon revealed intentions for a solo endeavor in 2012. Drummer and vocalist Joel Piper launched a pop-oriented solo project, releasing an EP titled The Only One, which reached the top 40 on Billboard’s Heatseekers chart and attained #11 on iTunes Pop Album Chart; this was followed by his full-length album Dying To Live. Subsequently, Piper concentrated primarily on producing music for other artists. On August 31, 2012, Confide announced their reunion and initiated a Kickstarter campaign aiming to raise $30,000 for a new studio album. By September 30, they had exceeded this target with $38,709 contributed by fans. The album was planned for release in early 2013. After securing funding, Confide performed at several festivals with plans for limited touring. Their lead single from the new album, "Sooner or Later," debuted on March 12, 2013. On July 1 of that year, the band announced completion of All Is Calm, scheduling its release for July 30.
Side projects
Members of Confide have been involved in various significant musical endeavors including Avenged Sevenfold and Of Mice & Men. Former drummer Arin Ilejay joined Avenged Sevenfold before transitioning to nu-metal outfit Islander. Joel Piper pursued a solo worship music project following his departure from Of Mice & Men. Aaron VanZutphen currently performs with the metal band Nekrogoblikon.
Musical style
According to Allmusic, Confide is categorized as metalcore incorporating elements of post-hardcore alongside CCM/electro/screamo-pop influences. HM magazine characterized their sound as a "fusion of screamo tempered by metalcore." Originally identified as a deathcore band, Confide gradually shifted toward the metalcore style for which they are best known.
Band members
- Last roster
- Jeffrey Helberg – rhythm guitar, backing vocals (2004–2010, 2012–2013)
- Ross Michael Kenyon – lead vocals (2006–2010, 2012–2013)
- Trevor Vickers – bass guitar (2010, 2012–2013)
- Joel Piper – drums, clean vocals, keyboards (2009–2010, 2012–2013)
- Joshua Patrick Paul – lead guitar (2009–2010, 2012–2013)
- Previous members
- Josh Plesh – lead vocals (2004–2006)
- Aaron Van Zutphen – lead guitar, clean vocals, keyboards (2004–2009)
- William 'Billy' Pruden – bass guitar (2004–2010)
- Jason Pickard – drums (2004–2005)
- John Penton – drums (2005–2007)
- Arin Ilejay – drums (2007–2009)
Timeline
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Discography
- Studio Albums
- Shout the Truth (Science, 2008)
- Recover (Tragic Hero, 2010)
- All Is Calm (independently released, 2013)
- Extended Plays
- Innocence Surround (independently released, 2005)
- Introduction (independently released, 2006)
- Demo Releases
- Demo (independently released, 2008)
Singles
- "Tighten It Up" (Tragic Hero, 2010)
Music videos
| Year | Track | Director | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | "Zeal" (unfinished) | Ryan Wilson | Demo 2008 |
| 2008 | "If We Were a Sinking Ship" | Daniel Chesnut | Shout the Truth |
| 2009 | "Such Great Heights" | Daniel Chesnut | Shout the Truth (reissued) |
| 2010 | "I Never Saw This Coming" | Luke Rocheleau | Shout the Truth (reissued) |
| 2010 | "The View from My Eyes" | Jon Stone | Recover |