Drowningman
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1995 |
| Founder | Simon Brody, Denny Donovan, Javin Leonard, Dave Barnett, Todd Tomlinson |
| Headquarters | Burlington , United States |
| Products | Metalcore and hardcore music |
Drowningman is a metalcore and hardcore group originating from Burlington, Vermont, active mainly between 1995 and 2005. The band was established in 1995 by Simon Brody, Denny Donovan, Javin Leonard, Dave Barnett, and Todd Tomlinson. Their sound was influenced by bands such as Promise Ring, Sunny Day Real Estate, Deadguy, Unbroken, Shotmaker, and Unwound, contributing to the evolution of modern metalcore and mathcore styles.
Formation (1995–1996)
Drowningman originated in Burlington, Vermont and performed their inaugural gig on New Year’s Eve 1996 in a basement at Hungerford Terrace. An early demo from 1996 was later included in the 2004 retrospective Learn to Let It Go, released by ReIgnition Recordings. The venue Hungerford Terrace holds historical importance due to its connection with the Underground Railroad.
Hydra Head Records era (1997–1998)
By 1997, Drowningman was touring throughout the Northeast, frequently sharing stages with Boston-based Hydra Head Records artists like Converge, Cave In, and Piebald. They signed with Hydra Head and released their debut 7-inch EP Weighted and Weighed Down in 1997, followed by the full-length album Busy Signal at the Suicide Hotline in 1998, as well as a split EP alongside frequent collaborators The Dillinger Escape Plan.
Revelation Records era (1999–2001)
In early 1999, interest grew from labels such as Revelation Records and Equal Vision Records. After adding Joe Villemaire, Matt Roy, and Zach Martin to their lineup, the band returned to the studio. While Hydra Head showed limited support for the EP How They Light Cigarettes in Prison, Revelation Records embraced it, releasing the EP in early 2000 with initial sales surpassing any prior release on Revelation.
Simon Brody characterized the band on Revelation’s website as a Vermont-based hardcore act expanding their sound through releases from 1997 to 1999, helping to establish both themselves and Vermont within the hardcore scene.
To promote the EP, Drowningman toured across the U.S. alongside The Dillinger Escape Plan. Recording of Rock and Roll Killing Machine took place at Salad Days Studio in Washington, D.C., despite technical difficulties and a hurried production pace that impacted some melodic aspects. Nevertheless, the album received positive acclaim, including a perfect score in Terrorizer magazine and appearances on several top ten lists for 2001.
The group frequently performed at festivals such as Hellfest, Krazy Fest, Monster Fest, and The New England Metal and Hardcore Festival. Their extensive touring included shows with bands like Earth Crisis, Glassjaw, Shadows Fall, Darkest Hour, and Twelve Tribes. Early 2001 saw a pause in performances due to losing their drummer; however, by May they resumed touring with Darkest Hour during the "Bro-Down 2001" tour.
Later recordings and first breakup (2002)
In 2002, Drowningman released the EP Drowningman Still Loves You through Equal Vision Records and toured with acts including Thursday, Waterdown, Atreyu, and Vaux. Although they were set to tour with Converge and Playing Enemy, they withdrew to concentrate on writing new material.
During contract disagreements with Revelation Records, the band recorded improvised sessions at God City Studios intended for a final Revelation release titled Best Record Ever, which ultimately never saw an official release. After their concluding show at Krazy Fest 5 in June 2002, Drowningman disbanded.
Reunion and Don't Push Us When We're Hot Era (2004–2005)
In 2005, original members Denny Donovan and Simon Brody brought Drowningman back together, embarking on tours alongside The Dillinger Escape Plan, Misery Signals, Every Time I Die, and Zao. They also announced a nationwide US tour with The Minor Times and unveiled their final studio album, Don't Push Us When We're Hot. This record earned moderate praise from critics, including an 8 out of 10 rating from Blabbermouth for its fresh and inventive approach.
The music video for "White People Are Stupid," directed by Joseph Patisall, made its debut on MTV in October 2005. Prior to the promotional tour, former guitarist Frank Smecker and drummer Dave Joyal rejoined the lineup. Additionally, the band recorded a cover of Black Flag's "Loose Nut" for Reignition Records' tribute compilation titled Black On Black.
Despite these efforts, poor tour management caused significant frustration within the group, resulting in another disbandment after only a handful of performances. In 2014, Drowningman briefly reunited for three shows in the Northeast region, featuring the lineup from their Rock and Roll Killing Machine period.
Final lineup
- Simon Brody – vocals (1998–2002, 2004–2005, 2014, 2021–2023)
- Javin Leonard – guitar (1996–2002, 2014, 2021–2023)
- Matt Roy – guitar (1999–2002, 2014, 2021–2023)
- Teej Maynard – guitar (2021–2023)
Former members
- Joe Villemaire – drums (1998–2000, 2014)
- Dave Barnett – bass (1996–2000, 2000–2002, 2014)
- Hans Olson – guitar (2004–2005)
- Jamie Durivage – bass (2004–2005)
- Brian Curry – drums (2004–2005)
- Dave Joyal – drums (2000–2002, 2005)
- Zack Martin – bass (1999)
- Daryl Rabidoux – guitar (1997–1999)
- Todd Tomlinson – drums (1996–1998)
- Denny Donovan – guitar (1996–1997)
- Josh Levy – bass (1996–1997)
Studio albums
- Busy Signal at the Suicide Hotline (1998, Hydra Head)
- Rock and Roll Killing Machine (2000, Revelation)
- Don't Push Us When We're Hot (2005, Thorp)
Singles and EPs
- Weighted and Weighed Down 7-inch (1997, Hydra Head)
- Jim Fear/My First Restraining Order split 7-inch with The Dillinger Escape Plan (1999, Hydra Head)
- How They Light Cigarettes in Prison 7-inch/CDep (2000, Revelation)
- Drowningman Still Loves You 10-inch/CDep (2001, Equal Vision)
Compilation albums
- Learn to Let It Go: The Demos (2004, Law of Inertia)