Doll Skin
Doll Skin was an American rock band from Phoenix, Arizona, known for blending punk, pop, and alternative rock influences.[1][2] Formed in 2014 by high school students Sydney Dolezal (vocals and rhythm guitar), Alex Snowden (lead guitar), Nicole Rich (bass), and Meghan Herring (drums) after winning a local battle of the bands competition, the group gained early attention through their energetic performances and raw sound.[1][3] The band signed to EMP Records, a sub-label of Megaforce, and released their debut EP In Your Face in 2015, followed by In Your Face (Again) in 2016 and their first full-length album Manic Pixie Dream Girl in 2017, which was produced by Megadeth bassist David Ellefson.[1][4] After signing to Hopeless Records in 2019, Doll Skin released their second studio album Love Is Dead and We Killed Her, which featured the single "Mark My Words," which received radio play and was ranked number 14 on Billboard's list of the 25 Best Rock Songs of 2019.[1][2] The band toured extensively, including multiple appearances on the Vans Warped Tour—most notably its final cross-country run in 2018—and shared stages with acts like OTEP, earning recognition as one of Alternative Press's "7 Best Rising Bands Under 21" in 2016 and "Best Break-Through Band" from Heavy Metal Television that same year.[1][5][2] Lineup changes began in 2020 when Snowden and Rich departed to pursue other projects—Snowden joining the nu-metal band Tallah and Rich launching a jewelry business—leaving Dolezal and Herring, who recruited new members to continue the band until Herring's exit in 2022 due to health reasons.[3] Citing rising touring costs and the loss of their original chemistry, the band officially disbanded in early 2023, performing a final reunion show with the classic lineup at The Rebel Lounge in Phoenix on March 12, 2023, where they debuted a new single, "Melancholia."[3][4] In October 2025, the band released a final EP of unreleased material, Doll Skin Is Dead And We Killed Her, available on YouTube.[6] Despite their breakup, Doll Skin's music continues to resonate with fans through streaming platforms, maintaining a dedicated following in the punk-rock scene.[4]History
Formation and early years (2013–2014)
Doll Skin was formed in 2013 in Phoenix, Arizona, when teenage musicians Sydney Dolezal (vocals), Alex Snowden (guitar), Nicole Rich (bass), and Meghan Herring (drums) came together at the Scottsdale School of Rock. Herring, who had been involved in the school's programs, handpicked the other members to form a band for an upcoming high school battle of the bands competition, marking their initial collaboration as Doll Skin. The group, all in their mid-teens at the time, drew from the energetic punk and rock scenes they encountered through the school's house band performances and lessons.[7][8] The band's debut performance occurred at the 2013 Rock Revelation Battle of the Bands, where they won the competition with perfect scores from the judges, catching the attention of Megadeth bassist David Ellefson, who served as a judge. Their raw energy and stage presence impressed Ellefson, who began mentoring the group and later signed them to his EMP Label Group in 2015, taking on a mentorship role. Under Ellefson's guidance, Doll Skin began refining their sound, blending punk rock with pop influences, and started building a local following through early rehearsals and performances.[8][9][10] In 2014, Doll Skin focused on live shows to hone their live dynamic, performing at venues such as Alice Cooper'stown in Phoenix on November 6 and participating as finalists in the Alice Cooper RockIM contest in November. The year also saw the self-release of their early demo Guts & Glitter, a collection of original tracks that showcased their developing glitter-punk style and helped solidify their presence in the Arizona music scene. These activities laid the groundwork for their professional recording career, with Ellefson producing sessions that would culminate in their debut EP the following year.[11][12]Rise with EMP Label Group (2015–2018)
In late 2015, Doll Skin signed with EMP Label Group, the imprint founded by Megadeth bassist David Ellefson and distributed through Megaforce Records, after catching Ellefson's attention as a judge at the Rock Revelation Battle of the Bands competition.[8] Ellefson, who produced their debut EP In Your Face, oversaw its release on October 30, 2015, in North America (with a European rollout in December), featuring tracks like "Family of Strangers" and "Let's Be Honest" that blended punk, hard rock, and Riot Grrrl elements.[8][13] This signing marked a pivotal step for the then-teenage Phoenix quartet, providing professional production and wider distribution to elevate their local buzz into national exposure.[14] Building momentum in 2016, the band reissued an expanded version of In Your Face (Again) via EMP, incorporating additional tracks and benefiting from Ellefson's production polish.[14] They embarked on their first major tours, including direct support on Metal Allegiance's West Coast run in January and the ShipRocked Cruise in early 2016, followed by a headlining "Family of Strangers" tour in March-April and stints opening for OTEP and Lacey Sturm.[15] These outings, combined with radio airplay on stations like Phoenix's 93.9 KWSS-FM, helped solidify their reputation as a rising all-female rock act.[16] That November, they received the "Best Break-Through Band" award from Heavy Metal Television, recognizing their rapid ascent.[16] The band's profile surged in 2017 with the May release of single "Shut Up and Listen" and their debut full-length album Manic Pixie Dream Girl in June, both via EMP and again produced by Ellefson, showcasing a matured sound fusing pop-punk hooks with heavier riffs.[14][17] They supported these releases with a headlining tour in April-May, a full run on the Vans Warped Tour that summer—where they performed alongside acts like NOFX—and a fall U.S. tour with One-Eyed Doll.[18] Earlier that year, Alternative Press named them one of "7 of the Best Rising Bands Under 21," highlighting tracks like "Let's Be Honest" and their influences from NOFX and Bad Religion.[19] In 2018, Doll Skin returned to Warped Tour as the only all-female band to play every date, while their single "Daughter" became the second-most added track on Billboard's rock radio chart, further cementing their growing impact.[16][20]Hopeless Records era and breakup (2019–2023)
In April 2019, Doll Skin signed with Hopeless Records, marking a significant step in their career as an independent rock band from Phoenix, Arizona.[21] This deal coincided with the announcement of their third studio album, Love Is Dead and We Killed Her, which was released on June 28, 2019.[21] The album, produced by Kyle Black (known for work with New Found Glory), featured 11 tracks blending pop-punk energy with introspective lyrics, including singles like "Outta My Mind" and "Mark My Words," which highlighted the band's evolving sound of raw emotion and defiance.[22] To promote the release, Doll Skin performed at the Vans Warped Tour in Mountain View, California, on July 20, 2019, sharing stages with acts like Bad Omens and Just Loud.[23] The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 severely disrupted the band's momentum, halting live performances and tours just as they prepared to support New Found Glory.[3] Amid these challenges, founding members Nicole Rich (bass) and Alex Snowden (lead guitar) departed in December 2020, with Snowden joining the nu-metal band Tallah and Rich pursuing other opportunities.[24] Vocalist Sydney Dolezal and drummer Meghan Herring recruited replacement touring members, including guitarist Tori Ross and bassist Tay Fischer, to continue, releasing singles such as "Eat Shit" on August 20, 2021, and "Control Freak," which addressed themes of mental health and autonomy through high-energy riffs and Dolezal's versatile vocals.[25] These tracks, distributed via Hopeless, maintained the band's visibility during a period of lineup flux and industry-wide shutdowns. By 2022, Doll Skin resumed limited touring, joining bills with Less Than Jake and Bowling for Soup in September across the Midwest, and appearing at Furnace Fest in Birmingham, Alabama, from September 23–25.[23] However, escalating touring costs, including merchandise production and travel expenses, compounded by Herring's departure on July 15, 2022, due to mental and physical health concerns, strained the band's sustainability.[3] Dolezal noted the emotional toll, stating, "It felt like I was not making music with my friends anymore," as repeated member changes eroded the original camaraderie.[3] On January 12, 2023, Doll Skin announced their breakup, citing financial pressures and personal shifts as key factors, with no animosity among members.[3] The band released a farewell single, "Melancholia," and reunited the original lineup—Dolezal, Herring, Rich, and Snowden—for a final performance dubbed the "Doll Skin Funeral" on March 12, 2023, at The Rebel Lounge in Phoenix, Arizona.[23] The sold-out show featured a full setlist spanning their catalog, closing a decade-long run that Herring reflected on positively: "I’m just happy we were able to make this show happen."[3]Post-breakup reunion and final release (2025)
Following their breakup in 2023, Doll Skin reunited with key original members in 2025 to finalize and release a collection of previously unreleased material, marking the band's definitive farewell. The EP, titled Doll Skin Is Dead and We Killed Her, was issued exclusively on YouTube on October 27, 2025, serving as a four-track "time capsule of demos" from sessions dating back to 2021.[26] The project involved drummer and backing vocalist Meghan Herring (who also handled lead vocals and guitar on the recordings), original vocalist and guitarist Sydney Dolezal, drummer Nicole Rich, and guitarist Alex Snowden, alongside contributions from producers Max Calkins and Jayden Seeley, and engineer Cameron Webb. Herring described the effort as "throwing things at a wall to see what stuck," emphasizing its raw, experimental nature as a love letter to fans and a reflection on the band's legacy.[27] The reunion for this release was limited to creative collaboration rather than live performances, with no tour or shows announced in 2025. Herring shared personal reflections on the process via social media, noting that "doll skin in the year 2025 feels wild" and expressing gratitude to supporters, signing off with "See you soon, Rat Pack. It’s good to talk to you again."[28] The EP's tracks, including demos that captured the band's punk-infused rock style, were positioned as an intimate closure, allowing the original lineup to revisit and polish unfinished work without reviving the full band structure. This post-breakup endeavor highlighted the enduring bonds among members despite the earlier dissolution, driven by a desire to share "an old friend" with listeners one final time.[29] Reception to the EP underscored Doll Skin's lasting impact within the alternative rock scene, with fans praising its authenticity and emotional depth on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. The release aligned with the band's history of blending raw energy and personal storytelling, providing closure after their 2023 farewell show in Phoenix. No further activity has been announced, confirming Doll Skin Is Dead and We Killed Her as the group's final output.[30]Musical style and influences
Core style and genre blend
Doll Skin's core musical style is characterized by a high-energy pop punk foundation, infused with alternative rock sensibilities and heavier metal influences, creating a dynamic sound that balances melodic accessibility with raw aggression. Their songs often feature driving rhythms, glammy guitar riffs, and theatrical vocal deliveries from frontwoman Sydney Dolezal, whose wide-ranging timbre shifts between impassioned pop hooks and snarling intensity. This blend allows for tracks that alternate between buoyant, arena-ready choruses and brooding, cinematic verses, evoking a sense of youthful rebellion and emotional catharsis.[14][31][32] The band's genre fusion draws from pop punk's catchy structures and punk's DIY ethos, while incorporating metal's firepower through heavy breakdowns and razor-sharp solos, as heard in albums like Love Is Dead and We Killed Her (2019). For instance, "Mark My Words" exemplifies this hybrid with its seething melody layered over aggressive riffs reminiscent of cinematic revenge anthems, blending Paramore-like pop flair with Avenged Sevenfold-inspired heaviness. Similarly, "Ink Stains" showcases punk-metal transitions via venom-laced hooks and dynamic shifts from pop choruses to intense guitar work, emphasizing the group's ability to merge sassy, feisty attitudes with radio-friendly polish. This stylistic versatility positions Doll Skin as a bridge between 2000s emo-punk revival and modern alternative rock, prioritizing emotional depth over strict genre boundaries.[33][14][32] Early releases, such as their In Your Face EP (2015), leaned more toward pure rock fury with punk and pop elements, but evolved to include grunge-tinged introspection and Riot Grrrl energy in later works, as in "Don't Cross My Path," which pairs slow-building guitars with full-throttled, anthemic outbursts. This evolution continued post-breakup with the 2025 EP Doll Skin Is Dead and We Killed Her, a collection of unreleased tracks maintaining the band's signature high-energy blend.[34][35][32][31] Overall, Doll Skin's genre blend reflects a revved-up rock 'n' roll ethos that splits the difference between pop accessibility and metal's edge, fostering a sound that's both playful and confrontational.Key influences and comparisons
Doll Skin's sound is shaped by a diverse array of influences spanning punk, alternative rock, and metal, reflecting the band's eclectic tastes and the individual backgrounds of its members. Vocalist Sydney Dolezal has highlighted post-hardcore and emo acts such as Saosin, Underoath, The Used, Flyleaf, Paramore, Nothing More, and My Chemical Romance as key inspirations during the creation of their 2019 album Love Is Dead And We Killed Her, noting how these bands informed the record's raw emotional intensity and melodic hooks.[36] Similarly, guitarist Alex Snowden has pointed to progressive influences and jazz fusion guitarist John Scofield, though she distinguishes these personal tastes from the band's more straightforward rock approach.[37] Drummer Meghan Herring, meanwhile, draws from rock legends including Led Zeppelin and Refused, as well as contemporary acts like My Chemical Romance and Paramore, emphasizing high-energy rhythms and dynamic shifts.[38] The band as a whole embraces punk and alternative icons that underscore their rebellious, high-octane style. Influences such as Bikini Kill, Foo Fighters, Green Day, NOFX, Avenged Sevenfold, Anti-Flag, Beartooth, and Danzig contribute to Doll Skin's blend of aggressive riffs, anthemic choruses, and socially charged lyrics, though members clarify that while they admire riot grrrl pioneers like Bikini Kill, all-female rock groups like The Donnas or The Runaways were not direct inspirations but align with their ethos of youthful defiance.[39] This mix also incorporates pop-punk elements, evident in their accessible melodies and themes of empowerment, setting them apart from purely heavy genres while maintaining a gritty edge.[40] Critics and fans frequently compare Doll Skin to trailblazing all-female rock acts, drawing parallels to The Runaways for their gritty, hard-charging energy and young, female-led lineup that challenges rock stereotypes.[8] Other comparisons include The Go-Go's and L7, highlighting Doll Skin's fusion of punk attitude with pop sensibilities and their role in reviving all-women bands in the modern rock scene.[10] These analogies underscore the band's position as a contemporary evolution of 1970s and 1990s female-fronted rock, updated with millennial emo and metal nuances for broader appeal.[36]Band members
Current members
As of 2025, Doll Skin operates as a duo comprising its two core founding members, who have continued to handle the band's creative output and archival releases following the group's earlier breakup.[26] Sydney Dolezal serves as lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist. She co-founded the band in 2013 and remained active through its various phases, contributing to songwriting and performances until the 2023 disbandment, while resuming involvement for the 2025 EP release.[26][27] Meghan Herring performs on drums with backing vocals. Also a 2013 founder, Herring has been the band's primary drummer across its history and led the production of the 2025 posthumous EP Doll Skin Is Dead And We Killed Her, a collection of 2021 demos featuring contributions from former members.[26][41]Former members
Doll Skin's original lineup consisted of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Sydney Dolezal, lead guitarist and backing vocalist Alex Snowden, bassist and backing vocalist Nicole Rich, and drummer and backing vocalist Meghan Herring, all of whom met at the School of Rock in Phoenix, Arizona, in 2013.[7] In 2020, following the cancellation of tours due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Snowden and Rich departed the band to pursue other opportunities; Snowden subsequently joined the nu-metal band Tallah as rhythm guitarist.[3][42] Dolezal and Herring continued with replacements guitarist Tori Ross and bassist Tay Fischer. Herring departed in July 2022 due to health reasons, after which Dolezal recruited Syd McVicker on drums.[3] The band announced its dissolution in early 2023, performing a final reunion show with the original lineup at The Rebel Lounge in Phoenix on March 12, 2023. Herring later transitioned to touring as a session and touring drummer for other artists.[3][43]- Tori Ross – guitar (2020–2022)
- Tay Fischer – bass (2020–2022)
- Syd McVicker – drums (2022–2023)
Discography
Studio albums
Doll Skin released two full-length studio albums during their active years, both showcasing their evolution from raw pop-punk energy to more mature, riff-driven rock explorations. These records, produced under different labels, highlight the band's thematic focus on personal empowerment, societal critique, and emotional resilience, often delivered through Sydney Dolezal's dynamic vocals and the group's tight instrumentation.[4] The band's debut studio album, Manic Pixie Dream Girl, arrived on June 16, 2017, via EMP Label Group. Featuring 11 tracks with a runtime of approximately 35 minutes, it was recorded and mixed to capture the quartet's high-octane live sound, blending punk attitude with alternative rock edges. Key tracks like "Daughter" and "Road Killa" exemplify the album's themes of rebellion and self-discovery, earning praise for its infectious hooks and Dolezal's emotive delivery, though some critics noted occasional overproduction diluting the rawness. The record debuted at No. 6 on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart, marking a breakthrough for the Phoenix-based group.[44][45][46] Following their signing to Hopeless Records, Doll Skin issued their sophomore studio album, Love Is Dead and We Killed Her, on June 28, 2019. This 11-track effort, clocking in at around 37 minutes, delves into darker territories like trauma, loss, and defiance, with production emphasizing heavier riffs and anthemic choruses. Standout singles "Mark My Words" and "Outta My Mind" address empowerment amid adversity, receiving acclaim for the band's matured songwriting and attitude-packed delivery. Critics highlighted its feisty, riff-laden pop-punk core as a step forward, with one review calling it a euphoric surge of catharsis. The album charted at No. 10 on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums and No. 35 on the Independent Albums chart, solidifying their fanbase.[47][33][48]Extended plays
Doll Skin's extended plays represent the band's early development and post-reunion closure, showcasing their raw energy and evolution in the rock genre. Their debut EP, In Your Face, was released on October 30, 2015, via EMP Label Group, marking their introduction to the scene as a young all-female quartet from Phoenix, Arizona. Produced by David Ellefson of Megadeth, the six-track release blends punk-edged guitars, driving rhythms, and vocalist Sydney Dolezal's versatile delivery across songs like "Wring Me Out," praised for its potential as a radio hit, and "Weatherman," a live-recorded closer noted for its raw intensity. Critics highlighted the EP's cohesive production and the band's ability to capture a gritty, energetic sound despite the members' youth, with one review awarding it five stars for its ballsy attitude and influences reminiscent of The Runaways.[49][50][51] The follow-up, In Your Face (Again), arrived on April 15, 2016, also through EMP Label Group, expanding to seven tracks that built on the debut's foundation with more polished instrumentation and thematic depth. Key songs include "Family of Strangers," a fast-paced opener with a catchy chorus, "Let's Be Honest," an empowering bubblegum-punk anthem, and "Furious Fixation," featuring standout guitar solos evoking a superhero narrative. The EP demonstrated the band's growth in songwriting and chemistry, earning acclaim for its passion-driven hooks and pulsing energy, positioning Doll Skin as one of Phoenix's most promising acts at the time.[52][53][54] Following the band's breakup in 2023 and subsequent reunion, Doll Skin issued their final EP, Doll Skin Is Dead And We Killed Her, on October 27, 2025, as a self-released digital collection exclusively on YouTube. This four-track effort serves as a time capsule of unreleased demos from their vault, dedicated to their fans (referred to as the "Rat Pack"), offering introspective and nostalgic reflections on their journey without a specified label, featuring the tracks "Okay (Having Feelings Again)", "Alone At Night", "Stain", and "Sugar Glider". The release underscores the band's closure while preserving their signature blend of intensity and vulnerability.[55]Singles and other releases
Doll Skin released their debut single "Family of Strangers" in 2015 as the lead track from their self-titled EP, In Your Face, produced with input from Megadeth bassist David Ellefson through EMP Label Group.[56] The song, which evolved from one of the band's earliest compositions, addressed themes of isolation in crowds and received airplay on rock radio stations.[57] In support of their 2016 full-length In Your Face (Again), the band issued multiple singles, including "Wring Me Out," "Let's Be Honest," and "Furious Fixation," all produced by Ellefson.[5] These tracks highlighted the band's pop-punk energy with raw, confrontational lyrics, contributing to their growing presence in the alternative rock scene. "Wring Me Out" in particular garnered attention for its intense guitar riffs and themes of emotional exhaustion.[53] The 2017 album Manic Pixie Dream Girl was promoted with singles "Shut Up (You Miss Me)" and "Daughter," both released via EMP Label Group and produced by Evan Rodaniche.[46] "Shut Up (You Miss Me)," the lead single, debuted with a music video emphasizing defiance in relationships, while "Daughter" explored intergenerational trauma and received praise for its relatable narrative in alternative press coverage.[58] After signing with Hopeless Records, Doll Skin's 2019 album Love Is Dead and We Killed Her featured singles "Mark My Words" and "Outta My Mind," both produced by Mike Green.[59] "Mark My Words," released April 23, 2019, addressed revenge against abusive ex-partners and was accompanied by a horror-inspired music video.[60] "Outta My Mind," issued June 24, 2019, focused on mental escape and escapism, marking the band's shift toward more polished production.[61] Post-2019, the band released standalone singles including "Control Freak" and "Eat Shit" in 2021, both self-released and reflecting personal struggles amid the COVID-19 pandemic.[62] "Control Freak" debuted with themes of anxiety and control, while "Eat Shit" channeled raw anger. That year, they also contributed vocals to NOAHFINNCE's single "parents," a collaboration addressing parental expectations.[63] In 2019, Doll Skin covered Florence + the Machine's "Shake It Out" for the charity compilation Songs That Saved My Life, Vol. 2 by Hopeless/Sub City Records, dedicating it to a late fan and emphasizing themes of resilience.[64] The track reimagined the original as a high-energy rock rendition. Following their 2023 breakup announcement, Doll Skin issued the single "Melancholia" in 2023, a reflective piece on loss and closure.[62] Amid a 2025 reunion, the band released the EP Doll Skin Is Dead and We Killed Her on October 27, 2025, exclusively on YouTube, comprising four unreleased demos from various eras as a "time capsule" of their career.[26] The collection, described by drummer Meghan Herring as a love letter to fans, included unfinished tracks spanning their pop-punk evolution without new production.[28]| Year | Single | Album/Notes | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Family of Strangers | In Your Face EP | EMP Label Group |
| 2016 | Wring Me Out | In Your Face (Again) | EMP Label Group |
| 2016 | Let's Be Honest | In Your Face (Again) | EMP Label Group |
| 2016 | Furious Fixation | In Your Face (Again) | EMP Label Group |
| 2017 | Shut Up (You Miss Me) | Manic Pixie Dream Girl | EMP Label Group |
| 2017 | Daughter | Manic Pixie Dream Girl | EMP Label Group |
| 2019 | Mark My Words | Love Is Dead and We Killed Her | Hopeless Records |
| 2019 | Outta My Mind | Love Is Dead and We Killed Her | Hopeless Records |
| 2019 | Shake It Out (cover) | Songs That Saved My Life, Vol. 2 compilation | Hopeless/Sub City |
| 2021 | Control Freak | Standalone | Self-released |
| 2021 | Eat Shit | Standalone | Self-released |
| 2021 | parents (feat. Doll Skin) | NOAHFINNCE single | Equal Vision Records |
| 2023 | Melancholia | Standalone | Self-released |
| 2025 | Doll Skin Is Dead and We Killed Her (EP of demos) | Unreleased collection | Self-released (YouTube) |
Commercial performance
Album chart positions
Doll Skin's studio albums have primarily charted on Billboard's Heatseekers Albums chart, which ranks titles by new and developing artists based on multi-metric consumption. Their debut full-length release, Manic Pixie Dream Girl (2017), entered the chart at number 6 in its first week and climbed to a peak of number 5 the following week, reflecting early buzz from their independent signing with EMP Label Group.[65] The band's sophomore effort, Love Is Dead and We Killed Her (2019), released via Hopeless Records, peaked at number 10 on the Heatseekers Albums chart, demonstrating sustained growth in fan engagement amid increased touring exposure. The album also extended its reach to broader metrics, attaining number 35 on the Independent Albums chart—tracking sales and streams from indie labels—and number 39 on the Rock Album Sales chart, underscoring its niche appeal within the rock genre.| Album | Release Year | Heatseekers Albums Peak | Independent Albums Peak | Rock Album Sales Peak |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manic Pixie Dream Girl | 2017 | 5 | — | — |
| Love Is Dead and We Killed Her | 2019 | 10 | 35 | 39 |