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Story of the Year

From Alfawiki
Story of the Year
Company typeBand
IndustryMusic
Founded1995
Headquarters
St. Louis, Missouri
,
United States
ProductsMusic albums, live performances

Story of the Year is a rock ensemble originating from St. Louis, Missouri, established in 1995 initially under the name 67 North. In 1998, they adopted the name Big Blue Monkey, and subsequently, in 2002, after issuing a self-titled EP through the independent label Criterion Records, they rebranded as Story of the Year. The band later clarified that this final name change was motivated by personal preference rather than any legal naming issues.

The group attained mainstream recognition with their first major label release, Page Avenue (2003), which included the hit singles "Until the Day I Die" and "Anthem of Our Dying Day". Their sophomore album, In the Wake of Determination (2005), did not replicate the same level of commercial success. Later albums comprised The Black Swan (2008) under Epitaph Records and The Constant (2010).

In 2017, Story of the Year initiated a crowdfunding campaign to finance their fifth studio album, achieving full funding within just three days. The album, titled Wolves, was produced by Aaron Sprinkle, with mixing handled by Tom Lord-Alge and J Hall. It was initially released through PledgeMusic on December 1, 2017, followed by a general release on December 8.

By March 2023, functioning as a quartet without Philip Sneed but welcoming back bassist Adam Russell, they unveiled Tear Me to Pieces. This release was accompanied by an international tour scheduled for 2023–2024.

67 North & Big Blue Monkey (1995–2002)

The band was founded in 1995 under the name "67 North" by guitarist Ryan Phillips, drummer Dan Marsala, vocalist John Taylor, and bassist Perry West. In 1998, they transitioned to "Big Blue Monkey," releasing the EP Three Days Broken that same year. The following year saw another EP release titled Truth in Separation, marking their last recording with the original lineup. Following the departure of West and Taylor in 2000, Marsala assumed lead vocal duties, Josh Wills joined as drummer, and Adam Russell moved from guitar to bass. After relocating to Orange County, California, they issued their final Big Blue Monkey EP named Story of the Year in 2002—the year they officially adopted this as their band name.

Page Avenue (2002–2004)

After building a local following through various EPs and demos over several years, Story of the Year secured a contract with Maverick Records in 2002. Their debut full-length album, Page Avenue, was launched in September 2003. The lead single "Until the Day I Die" received radio airplay by mid-2003. Its successor single, "Anthem of Our Dying Day," included a music video directed by Joe Hahn from Linkin Park. Bolstered by these singles, Page Avenue achieved commercial success and earned Gold certification from the RIAA in 2004, having sold approximately 846,000 copies in the United States by 2007.

In May 2004, members of Story of the Year were involved in a physical altercation with road crew personnel associated with Godsmack during a radio appearance; band members sustained injuries while no Godsmack members participated in the incident.

Their live CD/DVD package titled Live in the Lou/Bassassins was released on May 10, 2005, and later that year received RIAA Gold certification for exceeding shipments of 50,000 units in video longform format.

In the Wake of Determination (2004–2006)

Following the conclusion of the Page Avenue tour in late 2004, Story of the Year returned to the studio in 2005 to work with producer Steve Evetts on their sophomore album. Released on October 11, 2005, In the Wake of Determination showcased a more aggressive sound compared to their debut. By October 2007, the album had sold approximately 180,000 copies and entered the Billboard 200 chart at No. 19, although it did not achieve the same commercial heights as their earlier work.

The Black Swan (2007–2009)

In 2008, Story of the Year unveiled The Black Swan, collaborating with producers John Feldmann and Elvis Baskette. This release garnered favorable reviews from critics and experienced better sales than In the Wake of Determination, largely propelled by its lead single "Wake Up". During this timeframe, the band concluded their five-year tenure with Maverick Records and signed with Epitaph Records. They also took part in the 2008 Taste of Chaos International tour alongside Atreyu.

The Constant (2009–2010)

Work on a new album commenced in May 2009. On December 31 of that year, they released the single "I'm Alive" to radio stations. The album The Constant was officially released on February 16, 2010 through Epitaph Records. The iTunes Deluxe Edition featured two additional tracks: "Your Unsung Friend" and "Tonight We Fall". Furthermore, the band recorded a cover version of Waterproof Blonde's "Just Close Your Eyes" for professional wrestler Christian Cage, which appeared on WWE Music's compilation A New Day, Vol. 10, released January 28, 2010.

Side-projects and hiatus (2011–2013)

Bassist Adam Russell joined post-hardcore group Destroy Rebuild Until God Shows, alongside Craig Owens (lead singer of Chiodos), Matt Good (guitarist from From First to Last), Nick Martin (guitarist for Underminded), and Aaron Stern (drummer for Matchbook Romance). Russell departed from the band in 2012.

Vocalist Dan Marsala initiated a comedic punk rock side endeavor called The Fuck Off And Dies, through which he released two albums: Songs In The Key Of Fuck (2011) and Dear Liver (2015).

Guitarists Ryan Phillips and Philip Sneed sustained their involvement with side project Greek Fire (band), putting out an EP plus two independent albums titled Deus Ex Machina and Lost/Found.

Russell and Phillips also spearheaded a Kickstarter-funded documentary named "Who Killed (Or Saved!) The Music Industry," which examines changes within the music business; filming was ongoing as of 2013.

On February 4, 2011, Story of the Year performed their debut album Page Avenue in its entirety at The Pageant in St. Louis as a gesture of appreciation to fans commemorating a decade together. City Spud from St. Lunatics made a guest appearance during this event.

Reunion, Page Avenue 10th anniversary tour (2013–2014)

On March 8, 2013, Story of the Year announced a reunion world tour to celebrate ten years since the release of Page Avenue. They also re-recorded the album under the title Page Avenue: Ten Years and Counting, which was released on October 8, 2013. Originally intended to be an entirely acoustic rendition, the updated recording incorporated fresh arrangements influenced by their previous collaboration with City Spud in 2011.

Wolves and lineup adjustments (2014–2019)

On September 30, 2014, the group shared via Facebook that bassist Adam Russell had departed while they were in the process of composing their fifth studio album. Later, on November 7, 2016, through their PledgeMusic page, they announced plans to launch a new record titled Wolves in 2017. The album was initially made available exclusively on PledgeMusic starting December 1, 2017, followed by a general release on December 8. According to Wall of Sound, Wolves incorporates sounds reminiscent of the band’s earlier style and presents a classic tone.

In March 2018, Philip Sneed declared his exit from the band, reportedly after being dismissed by management. Shortly thereafter, the band confirmed Adam Russell’s return to the lineup.

Tear Me to Pieces (2020–2025)

Beginning in October 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Story of the Year streamed live performances featuring their first three albums under the series name Ghost Signal.

In March 2021, the RIAA awarded Page Avenue Platinum certification.

By January 2022, Story of the Year was announced as part of the When We Were Young festival roster alongside over 60 emo acts including My Chemical Romance and Paramore. On August 24, they released the single "Real Life," coinciding with their signing to SharpTone Records and unveiling tour dates supporting Hawthorne Heights and Escape the Fate. In October, they announced their sixth studio album, Tear Me to Pieces, accompanied by a music video for its title track. The album officially dropped on March 10, 2023.

A.R.S.O.N. (2025–present)

In October 2025, Story of the Year introduced "Gasoline (All Rage Still Only Numb)" as the lead single for their forthcoming album A.R.S.O.N., which is slated for release on February 13, 2026.

Musical style and influences

Story of the Year’s sound has been classified across multiple genres including emo, screamo, post-hardcore, and pop-punk. According to AllMusic, they are described as "emo punk" with "emo-infused post-grunge" elements. They have also been associated with alternative rock and melodic hardcore. Their initial output under the name Big Blue Monkey is identified as nu metal.

Their musical inspirations encompass bands such as Skid Row, Guns N' Roses, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, NOFX, Pennywise, Sick of It All, and H2O.

Band members

Current
  • Dan Marsala – lead vocals (2000–present), drums and percussion (1995–2000)
  • Ryan Phillips – lead guitar (1995–present), rhythm guitar (1995–2000, 2014–present)
  • Adam Russell – bass guitar and backing vocals (2000–2014, 2018–present)
  • Josh Wills – drums and percussion (2000–present)
Former
  • John Taylor – lead vocals (1995–2000)
  • Perry West – bass guitar (1995–2000)
  • Greg Haupt – rhythm guitar (2000–2002; guest in 2020; deceased 2022)
  • Philip Sneed – rhythm guitar (2003–2014), backing vocals (2003–2018), keyboards and piano (2007–2018), bass guitar (2014–2018)

Discography

Studio Albums

External links

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