From Autumn to Ashes
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2000 |
| Headquarters | Long Island , United States |
| Products | Music albums, EPs, live albums |
From Autumn to Ashes is a post-hardcore group originating from Long Island, New York, established in 2000 under the name Who's to Blame. The band's roster has seen various changes over time, featuring members such as Francis Mark (lead vocals, drums), Scott Gross (guitar), Benjamin Perri (screamed vocals), Brian Deneeve (guitars, backing vocals), Stephen Salvio (guitars), Josh Newton (bass, backing vocals), Mike Pilato (bass, backing vocals), Rob Lauritsen (guitars), Jonathan Cox (guitars), and Jeff Gretz (drums, backing vocals, additional guitar).
Known for combining melodic elements with aggressive intensity, their first album, Too Bad You're Beautiful, was released in 2001, featuring Perri’s harsh vocal style alongside Mark’s clean singing and drumming. Their follow-up records included The Fiction We Live in 2003 and Abandon Your Friends in 2005; the latter was the last to showcase Perri and Mark in their original vocal roles. Following Perri’s exit, Mark took over lead vocal duties for the 2007 release Holding a Wolf by the Ears. On June 9, 2008, the band announced an "indefinite hiatus," describing it as a mutual and friendly decision. Although they have reunited for live shows since then, no new studio material has been produced.
Formation and Too Bad You're Beautiful (2000–2002)
Originating from Long Island in 2000, From Autumn to Ashes was formed by Francis Mark (drums and vocals), Steve Salvio (guitar), and Benjamin Perri (vocals). Perri provided screamed vocals while Mark handled clean singing. Guitarist Scott Gross explained that the band’s name was deliberately left open to interpretation; "Autumn" refers both to the season and to a fictional character created by Mark and Gross for a planned literary project. Early on, the group invested between $3,000 and $4,000 into demo recordings, financing this by selling gear and even a car.
In pursuit of a record deal, they persistently reached out to numerous labels. After performing alongside Ferret Music acts Skycamefalling and Martyr AD in 2001, Ferret founder Carl Severson signed them. Their debut album, Too Bad You're Beautiful, released on August 14, 2001, was inspired entirely by a personal relationship experienced by Perri. It sold over 100,000 copies in the United States alone, becoming Ferret Records’ best-selling release at that time. Melanie Wills of One True Thing contributed guest vocals on "Short Stories With Tragic Endings." A review from Punk News highlighted the album’s dynamic energy. Prior to this, in 2000 under Tribunal Records, they had released the Sin, Sorrow and Sadness EP and participated in the Warped Tour. By 2002, they incorporated a live drummer for certain tracks to allow Mark to concentrate more on vocal performance.
The Fiction We Live (2003–2004)
In 2003, From Autumn to Ashes signed with Vagrant Records and collaborated with producer Garth "GGGarth" Richardson. Following their appearance on the 2003 Warped Tour lineup, they launched their sophomore album The Fiction We Live on September 9 of that year. This record showcased more melodic songwriting and structured compositions compared to their debut. Melanie Wills once again lent her voice on "Autumn's Monologue." Transitioning to a larger label along with adopting a slightly more accessible sound led to increased mainstream recognition. The album produced three singles: "The After Dinner Payback," "Lilacs & Lolita," and "Milligram Smile." Notably, "The After Dinner Payback" was featured on the soundtrack for Freddy vs. Jason. During extensive touring schedules including the 2004 Warped Tour, bassist Josh Newton joined the lineup following the departures of Mike Pilato and guitarist Scott Gross.
Abandon Your Friends (2005–2006)
On March 8, 2005, the band reissued Too Bad You're Beautiful, this time including the Sin, Sorrow, and Sadness EP. Their third studio album, Abandon Your Friends, produced by Richardson, was released on August 30, 2005. The record explored themes related to touring life and the band's internal relationships. Frontman Benjamin Perri played a minimal role in its development; it was later disclosed that Francis Mark ghostwrote Perri’s lyrics. Musically, the album moved further away from their heavier roots, highlighting Mark’s vocal contributions. Reception was divided—while some longtime fans expressed dissatisfaction with the stylistic shift, UK publication Kerrang! lauded it as a standout metal work. Abandon Your Friends achieved sales exceeding 100,000 units and featured the single "Where Do You Draw The Line?" accompanied by a music video. During this period, guitarist Jonathan Cox departed due to interpersonal conflicts within the group.
Holding a Wolf by the Ears (2007)
Following a five-month break in early 2006, From Autumn to Ashes joined the Vans Warped Tour with Rob Lauritsen stepping in for Cox on guitar. The band commenced writing sessions for Holding a Wolf by the Ears, enlisting Brian McTernan to produce a rawer sound profile. During this phase, Perri left the lineup; consequently, Mark assumed lead vocal duties alongside his roles on drums and piano. Mark’s lyrical approach focused intensely on personal struggles and life's extremes. The album was recorded over approximately one month, with its title inspired by a Thomas Jefferson quote symbolizing difficult decisions. Critics responded positively to Mark’s expanded frontman role and the band’s renewed vigor. Jeff Gretz joined as touring drummer in early 2007. Preceding the April 9 release of Holding a Wolf by the Ears, the band issued the EP These Speakers Don't Always Tell the Truth. This album marked their final release under Vagrant Records. Singles such as "Pioneers" and "Deth Kult Social Club" were supported by accompanying videos. In September 2007, original bassist Mike Pilato returned after Newton’s departure.
Live at Looney Tunes and indefinite hiatus (2008–2014)
In January 2008, From Autumn to Ashes performed at New York’s Looney Tunes record store; this performance was captured and issued as their last album on June 17, 2008. Shortly before this release, the band announced an indefinite hiatus, clarifying that no internal disputes or waning fan support prompted the decision but rather a sense of completion in their career journey. Following the hiatus, members pursued various projects: Mark and Lauritsen formed Warship; Mark later launched Tidal Arms; Deneeve created Summer Law before shifting focus to culinary pursuits; Gretz resumed drumming with Zao and Emanuel and the Fear. Additionally, Deneeve performed with UK pop group The Wanted prior to founding Get Involved.
Reunion (2014–present)
In October 2014, From Autumn to Ashes reactivated their Twitter account with enigmatic messages hinting at a comeback. By November 2014, they confirmed plans for a reunion show at Amnesia Rockfest scheduled for June 2015 along with additional concerts. In July 2015, vocalist Francis Mark encountered legal challenges connected to a medicinal marijuana operation but reassured fans that postponed gigs would be rescheduled. A second wave of reunion appearances was announced for 2020 but delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic; they aimed to perform at Furnace Fest in May 2021. Drummer Jeff Gretz confirmed that songwriting continued during this time. In September 2023, the band teased renewed activity and revealed an East Coast tour planned for late that year—their first since December 2021—with a New York date set for early 2025 featuring Thoughtcrimes and LaMacchia as support acts.
Musical style and influences
From Autumn to Ashes combines elements of emo, screamo, post-hardcore, and metalcore, which allowed them to tour with a wide range of acts such as Taking Back Sunday and Shadows Fall. Drummer Francis Mark has acknowledged drumming legends like Stewart Copeland (The Police), Neil Peart (Rush), John Bonham (Led Zeppelin), and Keith Moon (The Who) as key inspirations. Initially, Benjamin Perri, the band's original lyricist, sought to create direct and simple lyrics reminiscent of "billyjoelesque" style for Abandon Your Friends, although these lyrics were actually penned by Mark.
Band members
Current
- Francis Mark – clean vocals (2000–2008; 2014–present); unclean vocals (2006–2008; 2014–present); piano (2001–2008; 2014–present); drums (2000–2006)
- Brian Deneeve – lead guitar, backing vocals (2001–2008; 2014–present)
- Mike Pilato – bass, backing vocals (2000–2004; 2007–2008; 2014–present)
- Rob Lauritsen – rhythm guitar (2006–2008; 2014–present)
- Jeff Gretz – drums, unclean vocals (2007–2008; 2014–present); additional guitars (2020–present)
Former
- Benjamin Perri – unclean vocals (2000–2006)
- Stephen Salvio – lead guitar (2000–2001)
- Scott Gross – rhythm guitar (2000–2004)
- Jonathan Cox – rhythm guitar (2004–2006)
- Josh Newton – bass guitar, backing vocals (2004–2007)
Studio albums
| Year | Title | Label | Chart positions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US | US Indie | |||
| 2001 | Too Bad You're Beautiful | Ferret | — | — |
| 2003 | The Fiction We Live | Vagrant | 73 | 5 |
| 2005 | Abandon Your Friends | 58 | 4 | |
| 2007 | Holding a Wolf by the Ears | 74 | 8 | |
EP
| Year | Title | Label | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Sin, Sorrow and Sadness | Tribunal | |
| 2005 | The Bled/From Autumn to Ashes | Vagrant | Split EP with The Bled |
| 2007 | These Speakers Don't Always Tell the Truth | ||
| 2007 | Stitches/Deth Kult Social Club | Solid State/Vagrant | Split 7-inch EP with Haste the Day |
Live
| Year | Title | Label |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Live at Looney Tunes | Vagrant |
Music videos
| Year | Song | Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | "The Royal Crown vs. Blue Duchess" | Too Bad You're Beautiful |
| 2003 | "Milligram Smile" | The Fiction We Live |
| "The After Dinner Payback" | ||
| 2004 | "Lilacs & Lolita" | |
| 2005 | "Where Do You Draw the Line" | Abandon Your Friends |
| 2007 | "Pioneers" | Holding a Wolf by the Ears |
| "Deth Kult Social Club" |
Compilation and soundtrack contributions
| Year | Track | Compilation | Record Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | "Chloroform Perfume (Acoustic Version)" | Punk Goes Acoustic | Fearless |
| "The After Dinner Payback" | Freddy vs. Jason Original Motion Picture Soundtrack | Roadrunner | |
| "Lilacs & Lolita" | American Chopper Video Game Soundtrack | Vagrant | |
| 2004 | "Territorial Pissings (live cover of Nirvana)" | Another Year On the Streets, Vol. 3 | |
| 2005 | "Betwixt Her Getaway Sticks" | Masters of Horror Soundtrack | Immortal |
| "Let's Have a War (cover of Fear)" | "Tony Hawk's American Wasteland Soundtrack" | "Vagrant" | |
| "Inapprope" | "Cry Wolf: Music from and Inspired by the Film" | "Rogue Records" | |
| 2007 | "On the Offensive" | Saw IV Original Motion Picture Soundtrack | Artists' Addition |
| "Love it or Left it" | (ATV Offroad Fury 4) Soundtrack | Sony Records | |
| "Daylight Slaving" | (Madden NFL 08) Soundtrack | Vagrant |
External links
- Articles with short description
- Musical groups established in 2000
- Musical groups disestablished in 2008
- Musical groups reestablished in 2014
- Metalcore musical groups from New York (state)
- American post-hardcore musical groups
- Musical groups from Long Island
- Ferret Music artists
- 2000 establishments in New York (state)