The Killing Tree
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1999 |
| Headquarters | Chicago, Illinois , United States |
| Products | Hardcore punk music, metalcore music |
The Killing Tree (commonly known as TKT) was a hardcore punk ensemble originating from Chicago, Illinois. Serving as a side endeavor for Tim McIlrath during the formative period of Rise Against, the group also included former Rise Against guitarist Todd Mohney and bassist Geoff Reu, who had associations with Baxter and Holy Roman Empire.
Career
Established in 1999 shortly after the inception of Rise Against, The Killing Tree's primary members consisted of McIlrath handling guitar and lead vocals, Reu on bass and backing vocals, Mohney on guitar, and Remis on drums.
McIlrath recounted the band's beginnings: following Baxter's breakup, he, Reu, and Remis engaged in spontaneous jam sessions focused on heavier music styles. Initially, a female roommate briefly contributed vocals before Todd Mohney joined, solidifying the lineup. What started as informal sessions gradually transformed into a dedicated musical project.
To avoid conflicts with Rise Against’s label Fat Wreck Chords, the band members adopted pseudonyms during recordings and performances. In February 2003, The Killing Tree secured a contract with Eyeball Records, which subsequently issued their We Sing Sin EP in May 2003.
In a subsequent interview, McIlrath conveyed interest in producing new recordings but cited the members’ demanding schedules—Mohney’s graphic design career, Reu’s graduate studies, among other obligations—as obstacles. Although the band performed live sporadically through 2004, they have neither released new material nor played live since 2006.
Musical style
The Killing Tree's sound is characterized by extended compositions featuring strong elements of metalcore and Swedish death metal, incorporating screamed vocals alongside intense breakdowns, setting them apart from McIlrath’s other project, Rise Against. Their vocal delivery switches between clean singing and screaming, paired with darker lyrical themes centered on violence. Their music has been categorized under metalcore, hardcore punk, and post-hardcore, drawing comparisons to bands like AFI, At the Drive-In, and Sparta.
Discography
Studio albums
- The Romance of Helen Trent (2002)
EPs
- Bury Me at Make-Out Creek (2000)
- We Sing Sin (2003)
Compilations
- Hair: Chicago Punk Cuts ("Dressed to Fuck" track only) (2006)
Members
- Tim McIlrath (James Kaspar) – lead vocals, rhythm guitar (1999–2006)
- Todd Mohney (Todd Rundgren) – lead guitar (1999–2006)
- Geoff Reu (Jean-Luc Rue) – bass guitar, backing vocals (1999–2006)
- Timothy Remis (Botchy Vasquez) – drums (2000–2006)
- Former members
- Laura Cahill – co-lead vocals (1999)
- Neil Hennessy – drums (1999)
Other appearances
- Emily Schambra (from Holy Roman Empire) – guest vocals on "Dressed To Fuck"