LostAlone
LostAlone is a British alternative rock band formed in Derby, Derbyshire, in February 2005, consisting of Steven Battelle on lead vocals and guitar, Mark Gibson on drums and vocals, and Alan Williamson on bass and vocals.[1][2] The trio gained recognition for their energetic live performances and genre-blending sound influenced by post-hardcore, emo, and pop rock, and received a nomination for Best British Newcomer at the 2007 Kerrang! Awards, touring extensively as both headliners and support acts alongside major acts such as My Chemical Romance, Paramore, Enter Shikari, Thirty Seconds to Mars, The Used, and Evanescence.[3][4] Over their career, LostAlone released four studio albums: Say No to the World in 2007, I'm a UFO in This City in 2012 (executive produced by My Chemical Romance's Gerard Way), Shapes of Screams in 2014, and The Warring Twenties in 2022 following their reunion.[5][6][7] The band disbanded in late 2014 due to uncontrollable circumstances but reformed in 2022, partly inspired by an invitation to support My Chemical Romance's reunion tour, and continue to perform, with an upcoming show scheduled for December 11, 2025, at Oslo Hackney in London.[5][6][8]History
Formation and early releases (2005–2008)
LostAlone was formed in February 2005 in Derby, England, by school friends Steven Battelle (lead vocals and guitar), Mark Gibson (drums and backing vocals), and Tom Kitchen (bass and backing vocals), establishing a three-piece rock band influenced by the alternative and post-hardcore scenes of the era.[9] The group's formation was motivated by a shared passion for energetic, melodic rock, with Battelle citing early inspirations from watching MTV and bands like My Chemical Romance during his pre-teen years.[6] In their initial years, LostAlone concentrated on crafting demos and independent releases to hone their sound and attract attention within the UK underground scene. These efforts culminated in the release of their debut single "Elysium" in 2007 through their self-founded label Scorpia Recordings, marking their entry into professional recording.[10] This led to a licensing deal with Redemption Records UK for wider distribution, enabling broader exposure without a full major label commitment at the time.[11] The band's debut album, Say No to the World, followed on March 12, 2007, released via Scorpia Recordings under the Redemption licence. Produced and mixed by the band alongside engineer Matt Ellis, the 11-track record captured their raw, anthemic style and featured standout songs such as "Elysium," "Unconcerned," and "Silence."[12][11][13] Recorded in local studios, the album emphasized soaring guitar riffs and introspective lyrics, reflecting the band's post-hardcore roots. LostAlone built a dedicated grassroots fanbase through DIY shows and local gigs across the UK Midlands, starting in small Derby venues and expanding to regional tours. By 2007, they had secured slots at prominent events like the Give It a Name festival, which helped solidify their presence in the alternative rock circuit and paved the way for national recognition.[12][14]Breakthrough and major albums (2009–2013)
In 2009, LostAlone experienced a key lineup change when bassist Tom Kitchen departed the band, prompting the recruitment of Alan Williamson as his replacement; this solidified the core trio configuration of vocalist/guitarist Steven Battelle, drummer Mark Gibson, and Williamson on bass and backing vocals.[15] The transition marked a period of stabilization for the group as they prepared for greater commercial opportunities. Buoyed by growing industry attention, LostAlone signed a major label deal with Warner Bros. Records in January 2010, which provided an expanded production budget and access to broader distribution networks.[16] This partnership enabled the band to refine their sound during an intensive writing phase, culminating in their sophomore album I'm a UFO in This City, released on March 5, 2012, via UK independent label Graphite Records.[17] The record explored themes of alienation and existential disconnection, often framed through sci-fi-inspired imagery in its lyrics and artwork, reflecting frontman Battelle's personal experiences of feeling out of place in urban environments.[18] The album's lead singles, including "Love Will Eat You Alive" and "Do You Get What You Pray For?", showcased the band's evolution toward more polished alternative rock anthems with soaring choruses and intricate guitar work.[19] I'm a UFO in This City debuted at No. 7 on the UK Independent Albums Chart and No. 11 on the UK Rock & Metal Albums Chart, demonstrating solid niche reception despite entering the main UK Albums Chart at No. 188.[20] Its release coincided with heightened visibility through festival slots, notably a performance at the 2012 Download Festival alongside headliners like Metallica and The Prodigy, which helped elevate the band's profile among rock audiences.[21]Hiatus and disbandment (2014)
LostAlone released their third studio album, Shapes of Screams, on April 7, 2014, through Graphite Records. The record marked a progression in the band's sound, incorporating heavier riffs, progressive rock elements, and atmospheric textures, as heard in tracks like "The Bells! The Bells!!" and "G.U.I.L.T.Y."[22][23][24] In October 2014, following the album's release, LostAlone announced their disbandment, stating that "events have transpired that make it impossible for us to continue the band we love." Frontman Steven Battelle elaborated in interviews that the decision stemmed from uncontrollable circumstances, including creative exhaustion and personal challenges, describing it as an unwanted outcome that lifted a significant emotional weight once announced. The band planned a final European tour to conclude their activities, emphasizing a farewell rather than an abrupt end.[25][5] The tour culminated in two sold-out farewell performances: December 18 at The Barfly in London and December 19 at The Venue in Derby, their hometown. These shows drew international fans from places like Brazil, Japan, and the UAE, reflecting the band's dedicated following, while media outlets such as NME and Alternative Press covered the split as a poignant loss for the UK rock scene. In the immediate aftermath, Battelle announced plans for a solo album to be recorded in early 2015 and released that summer, signaling the start of individual pursuits amid the band's dissolution.[26][27][5]Reunion and revival (2022–present)
In March 2022, LostAlone announced their reunion after an eight-year hiatus, signaling the return of the original trio—Steven Battelle on vocals and guitar, Alan Williamson on bass, and Mark Gibson on drums—through a simple social media post featuring an updated band headshot.[28] The decision was fueled by Battelle's personal realization during a 2020 cruise that the band remained a vital creative outlet, coupled with persistent fan interest that had kept their music alive online.[28] Emphasizing a renewed focus on enjoyment and collaboration, the members agreed to prioritize fun in their process, moving past previous industry pressures that had strained the group.[6] The band's revival culminated in the release of their fourth studio album, The Warring Twenties, on September 30, 2022, through Dharma Records.[29] This 10-track record, produced primarily by Battelle with mixing contributions from Adam Noble, Greg Wells, Rou Reynolds, and others, explored themes of modern chaos, isolation, and resilience, drawing inspiration from the COVID-19 lockdowns and global uncertainties.[30] Key singles included "The Last Drop of Forever," released in April 2022 as the lead track, and "Punchline Punched Back," which highlighted the album's blend of theatrical energy and introspective lyricism.[31] Following the album's launch, LostAlone resumed live performances with high-profile support slots, including dates on My Chemical Romance's 2022 reunion tour across UK venues like Milton Keynes National Bowl and Eden Sessions in Cornwall.[6] In 2023, they opened for McFly on the latter's "Power to Play" UK tour, delivering energetic sets at arenas such as Bournemouth International Centre and O2 Academy Birmingham.[32] Reflections from band interviews underscored the hiatus's toll, with Battelle noting how the break allowed personal growth but ultimately reinforced the irreplaceable bond of their creative synergy, free from past business conflicts.[28] Into 2024 and 2025, the band released the single "Compilation of Complications" on November 13, 2025, as the lead track for their greatest hits compilation album Memories Under A Microscope, due for release on December 12, 2025 via SO Recordings.[33] Their sole confirmed performance for the year is a one-off headline show at Oslo Hackney in London on December 11, 2025, marking a deliberate, low-key continuation of their revival.[34]Band members
Current lineup
As of November 2025, LostAlone's current lineup consists of the original core members who reunited in 2022, with no changes reported since the revival. The band operates as a trio, maintaining the configuration established after Alan Williamson joined in 2009.[33] Steven Battelle serves as lead vocalist and guitarist, having founded and fronted the band since its formation in 2005. He is responsible for writing all lyrics, which often explore existential themes with a hopeful undertone, contributing to the band's introspective yet uplifting songwriting style. Battelle is also renowned for his innovative use of custom instrumentation, including a unique 7-string double-neck SG-style electric guitar he designed in 2014, which allows for expanded tonal range in live and studio performances.[35][36][37] Alan Williamson has been the bassist and provider of backing vocals since 2009, adding a Scottish influence to the group's sound through his precise and driving low-end contributions. His rhythmic foundation enhances the band's energetic grooves, while his dynamic stage presence bolsters the live show's intensity and audience engagement.[33][5] Mark Gibson rounds out the lineup on drums, percussion, and backing vocals, a role he has held continuously since 2005. His hard-hitting, versatile drumming is central to the band's dynamic percussion elements, delivering powerful beats that support both heavy riffs and intricate harmonies in live settings, often incorporating Queen-inspired vocal layers.[38][39]Former members
Tom Kitchen was the original bassist and backing vocalist for LostAlone, joining at the band's formation in 2005 alongside Steven Battelle and Mark Gibson.[9][4] He contributed to the band's early development, including performances on their debut album Say No to the World (2007) and initial UK tours that helped establish their presence in the rock scene.[10][40] Kitchen departed in 2009, leading to his replacement by Alan Williamson on bass.[14] No other permanent former members are documented, though the band occasionally incorporated touring musicians during their pre-2014 era to support live performances, such as opening slots for acts like 30 Seconds to Mars.Musical style and influences
Core style characteristics
LostAlone's music is characterized by a dynamic blend of alternative rock, post-hardcore, and melodic punk elements, often infused with sci-fi and existential lyrical themes that explore human disconnection and cosmic introspection.[41][42] This style manifests through soaring, anthemic choruses that evoke emotional release, paired with heavy, riff-driven verses and atmospheric builds that create a sense of escalating tension and grandeur.[30][43] Tracks like "Do You Get What You Pray For?" exemplify this with aggressive guitar backings transitioning into expansive, hook-laden refrains.[44] Central to the band's sound are signature instrumental and vocal traits, including frontman Steven Battelle's emotive, layered vocals that range from intimate vulnerability to powerful, arena-filling delivery.[6] His intricate guitar work, featuring fat fuzz tones, propulsive riffs, and Brian May-inspired solos, intertwines with the tight rhythmic interplay between bassist Alan Williamson and drummer Mark Gibson, forming a propulsive, trio-driven foundation that emphasizes precision and energy.[30][39] Thematically, LostAlone's lyrics recurrently delve into isolation, rebellion against societal norms, and an otherworldly sense of alienation, as seen in songs like "Lost Alone," which channels personal hurt and solitude through vivid, venomous imagery.[42] This focus extends to their visual aesthetic, with album artwork—such as the extraterrestrial motifs on I'm a UFO in This City—reinforcing narratives of existential drift and defiance against conformity. Song structures often mirror these themes, building from introspective verses to rebellious, cathartic climaxes that underscore the band's eccentric, Queen-meets-Nirvana intensity.[6]Evolution and key influences
LostAlone's musical evolution began with their 2007 debut album Say No to the World, which showcased a raw post-hardcore sound characterized by energetic riffs, emo-infused melodies, and a punk edge that captured the band's early intensity and youthful aggression.[40] This foundation reflected the Derby trio's roots in the UK alternative rock scene, blending fast-paced alternative rock with pop-punk accessibility to build a dedicated following through relentless touring. By their second album, I'm a UFO in This City (2012), the band shifted toward a more polished production, incorporating theatrical elements and expansive song structures that emphasized melody over raw aggression, marking a maturation in their songwriting while retaining core rock propulsion.[43][45] The progression continued with Shapes of Screams (2014), where LostAlone embraced a heavier, stadium-sized rock aesthetic, featuring intricate guitar work, dynamic shifts between intensity and melody, and a greater emphasis on epic, riff-driven compositions that highlighted their growing ambition.[46][47] This album represented a peak in their pre-hiatus evolution, refining the raw energy of their debut into a more sophisticated blend of hard rock and alternative influences. Following an eight-year hiatus, their reunion album The Warring Twenties (2022) further evolved their sound into their heaviest and most relentless form yet, with metaphor-rich lyrics drawn from personal introspection and global turmoil, alongside refined rock elements that amplified emotional depth and sonic scale.[48][30] Post-reunion refinements included tighter collaborations with producers like Greg Wells and Rou Reynolds, enhancing the band's melodic precision without diluting their rock core.[49] Since 2022, LostAlone has continued releasing new material, including the single "Waiting For The Magic To Show Up" in 2023 and the announcement in November 2025 of the greatest hits compilation Memories Under A Microscope, which includes new and unreleased tracks.[50][51] Key artistic influences on LostAlone stem prominently from classic and alternative rock icons, with frontman Steven Battelle citing Queen as his primary inspiration, particularly after watching the 1992 Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert, which ignited his passion for stadium rock grandeur and theatrical flair.[6][52] My Chemical Romance played a vital role, as Gerard Way served as executive producer on I'm a UFO in This City and praised the band's eccentric blend of Queen's drama and Nirvana's energy, fostering a deep mutual admiration that shaped their progressive rock leanings.[45][53] Additional influences include Muse's epic scope and Deep Purple's riff-heavy intensity, evident in the band's ambitious arrangements, while personal experiences—such as global travel and introspective periods during the hiatus—profoundly informed their lyrical themes of isolation and resilience across albums.[54][6][5]Discography
Studio albums
LostAlone's debut studio album, Say No to the World, was self-released on March 11, 2007, through Marx Capital Records.[13] The album features 11 tracks blending alternative rock with emo influences, clocking in at approximately 51 minutes. Key tracks include "Blood Is Sharp," which served as a promotional single and highlighted the band's energetic riffing and Steven Battelle's soaring vocals, and "Unleash the Sands of All Time," noted for its atmospheric build-up and thematic exploration of isolation. As an independent release, it established the band's early fanbase through grassroots promotion and live performances.[55][11] The band's second album, I'm a UFO in This City, arrived on March 5, 2012, via Graphite Records, marking a more polished production executive-produced by Gerard Way of My Chemical Romance.[56] Spanning 11 tracks and 44 minutes, it delves into themes of alienation with post-hardcore edges, exemplified by standout cuts like "Vesuvius," a high-energy anthem with explosive dynamics, and "Love Will Eat You Alive," praised for its melodic hooks and emotional intensity. Commercially, the album debuted at No. 11 on the UK Official Rock & Metal Albums Chart, spending one week in the top rankings and signaling the band's growing presence in the alternative rock scene.[57] Shapes of Screams, LostAlone's third studio effort, was released on April 7, 2014, also on Graphite Records, serving as their final album before a hiatus.[22] The 12-track record, lasting about 44 minutes, experiments with heavier riffs and conceptual storytelling, with highlights including "Crusaders," an opener featuring aggressive guitar work and anthemic choruses, and "G.U.I.L.T.Y," which incorporates electronic elements for a dystopian vibe. It peaked at No. 16 on the UK Official Rock & Metal Albums Chart for one week, reflecting sustained niche appeal amid critical praise for its ambition.[58][59] Following their reunion, LostAlone returned with The Warring Twenties on September 30, 2022, through Dharma Records.[60] This 10-track comeback album, running 34 minutes, revives their signature bombast with progressive twists, spotlighting tracks like "The Last Drop of Forever," a soaring single emphasizing resilience, and "Enduring the Dream," which opens with orchestral swells leading to raw rock climaxes. In the streaming era, it contributed to the band's modest digital footprint, with LostAlone amassing around 2,500 monthly listeners on Spotify as of late 2023, underscoring a dedicated revival among alternative rock enthusiasts.[61][62]Singles and extended plays
LostAlone's early output included extended plays under their original moniker, Intentions of an Asteroid, which served as pre-debut demos and helped shape their initial sound. The Clear Water Paranoia EP, released in 2002 on Purr Records, featured four tracks including "Achieve the Sky" and marked their first foray into recording as a unit. Similarly, the Follow the Moon single in 2002 and the Wait Don't Fire 7-inch limited to 500 copies in 2005 captured raw post-hardcore energy during formative years. Transitioning to the LostAlone name, their debut EP Unleash the Sands of All Time arrived in 2006 via Scorpia Records, comprising five tracks that previewed the ambitious themes of their forthcoming album.[63] This release was promoted through independent channels without major chart impact. In 2008, the Light the Waves - The First Tour EP was distributed as a CD-ROM during live performances, offering exclusive live recordings and demos to build fan engagement post their debut album. Key singles emerged alongside album cycles, often as promotional vehicles. "Blood Is Sharp," released in 2007 on Scorpia Records, served as a single for Say No to the World, featuring intense guitar riffs and receiving airplay on UK rock radio, though it did not chart on official lists.[64][65] No major chart success was recorded for early singles, reflecting the band's underground status at the time. Following their 2022 reunion, LostAlone issued a series of standalone singles to herald new material. "The Last Drop of Forever" dropped in April 2022, accompanied by an official video and tied to pre-orders for The Warring Twenties, emphasizing themes of impermanence.[66] This was followed by "The Final Call for Forever" in 2023, a lyric video release positioned as a thematic prequel, and "I'm a Fire That You Can't Put Out" later that year, both self-released and promoted via streaming platforms. In 2024, "All At Once" marked their most recent single, available on digital platforms with no reported chart positions but gaining traction in alternative rock circles. These post-reunion efforts underscore a revival focused on direct fan connection without traditional label support.[67][68] Upcoming: Memories Under A Microscope (compilation album, December 12, 2025, SO Recordings), featuring greatest hits plus new, rare, and unreleased tracks.[51]| Title | Year | Type | Label | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clear Water Paranoia EP | 2002 | EP | Purr Records | Pre-LostAlone release as Intentions of an Asteroid; 4 tracks. |
| Follow the Moon | 2002 | Single | Purr Records | 7-inch; includes "Eudemonism." |
| Wait Don't Fire | 2005 | Single | Independent | Limited 7-inch, 500 copies. |
| Unleash the Sands of All Time | 2006 | EP | Scorpia Records | 5 tracks; debut under LostAlone. |
| Light the Waves - The First Tour EP | 2008 | EP | Self-released | Tour-exclusive CD-ROM with live/demo content. |
| Blood Is Sharp | 2007 | Single | Scorpia Records | Promotional for Say No to the World. |
| The Last Drop of Forever | 2022 | Single | Self-released | Video release; album pre-order tie-in. |
| The Final Call for Forever | 2023 | Single | Self-released | Lyric video; thematic sequel. |
| I'm a Fire That You Can't Put Out | 2023 | Single | Self-released | Digital streaming focus. |
| All At Once | 2024 | Single | Self-released | Latest standalone release. |