Dr. Acula (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2005 |
| Headquarters | Long Island , United States |
| Products | Music albums, EPs, singles |
Number of employees | 6 (current members) |
Dr. Acula is a deathcore ensemble originating from Long Island, New York, established in 2005. The band has produced six studio albums alongside one EP. Initially, they were under the label Victory Records and are presently signed with Silent Pendulum Records. They are recognized for integrating audio samples from films and television into their music. Their name is derived from a joke by comedian Mitch Hedberg. After disbanding in 2012, the founding members regrouped in late 2019, culminating in the release of their sixth album, Dr. Acula, in September 2022.
History
The inception of Dr. Acula took place in 2005 with members Bill Graffeo, Bert Vegas, Rob Accardi, Mike Cosentino, Lou Figurito, and Rob Guarino. Initially focused on humorous tracks that poked fun at local scenes, the group evolved towards a more earnest musical style and self-released the EP Chillogy in 2006.
Their debut full-length record, S.L.O.B. (Silver-Lipped Operator of Bullshit), was launched in 2007 through 187 Records. Following an extensive touring phase, they secured a deal with Uprising Records in 2008. Changes to the lineup included William Conway replacing drummer Mike Cosentino and Tyler Guida stepping in for vocalists Rob Accardi and Bert Bolsen. That year saw the release of their sophomore album, Below Me. In 2009, Uprising Records compiled earlier demos and releases into Slobology. The band maintained a rigorous schedule of national tours and festival appearances.
In 2010, Dr. Acula unveiled their third album, The Social Event of the Century, again under Uprising Records. Despite favorable critiques, promotional efforts were less extensive compared to earlier projects. Late 2009 marked the departure of founding members Rob Guarino, Lou Figurito, and Eric Wallwork; Bill Graffeo remained as the only original member through both the band's dissolution and eventual reunion. New additions included Kevin Graffeo on bass, Adam Stiletto on guitar, and Drew Gripe handling drums.
Subsequently, Dr. Acula signed with Victory Records and released their fourth album, Slander, on February 15, 2011. Keyboardist Joey Simpson exited during The Horror Nights Tour that June. Their fifth studio effort, Nation, was issued on June 19, 2012—serving as their final release before disbandment.
On August 27, 2015, the original members reunited for a special one-time performance celebrating their 10-year anniversary in Long Island; this lineup featured Bill Graffeo, Bert Vegas, Rob Accardi, Mike Cosentino, Lou Figurito, and Rob Guarino.
A full reunion of the founding lineup was announced on September 13, 2019. They played multiple shows at Amityville Music Hall and introduced a new demo titled "Egg Monsters From Mars." In September 2021, vocalist Bert Vegas departed; guitarist Lou Figurito assumed sampling responsibilities while Rob Accardi took over all vocal duties. Recording sessions for a new album occurred at Westfall Studios with plans for a 2022 release. Early in 2022, drummer Mike Cosentino left and was succeeded by Julian Dinowitz.
On July 1, 2022, Dr. Acula inked a deal with Silent Pendulum Records and revealed that their self-titled album would be released on September 28—marking their first studio work in a decade featuring the original members. They also arranged a summer tour alongside P.S. You're Dead and Curses.
In December 2024, founding members Rob Accardi and Bill Graffeo departed from the group; Omar Montufar (Downsides) and Danny Kopij (Bore) joined as replacements respectively. This refreshed lineup made its debut appearance at No Sleep Fest in Houston on December 7, 2024.
Band members
- Current roster
- Lou "Dawg" Figurito – rhythm guitar (2007–2009, 2015, 2019–present), bass guitar (2005–2007)
- Rob "Acula" Guarino – bass guitar (2007–2009, 2015, 2019–present), rhythm guitar (2005–2007)
- Julian Dinowitz – drums (2022–present)
- Omar Montufar – lead vocalist (2024–present)
- Danny Kopij – lead guitar (2024–present)
- Former members
- Bill Graffeo – lead guitar (2005–2012, 2015, 2019–2024)
- Rob Accardi – lead vocals (2005–2007, 2015, 2019–2024)
- Mike "DADA" Cosentino – drums (2005–2007, 2015, 2019–2022)
- Bert "Vegas" Bolson – vocals and keyboard (2005–2007, 2015, 2019–2021), lead vocals (2007–2008)
- Craig Hecht – samples (2005–2006)
- Peter Stolarski – samples (2006–2007), lead vocals (2007), vocals and keyboard (2008–2009)
- Jon-Erik "Jerik" Pantorno – bass guitar (2007), vocals, keyboard, lead vocals (2007–2008)
- William Conway – drums (2007–2008)
- Eric Wallwork – drums (2008–2009)
- Tyler Guida – lead vocals (2008–2012)
- Drew Gipe – drums (2009–2010)
- Joey Simpson – samples (2009–2011)
- Casey Carrano – lead vocals (2009–2012)
- Kevin Graffeo – bass guitar (2009–2012)
- Adam Stiletto – rhythm guitar (2009–2010)
- William Gipe – rhythm guitar (2010)
- Jesse Ciappa – drums (2010–2012)
- Ricky Ostolaza – rhythm guitar (2010–2012)
- Keenan Harrison – vocals (2013)
- Chris Brea – lead vocals (2012)
- Oli Miclette – bass guitar (2012)
Timeline
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</timeline>
Discography
- Albums
- S.L.O.B. (2007, 187 Records)
- Below Me! (2008, Uprising)
- The Social Event of The Century (2010, Uprising)
- Slander (2011, Victory)
- Nation (2012, Victory)
- Dr. Acula (2022, Silent Pendulum Records)
Singles
- "Egg Monsters From Mars" (2019, independently released)
- Demos
- Chillogy (2006, independently released)
- Demo 2007 (2007, independently released)
- Compilation albums
- Slobology (2009, Uprising)
Videography
- "Is This a Party, or a Dick-Measuring Contest?" (2010)
- "Who You Gonna Call!?" (2011)
- "Welcome to Camp Nightmare" (2011)
- "Party 2.0" (2012)
- "Ironic Enclosure" (2012)
- "Citizen's Arrest" (2012)
- "How To Kill A Monster" (2022)