Vampires Everywhere!
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2009 |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles, California (origin) , United States |
Area served | United States, Canada, United Kingdom |
Key people | Michael Vampire (Michael Orlando) |
| Products | Music albums, singles, EPs |
Vampires Everywhere!—previously known as The Killing Lights between 2013 and 2015—is a metalcore group originating from Los Angeles, California, now operating out of Las Vegas, Nevada. The ensemble featured vocalist Michael Vampire along with guitarists Matti Hoffman and Grey Soto. In 2021, Michael Vampire revived the band, secured a contract with Cleopatra Records, and launched "Witch," a single from their sophomore EP, The Awakening, in October 2021.
Origins and Lost in the Shadows (2009–2010)
Established in 2009 by Michael Orlando (stage name Michael Vampire), the band's moniker is inspired by the comic book depicted in the movie The Lost Boys.
Their initial EP, Lost in the Shadows, was released on February 9, 2010. The lead track "Immortal Love" debuted on PureVolume on January 18, 2010. Partnering with director Scott Hanson, notable for collaborations with A Day to Remember and Carnifex, they created a music video for "Immortal Love" that aired on MTV 2 (Headbangers Ball), Heavy Rotation, and Fuse On-Demand.
The band embarked on extensive tours throughout the United States and Canada, sharing stages with groups such as Escape The Fate, Brokencyde, Black Veil Brides, Eyes Set to Kill, Get Scared, Dr. Acula, Aiden, Alesana, Honor Bright, and Our Last Night. Additionally, they opened performances for X Japan and Murderdolls and took part in SXSW 2010 alongside bands including D.R.U.G.S. and VersaEmerge.
Their track "Undead Heart" was issued as a single on November 29, 2010.
Kiss the Sun Goodbye Era (2011)
The band's first full-length album, Kiss the Sun Goodbye, was globally released on May 17, 2011 through Hollywood Waste Records. Wil Francis (known from Aiden and his solo project William Control) contributed guest vocals on the song "Bleeding Rain." The Deluxe Edition of the album featured three additional tracks. Their second official music video was directed by Fred Archambault, recognized for his work with Avenged Sevenfold and Deftones. The album achieved a peak position of No. 19 on the Billboard Top Hard Rock Albums chart and reached No. 43 on the Top Independent Albums list.
Subsequent to this release, members Alex Rouge and David Darko departed to establish their own band, The Automatic Me.
In August 2011, Vampires Everywhere! appeared at the Sunset Strip Music Festival, where they notably performed a cover of Katy Perry's "Teenage Dream." Later that autumn, they joined the "Something Wicked This Way Comes Tour" alongside acts such as Wednesday 13, Polkadot Cadaver, and Nightmare Sonata.
By December of that year, announcements were made indicating plans for a forthcoming album slated for release in 2012.
Hellbound and Heartless, Touring, and Breakup (2012–2013)
On April 25, 2012, bassist Philip Kross amicably exited the group to explore other ventures; Adam Vex stepped in as a temporary touring replacement.
Their sophomore album, Hellbound and Heartless, arrived on June 19, 2012, showcasing a stylistic transition from metalcore and gothic rock towards industrial metal influences reminiscent of bands like Ministry and Marilyn Manson. To promote this release, the band participated fully in the Summer edition of the Vans Warped Tour.
During late 2012 into early 2013, Vampires Everywhere! toured alongside acts including Alesana, In Fear and Faith, and Glamour of the Kill. They subsequently joined forces with Orgy and Davey Suicide for the "Wide Awake and Dead" Tour.
In November 2013, Michael Vampire publicly announced that Vampires Everywhere! had disbanded; however, members intended to continue their musical pursuits under the new name The Killing Lights, releasing a fresh track titled "Don't Turn Around" shortly thereafter.
The Killing Lights (2014)
On August 14, The Killing Lights unveiled a music video for "Lies Spread Like Fire," directed by Will Da Rosa, promoting their forthcoming EP. Their debut headlining performance took place at Chain Reaction on October 4, where they showcased the entire EP live.
A second single titled "Until I Bleed" was released on October 21 through Kerrang! alongside the opening of pre-orders for the EP. The self-titled EP, The Killing Lights, officially launched on December 2, 2014. Although the music video for "Until I Bleed," directed by Brad Golowin, was initially scheduled for November, it premiered on December 11. Plans were made to support the release with a tour in 2015.
Reformation, Ritual, and second breakup (2015–2016)
On February 11, 2015, The Killing Lights reverted to their original name Vampires Everywhere! and revealed intentions to record a new album in two separate sessions set for March and April in Salt Lake City. During this period, Michael Vampire also appeared as a guest performer with Motionless In White at Rock on the Range.
The band joined the Bat2Bat Tour on November 30 alongside Consider Me Dead and Set to Stun. After completing the tour, they released "Black Betty," a track from their forthcoming album Ritual, expected to debut in early 2016.
The first official single from Ritual, a cover of Hozier's "Take Me to Church" featuring Alex Koehler of Chelsea Grin, was unveiled on January 19, 2016. The full album was released on March 18, 2016, supported by a headlining tour before joining forces with Filter, Orgy, and Death Valley High on the Make America Hate Again Tour.
In November 2016, Vampires Everywhere! disbanded once more; subsequently, Michael Vampire founded Dead Girls Academy.
Second comeback
In March 2021, Michael Vampire announced the band's return with Vampires Everywhere!'s second reunion, kicking off with a performance at Summit Music Fest. By July, they had released the comeback single "Witch," revealed their EP The Awakening, signed a deal with Cleopatra Records, and scheduled a US tour for October alongside Assuming We Survive and The Bunny the Bear.
On December 13, Michael Vampire announced the "From Hell With Love" Tour featuring support from Young Medicine, City Of The Weak, and Junexa. This announcement included a teaser for a new track titled "Sudden Death," accompanied by an official music video. The single dropped on January 14, 2022, and within three weeks its video amassed over 400,000 views.
On March 31, 2022, Michael Vampire revealed plans for "The Scene Is Alive" Tour—marking the band's inaugural UK tour. Promotional artwork depicted Michael Vampire partially concealed by his hoodie and hair; this imagery was also used for the single "Tear Me Down," which was released on May 6 along with an accompanying video.
October 1 saw Michael Vampire announce a reimagined version of "Immortal Love," titled "Immortal Love: Resurrection." Released on October 14 with a new music video, this version featured refined vocals, an added guitar solo, and a breakdown section that distinguished it significantly from the original recording.
On October 31, Michael Vampire announced their cover of Screaming Tribesmen’s "Date With A Vampyre."
Musical style and influences
Vampires Everywhere!'s musical identity encompasses a variety of genres such as metalcore, post-hardcore, industrial metal, alternative metal, shock rock, and gothic rock.Noisecreep characterized their sound as "an ultra-catchy fusion of goth, metalcore and pop." The band consistently embraced an emo and gothic aesthetic paired with horror-inspired lyrics predominantly centered around vampires. Frontman Michael Vampire utilizes both harsh screams and clean singing while incorporating synthesizers and autotune effects prominently during their early phase.
Their influences include notable acts like Slipknot, Atreyu, Cannibal Corpse, Dimmu Borgir, The Black Dahlia Murder, Children of Bodom, As I Lay Dying, Parkway Drive, August Burns Red, Death, Obituary, Theatres des Vampires, Aiden, AFI, Misfits, Marilyn Manson, Ministry, and Behemoth.
Regarding vampire themes specifically, Michael Vampire has cited inspiration from classic sources such as The Lost Boys, Nosferatu, Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Bela Lugosi’s portrayals, and Fright Night, deliberately distancing from modern franchises like Twilight or True Blood.
Members
- Present lineup
- Michael "Vampire" Orlando – lead vocals (2009–2013, 2015–2016, 2021–present)
- Jesse James Smith – drums (2021–present)
- Michael "Ghost" Rodd – guitars (2023–present)
- Brandon Burke – bass, backing vocals (2023–present)
- Past members
- Jessica "J_Killa" Leigh – keyboards, synthesizers (2009–2010)
- Zak "Night" Dunn – lead guitar (2009–2010)
- Alexander "Rogue" Hernandez – bass (2009–2011)
- David "Darko" Hernandez – drums (2009–2011)
- Aaron "Graves" Martin – rhythm guitar (2009–2013)
- Charles Philip "Kross" Anthony – bass (2011–2012), lead guitar (2010–2011)
- DJ "Black" Blackard – lead guitar (2011–2013)
- Miles Rogers – bass (2012–2013)
- Chris Paterson – rhythm guitar (2013)
- Frankie Sil – bass (2013)
- Matti Hoffman – guitars (2015–2016)
- Grey "Mr. Grey" Soto – bass (2015–2016)
- Joshua "J.J. Gun" Ingram – drums (2012–2013, 2015–2016)
- Craig Nello Pirtle – guitars (2021–2023)
- Jonny Sixx – bass (2021–2023)
- Former touring musicians
- Adam Vex – bass (2012–2013)
- Timeline
Studio albums
| Year | Title | Label | Chart rankings | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Indie | US Hard Rock | US Heatseekers | |||
| 2011 | Kiss the Sun Goodbye | Hollywood Waste | 43 | 19 | 4 |
| 2012 | Hellbound and Heartless | — | 22 | 9 | |
| 2016 | Ritual | Vampires Everywhere! | — | — | — |
| 2025 | The Devil Made Me Do It | Dark Kingdom Records | — | — | — |
"—" indicates albums that did not enter the charts.
Extended plays
- 2010: Lost in the Shadows
- 2021: The Awakening
- 2023: BELLADONNA
Singles
- 2010: Immortal Love
- 2010: Undead Heart
- 2012: I Can't Breathe
- 2012: Drug of Choice
- 2012: Star of 666
- 2016: Perfect Lie
- 2016: Take Me to Church (Hozier cover)
- 2016: Truth in You
- 2021: Witch
- 2021: Death of Me
- 2021: The Hills (The Weeknd cover)
- 2022: Tear Me Down
- 2023: Cry Little Sister (Gerard McMahon cover) – No. 34 Mainstream Rock Airplay
- 2024: Cry Little Sister (Revamped) featuring Skold
- 2024: White Wedding