Heavy Heavy Low Low
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2004 in San Jose, California, United States |
| Headquarters | San Jose , United States |
| Products | Metalcore and mathcore music |
Heavy Heavy Low Low is a metalcore and mathcore group originating from San Jose, California, United States.
History
Established in early 2004 in San Jose, California, Heavy Heavy Low Low extensively toured the West Coast and cultivated a dedicated fanbase within the early 2000s screamo movement.
Their initial EP, Kids, Kids, Kids (2004), was produced locally by Andy Kugler (Plans for Revenge). The band's debut full-length album, Courtside Seats to the Greatest Fuck of All Time (2005), released through Twelve Gauge Records, included the track "Inhalant Abuse Is Illegal And Can Be Fatal."
Subsequently, they independently issued the ...Fuck It!? EP in 2005, recorded in Sam Pura's garage. This release featured songs such as "Tell Shannon Her Crafts Are Ready" and showcased both current vocalist Robbie Smith and former singer Matthew Caudle.
In mid-2006, Heavy Heavy Low Low signed with New Weathermen Records, an imprint under Ferret Music, and launched their second full album, Everything's Watched, Everyone's Watching, in September. This record blended remastered earlier songs with new compositions and was recorded near Seattle by Casey Bates and Tom Pfaeffle. The band supported the album with extensive touring.
Early in 2007, Ferret Music reissued the previously out-of-print ...Fuck It?! EP in a limited edition of 1,000 copies, including a unique B-side titled "Short Term Exposure, Long Term Damage."
Their third studio album, Turtle Nipple & The Toxic Shock, released on August 19, 2008 and produced by Sam Pura in Oakland, demonstrated a transition toward a more psychedelic and experimental sound. Opting for Pura as producer allowed them to extend recording over two months while adhering to label budget restrictions.
In early 2009, the band parted ways with Ferret/New Weatherman Records and returned to Twelve Gauge Records, issuing the Hospital Bomber EP in August 2010. This EP was recorded live in-studio rather than through individual tracking, delivering a rawer sonic experience and featuring grittier vocals by Robert Smith. Smith identified "We Incompetent Sperm" as his preferred track due to its distinctive vocal tone during illness and its thematic significance.
Due to personal obligations among members, the band entered an indefinite hiatus in 2009. During this interval, members engaged in side projects including Downstaaiirs, I wanna Die, Donkeylips, Riled, and Dan’s rap collective Dem Dam Thang Boys.
In 2019, Heavy Heavy Low Low announced plans to reissue Courtside Seats to the Greatest Fuck of All Time on vinyl via Twelve Gauge Records and scheduled a reunion tour along the West Coast for 2020 featuring the original lineup. Although postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the tour remains intended.
In 2020, they released a previously unheard live in-studio EP titled Steak, Tits, Football (I Hate Myself) on cassette and vinyl formats through Illuminate My Heart Records, Larry Records, and Silent Pendulum Records.
In 2021, Robbie Smith collaborated with Christopher and Andrew Fritter along with Sam Pura to form Bone Cutter, releasing a self-titled EP via Twelve Gauge Records.
In 2025, the group announced an upcoming album entitled Pain Olympics.
Touring
The group has embarked on numerous tours throughout the United States, Europe, and Australia. Their frequent touring partners included bands such as Fear Before and the Fall of Troy, along with others like the Number Twelve Looks Like You, the Jonbenet, Ed Gein, Murder by Death, Thursday, Horse the Band, Haste the Day, and Poison the Well. In 2007, they joined the Sounds of the Underground Tour, sharing the stage with groups including Gwar and Every Time I Die. Later that year, they toured alongside Foxy Shazam and Tera Melos. Their final US tour took place in 2008 during the Stay Weird tour, featuring Fear Before and Dr. Manhattan.
In December 2010, the band announced a tour in Australia with Totally Unicorn, marking their last tour. This lineup was a four-piece ensemble, with Sam Pura filling in for Danny Rankin on guitar. Around this period, Rob Smith was featured on Channel Seven's Border Security: Australia's Front Line due to attempting to enter Australia without the appropriate visa as a paid performer.
Although planned reunion shows in California for summer 2020 were canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the band resumed reunion performances in 2022. These included concerts on both coasts of the US as well as several Texas shows with Duck Duck Goose and Executioner's Mask. These events showcased their most well-known lineup: Robbie, Chris, Andrew, Dan, and Ryan.
Current
- Robbie Smith – vocals
- Danny Rankin – guitar, vocals
- Andrew Fritter – bass
- Christopher Fritter – drums
- Ryan "Chip" Madden – guitar
Former
- Riley McTeague – vocals (2004)
- Matthew Caudle – vocals (2004–2006)
- Robbie Dalla – guitar (2004–2005)
- Sam Pura – guitar (2009–2010)
Studio albums
- Courtside Seats... (2005)
- Everything's Watched, Everyone's Watching (2006)
- Turtle Nipple and the Toxic Shock (2008)
- Pain Olympics (2025)
EPs
- Kids Kids Kids (2004)
- Fuck It?! (2005)
- Hospital Bomber (2010)
- Steak, Tits, Football (I Hate Myself) (recorded 2006, released 2019)