Lionheart (American band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2004 |
| Headquarters | Oakland, California , United States |
| Products | Music albums, EPs |
| Website | www |
Lionheart is a beatdown hardcore group originating from Oakland, California, United States.
History
Established in 2004, Lionheart's roster has featured vocalist Rob Watson, guitarists Evan Krejci and Rob McCarthy, bassist Chad Hall (currently with "Wear the Crown"), and drummer Jay Scott following multiple lineup adjustments.
Their first full-length record, The Will to Survive, debuted on September 2, 2007, through Stillborn Records and I Scream Records, with a reissue two years later that included additional tracks. After signing with Mediaskare Records, they unveiled Built on Struggle on January 8, 2011. Lionheart followed this with the release of Undisputed on May 8, 2012, also under Mediaskare. On January 14, 2014, they issued an EP titled Welcome to the West Coast via Fast Break Entertainment.
From July to September 2011, Lionheart toured alongside I Declare War. In January 2012, they participated in the Persistence Tour across Europe with Biohazard and Suicidal Tendencies. A North American tour with Thick as Blood took place in July of the same year. Although a European tour was scheduled for later in 2012, it was ultimately canceled. The band encountered some backlash after performing a single show in Hawaii with Motionless in White but clarified it was an isolated event. Early in 2015, Lionheart embarked on the Taste of Anarchy Tour through Europe alongside Nasty and German group Coldburn. During the summer festival season of 2015, they appeared at mid-sized events such as Ieperfest, Traffic Jam Open Air, and Summerblast Festival. Their second European tour that year featured joint performances with Death by Stereo, H2O, Born from Pain, 7 Seconds, and First Blood.
In early 2016, the band released their fourth studio album, Love Don't Live Here, through the German label Beatdown Hardwear Records. On May 26, 2016, Lionheart announced their disbandment followed by a farewell European tour that included appearances at festivals such as With Full Force, Vainstream Rockfest, and Free & Easy Festival in Germany. This tour also marked their first performances in Serbia and Greece. The farewell run concluded with a final concert on November 5, 2016, in Chemnitz.
After approximately one year of inactivity, Lionheart revealed their reunion via Facebook.
Musical style
Lionheart's initial album presents a metalcore sound deeply rooted in hardcore punk traditions, often drawing comparisons to Hatebreed. Their musical approach shares similarities with acts like Terror and Settle the Score by integrating beatdown hardcore rhythms and two-step garage influences. Their sound also reflects inspiration from Cro-Mags, blending elements of hardcore punk with heavy metal. The band is noted for delivering an intense sonic experience akin to First Blood and Blood Stands Still.
Discography
- 2006: This Means War (EP, I Scream Records)
- 2007: The Will to Survive (Album, Westcoast Worldwide Records; reissued in 2008 via I Scream Records alongside This Means War)
- 2011: Built on Struggle (Album, Mediaskare Records)
- 2012: Undisputed (Album, Mediaskare Records)
- 2014: Welcome to the West Coast (EP, Fast Break Entertainment)
- 2016: Love Don't Live Here (Album, LHHC Records, BDHW Records)
- 2017: Welcome to the West Coast II
- 2019: Valley of Death
- 2020: Live At Summer Breeze (Live album, Arising Empire)
- 2022: Welcome to the West Coast III