Destroy the Runner
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2004 |
| Headquarters | San Diego, California , United States |
| Products | Music albums, EPs, singles |
Destroy the Runner is a melodic metalcore group originating from San Diego, California, in the United States. The band released two studio albums under Solid State Records before entering a hiatus in 2010. In 2016, the founding lineup reunited and independently launched the EP Void.
The group maintains close connections with fellow San Diego metal band As I Lay Dying, sharing members and collaborating on multiple ventures. Vocalist Tim Lambesis of As I Lay Dying took on management duties for Destroy the Runner’s albums Saints and co-managed their follow-up I, Lucifer alongside Jason Rudolph.
Within the Christian metal community, Destroy the Runner holds a notable reputation.
History
Initially formed in 2004 under the name "Die Like Me," Destroy the Runner consisted of Kyle Setter (vocals), Duane Reed and Nick Maldonado (guitars), Jeremiah Crespo (bass), and Marc Kohlbry (drums). That same year, they independently released an EP titled Welcome to Eternity before securing a contract with Solid State Records in June 2006. Vocalist Chad Ackerman, who replaced Setter in 2007, revealed that the band's name was inspired by the 1967 movie Logan's Run. Shortly after signing, they performed at Illinois’ Cornerstone Festival.
Their debut album Saints was issued by Solid State on September 12, 2006, garnering mixed critical reception. The band produced their inaugural music video for the track “Saints.” Following this release, Destroy the Runner toured alongside The Chariot, August Burns Red, Twelve Gauge Valentine, and Inhale/Exhale during the "Youngbloods II" tour and also supported acts such as Haste the Day and Scary Kids Scaring Kids.
In 2007, both Kyle Setter and Jeremiah Crespo departed from the band and were succeeded by Ackerman and Tanner Sparks from Chapter 14. That October marked the beginning of recording sessions for their sophomore album with producer Brian McTernan at Salad Days Studios in Baltimore.
The release of I, Lucifer on April 15, 2008, showcased a shift toward a more progressive sound with reduced screaming elements. The album reached No. 27 on the U.S. Billboard Top Christian Albums chart and No. 25 on the Top Heatseekers chart. Additionally, in December 2008, they shared a Christmas-themed track titled "Destroy the Jingle" via MySpace.
December 2009 saw a digital release of "Sinners," an unreleased B-side from the Saints sessions originally penned by Kyle Setter but reworked by Ackerman. By October of that year, Ackerman announced work on a new record featuring heavier influences and guest drummer Jordan Mancino of As I Lay Dying. In March 2010, Bruce Fitzhugh of Living Sacrifice was confirmed to contribute guest vocals to this forthcoming album.
Despite these developments, on May 16, 2010, Destroy the Runner declared an indefinite hiatus after founding members Reed and Maldonado chose to disband in order to focus on other endeavors. Although Ackerman and Sparks expressed interest in continuing and completing a third album, they were not authorized to use the band’s name following these departures.
On April 22, 2016, hints of new material appeared on their Facebook page as the original members regrouped. By May 1, 2016, they officially announced their reunion with founding members and revealed that new songs had been written for an EP entitled Void, which was financed through an Indiegogo campaign. The single "End Transmission" premiered on November 16, followed by a lyric video for "Underwater" released on November 30.
Band members
Present members
- Nick "Maldy" Maldonado – lead guitar (2004–2010, 2016–present)
- Duane Reed – rhythm guitar, vocals (2004–2010, 2016–present)
- Kyle Setter – lead vocals (2004–2007, 2016–present)
- Marc Kohlbry – drums (2004–2008, 2016–present)
- Tanner Sparks – bass guitar (2007–2010, 2016–present)
Past members
- Chad Ackerman – lead vocals (2007–2010)
- Mike Catalano – drums (2008–2010)
- Jeremiah Crespo – bass guitar (2005–2007)
Timeline
Discography
Albums
- Saints (2006), released under Solid State Records
- I, Lucifer (2008), Solid State Records
Extended plays
- Die Like Me (2004), independently released
- Void (2016), independently released
Singles
- "End Transmission" (2016)
- Videos
- "Saints" (from Saints)
- "Isabella's" (from I, Lucifer)