Madina Lake

Madina Lake
Company type	Band
Industry	Music
Founded	2005 in Chicago, Illinois, United States
Headquarters	Chicago, United States
Products	Music albums, EPs

Madina Lake is a rock band from the United States that originated in Chicago, Illinois, in 2005. Their first album, From Them, Through Us, to You, was launched on March 27, 2007, under the Roadrunner Records label. The band earned the Best International Newcomer award at the Kerrang! Awards 2007. After disbanding in September 2013, Madina Lake reunited in February 2017.

Formation and The Disappearance of Adalia EP (2005–2006)

Nathan and Matthew Leone initially played in a Chicago-based group named the Blank Theory. Meanwhile, drummer Dan Torelli and Mateo Camargo were part of Reforma, which had moved to Chicago. Both bands shared management and frequently toured together. Eventually, Nathan and Matthew Leone joined forces with Torelli and Camargo, dissolved their previous bands, and established Madina Lake. Shawn Currie from The Blank Theory was originally the keyboard player but departed early, leading Camargo to assume keyboard duties. Madina Lake’s inaugural performance took place at Chicago's Metro on May 21, 2005.

Nathan and Matthew Leone attracted national attention by winning $45,000 on a special edition of Twin Fear Factor. They invested these winnings into recording and producing Madina Lake’s first self-produced EP, The Disappearance of Adalia, which was released on August 22, 2006.

From Them, Through Us, to You (2006–2008)

Following the release of The Disappearance of Adalia, Madina Lake signed with Roadrunner Records in April 2006 and unveiled their debut full-length album, From Them, Through Us, to You, on March 27, 2007. Produced by Mark Trombino, the album entered the Billboard 200 chart at No. 154 and reached No. 60 on the UK album charts.

After releasing the album, Madina Lake led a tour alongside Fightstar and participated in the Projekt Revolution tour after being chosen by Linkin Park. They also toured with bands such as Story of the Year, Aiden, Halifax, and Mayday Parade. Between January and February 2008, they toured across the UK as part of the Kerrang tour with Fightstar and Coheed and Cambria.

In 2008, Madina Lake appeared at significant festivals including their third consecutive performance at The Bamboozle in New Jersey, played on the main stage at Donington Park's Download Festival, and concluded touring with Warped Tour 2008 from July 9 to 25.

A DVD capturing the creation and touring experience of From Them, Through Us, to You was planned for release by late 2008.

On an international scale, Madina Lake performed at Osaka's Summer Sonic Festival in 2007 and contributed a rendition of "Caught Somewhere In Time" from Iron Maiden's Somewhere in Time for the tribute album Maiden Heaven: A Tribute to Iron Maiden, which was distributed with Kerrang! magazine.

Attics to Eden (2009–2010)

Madina Lake’s sophomore studio effort, Attics to Eden, produced by David Bendeth, was released on May 5, 2009.

To support this album release, they opened for Anberlin during a Canadian tour and performed alongside Emery and Silverstein in Honolulu. Their schedule included appearances at the 2009 Soundwave Festival from February 21 to March 2, followed by three concerts in Japan with Less Than Jake. The band was also confirmed for every date on the 2009 Vans Warped Tour.

The track "Let's Get Outta Here" was announced as the second single off Attics to Eden, accompanied by plans for a music video. Further touring engagements involved performances with Escape The Fate and A Skylit Drive, as well as supporting roles during Alesana's VS. Tour alongside groups such as The Bled, Broadway, Enter Shikari, and Asking Alexandria.

Later that year in August, Madina Lake played at Leeds and Reading festivals before embarking on an East Coast U.S. tour in September followed by a UK/Europe tour in October.

The Dresden Codex (2010)

During March and April 2010, the group embarked on the 'Arlene Ball tour' throughout the UK, with support from We Are The Ocean and Mayday Parade. Opening slots were awarded to local acts through a contest organized by Atticus Clothing. This tour showcased their latest EP, The Dresden Codex, which vocalist Nathan Leone noted bears greater resemblance to their debut album From Them, Through Us, To You than to Attics to Eden. The EP's name alludes to an ancient Mayan astrological manuscript, reflecting Madina Lake’s continued incorporation of astrology within their overarching narrative known as 'The Folklore'. Recorded in early 2010 at South Beach, Florida, the band also appeared at the UK’s Sonisphere Festival and Hevy Music Festival in August. In May 2010, they publicly announced their exit from the Roadrunner label.

On June 30, bassist Matthew Leone was hospitalized after intervening in a domestic violence situation, suffering severe injuries including a fractured skull and broken jaw. By August 2, reports indicated he was recovering following a second surgical procedure. Shortly before this, The Smashing Pumpkins, a band admired by the Leone brothers, organized a benefit concert in Chicago that raised $80,000 to support Matthew’s medical expenses.

World War III, From Them, Through Us, To You reunion (2011–2013, 2017–Present)

Madina Lake participated in the initial two weeks of the 2011 Vans Warped Tour.

In April 2011, Sony signed the band and announced the forthcoming release of their album World War III set for September 13, 2011. This record completed the conceptual trilogy created by the Leone brothers, advancing the storyline of a metaphorical universe. The concluding installment, World War III, focuses on the discovery of Adalia and an epic confrontation symbolizing internal human conflicts. Production duties were handled by Mateo Camargo alongside Madina Lake, with the track "Imagineer" co-produced and co-written by Billy Corgan of Smashing Pumpkins.

On July 5, 2012, Madina Lake announced their 'Trilogy Finale Tour' across the UK, comprising eight intimate performances. Guitarist Mateo rejoined for this series of shows. The band performed their debut album 'From Them, Through Us, To You' in its entirety as well as selected tracks from later releases to bring closure to Adalia’s narrative. Ticket bundles included exclusive merchandise and meet-and-greet opportunities.

On January 21, 2017, Madina Lake teased a reunion via social media platforms. By February, they confirmed a six-date UK Reunion Tour scheduled for May 2017, which included three appearances at Slam Dunk Festival, alongside plans to release new music.

On April 3, 2020, they unveiled Playing With Fire, marking their first new release since 2011. In July 2020, an EP titled 'The Beginning Of New Endings' was announced with an original release date of September 4 but was eventually launched on September 28, 2020.

In an interview conducted in September 2020, bassist Matthew Leone revealed that work was underway on another EP anticipated for release before the end of that year.

Concept

The band's narrative unfolds in an imagined 1950s town, shaken by the enigmatic vanishing of its renowned socialite, Adalia. This storyline, devised by Matthew Leone, extends across three albums and is complemented by a novel titled Lila, the Divine Game as well as a specialized website where followers can explore "clues" embedded within the lyrics, cover art, and music videos. The overarching motif serves as the band's reflection on societal issues such as politics, culture, and the media's fixation on fame.

Members

Current lineup

Nathan Leone – lead singer
Matthew Leone – bass guitar, backup vocals
Mateo Camargo – guitar, backing vocals; keyboards, synthesizer, programming
Chris Mason – drums, backing vocals

Past members

Shawn Currie – keyboards, synthesizer, programming
Dan "Chizel" Torelli – drums, backing vocals

Timeline

Studio albums

Extended plays

The Disappearance of Adalia (2006)
The Dresden Codex (2010)
The Beginning Of New Endings (2020)

External links