The Bled

The Bled
Company type	Band
Industry	Music
Founded	2001 in Tucson, Arizona, United States
Defunct	2012 (initial disbandment)
Fate	Disbanded in 2012; reunited in 2021
Headquarters	Tucson, United States
Products	Albums: Pass the Flask, Found in the Flood, Silent Treatment, Heat Fetish

The Bled is a metalcore group originating from Tucson, Arizona, established in 2001. Over their active years, they produced four full-length albums—Pass the Flask, Found in the Flood, Silent Treatment, and Heat Fetish—before disbanding in 2012.

Origins and initial phase (2001–2002)

Initially named "The Radiation Defiance Theory" upon their 2001 inception, the band shortened their name to The Bled for simplicity. Their musical influences included hardcore punk pioneers like Refused, metalcore bands such as Cave In, and mathcore innovators The Dillinger Escape Plan. Within two months of forming, they released the EP His First Crush through Ride the Rocket Records and Sunset Alliance, followed by a self-titled EP a year later, both featuring Adam Goss on lead vocals. The band quickly built a strong local following in Tucson, frequently selling out performances.

Pass the Flask era (2003–2004)

After gaining traction locally, The Bled signed with Fiddler Records. Shortly before entering the studio for their debut album Pass the Flask, vocalist Adam Goss departed, recommending James Muñoz as his successor. The band found Muñoz to be an excellent match and welcomed him as a permanent member. Released in July 2003, Pass the Flask demonstrated their range across metalcore, mathcore, melodic hardcore, and post-hardcore styles. Supporting the album with extensive touring marked their first national exposure and solidified their standing within the hardcore community.

Found in the Flood period (2005–2007)

In pursuit of a fresh artistic direction, The Bled signed with independent label Vagrant Records in 2005, turning down offers from major labels. Prior to recording their sophomore album Found in the Flood, bassist Mike Celi was replaced by Darren Simoes. Produced by Mark Trombino (known for work with Jimmy Eat World and Blink-182), this release expanded their sonic palette and became their inaugural entry on the Billboard 200, reaching No. 87.

The success of this album earned The Bled invitations to perform on the 2006 Warped Tour and the 2007 international Taste of Chaos lineup alongside bands like Rise Against and The Used. Meanwhile, complications with their original label caused Pass the Flask to go out of print, leading to confusion among fans. To remedy this, Vagrant Records reissued Pass the Flask, including original tracks along with selections from earlier EPs and three previously unreleased songs.

Silent Treatment phase (2007–2008)

After rigorous touring schedules, The Bled dedicated five months to co-writing their third album, Silent Treatment, marking a departure from prior individual songwriting approaches. Under the production guidance of Brian McTernan (noted for work with Thrice and Converge), the album embraced a heavier yet more refined sound that fused aggressive intensity with melodic elements. Fans were engaged during recording through a live studio webcam feed.

Before releasing the album, The Bled participated in the 2007 Projekt Revolution Tour alongside acts such as Linkin Park and My Chemical Romance. Following its release, they toured on the Take Action Tour with Every Time I Die and supported appearances by The Dillinger Escape Plan. On April 18, 2008, vocalist James Muñoz announced an extended hiatus citing fatigue and financial difficulties. During this pause, bassist Darren Simoes toured with hardcore outfit Warship, while guitarist Jeremy Ray formed Starving Arms with members from The Funeral March and Versus the Mirror.

Lineup shifts, Heat Fetish, and disbandment

Following the tour supporting Silent Treatment, The Bled encountered financial challenges that compelled several members to pursue alternative income sources, either through employment or involvement with other musical acts. This situation led to the departure of three principal members: Mike Pedicone took on drumming duties for Gavin Rossdale, Ross Ott accepted a position at ArtistForce, and Darren Simoes resumed his college education. Their spots were subsequently filled by Robbie Burbidge, Brad Murray, and Josh Skibar. After touring alongside The Used, the group recorded their next album and embarked on a promotional tour. On March 30, 2009, Alternative Press disclosed that The Bled had been released from their contract with Vagrant Records. The band shared two demo songs, "Mouthbreather" and "When Exiting Your Vehicle," which were included on the upcoming album. They kicked off their first nationwide tour in over a year on September 4.

On August 13, 2009, The Bled inked a deal for two albums with Rise Records, aiming to release new material in February 2010. Guitarist Jeremy Talley announced the album's title as Heat Fetish on November 13, 2009.

During the Rise Records Tour on May 8, 2010, Shane Sheffer replaced bassist Brad Murray, who had officially exited the band. Subsequently, Mike Patton—who had been serving as the touring sound engineer and was closely connected to the band—temporarily assumed bass responsibilities.

In August 2011, The Bled declared their dissolution, stating it was "time to move on to new things." A farewell tour took place in November 2011, culminating in four concerts across the United Kingdom. Their final show occurred on February 19, 2012.

Following the breakup, guitarist Jeremy Talley revealed intentions to develop a new project based on material originally planned for The Bled's concluding release, with further information to be shared after the tour.

Vocalist James Munoz shifted his focus toward writing and acting for the weekly comedy sketch series Apartment Sketch Show on FunnyOrDie, while also playing bass for Richmond punk outfit Smoke or Fire. He later departed from Smoke or Fire and joined Richmond-based band Xed Out.

Reunions and Pass the Flask 20th Anniversary

In 2021, The Bled reunited for a performance at Furnace Fest.

By 2023, they announced a series of limited engagements commemorating the 20th anniversary of their debut album, Pass The Flask, including two September dates in Pomona, California (featuring Holy Fawn and Negative Blast) and a show on November 11 in New York City.

February 2024 brought news of three Texas concerts scheduled for April 5, 6, and 7 in Dallas, Austin, and Houston respectively, supported by American Fangs, Negative Blast, Cleric, and Bulletsbetweentongues.

In March 2024, the band confirmed their participation in Furnace Fest 2024 taking place from October 4–6.

Band members

Current members

James Muñoz – vocals (2003–2012, 2021–present)
Jeremy Ray Talley – guitar (2001–2012, 2021–present)
Ross Ott – guitar (2001–2008, 2021–present)
Darren Simoes – bass (2004–2008, 2021–present)
Mike Pedicone – drums (2001–2008, 2021–present)

Former members

Mike Celi – bass guitar (2001–2004)
Adam Goss – vocals (2001–2003)
Brad Murray – bass guitar (2009–2010)
Shane Sheffer – bass guitar (2010–2011)
Robbie Burbidge – guitar (2009–2012)
Josh Skibar – drums (2009–2012)
Mike Patton – bass guitar (2011–2012)

Timeline

Discography

Full-length albums

Pass the Flask (2003)
Found in the Flood (2005)
Silent Treatment (2007)
Heat Fetish (2010)

Extended plays

His First Crush (2001)
The Bled (2002)

Split extended plays

Alexisonfire / The Bled
The Bled / From Autumn to Ashes

Tracks outside of albums

Masters of Horror – "Nervous Breakdown" (cover of Black Flag)
Tony Hawk's American Wasteland Soundtrack – "House of Suffering" (Bad Brains cover)
Resident Evil: Extinction Soundtrack – "Asleep on the Frontlines" (Appliantz remix)

Videos

You Know Who's Seatbelt (2003)
I Never Met Another Gemini (2003)
My Assassin (2005)
The Last American Cowboy (2005)
Shadetree Mechanics (2007)
Mouthbreather (2010)
Smoke Breaks (2010)

External links