Majority Rule (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1996 |
| Defunct | 2004 (initially) |
| Fate | Reunited in 2017 |
| Headquarters | Northern Virginia , United States |
| Products | Music albums, EPs |
Majority Rule is a hardcore punk group originating from Northern Virginia, United States, active initially between 1996 and 2004 before reuniting in 2017. Recognized as a significant force within the screamo genre, their prominent releases consist of Interviews with David Frost (2001), Emergency Numbers (2003), and the collaborative split album Document #12 (2002) alongside Pg. 99. Their reunion featured benefit performances with Pg. 99 and City of Caterpillar.
Formation and Early Years (1996–2000)
Majority Rule was established in 1996 as a quartet, initially focusing on straightforward hardcore punk before evolving toward screamo—a progression frontman Matt Michel described as "a natural change." Their initial output comprised splits with Positive State, Turbine, and Blackout Terror; EPs such as Majority Rule (1999) and Songs (2000); along with their debut full-length album, Half the Battle (1996).
Subsequent Releases and Disbandment (2001–2004)
By 2001, the band had become a trio featuring Matt Michel on guitar and vocals, Kevin Lamiell handling bass and vocals, and Pat Broderick on drums. That year saw the release of Interviews with David Frost, followed by the 2002 split Document #12 with Pg. 99. Their final studio album, Emergency Numbers, was released in 2003 before the group dissolved in 2004. In a 2005 interview, Michel reflected on differing perspectives surrounding the band's conclusion.
Reunion Era (2017–Present)
In 2017, Majority Rule reassembled to perform benefit concerts throughout the Eastern United States alongside Pg. 99 and City of Caterpillar, successfully raising over $36,000 for regional non-profit organizations. This reunion was inspired by City of Caterpillar's live shows and outreach from Pg. 99’s vocalist. During a 2019 West Coast tour with Portrayal of Guilt, they sold out all shows while generating upwards of $28,000 for grassroots causes.
Influence
In a 2019 discussion with Revolver, Matt King of Portrayal of Guilt acknowledged Majority Rule, Pg. 99, and City of Caterpillar as pivotal influences, stating: "That's [what] I was into before anything else, before I could have a deathcore or a scene phase or whatever." Additionally, bands such as Touché Amoré, Infant Island, and Wristmeetrazor have identified Majority Rule as a major source of inspiration.
Studio albums
| Title | Release details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Half the Battle |
|
|
| Interviews with David Frost |
|
|
| Document #12 |
|
Split release with Pg. 99 |
| Emergency Numbers |
|
EPs
| Title | Release details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Partners in Profit |
|
Split with Positive State |
| Turbine / Majority Rule |
|
Split with Turbine |
| Majority Rule |
|
|
| Songs |
|
|
| The Blackout Terror / Majority Rule |
|
Split with The Blackout Terror |
References
- Articles with short description
- American screamo bands
- Hardcore punk bands originating from Virginia
- Virginia musical acts founded in 1996
- Virginia musical acts disbanded in 2004
- Musical ensembles formed in 1996
- Musical ensembles dissolved in 2004
- Musical ensembles reunited in 2017
- Musical groups disestablished in 2004