A Wilhelm Scream
Encyclopedia
A Wilhelm Scream is a melodic hardcore
band from New Bedford, Massachusetts
. Many people have referenced Strung Out
, Hot Water Music
, Propagandhi
, and Strike Anywhere
as the band's similar artists. Their name is a reference to the Wilhelm Scream
, a famous stock sound effect which mainly is used in films. The band previously went by the names Smackin' Isaiah, Koen, and Adam's Crack, though the former was the only name to be used in any major release. The reason for the name changes "from Koen to Smackin' Isaiah to A Wilhelm Scream was really a matter of them adding new members, and progressing/maturing as a band.".
after the number of tracks each band contributed. Soon after, the band released its debut album, The Way to a Girl's Heart Is Through Her Boyfriend's Stomach
. The band considers this their first "real" release, as all the songs had been written after Angelini joined the band. In retrospect, they consider it their most cheerful record. It was reissued the following year on All About Records, but the band stayed with Tank Records to release its second album, Benefits Of Thinking Out Loud
. During the album's recording, the band members had a strained relationship as they argued over its production. Six outtakes from the album's recording sessions were compiled onto an EP entitled The Champagne of Bands... We Know Sexy released by Fork in Hand Records. Following its release, Carvalho left the band. Christopher Levesque quickly replaced him.
, with Jump Start. For the recording of the album, the band decided to put "as much shit as you can possibly fit into a song and pull off live" into the songs, to which they attribute their faster, more aggressive and more technical sound. The album was produced by Bill Stevenson and Jason Livermore, whom the band looked up to. Although the album was finished while the band was signed to Jump Start, the rights to the album were then bought by Nitro Records
, who released it in 2004.
Only a year after Mute Print, the band released a second record on Nitro, again produced by Stevenson and Livermore. The record, entitled Ruiner
, was released on August 16, 2005. Following stress from touring, founding member Jonathan Teves left the band, and was replaced by bassist Curtiss Lopez. They then embarked on their first European tour with Lagwagon
, and also toured with Less than Jake
. Midway through the latter tour, Lopez abruptly quit the band. This left A Wilhelm Scream without a permanent bassist until Brian J. Robinson joined in April. The band continued to tour throughout 2006. They also released an 7-inch EP
titled Diver
on Jump Start Records. This was because the title track was recorded during the Mute Print sessions, but left off the album, and thus was not purchased by Nitro Records.
In 2007, the band returned to the studio with Stevenson and Livermore to record their third album with Nitro Records. The record, according to the band, was "very very fast" and a few songs were dropped for not being fast enough. The record, Career Suicide
, was released on October 9, 2007. However, only two weeks before its street date, long-time guitarist Chris Levesque announced that he was leaving the band, elaborating with the following statement:
The band began their tour in support of Career Suicide with several rotating guitarists, before Mike Supina, formerly of the Detroit-based band Alucard, was announced as Levesque's permanent replacement. The tour brought the band to over eighteen different countries, finishing in September 2008. Following its conclusion, guitarist Trevor Reilly announced in his blog that the band would take a break for the rest of the year, but implied that they would write new songs soon. In a post to celebrate the new year, the band released b-side "The I Hate ___ Club", which was left off the album at the producers' request. The band were also demoing new songs.
while working on a new album. Their first release for the label was a 5-song self-titled
EP
, mixed by Matt Bayles
, released on November 20, 2009. On October 26, 2009, the band posted "Bulletproof Tiger" and "Australias", both taken from the eponymous EP
.
As of July 2010, the band has confirmed, on their website, that they have returned to the studio to write and record their next studio album. A release date is expected to be set for sometime this year. They took a break from recording in September, however, to support Comeback Kid
in their Canadian tour for their upcoming fourth studio album. They were expected to return to the studio when their performing dates were complete.
Melodic hardcore
Melodic hardcore is a subgenre of hardcore punk with a strong emphasis on vocal melody. The genre is commonly defined with fast hardcore drum beats, complex guitar riffs and melodic singing with occasional screaming and shouting.-History:...
band from New Bedford, Massachusetts
New Bedford, Massachusetts
New Bedford is a city in Bristol County, Massachusetts, United States, located south of Boston, southeast of Providence, Rhode Island, and about east of Fall River. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 95,072, making it the sixth-largest city in Massachusetts...
. Many people have referenced Strung Out
Strung Out
Strung Out is a Californian punk rock band from Simi Valley, California, formed in 1992. They are known mainly for their musical style, which fuses aspects of punk rock and heavy metal to form their primary sound. They have released seven albums on Fat Wreck Chords and appeared on numerous...
, Hot Water Music
Hot Water Music
Hot Water Music is a punk rock band from Gainesville, Florida. The members of the band are Chuck Ragan, Chris Wollard, Jason Black, and George Rebelo. HWM first formed in 1993...
, Propagandhi
Propagandhi
Propagandhi is a Canadian punk band formed in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba in 1986 by Chris Hannah and Jord Samolesky. The band is currently located in Winnipeg, Manitoba....
, and Strike Anywhere
Strike Anywhere
Strike Anywhere is a punk rock/melodic hardcore band from Richmond, Virginia. Formed in 1999 after the demise of frontman Thomas Barnett's previous band, Inquisition, they took their name from the Inquisition song "Strike Anywhere". Their music is characterized by fast tempos, catchy melodies, and...
as the band's similar artists. Their name is a reference to the Wilhelm Scream
Wilhelm scream
The Wilhelm scream is a film and television stock sound effect first used in 1951 for the film Distant Drums. The effect gained new popularity after it was used in Star Wars and many other blockbuster films as well as television programs and video games...
, a famous stock sound effect which mainly is used in films. The band previously went by the names Smackin' Isaiah, Koen, and Adam's Crack, though the former was the only name to be used in any major release. The reason for the name changes "from Koen to Smackin' Isaiah to A Wilhelm Scream was really a matter of them adding new members, and progressing/maturing as a band.".
Early years (1993–2000)
In 1993, drummer Trevor Reilly, guitarist John Carvalho and bassist Jonathan Teves formed the band Adam's Crack and recorded a Nirvana-inspired demo cassette. In 1994 Reilly and Carvalho started a side band with Nuno Pereira on vocals, and others. The side band played one show before disbanding. Members from the two bands would merge into one, taking the name Koen. The line-up of Koen consisted of Pereira (vocals), Reilly (drums), Teves (bass), Carvalho (rhythm guitar) and friend Mat Demelo (lead guitar and trumpet). Under the name Koen, the band released one cassette titled "The Big Fall...", this time with their sound evolving more into skate punk and ska. In 1997, the band changed its name again, this time to Smackin' Isaiah, and released a cassette titled "Give Girls More Beer...". Mat Demelo left the band shortly after. During this time, Reilly would switch between drumming and guitar duties, with an unknown drummer playing in the band for a brief amount of time. Nicholas Angelini was eventually tapped to play drums on a permanent basis. In 1998, the band released another demo cassette, titled "Gets Eaten Alive".Tank Records era (2000–2001)
The band's first CD release was on Tank Records, a record label created by Carvalho and Teves. The CD was a split release with the bands Moronique and Merrick, entitled 6:6:66:6:6
6:6:6 is a split CD between Smackin' Isaiah , Moronique and Merrick. The album got the title 6:6:6 because each band has 6 songs each on the album. It was released on a small indie label called Tank Records which was run by Smackin' Isaiah guitarist John Carvalho...
after the number of tracks each band contributed. Soon after, the band released its debut album, The Way to a Girl's Heart Is Through Her Boyfriend's Stomach
The Way to a Girl's Heart Is Through Her Boyfriend's Stomach
The Way To A Girl's Heart Is Through Her Boyfriend's Stomach, released in 1999 through Tank Records, is the debut full length release from the Massachusetts based melodic hardcore band now known as A Wilhelm Scream.-Information:...
. The band considers this their first "real" release, as all the songs had been written after Angelini joined the band. In retrospect, they consider it their most cheerful record. It was reissued the following year on All About Records, but the band stayed with Tank Records to release its second album, Benefits Of Thinking Out Loud
Benefits of Thinking Out Loud
Benefits Of Thinking Out Loud, released in 2001 through Tank Records, is the second full length release from the Massachusetts based melodic hardcore band now known as A Wilhelm Scream.-Information:...
. During the album's recording, the band members had a strained relationship as they argued over its production. Six outtakes from the album's recording sessions were compiled onto an EP entitled The Champagne of Bands... We Know Sexy released by Fork in Hand Records. Following its release, Carvalho left the band. Christopher Levesque quickly replaced him.
Final name change and Nitro Records years (2002–2009)
With the band taking a more serious approach on Benefits, they decided to once more change their name, finally settling on A Wilhelm Scream. Signing with new label Jump Start Records, they re-released Benefits of Thinking Out Loud under their new name. After touring the United States and Canada a few times, they then began recording their next album, Mute PrintMute Print
- Personnel :* Nuno Pereira – vocals* Trevor Reilly – guitar, backing vocals* Christopher Levesque – guitar* Jonathan Teves – bass, backing vocals* Nicholas Pasquale Angelini – drums- Details :...
, with Jump Start. For the recording of the album, the band decided to put "as much shit as you can possibly fit into a song and pull off live" into the songs, to which they attribute their faster, more aggressive and more technical sound. The album was produced by Bill Stevenson and Jason Livermore, whom the band looked up to. Although the album was finished while the band was signed to Jump Start, the rights to the album were then bought by Nitro Records
Nitro Records
Nitro Records is an independent record label created and owned by Dexter Holland and Greg Kriesel . They started the label in 1994. The label is famous for being an incubator for punk rock artists who have subsequently become successful, most notably AFI...
, who released it in 2004.
Only a year after Mute Print, the band released a second record on Nitro, again produced by Stevenson and Livermore. The record, entitled Ruiner
Ruiner
-Personnel:A Wilhelm Scream* Nuno Pereira - vocals* Trevor Reilly - guitar, backing vocals, art direction* Christopher Levesque - guitar, piano* Jonathan Teves - bass, backing vocals* Nicholas Pasquale Angelini - drumsStudio personnel...
, was released on August 16, 2005. Following stress from touring, founding member Jonathan Teves left the band, and was replaced by bassist Curtiss Lopez. They then embarked on their first European tour with Lagwagon
Lagwagon
Lagwagon is an American punk rock band originally from Goleta, just outside Santa Barbara, California. They formed in 1990 and went on hiatus and reunited several times over the years...
, and also toured with Less than Jake
Less Than Jake
Less Than Jake is an American ska punk band from Gainesville, Florida. Originally formed in 1992 as a power pop trio, the band evolved into a hybrid of ska punk. Less Than Jake have also been cited as showing influences from a wide variety of genres including post-grunge, heavy metal, alternative...
. Midway through the latter tour, Lopez abruptly quit the band. This left A Wilhelm Scream without a permanent bassist until Brian J. Robinson joined in April. The band continued to tour throughout 2006. They also released an 7-inch EP
Extended play
An EP is a musical recording which contains more music than a single, but is too short to qualify as a full album or LP. The term EP originally referred only to specific types of vinyl records other than 78 rpm standard play records and LP records, but it is now applied to mid-length Compact...
titled Diver
Diver (vinyl)
Diver is a 7" vinyl EP A Wilhelm Scream released in early 2006. It was entitled Diver because that is the title of first song on the vinyl. The song "Diver" was recorded during the Mute Print sessions, but the song didn't make it to the full length...
on Jump Start Records. This was because the title track was recorded during the Mute Print sessions, but left off the album, and thus was not purchased by Nitro Records.
In 2007, the band returned to the studio with Stevenson and Livermore to record their third album with Nitro Records. The record, according to the band, was "very very fast" and a few songs were dropped for not being fast enough. The record, Career Suicide
Career Suicide (2007 album)
Career Suicide, released on October 9, 2007 through Nitro Records, is the third full-length album from the Massachusetts based melodic hardcore band A Wilhelm Scream, since changing their name from Smackin' Isaiah....
, was released on October 9, 2007. However, only two weeks before its street date, long-time guitarist Chris Levesque announced that he was leaving the band, elaborating with the following statement:
"I have maintained for the duration of my time in Smackin' Isaiah/A Wilhelm Scream that when it stopped being fun, I would give it up. The bottom line here is that I just don't enjoy the day-in, day-out grind of being on tour anymore.... There are no personal or creative differences between any of us. None of that bullshit. I still love this band and everything it stands for. The six years that I've spent in SI/AWS have been the best of my life. We've accomplished more than I ever expected, and I take with me with more amazing memories than most people experience in a lifetime.
The band began their tour in support of Career Suicide with several rotating guitarists, before Mike Supina, formerly of the Detroit-based band Alucard, was announced as Levesque's permanent replacement. The tour brought the band to over eighteen different countries, finishing in September 2008. Following its conclusion, guitarist Trevor Reilly announced in his blog that the band would take a break for the rest of the year, but implied that they would write new songs soon. In a post to celebrate the new year, the band released b-side "The I Hate ___ Club", which was left off the album at the producers' request. The band were also demoing new songs.
Move to Paper & Plastick Records (2009 – present)
In June 2009, the band signed to Paper + PlastickPaper + Plastick
Paper + Plastick is an indie record label, founded by Vinnie Fiorello, best known as the drummer for ska punk band Less Than Jake, but also co-founder of the label Fueled By Ramen.-History:Announced on March 21, 2008, the label launched on May 30, 2008....
while working on a new album. Their first release for the label was a 5-song self-titled
A Wilhelm Scream (EP)
A Wilhelm Scream, released on November 20, 2009 through Paper + Plastick, is the second EP and in all the fifth release from the Massachusetts-based melodic hardcore band A Wilhelm Scream since changing their name from Smackin' Isaiah in 2002...
EP
Extended play
An EP is a musical recording which contains more music than a single, but is too short to qualify as a full album or LP. The term EP originally referred only to specific types of vinyl records other than 78 rpm standard play records and LP records, but it is now applied to mid-length Compact...
, mixed by Matt Bayles
Matt Bayles
-Information:Bayles is known for his work with bands such as Isis, Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, Botch, Mastodon, The Fall of Troy, Minus The Bear, Burnt by the Sun and Norma Jean....
, released on November 20, 2009. On October 26, 2009, the band posted "Bulletproof Tiger" and "Australias", both taken from the eponymous EP
Extended play
An EP is a musical recording which contains more music than a single, but is too short to qualify as a full album or LP. The term EP originally referred only to specific types of vinyl records other than 78 rpm standard play records and LP records, but it is now applied to mid-length Compact...
.
As of July 2010, the band has confirmed, on their website, that they have returned to the studio to write and record their next studio album. A release date is expected to be set for sometime this year. They took a break from recording in September, however, to support Comeback Kid
Comeback Kid
Comeback Kid is a Canadian hardcore band from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Formed in 2002, the band is currently signed to Facedown Records. Their name comes from a headline in a newspaper about hockey player, Mario Lemieux coming back to the NHL. The band was formed in 2002 by Andrew Neufeld and Jeremy...
in their Canadian tour for their upcoming fourth studio album. They were expected to return to the studio when their performing dates were complete.
Current members
- Nuno Pereira – vocalsSingingSinging is the act of producing musical sounds with the voice, and augments regular speech by the use of both tonality and rhythm. One who sings is called a singer or vocalist. Singers perform music known as songs that can be sung either with or without accompaniment by musical instruments...
(since 1996) - Trevor Reilly – guitarElectric guitarAn electric guitar is a guitar that uses the principle of direct electromagnetic induction to convert vibrations of its metal strings into electric audio signals. The signal generated by an electric guitar is too weak to drive a loudspeaker, so it is amplified before sending it to a loudspeaker...
, vocals (since 1996) - Mike Supina – guitar (since 2008)
- Brian J. Robinson – bass guitarBass guitarThe bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
, backing vocals (since 2006) - Nicholas Pasquale Angelini – drumsDrum kitA drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....
(since 1997)
Former members
- Mat Demelo – guitar, trumpetTrumpetThe trumpet is the musical instrument with the highest register in the brass family. Trumpets are among the oldest musical instruments, dating back to at least 1500 BCE. They are played by blowing air through closed lips, producing a "buzzing" sound which starts a standing wave vibration in the air...
(1996–1998) - John Carvalho – guitar (1996–2001)
- Jonathan Teves – bass guitar, backing vocals (1996–2005)
- Christopher Levesque – guitar (2001–2007)
- Curtiss Lopez – bass guitar, backing vocals (2005–2006)
Discography
- The Way To A Girl's Heart Is Through Her Boyfriend's StomachThe Way to a Girl's Heart Is Through Her Boyfriend's StomachThe Way To A Girl's Heart Is Through Her Boyfriend's Stomach, released in 1999 through Tank Records, is the debut full length release from the Massachusetts based melodic hardcore band now known as A Wilhelm Scream.-Information:...
(2000) - Benefits Of Thinking Out LoudBenefits of Thinking Out LoudBenefits Of Thinking Out Loud, released in 2001 through Tank Records, is the second full length release from the Massachusetts based melodic hardcore band now known as A Wilhelm Scream.-Information:...
(2001) - Mute PrintMute Print- Personnel :* Nuno Pereira – vocals* Trevor Reilly – guitar, backing vocals* Christopher Levesque – guitar* Jonathan Teves – bass, backing vocals* Nicholas Pasquale Angelini – drums- Details :...
(2004) - RuinerRuiner-Personnel:A Wilhelm Scream* Nuno Pereira - vocals* Trevor Reilly - guitar, backing vocals, art direction* Christopher Levesque - guitar, piano* Jonathan Teves - bass, backing vocals* Nicholas Pasquale Angelini - drumsStudio personnel...
(2005) - Career SuicideCareer Suicide (2007 album)Career Suicide, released on October 9, 2007 through Nitro Records, is the third full-length album from the Massachusetts based melodic hardcore band A Wilhelm Scream, since changing their name from Smackin' Isaiah....
(2007)
Trevor Reilly
- 1982 Gibson Les Paul Custom
- Seymour Duncan Duncan Custom SH-5 Bridge Pickup (neck pickup is unused)
- Ernie Ball Skinny Top Heavy Bottom Strings
- Mesa Mark V, Mesa Boogie Oversized 4x12
- Sennheiser Wireless System
Mike Supina
- Gibson Les Paul Standards (Silverburst and Brown Sunburst) with Seymour Duncan Distortion Pickups
- Marshall JCM 800 and Marshall 1960B and OD-808