Bad Wolves
Bad Wolves is an American heavy metal supergroup formed in Los Angeles, California, in 2017 by drummer John Boecklin and featuring vocalists and instrumentalists with prior experience in acts such as Divine Heresy, Snot, God Forbid, and The Acacia Strain.[1][2] The band initially rose to prominence with their cover of The Cranberries' "Zombie," which achieved platinum certification and topped rock charts, propelling their debut album Disobey (2018) to number 24 on the Billboard 200.[3][4] Subsequent releases include N.A.T.I.O.N. (2019), Dear Monsters (2021)—featuring the Active Rock Radio number-one single "Lifeline"—and Die About It (2023), amassing over 900 million global streams and multiple Mainstream Rock Songs chart-toppers such as "Sober" and "Remember When."[3][5] Known for blending aggressive riffs, melodic hooks, and experimental elements influenced by diverse acts like Meshuggah and The 1975, Bad Wolves have toured extensively with bands including Papa Roach and Volbeat, selling out headline shows across continents.[3] The group has experienced significant lineup shifts, including the 2021 replacement of original vocalist Tommy Vext with Daniel "DL" Laskiewicz, followed by departures of key members like guitarist Doc Coyle and bassist Kyle Konkiel in early 2025, prompting ongoing reconfiguration under Boecklin's direction.[6][7]History
Formation and early success with Disobey (2017–2019)
Bad Wolves was formed in Los Angeles, California, in 2017 as a supergroup comprising experienced musicians from established metal bands: drummer John Boecklin (ex-DevilDriver), vocalist Tommy Vext (ex-Divine Heresy and Snot), lead guitarist Doc Coyle (ex-God Forbid), bassist Kyle Konkiel (ex-Scars of Tomorrow), and rhythm guitarist Chris Cain (ex-Bury Your Dead).[8][9] The lineup coalesced around a shared vision for aggressive, riff-driven heavy metal, with the band quickly entering the studio to record material. Their debut single, "Learn to Live," was released on April 30, 2017, accompanied by an official music video that showcased their nu-metal-infused sound.[10][11] A second single, "Toast to the Ghost," followed in November 2017, building anticipation for their full-length debut.[12] The band's profile surged in early 2018 due to their cover of The Cranberries' 1994 hit "Zombie," which they had recorded with original singer Dolores O'Riordan slated to contribute guest vocals before her death on January 16, 2018. Opting to release the track anyway on February 22, 2018, Bad Wolves pledged 100% of proceeds to O'Riordan's three children, a gesture that amplified media coverage and fan interest despite initial controversy from the Cranberries' surviving members.[13][14] The cover resonated commercially, topping the Billboard Emerging Artists chart and achieving RIAA platinum certification as the first rock song to do so in 2018, with over 1 million units sold in the U.S. alone.[15] This momentum propelled their debut album, Disobey, released on May 11, 2018, via Eleven Seven Music. The 12-track effort debuted at number 23 on the Billboard 200, number 1 on the Hard Rock Albums chart, and number 2 on the Top Hard Rock Albums chart, driven by strong first-week sales exceeding 20,000 units, largely attributable to the "Zombie" single's viral traction.[5][16][17] Tracks like "Officer Down" and "Heaven So Heartless" highlighted the album's blend of melody and heaviness, earning praise for revitalizing active rock radio. To capitalize on the buzz, Bad Wolves supported Five Finger Death Punch on a North American tour beginning May 18, 2018, honing their live performance and expanding their audience through high-energy sets.[12] Into 2019, Disobey's success continued with "Remember When" topping the Billboard Mainstream Rock Airplay chart in July, underscoring the album's enduring radio dominance and positioning Bad Wolves as a rising force in heavy music amid festival appearances like Rock am Ring.[5] The release solidified their breakthrough, with Disobey achieving platinum status in Europe for "Zombie" and fostering label support for subsequent material.[18]N.A.T.I.O.N. and the buildup to vocalist transition (2019–2021)
Bad Wolves released their second studio album, N.A.T.I.O.N., on October 25, 2019, via Eleven Seven Music.[19] The record, produced by Mark Lewis, featured 11 tracks emphasizing themes of unity and resilience, with lead single "Killing Me Slowly" issued on August 23, 2019, alongside the album announcement.[19][20] Following the release, the band toured extensively to promote N.A.T.I.O.N., including support slots on Five Finger Death Punch's North American arena tour with Three Days Grace and Fire From The Gods in November 2019, and a European run opening for Five Finger Death Punch and Megadeth starting January 20, 2020.[21] A co-headlining U.S. tour with Hollywood Undead was scheduled for spring 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted live performances industry-wide.[22] Tensions within the band emerged publicly in 2020 amid Vext's social media activity. In June 2020, Vext posted an Instagram video sharing his views on social unrest, including references to debunked claims about protest-related events, prompting guitarist Doc Coyle to state he "wholeheartedly disagreed with the content" while affirming the band's opposition to racism and support for peaceful protest.[23][24] Vext's increasingly vocal positions on political and pandemic-related issues, including criticism of lockdowns and mandates, contributed to reported internal strains, though the band did not publicly elaborate at the time.[23] On January 9, 2021, Bad Wolves announced Vext's departure, citing irreconcilable differences and affirming the split was "not about cancel culture," with plans to continue recording their next album without him.[25] Vext responded by expressing no animosity toward his bandmates but detailed deeper issues in a January 14 statement, including a toxic work environment, lack of creative control and financial transparency, mental health impacts, and a 2019 physical altercation with a band member that raised personal safety concerns.[26] These disclosures underscored long-simmering conflicts originating during the N.A.T.I.O.N. era, setting the stage for the band's vocalist search and eventual recruitment of Daniel "DL" Laskiewicz.[26][27]Transition to DL Laskiewicz, Dear Monsters, and initial stability (2021–2023)
On June 2, 2021, Bad Wolves announced that singer-songwriter Daniel "DL" Laskiewicz had joined the band as lead vocalist, following the earlier dismissal of Tommy Vext in January of that year.[28][29] The addition of Laskiewicz, previously known for his work with acts like Cory Marks and Stone Glory, was positioned by the band as a strategic move to inject fresh songwriting and vocal dynamics into their sound.[30] Alongside Laskiewicz's introduction, Bad Wolves revealed their third studio album, Dear Monsters, scheduled for release on October 29, 2021, through Better Noise Music.[31] The album comprised 12 tracks, including "Sacred Kiss," "Never Be The Same," "Lifeline," "Wildfire," "Comatose," "Gone," "On the Case," "Acid Rain," "Better the Devil You Know," "House of Lies," and "Hero," with production handled by band members and external collaborators emphasizing heavy riffs and melodic hooks.[32] Initial singles like "Lifeline" previewed the record's themes of resilience and confrontation, aligning with the band's post-transition narrative of reinvigoration.[33] Dear Monsters debuted to mixed reviews, peaking at No. 83 on the Swiss Albums Chart but achieving limited broader commercial traction compared to prior releases.[34] Band members, including Laskiewicz and guitarist Doc Coyle, described the recording process and subsequent era as a source of "renewed energy," crediting the lineup adjustment for fostering creative momentum amid ongoing live performances.[35] From late 2021 through early 2023, the band experienced initial lineup stability under Laskiewicz, supporting Dear Monsters with tours across North America and Europe while laying groundwork for their next project.[36] This period saw no immediate vocal or core instrumental shifts, though guitarist Chris Cain departed in 2022, marking the first post-transition exit but not derailing operations until later developments.[37]Die About It release and escalating lineup turmoil (2023–present)
Bad Wolves released their fourth studio album, Die About It, on November 3, 2023, via Better Noise Music.[38][39] The album, featuring vocalist Daniel "DL" Laskiewicz alongside core members including drummer John Boecklin, guitarist Doc Coyle, and bassist Kyle Konkiel, included tracks such as "Bad Friend," the title track "Die About It," "Savior," and "Hungry for Life," blending heavy metal elements with introspective lyrics on personal struggle and resilience.[40] Lineup instability intensified in 2025, beginning with the departures of guitarist Doc Coyle and bassist Kyle Konkiel on April 2, 2025, as announced by the band.[6] Coyle cited creative differences and a desire to pursue solo projects, while Konkiel expressed gratitude for his time but sought new opportunities; the band replaced them with returning guitarist Chris Cain—previously with Bad Wolves from 2017 to 2019—and new bassist Kevin Creekman.[41] These changes occurred amid ongoing internal tensions, following the band's earlier vocalist transition. Further disruption emerged in June 2025 when Laskiewicz, the band's vocalist since 2021, began performing bass guitar for Falling in Reverse during live shows, signaling his effective exit from Bad Wolves. This development compounded the instability, as the band had already navigated multiple personnel shifts. By August 2025, former vocalist Tommy Vext stated that the existing Bad Wolves roster had been disbanded, with drummer John Boecklin rebuilding the group from scratch using an entirely new lineup.[42][7] Vext, who had left the band in 2021 amid disputes, described the process as a complete overhaul, potentially involving fresh collaborations but without detailing specific new members at the time.[43] On September 19, 2025, Bad Wolves issued a deluxe edition of Die About It, adding nine new tracks including "Hanging On To Thunder" featuring Stand Atlantic, despite the unresolved lineup flux.[44] This release, marketed as the band's "most diverse and far-reaching" to date, highlighted additional material recorded during the original sessions but occurred parallel to the rebuilding efforts.[39] As of October 2025, no official confirmation of the new configuration's debut has been announced, leaving the band's future trajectory uncertain.[7]Artistry
Musical style
Bad Wolves' music is primarily classified within heavy metal and hard rock genres, characterized by aggressive, groove-oriented riffs, pounding drums, and powerful vocals that alternate between growling aggression and soaring melodies.[45] [46] The band's sound emphasizes anthemic structures with radio-ready choruses, blending metallic intensity with accessible hooks designed for mainstream appeal, as evidenced by multiple No. 1 hits on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart, including "Remember When" in 2018 and "Sober" in 2020.[47] Instrumentally, their style draws from groove metal traditions, featuring syncopated, mid-tempo riffs reminiscent of Pantera, combined with djent-influenced guitar tones that guitarist Doc Coyle has described as "djent-tera"—a fusion of progressive, low-tuned chugs and southern metal heaviness.[48] This is complemented by robust production that highlights melodic interludes and breakdowns, allowing for dynamic shifts between ferocity and catchiness, as heard in tracks like "Zombie" from their 2018 debut Disobey.[46] Vocally, the delivery—initially by Tommy Vext and later by DL Laskiewicz—prioritizes emotional range, from industrial-edged snarls to clean, power-ballad refrains, incorporating post-grunge sensibilities for broader rock crossover.[45] [49] Influences such as Meshuggah's technical precision and Sevendust's melodic aggression inform their "lethal blend of melody and might," enabling a sound that balances thought-provoking heaviness with infectious, arena-filling energy across albums like N.A.T.I.O.N. (2019) and Dear Monsters (2021).[45] [50] While rooted in 1990s and 2000s metal, Bad Wolves avoid strict subgenre adherence, occasionally venturing into power ballads and acoustic elements for variety, as noted in genre tags including ambient metal.[46] This versatility has drawn comparisons to supergroup dynamics, with members' backgrounds in bands like Divine Heresy and Bury Your Dead contributing to a polished yet unpredictable metallic proficiency.[51]Influences
Bad Wolves' musical influences draw from groove metal, thrash, and alternative metal traditions, reflecting the diverse backgrounds of its members. Guitarist Doc Coyle has described the band's guitar tone as "djent-tera," combining the low-tuned, rhythmic precision of djent with the aggressive riffing of Pantera, emphasizing single-note riffs and expressive bending over shredding solos.[48] Drummer and co-founder John Boecklin cites Metallica's Lars Ulrich as a primary drumming influence, praising his focus on grooves that serve the song rather than flashy technique, which aligns with Bad Wolves' emphasis on powerful, cerebral rhythms.[52] Former vocalist Tommy Vext highlighted Pantera's Far Beyond Driven (1994) as a pivotal album for its high-energy aggression and embodiment of heavy metal ethos, directly shaping his approach to intensity and lyrical rawness in the band's early material.[53] Vext also drew from Machine Head's Burn My Eyes (1994) for its social commentary and scene energy, as well as Korn's self-titled debut (1994) for capturing personal trauma through innovative rock structures, contributing to Bad Wolves' blend of heavy riffs with melodic vulnerability.[53] These elements manifest in the band's groove-oriented heaviness and genre-blending, as Boecklin noted the music as a "concatenation of all these different influences."[54] Additional inspirations include Stone Temple Pilots' Core (1992), which Vext credited for demonstrating melodic versatility amid heaviness, influencing the band's accessible choruses and dynamic shifts.[53] Candiria's The Process Of Self-Development (1999) impacted Vext's stage presence and experimental genre-mixing, evident in Bad Wolves' fusion of metalcore grooves with alternative sensibilities.[53] Overall, these sources underscore a commitment to riff-driven power and emotional depth, prioritizing impact over subgenre purity.[55]Controversies
Backlash over the "Zombie" cover
Bad Wolves released their cover of The Cranberries' "Zombie" as a single on January 19, 2018, four days after Dolores O'Riordan's accidental death by drowning on January 15, 2018.[56] The band had invited O'Riordan to record vocals for the track, and she had agreed to collaborate, praising the arrangement in communications with the group prior to her passing.[57] In lieu of her contribution, vocalist Tommy Vext performed the lead, and Bad Wolves pledged all proceeds from the single's sales and streams to O'Riordan's three children, a gesture confirmed by the band's statements and later acknowledged by her family.[56] Surviving members of The Cranberries expressed reservations about the timing of the release in a January 2020 interview, describing it as "seemed insensitive" and occurring "a bit too soon" following O'Riordan's death, which they felt overshadowed the tribute's intent amid the fresh grief.[58][59] Guitarist Noel Hogan and other bandmates noted that while they appreciated the donation to O'Riordan's family, the rapid rollout—mere days after the tragedy—appeared opportunistic to some observers, though Bad Wolves maintained it honored her enthusiasm for the project.[57] The cover also faced broader online criticism, with detractors arguing that the nu-metal style altered the original's raw emotional delivery and exploited O'Riordan's death for publicity, as reflected in music forums and social media discussions shortly after release.[60] Bad Wolves guitarist Doc Coyle responded to such negativity in a February 2019 interview, attributing much of it to resentment over the track's chart success—peaking at No. 57 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping rock radio charts—rather than substantive artistic flaws, emphasizing that the band's intent was respectful homage.[60] Despite the backlash, the single achieved over 100 million streams and bolstered Bad Wolves' debut album Disobey, though critics of the cover often contrasted its heavier production with the original's grunge-inflected simplicity penned by O'Riordan in response to IRA violence.[58]Tommy Vext's departure and political dimensions
On January 9, 2021, Bad Wolves announced the departure of vocalist Tommy Vext, stating that irreconcilable differences had reached "past the point of going back," though they emphasized the split was not due to "cancel culture" or Vext's political beliefs alone.[61][62] Vext, in an initial Instagram Live video later deleted, claimed he was "forced out" by bandmates and their record label amid escalating personal and professional tensions.[63] Vext publicly attributed his ouster to his outspoken conservative political views, including his October 2020 endorsement of then-President Donald Trump and criticisms of the Black Lives Matter movement, arguing that as a biracial individual (with a black father and white mother), his life should "matter regardless" of alignment with progressive politics.[64][65] He alleged in a January 2021 statement that his questioning of "hijacked" social movements and COVID-19 narratives led to band isolation, including being locked out of social media accounts and pressured to suppress his opinions.[66] Band members acknowledged Vext's increasing political focus, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, but countered that broader interpersonal conflicts, predating heightened politicization, were the primary cause.[61] In July 2021, Vext filed a lawsuit against Bad Wolves' former manager Allen Kovac, accusing him of orchestrating a conspiracy to remove him from the band due to his Trump support and conservative stances, claiming Kovac deemed him insufficiently "black" for diverging from expected ideological conformity.[67] The suit detailed alleged efforts to censor Vext's views and sabotage his career, but it was settled out of court in October 2021, with both parties agreeing to drop claims without admitting liability.[68][63] This resolution left the exact causal weight of politics versus other disputes—such as reported personal conduct issues—unresolved in public record, though Vext maintained his narrative of ideological purge in subsequent interviews.[69] The episode highlighted tensions in the metal scene over political expression, with Vext's views drawing support from conservative outlets but backlash from progressive-leaning fans and media, who often framed his positions as extreme without engaging his specific arguments on movement authenticity or free speech.[70] Bad Wolves proceeded with interim vocalist Daniel Laskiewicz, signaling a deliberate pivot away from Vext's polarizing persona.[63]Recent band disputes and member exits
On April 2, 2025, founding guitarist Doc Coyle and bassist Kyle Konkiel announced their departures from Bad Wolves after contributing to the band since its 2017 inception. Coyle described the decision as challenging yet essential for pursuing independent creative paths, emphasizing an amicable separation without detailing specific conflicts.[41][71] The band confirmed the exits as mutual and revealed immediate replacements: the return of original guitarist Chris Cain and newcomer Derek Anderson on bass, signaling continuity under drummer John Boecklin's leadership.[72][73] Subsequent instability emerged in June 2025 when vocalist Daniel "DL" Laskiewicz, who had fronted the band since 2021, performed live bass duties for Falling in Reverse at Rock am Ring and Rock im Park festivals in Germany. This temporary role raised questions about Laskiewicz's long-term commitment to Bad Wolves, though no formal exit was announced at the time.[74] By August 15, 2025, former vocalist Tommy Vext publicly asserted that the entire extant Bad Wolves lineup—including Laskiewicz—had quit, leaving Boecklin to reconstruct the group for the third time since its formation. Vext, whose 2021 exit involved legal and ideological clashes with the band, framed the development amid ongoing reconciliation efforts with Boecklin but denied any Bad Wolves reunion, instead confirming a new venture with Cain.[43][42] No official band statement corroborated the full-scale quits beyond the earlier Coyle-Konkiel departures, and details on additional exits, such as guitarist Camilo Velandia's status, remained unclarified in public updates.[7] These events underscored persistent lineup flux following the 2023 release of Die About It, with creative divergences cited as a recurring factor but no verified interpersonal disputes beyond Vext's historical commentary.[75]Band members
Current members
Drummer John Boecklin remains the sole founding member actively involved with Bad Wolves, leading efforts to reconstruct the band following the departure of all other roster members in 2025.[7][42] In April 2025, guitarist Doc Coyle and bassist Kyle Konkiel exited, replaced temporarily by returning guitarist Chris Cain and new bassist Kevin Creekman.[6] Vocalist Daniel "DL" Laskiewicz departed in June 2025 to join Falling In Reverse as bassist.[76] By August 2025, former vocalist Tommy Vext stated that the existing lineup had fully disbanded, with Boecklin initiating a rebuild featuring entirely new personnel, though no specific names have been publicly disclosed as of October 2025.[7][75] Vext clarified he is not rejoining Bad Wolves but forming a separate project with Cain.[77] This marks the third major lineup reconfiguration since the band's 2017 inception.[75]Former members
Tommy Vext served as the lead vocalist of Bad Wolves from the band's formation in 2017 until his departure on January 8, 2021. The split stemmed from escalating tensions, including public backlash against Vext's political views—such as his support for then-President Donald Trump and skepticism toward COVID-19 vaccines—and allegations of domestic violence leveled by his then-wife. Bad Wolves' remaining members stated that the "combination of negative press, public outrage and serious domestic violence allegations" had irreparably damaged the band's operations, emphasizing it was "past the point of going back" and not solely attributable to cancel culture. Vext countered that he chose to leave for a solo career, framing the exit as influenced by broader cultural pressures against his outspoken conservatism, and launched a GoFundMe for his independent project shortly after. The parties reached a legal settlement in 2021, allowing Vext to retain rights to certain songs he wrote for the band.[61][66][63] Doc Coyle, a founding lead guitarist since 2017, announced his exit on April 2, 2025, citing a desire to pursue new creative directions after contributing to albums like Disobey (2018) and Die About It (2023). Bassist Kyle Konkiel, also a co-founder active from 2017 to April 2025, departed concurrently for similar reasons, having played on the band's early releases and tours. Both departures were framed amicably by the musicians, with Coyle expressing regret but no specific acrimony toward the group.[41][78] Other former members include rhythm guitarist Chris Cain (2017–2022, briefly returned in 2025 before departing again to form a new project), lead guitarist Max Karon (2017–2022, with a touring and songwriting role extending to 2024), and vocalist Daniel "DL" Laskiewicz (2021–2025), who joined post-Vext but left amid the band's August 2025 lineup overhaul, subsequently performing bass for Falling in Reverse. Drummer John Boecklin, the sole constant since 2017, has overseen multiple rebuilds, including recruiting replacements like bassist Kevin Creekman in 2025 before the latest dissolution of the roster. These changes reflect ongoing instability, with Vext publicly stating in August 2025 that the then-current lineup had fully quit, prompting Boecklin to reform with all-new members.[8][43][74]| Member | Instrument | Tenure |
|---|---|---|
| Tommy Vext | Lead vocals | 2017–2021 |
| Doc Coyle | Lead guitar | 2017–2025 |
| Kyle Konkiel | Bass | 2017–2025 |
| Chris Cain | Rhythm guitar | 2017–2022, 2025 |
| Max Karon | Guitar | 2017–2024 |
| Daniel "DL" Laskiewicz | Lead vocals | 2021–2025 |
Discography
Studio albums
Bad Wolves has released four studio albums since its formation in 2017.[79] The debut album, Disobey, was released on May 11, 2018, via Eleven Seven Music.[17] It debuted at number 23 on the US Billboard 200 chart and number 1 on the Hard Rock Albums chart.[5] The second album, N.A.T.I.O.N., followed on October 25, 2019, also through Eleven Seven Music.[19] Dear Monsters, the third studio release, came out on October 29, 2021, under Better Noise Music, marking the first album with vocalist Daniel Laskiewicz following Tommy Vext's departure.[32][80] The fourth album, Die About It, was issued on November 3, 2023, via Better Noise Music.[38] A deluxe edition featuring additional tracks was released on September 19, 2025.[81]| Album | Release date | Label |
|---|---|---|
| Disobey | May 11, 2018 | Eleven Seven Music[17] |
| N.A.T.I.O.N. | October 25, 2019 | Eleven Seven Music[19] |
| Dear Monsters | October 29, 2021 | Better Noise Music[32] |
| Die About It | November 3, 2023 | Better Noise Music[38] |
Singles and other releases
Bad Wolves released their debut single "Learn to Live" on May 1, 2017.[82] This was followed by "Toast to the Ghost" in November 2017.[1] The band's cover of The Cranberries' "Zombie" was issued as a single on January 19, 2018, ahead of their debut album Disobey.[83] Subsequent singles from Disobey included "Hear Me Now" and "Remember When", both released in 2018.[84] From the 2019 album N.A.T.I.O.N., singles encompassed "No Messiah", released October 25, 2019, and "Foe or Friend".[85] The 2021 album Dear Monsters was promoted with singles such as "The Consumerist" and "Sacred Kiss".[86] For their 2023 album Die About It, the lead single "Bad Friend" preceded the full release. Recent standalone singles include "Hungry for Life" (featuring Daughtry), "Hanging On to Thunder" (featuring Stand Atlantic) in 2025, and "Say It Again" (featuring The Rasmus) in 2025.[47] [87] Other non-album releases consist of EPs such as Sacred Kiss EP, If Tomorrow Never Comes EP, and Knife (January 26, 2024), alongside holiday tracks like "Carol of the Bells".[86] [47]| Year | Title | Type | Associated Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Learn to Live | Single | Pre-Disobey |
| 2017 | Toast to the Ghost | Single | Pre-Disobey |
| 2018 | Zombie | Single | Disobey |
| 2019 | No Messiah | Single | N.A.T.I.O.N. |
| 2023 | Bad Friend | Single | Die About It |
| 2024 | Knife | EP | Standalone |
| 2025 | Hanging On to Thunder (feat. Stand Atlantic) | Single | Standalone |
| 2025 | Say It Again (feat. The Rasmus) | Single | Standalone |