Winds of Plague
Encyclopedia
Winds of Plague is an American deathcore
band from Upland, California
, formed in 2002. They are best known as one of the only deathcore bands to incorporate symphonic
elements into their music.
The band's name is derived from a section of lyrics in the Unearth
song "Endless"; "Growing wings of sorrow/have brought you to the winds of plague."
. During the time of the band's inception, its name was originally "Bleak December". However, they changed their name in April 2005, to "Winds of Plague", being named after a lyric from the Unearth
song, "Endless". Shortly following their name change, they recorded their debut album A Cold Day in Hell
when they had just finished their senior year at high school. It was released on June 27, 2005 through Recorse Records
. It features the single "Brotherhood", which they still play at numerous live shows.
Three years after the release of A Cold Day in Hell, they recorded their first major label album Decimate the Weak
, which was released on February 5, 2008 through Century Media Records
. The album features the singles "Decimate the Weak" and "Angels of Debauchery", and a music video was shot and released for the song "The Impaler". The album also features four tracks from A Cold Day in Hell that were re-recorded for this album.
Winds of Plague's third album, and second release on the major label Century Media
, The Great Stone War
was released on August 11, 2009. Though the album features two singles, "Approach the Podium" and "Chest and Horns", no music videos were ever shot for any songs on the album.
On October 14, 2009, keyboardist Kristen Randall stated that she would be leaving the band and did so days afterward. The band approached musician Lisa Marx
to fill in on keyboard for their Australian/New Zealand tour. Afterwards the band found Alana Potocnik who since then has been inducted as Winds of Plague's keyboardist.
Against the World
, the band's fourth album, was released on April 19, 2011 to widespread critical acclaim. "Refined in the Fire" and "California" have been released as singles, as well as music videos for "Drop the Match", "California" and "Refined in the Fire". The band also appeared on the soundtrack for the game Homefront
performing a cover of the Buffalo Springfield song "For What It's Worth". A cover of "Zombie
" by The Cranberries
was included in an iTunes
EP for "California".
, Parkway Drive, Impending Doom
, Danzig
, Dimmu Borgir
, Veil of Maya
, With Dead Hands Rising, and As Blood Runs Black. Most recently, they played at the New England Metal and Hardcore Festival
, toured the US on the "Blackest of the Black" tour and finished a 2010 Japan tour with Parkway Drive, 50 Lions, Despised Icon, The Warriors, and Terror
.
They were featured on The Atticus Metal Tour with Emmure
, All Shall Perish
, Abacabb, Terror
, and The Ghost Inside
.
In the summer of 2009 was in the Summer Slaughter tour with Necrophagist
, Suffocation
, Darkest Hour and others. After the Summer Slaughter tour, they joined Hatebreed
, Chimaira
, Dying Fetus
, and Toxic Holocaust
on the Decimation of the Nation tour.
On January 20, 2010, it was announced that Winds of Plague would be playing on the Jagermeister Stage at the 2010 Rockstar Mayhem Festival in July and August.
During April 2010, Winds of Plague toured with Despised Icon
, The Warriors
, Parkway Drive, and 50 Lions
for Parkway Drive's UK and Europe Tour.
During February 2011, Winds of Plague toured in the US with After the Burial
and headliners As I Lay Dying
. They played several songs from their then upcoming new album.
They played the entire Warped Tour 2011
on the Advent Clothing stage along with The Acacia Strain
, Set Your Goals
, We Came As Romans
and others. They will also be playing the 2011 "Thrash and Burn" tour with Chelsea Grin
, As Blood Runs Black, and numerous others.
Former members
Deathcore
Deathcore is an extreme metal music genre that combines elements of death metal with elements of metalcore or hardcore punk, or both. It is defined by an "excessive" use of death metal riffs, blast beats and use of hardcore punk breakdowns...
band from Upland, California
Upland, California
Upland is a city in San Bernardino County, California, located at an elevation of 1,242 feet . As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 73,732, up from 68,393 at the 2000 census. It was incorporated on May 15, 1906, after previously being named North Ontario.-History and culture:Upland...
, formed in 2002. They are best known as one of the only deathcore bands to incorporate symphonic
Symphonic metal
Symphonic metal is a term used to describe heavy metal music that has symphonic elements; that is, elements that are either borrowed from classical music or, as with progressive rock music, create a style reminiscent of it, e.g...
elements into their music.
The band's name is derived from a section of lyrics in the Unearth
Unearth
Unearth is an American metalcore band from Winthrop, Massachusetts. Formed in 1998, the group has released five studio albums. Their fourth record, The March was released on October 14, 2008 meeting with high positive reception by many...
song "Endless"; "Growing wings of sorrow/have brought you to the winds of plague."
History
Winds of Plague was founded in 2002 in Upland, CaliforniaUpland, California
Upland is a city in San Bernardino County, California, located at an elevation of 1,242 feet . As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 73,732, up from 68,393 at the 2000 census. It was incorporated on May 15, 1906, after previously being named North Ontario.-History and culture:Upland...
. During the time of the band's inception, its name was originally "Bleak December". However, they changed their name in April 2005, to "Winds of Plague", being named after a lyric from the Unearth
Unearth
Unearth is an American metalcore band from Winthrop, Massachusetts. Formed in 1998, the group has released five studio albums. Their fourth record, The March was released on October 14, 2008 meeting with high positive reception by many...
song, "Endless". Shortly following their name change, they recorded their debut album A Cold Day in Hell
A Cold Day in Hell
A Cold Day in Hell is the debut album by American deathcore band Winds of Plague. It was released on June 27, 2005 on Recorse Records, when the band was just out of their senior year of High School. The album is no longer in print. Several tracks including the album's title track have been...
when they had just finished their senior year at high school. It was released on June 27, 2005 through Recorse Records
Recorse records
Recorse Records is an independent record label formed in 2000. It was owned and operated by Ryan Beye in Kansas City, MO. It generally signs nationally in the US in the metal and hardcore genres....
. It features the single "Brotherhood", which they still play at numerous live shows.
Three years after the release of A Cold Day in Hell, they recorded their first major label album Decimate the Weak
Decimate the Weak
-Personnel:Winds of Plague* Jonathan "Johnny Plague" Cooke - vocals* Nick Eash - guitar* Nick Piunno - guitar* Matt Fineman- keyboard* Andrew Glover - bass* Jeff Tenney - drumsProduction* Produced, recorded and engineered by Daniel Castleman...
, which was released on February 5, 2008 through Century Media Records
Century Media Records
Century Media Records is an Independent record label with offices in the United States, Germany, Australia, France, Italy, Sweden, Finland, and the United Kingdom.- Background :...
. The album features the singles "Decimate the Weak" and "Angels of Debauchery", and a music video was shot and released for the song "The Impaler". The album also features four tracks from A Cold Day in Hell that were re-recorded for this album.
Winds of Plague's third album, and second release on the major label Century Media
Century Media Records
Century Media Records is an Independent record label with offices in the United States, Germany, Australia, France, Italy, Sweden, Finland, and the United Kingdom.- Background :...
, The Great Stone War
The Great Stone War
-Personnel:Winds of Plague* Jonathan "Johnny Plague" Cooke - vocals* Nick Eash - guitar* Nick Piunno - guitar* Andrew Glover - bass* Art Cruz - drums* Kristen Randall- keyboardProduction* Daniel Castleman - producer and mix engineer...
was released on August 11, 2009. Though the album features two singles, "Approach the Podium" and "Chest and Horns", no music videos were ever shot for any songs on the album.
On October 14, 2009, keyboardist Kristen Randall stated that she would be leaving the band and did so days afterward. The band approached musician Lisa Marx
Lisa Marx
Lisa Marx is a guitarist and classically trained pianist from California.-Musical career:In 2002, Marx joined Seattle hardcore band To See You Broken...
to fill in on keyboard for their Australian/New Zealand tour. Afterwards the band found Alana Potocnik who since then has been inducted as Winds of Plague's keyboardist.
Against the World
Against the World
Against the World is the fourth studio album by deathcore band Winds of Plague. It was released on April 19, 2011 through Century Media Records...
, the band's fourth album, was released on April 19, 2011 to widespread critical acclaim. "Refined in the Fire" and "California" have been released as singles, as well as music videos for "Drop the Match", "California" and "Refined in the Fire". The band also appeared on the soundtrack for the game Homefront
Homefront (video game)
Homefront is a first-person shooter video game developed by now defunct Kaos Studios and published by THQ, in which players play as members of a resistance movement fighting against a near-future Korean military occupation of the United States. The story was written by John Milius, who co-wrote...
performing a cover of the Buffalo Springfield song "For What It's Worth". A cover of "Zombie
Zombie (song)
"Zombie" is a protest song by the Irish band The Cranberries from the 1994 album No Need to Argue. The song, which laments The Troubles in Northern Ireland and in particular the killing of two children in an IRA bombing in Warrington, England, was written by Dolores O'Riordan, singer of the band...
" by The Cranberries
The Cranberries
The Cranberries are an Irish rock band formed in Limerick in 1989 under the name The Cranberry Saw Us, later changed by vocalist Dolores O'Riordan. The band currently consists of O'Riordan, guitarist Noel Hogan, bassist Mike Hogan and drummer Fergal Lawler...
was included in an iTunes
ITunes
iTunes is a media player computer program, used for playing, downloading, and organizing digital music and video files on desktop computers. It can also manage contents on iPod, iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad....
EP for "California".
Tours
The band has toured with Despised IconDespised Icon
Despised Icon was a Canadian deathcore band from Montreal, Quebec. Formed in 2002, the band is notable for the use of two vocalists; Alexandre Erian, takes use of a mid-range screaming technique, and Steve Marois for the low growling vocals, and high pitched screamed vocals...
, Parkway Drive, Impending Doom
Impending Doom
Impending Doom is a Christian deathcore band from Riverside, California.-History:Brook Reeves and Manny Contreras started the band in 2005 with ex members Chris Forno, Isaac Bueno, and Jon. After releasing the The Sin and Doom of Godless Men EP, Greg Pewthers joined on third guitar after leaving...
, Danzig
Danzig (band)
Danzig is an American heavy metal band, formed in 1987 in Lodi, New Jersey. The band serves as a musical outlet for the singer/songwriter Glenn Danzig. Danzig can be seen as the third stage in Glenn Danzig's musical career, preceded by the horror punk bands The Misfits and Samhain...
, Dimmu Borgir
Dimmu Borgir
Dimmu Borgir is a Norwegian black metal band from Oslo, Norway, formed in 1993. Dimmu borgir means "dark cities" or "dark castles/fortresses" in Icelandic, Faroese and Old Norse. The name is derived from a volcanic formation in Iceland, Dimmuborgir...
, Veil of Maya
Veil of Maya (band)
Veil of Maya is an American deathcore band, formed in Oak Park, Illinois in 2004. They are currently signed with Sumerian Records. They have recorded and released three full-length albums, All Things Set Aside , The Common Man's Collapse and [id], released through Sumerian Records...
, With Dead Hands Rising, and As Blood Runs Black. Most recently, they played at the New England Metal and Hardcore Festival
New England Metal and Hardcore Festival
The New England Metal and Hardcore Festival is an annual festival held in Worcester, Massachusetts. It is a weekend-long concert of heavy metal and hardcore bands along with a merchandising and promotional area for record labels and other vendors...
, toured the US on the "Blackest of the Black" tour and finished a 2010 Japan tour with Parkway Drive, 50 Lions, Despised Icon, The Warriors, and Terror
Terror (band)
Terror is a hardcore punk band from Los Angeles, California. Their second album One with the Underdogs sold over 40,000 copies. They have also been on tours throughout Europe , Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Korea, Mexico and South America...
.
They were featured on The Atticus Metal Tour with Emmure
Emmure
Emmure is an American band formed in 2003, originally based in Connecticut, but now residing in Queens, New York. The group has a total of seven releases...
, All Shall Perish
All Shall Perish
All Shall Perish is an American deathcore band from Oakland, California, formed in 2002. Currently, the band is signed to Nuclear Blast and have released four full-length albums through the label. Their latest record, This Is Where It Ends was released on July 26, 2011...
, Abacabb, Terror
Terror (band)
Terror is a hardcore punk band from Los Angeles, California. Their second album One with the Underdogs sold over 40,000 copies. They have also been on tours throughout Europe , Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Korea, Mexico and South America...
, and The Ghost Inside
The Ghost Inside
This article is about the Chinese film. For the American Hardcore band, see The Ghost Inside .The Ghost Inside is a 2005 Chinese horror film directed by Herman Yau, and starring Mainland actors, Liu Ye and Gong Beibi and Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu.The film was produced by the China Film Group...
.
In the summer of 2009 was in the Summer Slaughter tour with Necrophagist
Necrophagist
Necrophagist is a German death metal band, founded and fronted by Muhammed Suiçmez; a German-born, Turkish guitarist and vocalist. The band is known for its rapid and technical compositions....
, Suffocation
Suffocation (band)
Suffocation is an American death metal band that was formed in 1989 in Long Island, New York. The band comprises vocalist Frank Mullen, guitarists Terrance Hobbs and Guy Marchais, drummer Mike Smith and bassist Derek Boyer. Suffocation rose to prominence of death metal and created a blueprint for...
, Darkest Hour and others. After the Summer Slaughter tour, they joined Hatebreed
Hatebreed
- History :Hatebreed was formed in 1994 in Bridgeport, Waterbury and New Haven. They began by recording a three song demo and selling it to locals. Those three songs would eventually be released on a split seven inch with New York's Neglect in 1995...
, Chimaira
Chimaira
Chimaira is an American heavy metal band from Cleveland, Ohio. Formed in 1998, the group is a notable member of the New Wave of American Heavy Metal scene. The band's name is derived from the word Chimera, a monstrous creature in Greek mythology...
, Dying Fetus
Dying Fetus
Dying Fetus is an American death metal band from Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Formed in 1991, the group is known for their outspoken political views, and for being one of the few death metal bands who follow a political nature. Earlier lyrics showcased the common death metal trait of explicit violence...
, and Toxic Holocaust
Toxic Holocaust
Toxic Holocaust are a thrash metal band from Portland, Oregon, signed to Relapse Records. Influenced by punk rock and heavy metal bands of the 1980s such as Slayer, Exodus, Black Flag, Discharge, Motörhead, Kreator, Celtic Frost, Venom, Possessed, Rigor Mortis and Death. Joel Grind founded Toxic...
on the Decimation of the Nation tour.
On January 20, 2010, it was announced that Winds of Plague would be playing on the Jagermeister Stage at the 2010 Rockstar Mayhem Festival in July and August.
During April 2010, Winds of Plague toured with Despised Icon
Despised Icon
Despised Icon was a Canadian deathcore band from Montreal, Quebec. Formed in 2002, the band is notable for the use of two vocalists; Alexandre Erian, takes use of a mid-range screaming technique, and Steve Marois for the low growling vocals, and high pitched screamed vocals...
, The Warriors
The Warriors (band)
The Warriors is an American hardcore punk band originally from Tehachapi, CA. Due to member changes, The Warriors are now primarily based in Oxnard, CA. Their work is heavily influenced by the work of '90s bands such as Rage Against the Machine and Snapcase, a unique sound during a period that had...
, Parkway Drive, and 50 Lions
50 Lions
50 Lions are an Australian band from Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia. The band is named after a poker machine called '50 Lions'.-History:...
for Parkway Drive's UK and Europe Tour.
During February 2011, Winds of Plague toured in the US with After the Burial
After the Burial
After the Burial is an American heavy metal band from Twin Cities, Minnesota. The group is currently signed to Sumerian Records and have released two of their three full-length albums through the label...
and headliners As I Lay Dying
As I Lay Dying (band)
As I Lay Dying is an American metalcore band from San Diego, California. Founded in 2000 by Tim Lambesis and having completed their first Line-up in 2001, the band consists of vocalist Tim Lambesis, drummer Jordan Mancino, lead guitarist Nick Hipa, rhythm guitarist Phil Sgrosso, and bassist Josh...
. They played several songs from their then upcoming new album.
They played the entire Warped Tour 2011
Warped Tour 2011
Warped Tour 2011 is the 17th annual Summer Warped Tour festival. Vans Shoes is again the tour's primary sponsor. The tour dates were announced on November 22, 2010, with the first official band announcement on December 8...
on the Advent Clothing stage along with The Acacia Strain
The Acacia Strain
The Acacia Strain is an American deathcore band from Chicopee, Massachusetts. Originally founded in 2001, the band itself has undergone numerous changes in the member line-up...
, Set Your Goals
Set Your Goals
Set Your Goals is the debut album of the punk rock band CIV. It was released in October 1995 on Lava Records. The album is best known for the hit single "Can't Wait One Minute More"...
, We Came As Romans
We Came as Romans
We Came as Romans is an American rock band from Troy, Michigan. Formed in 2005, the band signed to Equal Vision Records in April 2009 and have released two EPs, Demonstrations and Dreams , and two full-length albums, To Plant a Seed and Understanding What We've Grown to Be...
and others. They will also be playing the 2011 "Thrash and Burn" tour with Chelsea Grin
Chelsea Grin (band)
Chelsea Grin is an American deathcore band from Salt Lake City, Utah. Formed in 2007, the group is currently signed to Artery Recordings and have released one EP and two full-length albums...
, As Blood Runs Black, and numerous others.
Members
Current members- Johnathan "Johnny Plague" Cooke - vocals (2002–present)
- Nick Eash - lead guitar (2003–present), bass guitar (2002–2003)
- Nick Piunno - rhythm guitar (2002–present)
- Andrew Glover - bass guitar (2006–present)
- Art Cruz - drums (2008–present)
- Alana Potocnik - keyboards (2009–present)
Former members
- Kevin Grant - bass guitar (2002−2006)
- Brandon Pitcher - keyboards (2002–2003)
- Chris Cooke - keyboards (2003−2006)
- Matt Feinman - keyboards (2006−2008)
- Kristen Randall - keyboards (2008–2009)
- Lisa Marx - keyboards (2009)
- Corey Fine - drums (2002−2004)
- Jeff Tenney - drums (2004–2008)
- Joshua Blackburn - lead guitar (2002–2003)
Discography
| Album Title | Date of Release | Label |
|---|---|---|
| A Cold Day in Hell A Cold Day in Hell A Cold Day in Hell is the debut album by American deathcore band Winds of Plague. It was released on June 27, 2005 on Recorse Records, when the band was just out of their senior year of High School. The album is no longer in print. Several tracks including the album's title track have been... |
June 27, 2005 | Recorse Recorse records Recorse Records is an independent record label formed in 2000. It was owned and operated by Ryan Beye in Kansas City, MO. It generally signs nationally in the US in the metal and hardcore genres.... |
| Decimate the Weak Decimate the Weak -Personnel:Winds of Plague* Jonathan "Johnny Plague" Cooke - vocals* Nick Eash - guitar* Nick Piunno - guitar* Matt Fineman- keyboard* Andrew Glover - bass* Jeff Tenney - drumsProduction* Produced, recorded and engineered by Daniel Castleman... |
February 5, 2008 | Century Media Century Media Records Century Media Records is an Independent record label with offices in the United States, Germany, Australia, France, Italy, Sweden, Finland, and the United Kingdom.- Background :... |
| The Great Stone War The Great Stone War -Personnel:Winds of Plague* Jonathan "Johnny Plague" Cooke - vocals* Nick Eash - guitar* Nick Piunno - guitar* Andrew Glover - bass* Art Cruz - drums* Kristen Randall- keyboardProduction* Daniel Castleman - producer and mix engineer... |
August 11, 2009 | Century Media Century Media Records Century Media Records is an Independent record label with offices in the United States, Germany, Australia, France, Italy, Sweden, Finland, and the United Kingdom.- Background :... |
| Against the World Against the World Against the World is the fourth studio album by deathcore band Winds of Plague. It was released on April 19, 2011 through Century Media Records... |
April 19, 2011 | Century Media Century Media Records Century Media Records is an Independent record label with offices in the United States, Germany, Australia, France, Italy, Sweden, Finland, and the United Kingdom.- Background :... |