Narcissus (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1998 in Canton, Ohio, United States |
| Founder | John LaRussa, John Pope |
| Headquarters | Canton, Ohio , United States |
| Products | Hardcore music, post-hardcore, metal music |
Narcissus is a hardcore band from the United States, established in 1998 in Canton, Ohio by John LaRussa (guitar) and John Pope (vocals, keyboards). The group’s roster has featured musicians such as Justin Carroll (bass), Ray Taylor (rhythm guitar), Derek Carter, Bill Wensel, Stephen Cushman (percussion), and Josh King (bass). Initially, they were signed to the now-defunct Takehold Records, later moving to Century Media, with several albums reissued through Tooth & Nail. Prior to their 2003 dissolution, Narcissus performed on the Warped Tour and readied a European launch for Crave and Collapse, which garnered positive international acclaim. The band reunited in 2020 after LaRussa and Pope received an invitation to perform at Furnace Fest on September 24, 2021, sharing the lineup with prominent bands like Converge, Glassjaw, and Killswitch Engage. Their reunion debut took place on September 11, 2021.
Narcissus is noted for their innovative blend of post-hardcore and metal. Following their split in 2003, LaRussa went on to create Inhale Exhale alongside Brian Pittman (formerly of Relient K), while Pope briefly became part of Symphony In Peril. The band has toured extensively with acts including MewithoutYou, Silverstein, Underoath, Bayside, Further Seems Forever, Zao, and Embodyment. After reuniting in 2020, Narcissus headlined both their comeback show and the Furnace Fest event in 2021, with plans for additional performances and new recordings underway.
History
Formed in 1998, Narcissus initially consisted of John Pope on vocals, John LaRussa handling guitars, Ray Taylor also on guitars, Justin Carroll playing bass, and Derek Carter on drums. Carroll and LaRussa had previously collaborated in Slow to Anger, while Pope was part of Divine Division; these prior associations facilitated the band's creation. Early lineup adjustments included Carter’s temporary exit, replaced by Bill Wensel on drums. During this period, they recorded their debut EP titled ...And Forthwith Came Out Blood and Water, which was released via Clenched Fist Records. Carter later returned to the band as Wensel and Taylor departed.
In 2000, Narcissus secured a deal with Alabama-based Takehold Records. Their first full-length album, Newwave Techno Homicide, was produced at Clay Creek Studios with engineer Nick Rotundo. Following its release, they embarked on the 40 Days of Disaster Tour alongside Tantrum of the Muse, Few Left Standing, and Underoath. Subsequently, Carter and Carroll left the ensemble; Stephen Cushman (formerly of Relient K) took over drumming duties while Josh King (ex-Vessel) assumed bass responsibilities. During this phase, they completed their second album and EP entitled Becoming Leviathan under Takehold Records.
After extensive touring that included a performance at New York’s CBGBs venue, Narcissus signed with Century Media Records and its imprint Abacus Records. This partnership facilitated a reissue of Becoming Leviathan featuring three additional tracks. The band toured alongside Further Seems Forever, Silverstein, Bayside, Me Without You, Shelter, Converge, Brand New, Nora, Underoath, and appeared at various music festivals. In 2003, they released their third studio album Crave and Collapse through Century Media/Abacus in conjunction with Sony Red Worldwide. Supporting this release involved a month-long tour with Embodyment as well as participation in the 2003 Vans Warped Tour. Following these events, Narcissus disbanded due to internal conflicts and members pursuing separate projects.
After the breakup, Pope joined Symphony in Peril, whereas LaRussa founded Inhale Exhale. Josh King went on to establish Not Beneath with Danny Pelletier (formerly of Outcry and North Meadow Park), releasing the album Memento Mori.
Members
Current
| Member | Role | Active Years | Associated Acts |
|---|---|---|---|
| John Pope | vocals, keyboards | 1998–2003, 2020–present | Divine Division, Symphony in Peril |
| John LaRussa | guitar | 1998–2003, 2020–present | Oblivion, Slow to Anger, Inhale Exhale |
| Josh King | bass (2001–2003, 2020–present), drums (2000–2001, 2003, 2020–2021) | 2000–2001, 2001–2003, 2020–present | Vessel, Not Beneath |
| Colin Simula | drums | 2023–present | Symphony in Peril, Maranatha |
Former
- Ray Taylor – guitar (1998–1999)
- Justin Carroll – bass (1998–2000)
- Bill Wensel – drums (1998–1999)
- Derek Carter – drums (1998, 1999–2000)
- Stephen Cushman – drums (2000–2003)
- Nick Brewer – drums (2021–2023)
Timeline
Discography
EPs
- ...And Forthwith Came Out Blood and Water (1999) (Clenched Fist Records)
Studio albums
- Newwave Techno Homicide (2000) (Take Hold Records; later reissued by Tooth and Nail)
- Becoming Leviathan (2001) (Take Hold Records)
- Crave and Collapse (2003) (Century Media)
Compilations
- Narcissus (2002) (Includes Becoming Leviathan plus three extra tracks) (Century Media)