Stemm (band)

STEMM

Company type	Private
Industry	Music
Founded	1998
Founder	Joe Cafarella, Jimi Penque
Headquarters	Niagara Falls , United States
Products	Heavy metal music

STEMM is a heavy metal group originating from Niagara Falls, New York, United States. Established in 1998 by Joe Cafarella and Jimi Penque, the initial ensemble featured Louis Penque, Russ Martin, and Alex Scouten. After Alex left in 1999, Fred Blackwell briefly took his place before Rich Spalla became the permanent replacement. This formation remained intact until 2003, when Joe and Rich teamed up with drummer Danny Nelligan, bassist Stephen Crowl, and vocalist TJ Frost—all formerly of the Buffalo band 5 Years Gone—transitioning STEMM’s sound from rapcore to a more metal-oriented style.

The revamped lineup debuted with performances including a showcase for Metalblade Records and an opening slot for Sevendust. STEMM embarked on extensive tours under the Jägermeister banner, sharing stages with prominent bands such as Hatebreed, Chimaira, Staind, Godsmack, Soulfly, Trivium, Arch Enemy, and Black Label Society. A significant moment in their history was playing the last full concert of Dimebag Darrell (Pantera/Damageplan) in Buffalo prior to his passing.

The band paused activities on December 1, 2012, but announced plans for new releases early in 2019 through their Facebook platform.

STEMM has received endorsements from ESP Guitars, Jägermeister, Dream Cymbals, Regal Tip drumsticks, and Mesa Boogie amplifiers.

Formation and Early Period

STEMM was founded in June 1998 by Joe Cafarella alongside Jimi Penque, Russ Martin, and Louis Penque—all members of local music groups. By December of that year, they had produced a two-track promotional recording that sold over 600 copies within four months. Their initial musical approach fused hardcore elements with rapcore influences, as showcased on their debut EP Further Efforts and first full-length album Dead to Me released in 2002. In July 2000, Rich Spalla joined the band as a second guitarist.

Partnership with UFC and The Fight Network

In 2002, STEMM secured a licensing agreement with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), integrating their songs into UFC broadcasts and live events starting that August. Tracks such as "Out of Context," "Holding On," "Fallen," and "Face the Pain"—included on the UFC 2009 Undisputed soundtrack—were featured on every UFC pay-per-view from 2002 through 2018 as well as on The Ultimate Fighter series. The song "Face the Pain" was also part of the UFC compilation album UFC Ultimate Beatdowns Volume 1, alongside artists like Fear Factory and Slayer. More recently, STEMM arranged another licensing deal enabling their music to be played on Canada's The Fight Network.

Changes in Band Membership

Between late 2003 and 2004, STEMM experienced considerable personnel shifts. Jimi Penque exited due to artistic disagreements, followed by Louis Penque who left for familial commitments. Subsequently, STEMM merged with Buffalo’s metal group 5 Years Gone; drummer Dan Nelligan and vocalist T.J. Frost joined STEMM while guitarists from STEMM replaced departing members of 5 Years Gone. After parting ways with bassist Russ Martin, the two bands fully combined forces, marking a new musical direction for STEMM. Despite contemplating a name change during this transition, the band retained the STEMM moniker largely because of UFC’s prior promotional investment; they no longer acknowledge their earlier lineup under this name.

Rebirth and Progress

Following their reformation, STEMM signed with Triple M Management—headed by Chimaira guitarist Rob Arnold—who provided support for their career development. Early in 2004, they recorded a five-track EP titled 5, featuring guest vocals from Chimaira’s Mark Hunter on the song "13 Years." The EP sold over one thousand copies within a few months. To promote it, STEMM performed local shows opening for Sevendust and conducted nationwide tours alongside Chimaira and Trivium. They also opened for Damageplan’s final concert before Dimebag Darrell’s tragic death onstage. Additionally, STEMM supported Nuclear Blast artist Bleed The Sky at the Whisky a Go Go venue; both Frost and Joe Cafarella contributed guest vocals to Bleed The Sky’s track "Division."

In 2005, STEMM appeared at the New England Metal and Hardcore Festival sharing the bill with Soilwork, Danzig, Dark Tranquillity, and Mnemic among others. That November saw the independent release of their second album Songs for the Incurable Heart, which combined four tracks from their previous demo with new compositions. A highlight of this album is "The Day the Earth Stood Still," a nearly ten-minute tribute dedicated to victims of September 11—written by vocalist T.J. Frost who survived the attacks firsthand.

Contract finalized

In August 2006, the band revealed on their MySpace profile that they had secured a recording agreement with I Scream Records to reissue their sophomore album, Songs for the Incurable Heart. Although the deal specifically pertained to this re-release, STEMM spent the subsequent year supporting acts such as Godsmack and Stone Sour on tour. On July 30, 2007, lead singer T.J. Frost departed from the group citing personal matters. Backup vocalist and guitarist Joe Cafarella then took over full vocal responsibilities, while guitarist Alex Scouten—previously part of 3 Minutes of Hate and an original member when STEMM reformed in 2003—joined as a session musician. Scouten eventually replaced guitarist Rich Spalla permanently.

Blood Scent era

With a more consistent lineup, STEMM commenced production on their third studio album, Blood Scent. The track initially titled "Poopmouth," later renamed "Broken Face Masterpiece," was included on a CD sampler distributed with the May edition of Metal Edge Magazine. By early July, the recording was finished, although details such as the track list and cover art were only unveiled in mid-October alongside the announcement that STEMM had inked a deal with Catch 22 Records, an imprint under MVD Entertainment, which would handle the album's release. Vocalist Joe Cafarella referred to Blood Scent as their version of Vulgar Display of Power, highlighting how it encapsulated the band's essence without relying on clichés. The album was released on November 11, 2008, featuring the song "House of Cards," which was chosen by UFC as the theme for UFC Wired. The lead single "Awake" was accompanied by a music video produced by GDM Video Production.

Partnership with Trans-Fusion Entertainment

Towards the end of 2008, STEMM aligned with Trans-Fusion Entertainment, enabling them to secure bookings beyond their local circuit. They embarked on a nationwide tour across the U.S., headlining in support of Blood Scent.

Ride or Die Tour 2009

In June 2009, STEMM took center stage as headliners on the Ride Or Die Tour alongside bands His Name Was Yesterday and Adakain.

Disbandment and reunion

STEMM performed their farewell concert on December 1, 2012, at Town Ballroom in Buffalo, NY. This show featured appearances by former members Louis, TJ, and Stephen who joined in performing tracks from their respective periods with the band. The group reunited in 2019 and released the single "Don't Act Surprised" via YouTube on October 13.

Following their breakup, Joe and Danny moved into music publishing careers at Sonoton and APM respectively.

Band members

Current lineup

• Joe Cafarella – vocals, guitar (1998–present, 2019–present)
• Dan Nelligan – drums (2003–2012, 2019–present)
• Alex Scouten – guitar (1998–1999, 2007–2012, 2019–present)
• Stephen Crowl – bass, backing vocals (2003–2011, 2019–present, guest 2012)

Former members

• Louis Penque III – vocals (1998–2003, guest 2011, 2012, 2022)
• Russ Martin – bass (1998–2003)
• Jimi Penque – drums (1998–2003)
• Fred Blackwell – guitar (1999–2000)
• T.J. Frost – vocals (2003–2007, guest 2012, 2022)
• Rich Spalla – guitar (2000–2007)
• Mario Nobilio – bass, backing vocals (2011–2012)

Discography

Album Title	Date Released	Record Label
Further Efforts	1999	Independent
Dead to Me	2001	Independent
5	2004	Independent
Songs for the Incurable Heart	November 15, 2005 Reissued October 10, 2006	I Scream Records
Blood Scent	November 11, 2008	Catch 22 Records
Crossroads	September 13, 2011	Catch 22 Records