Mest
Mest is an American pop-punk band formed in October 1995 in Blue Island, Illinois, by cousins Tony Lovato (vocals and guitar) and Matt Lovato (bass), with the group initially including Steve Lovato on guitar and bass.[1] The band emerged from the Chicago punk scene, drawing influences from acts like Green Day and Blink-182, and quickly built a following through self-released material and energetic live performances characterized by themes of youth, relationships, and rebellion.[1] Signed to Maverick Records in the late 1990s, Mest achieved commercial success in the early 2000s with a string of albums including Wasting Time (2000), Destination Unknown (2001), the self-titled Mest (2003), and Photographs (2005).[2] Notable singles like "Rooftops" and "Jaded (These Years)" featuring Benji Madden of Good Charlotte helped solidify their place in the pop-punk wave alongside contemporaries such as Sum 41 and Simple Plan.[1] The band toured extensively, including with Goldfinger in 2002 and appearances on the Vans Warped Tour, and released a live DVD, The Show Must Go Off!, in 2003 to capture their high-energy shows.[1] Following internal tensions, Mest disbanded in January 2006 after Tony Lovato announced the split, leading to a hiatus during which members pursued solo projects.[1] They reunited for a one-off show in 2008 and resumed touring in Europe and the United States starting in 2012, with Tony Lovato as the sole constant member. The band reunited with its classic lineup in 2018 and has since released independent efforts, including the free download Not What You Expected (2013), the Kickstarter-funded Broken Down (2014), the album Masquerade (2020), and singles such as "When We Were Young" (2024) featuring Jaret Reddick and "Hate You Sober" (2024) featuring Ice Nine Kills, maintaining a dedicated fanbase through nostalgic pop-punk revivals, occasional new material, and tours including a 25th anniversary show for Wasting Time in August 2025.[1][3][4][5]History
Formation and early years
Mest was formed in October 1995 in Blue Island, Illinois, a suburb on the south side of Chicago, by cousins Tony Lovato (lead vocals and guitar) and Matt Lovato (bass). The two, who grew up across the street from each other, began collaborating at a young age after Tony's earlier band Jack Move, which also featured Matt on bass. They held their first informal rehearsals in local spaces, focusing on crafting songs rooted in punk rock energy.[6][7] Shortly after formation, longtime friend Nick Gigler joined the band on drums, solidifying the rhythm section and allowing the group to expand their sound. In 1998, guitarist Jeremiah Rangel completed the classic lineup, bringing additional melodic elements to their compositions. The band's name originated during one of these early sessions when Tony Lovato, holding a can of Milwaukee's Best beer, suggested "Mest" as a playful twist on "Best," combining the "M" from "Milwaukee" with a misspelled version of the word. This casual choice reflected the band's youthful, irreverent approach to their punk roots.[7][8] Mest quickly immersed themselves in the Chicago punk scene, performing at local venues such as the Fireside Bowl and other clubs in the area, where they built a grassroots following through high-energy sets. They self-recorded and circulated demos within the punk community, releasing cassette tapes in 1996 and 1997 that showcased their raw, melodic pop-punk style. These early efforts, influenced by the era's pop-punk wave including bands like Green Day and Blink-182, helped establish their signature blend of fast-paced riffs and catchy hooks. By the late 1990s, this foundation led to their transition toward independent releases.[6][9][10]Independent releases and major label debut
Mest's early independent era began with the self-release of their debut album, Mo' Money, Mo' 40'z, in 1998, which captured the band's raw pop-punk energy through tracks recorded in local Chicago studios.[11] The album, consisting of 20 songs, showcased the original lineup's humorous and rebellious lyrics, helping to build a grassroots following in the Midwest punk scene before attracting wider attention.[12] The band's breakthrough came when frontman Tony Lovato mailed a copy of Mo' Money, Mo' 40'z to John Feldmann of Goldfinger, who was impressed and facilitated their signing to Maverick Records, a Warner Bros. subsidiary.[13] This deal marked Mest's transition to a major label, leading to the release of their debut full-length album under Maverick, Wasting Time, on July 11, 2000.[14] Produced and mixed by Feldmann and Tom Lord-Alge, the album refined the band's skate-punk sound with polished production, featuring the single "What's the Dillio?" which highlighted their catchy, upbeat style.[15] Following Wasting Time, Mest solidified their place in the pop-punk landscape with their second major-label album, Destination Unknown, released in November 2001 and also produced by Feldmann.[16] The record included guest appearances from artists like Young MC and Monique Powell of Save Ferris, and spawned singles such as "Cadillac," which received notable radio airplay and helped expand their audience.[17] Destination Unknown peaked at number 12 on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart, underscoring the band's rising momentum.[18] To promote these releases, Mest embarked on extensive tours, opening for established acts like Goldfinger on their 2000 tour, which exposed them to larger crowds.[19] In 2001, they joined the Take Off Your Pants and Jacket Tour alongside Blink-182, New Found Glory, and Midtown, performing at major venues and festivals that amplified their visibility within the burgeoning pop-punk community.[20] These outings, combined with consistent live energy, fostered a dedicated fanbase drawn to Mest's humorous, relatable anthems amid the early 2000s punk revival.Mainstream success and challenges
Mest achieved their breakthrough with the release of their self-titled album on June 10, 2003. The record debuted at No. 64 on the Billboard 200, marking the band's first entry on the chart and solidifying their presence in the pop-punk scene.[21] Key tracks included "Jaded (These Years)", featuring a guest vocal from Benji Madden of Good Charlotte and released to radio on July 1, 2003, as well as "Rooftops", which captured the band's energetic, youthful sound and contributed to their growing fanbase through extensive touring. The momentum carried into 2005 with Photographs, released on October 18 via Maverick, which shifted toward more introspective and mature themes of relationships, regret, and nostalgia. The album featured collaborations, including "Take Me Away (Cried Out to Heaven)" with Simple Plan's Pierre Bouvier and Chuck Comeau, and the single "Kiss Me, Kill Me", released on September 6. Despite these artistic evolutions, Photographs experienced a commercial downturn amid the band's ongoing major-label pressures. Amid this period of heightened visibility, internal challenges mounted. Bassist Matt Lovato, Tony Lovato's cousin and a founding member, left the band in 2004 to address personal issues, straining the lineup as Nick Gigler shifted to bass duties. Relentless touring, including Warped Tour appearances and international dates, exacerbated exhaustion and creative fatigue among the remaining members. These tensions culminated in the band's January 2006 announcement of their breakup via MySpace, following a final string of shows; the group cited burnout from years of non-stop activity as the primary factor.[22]Hiatus and reformation
Following the band's 2006 breakup, which stemmed from a combination of internal conflicts, substance abuse issues, and frustrations with their record label, Mest entered a prolonged hiatus spanning over a decade.[23] During this inactive period, frontman Tony Lovato focused on personal recovery and various side projects to explore new musical directions.[22] In 2008, the band staged a brief reformation, starting with a one-off reunion show at the House of Blues in Anaheim, California, on April 17, followed by a U.S. tour supporting acts like Quietdrive and Automatic Loveletter, billed as their farewell performances.[24] Fan enthusiasm persisted into the early 2010s, evidenced by the successful Kickstarter campaign launched by Lovato on November 13, 2013, which raised funds for the band's first acoustic album, Broken Down, featuring re-recorded versions of 14 fan-favorite tracks in stripped-down arrangements; the project was fully funded and digitally released on March 25, 2014.[25][26] This outpouring of support prompted a more sustained reformation, with Mest releasing their sixth studio album, Not What You Expected, on September 25, 2013, as a free digital download via their website; the self-produced record, featuring a revamped lineup with Lovato as the sole original member alongside drummer Richie Gonzales and guitarist Mike Longworth, blended pop punk melodies with heavier breakdowns and metalcore influences.[27][28] The band maintained independent status without major label backing, leading to ongoing lineup changes and limited activity, including sporadic live appearances at festivals and clubs through 2019; however, the original members briefly reunited in 2015 for a series of anniversary shows, starting May 29 at the House of Blues in Anaheim, to capitalize on renewed interest.[22]Recent developments
In early 2020, Mest released their seventh studio album, Masquerade, on January 17 through Cyber Trak Records.[29] The album featured 12 tracks blending pop-punk energy with introspective elements, produced amid the emerging challenges of the global COVID-19 pandemic.[30] The band's lineup saw further stabilization in 2023, with Devin Parker joining on lead guitar and Bob Amendola on bass, alongside core members Tony Lovato on vocals and rhythm guitar and Gary Foster on drums.[31] This configuration supported their return to recording and performing. On April 12, 2024, Mest issued the single "When We Were Young," featuring Jaret Reddick of Bowling for Soup, as the lead track from their eighth studio album.[32] Youth followed on June 21 via SBÄM Records, a seven-track effort that revisited the band's pop-punk foundations with melodic hooks and nostalgic lyrics drawn from childhood influences and early career memories.[33][34] Marking the 25th anniversary of their 2000 debut Wasting Time, Mest reissued the album digitally on streaming platforms on July 23, 2025, followed by a limited-edition vinyl release on July 25 in multiple color variants.[35][36] Celebrations included live full-album performances, highlighting the record's enduring role in the band's catalog.[37]Musical style and influences
Genre and sound evolution
Mest's core musical identity is rooted in pop punk, defined by melodic hooks, fast tempos, and energetic instrumentation that captures the raw spirit of late-1990s and early-2000s punk revival.[2] Their debut efforts emphasized a gritty, unpolished sound, blending quick guitar riffs, pounding drums, and straightforward chord progressions inspired by classic punk and ska-punk elements, as heard in the high-velocity tracks of Wasting Time (2000).[38] This early style prioritized live-wire intensity and accessibility, with songs clocking in at breakneck paces to evoke youthful exuberance and rebellion.[39] As the band transitioned into major-label releases in the 2000s, their sound evolved toward greater polish and sophistication while retaining pop-punk fundamentals. Albums like Destination Unknown (2001) introduced a mix of upbeat anthems, mid-tempo ballads, and ska-infused rhythms, broadening their sonic palette without sacrificing catchiness.[40] By the self-titled record (2003), production refinements—courtesy of cleaner mixes and layered arrangements—elevated the melodic choruses and driving rhythms, resulting in a more radio-friendly sheen that contrasted the debut's basement-tape rawness.[41] This period marked a maturation in their approach, incorporating subtle heavier elements in bridges and verses to add depth to the formula.[23] The 2010s brought a notable shift to acoustic-driven introspection, exemplified by Broken Down (2014), an all-acoustic collection of reimagined fan favorites that stripped back the electric energy for intimate, stripped-down performances emphasizing vocal delivery and subtle instrumentation.[42] Entering the 2020s, Mest revitalized their high-energy pop-punk roots with renewed vigor; Masquerade (2020) delivered explosive riffs and relentless pacing, recapturing the band's signature drive through infectious, riff-heavy structures.[43] Their latest effort, Youth (2024), further modernizes this return by blending fizzy, well-structured melodies with contemporary production clarity, ensuring the fast-tempo hooks feel vibrant and timeless.[44] Throughout their career, Tony Lovato's emotive, melodic vocals and anthemic choruses have remained hallmarks, providing a consistent thread amid these sonic pivots.[23]Key influences and lyrical themes
Mest's musical style draws heavily from the 1990s pop-punk pioneers, particularly the raw energy and melodic hooks of Green Day's Dookie era, which influenced their rapid guitar riffs and anthemic structures.[45] The band's sound also echoes Blink-182's humorous takes on adolescence, blending punk attitude with witty, relatable narratives about youth and relationships.[46] Additionally, elements of The Offspring's high-octane punk are evident in Mest's fast-paced rhythms and rebellious ethos, shaping their early high-energy performances. The Chicago punk scene further impacted the band, instilling a DIY work ethic through local club gigs and fostering an intense live energy characterized by crowd participation and unpolished authenticity.[47] Lyrically, Mest's early work centers on teenage angst, romance, and humor, often capturing the chaos of young love and heartbreak with self-deprecating wit. Songs like "Jaded (These Years)" exemplify this through reflections on reckless youth and unapologetic breakups, portraying faded relationships without regret.[48] This approach aligns with pop-punk's tradition of turning personal vulnerabilities into catchy, empathetic anthems about fun times amid emotional turmoil.[48] In the 2010s, Mest's songwriting matured to address heavier themes of addiction and loss, drawing from band members' real-life struggles. Tracks on albums like Masquerade (2020) delve into inner emotions and recovery, exploring the pain of personal demons and relational fallout.[49] For instance, "I'm Walking on Broken Glass" confronts grief over familial loss, such as Tony Lovato's grandfather's illness and death, adding depth to their evolving narrative.[50] By the 2020s, Mest's lyrics shifted toward reflective themes influenced by Tony Lovato's sobriety journey, emphasizing growth and hindsight. The 2024 single "Hate You Sober" captures this evolution, confronting the clarity and resentment that sobriety brings to past toxic dynamics, marking a therapeutic turn in their catalog.[51]Band members
Current lineup
As of 2025, Mest's current lineup consists of four members, with Tony Lovato as the sole remaining original member and primary songwriter.[34][52] Tony Lovato serves as lead vocals and rhythm guitar since the band's formation in 1995, anchoring the group's pop-punk sound through decades of changes.[53][54] Devin Parker joined as lead guitar in 2023 and contributes to modern arrangements on the album Youth.[53][54][31] Bob Amendola has been on bass since 2023, adding groove to the band's live sets.[53][54] Gary Foster provides drums since 2020, delivering the driving rhythm for recent tours.[53][52]Former members and contributions
Matt Lovato, cousin to frontman Tony Lovato and co-founder of Mest, served as the band's bassist from its inception in 1995 until the group's initial disbandment in 2006, and returned from 2015 to 2020 for the original lineup reunion. As a core member of the original lineup, he contributed to the band's early development, performing on all four major-label albums released during the initial period, including Wasting Time (2000) and Destination Unknown (2001), as well as reunion activities. His departure in 2006 was influenced by personal priorities, specifically a desire to spend more time with his young daughter after over a decade of intensive touring.[22][55] Nick Gigler joined Mest as drummer in 1995, forming part of the foundational quartet alongside the Lovato cousins and later guitarist Jeremiah Rangel. He provided the rhythmic backbone for the band's pop-punk sound across their first four studio albums and numerous live performances during 1995–2006, helping establish Mest's energetic stage presence during the early 2000s, and returned for the 2015–2020 reunion. Gigler remained with the band until 2006 initially, when the group disbanded amid collective exhaustion from years on the road; a 2005 tour with Social Distortion was notably abbreviated due to his carpal tunnel surgery. He departed again in 2020.[22][23] Jeremiah Rangel served as Mest's lead guitarist and backing vocalist from 1995 to 2006 and again from 2015 to 2020, joining shortly after the band's formation and contributing to its melodic pop-punk style on releases like Mest (2003) and Black/White (2005), as well as reunion performances. As the eldest member, he played a pivotal role in shaping the group's guitar-driven arrangements and live dynamics during their peak popularity. Rangel's initial exit in 2006 stemmed from burnout related to extensive touring, and he left again in 2020, marking the end of the original lineup's second run.[22][23] Steve Lovato, brother of Tony and Matt, initially played guitar and bass in Mest from 1995 to 1998 before departing due to creative differences; he briefly returned on bass from 2008 to 2012 during a reformation period, supporting transitional recordings and tours. His early involvement helped solidify the band's initial punk influences on independent releases like Mo' Money, Mo' 40z (1998). No verified records indicate a member named Seth Lovato in the band's history.[23] Mike Longworth served as guitarist from 2008 to 2015, contributing to the band's reformation tours, including European and U.S. outings in 2012. Richie Gonzales (also known as Lil' Rich) played drums from 2010 to 2015, supporting the post-2008 lineup during key tours. Casey Artus was bassist from 2020 to 2023, bridging the post-reunion period. Following the 2015 reunion with the full original lineup, which lasted until 2020, Mest underwent further lineup changes, achieving greater stability from 2023 onward with the current configuration, allowing focus on new material without the frequent changes of earlier eras.[22]Discography
Studio albums
Mest's studio discography reflects their evolution from energetic pop-punk roots to more introspective sounds, marked by major label releases in the early 2000s followed by independent efforts after their reformation. Their debut full-length album under a major label, Wasting Time, marked their entry into wider audiences with its high-energy tracks and humorous lyrics, produced by John Feldmann. Released in 2000 on Maverick Records, it established the band's playful style while touring extensively to build a grassroots following.[56] The band's second major release, Destination Unknown (2001, Maverick Records), expanded on their sound with guest appearances and polished production, peaking at No. 12 on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart and solidifying their place in the pop-punk scene alongside contemporaries like Blink-182.[21] This album captured the youthful rebellion central to their early work, achieving notable radio play for singles like "Cadillac." In 2003, Mest issued their self-titled third album on Maverick Records, which debuted at No. 64 on the Billboard 200 and featured the lead single "Jaded (These Years)" featuring Benji Madden of Good Charlotte, exploring themes of relationships and growth amid the band's rising popularity during the Warped Tour era.[57] The record maintained their signature blend of catchy hooks and fast-paced rhythms but hinted at maturing songwriting. Photographs (2005, Maverick Records), their final major label effort, shifted toward more emotional and mature themes, reflecting personal experiences of band members; it was released amid lineup changes and served as a transitional work before the band's initial hiatus.[58] Following a period of inactivity, Mest reformed and self-released Not What You Expected in 2013 (listed as 2014 in some sources) via Bullion Records, embracing a raw, DIY approach that recaptured their punk ethos with collaborations from former members. The 2020 self-released album Masquerade arrived during the COVID-19 pandemic, recorded remotely and focusing on resilience and reflection, distributed independently to maintain creative control. Their most recent studio album, Youth (2024, self-released via SBÄM Records), revisits nostalgic pop-punk vibes with guest features from bands like Bowling for Soup and Ice Nine Kills, generating renewed fan interest and streaming activity in the post-pandemic revival of the genre.[44]| Album Title | Release Date | Label | Peak Chart Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wasting Time | July 11, 2000 | Maverick | N/A | Major label debut; produced by John Feldmann. |
| Destination Unknown | November 13, 2001 | Maverick | No. 12 Billboard Heatseekers | Featured guests like Young MC; key early success. |
| Mest (self-titled) | June 10, 2003 | Maverick | No. 64 Billboard 200 | Lead single "Jaded (These Years)"; Warped Tour tie-in. |
| Photographs | October 18, 2005 | Maverick | N/A | Themes of maturity; final Maverick release. |
| Not What You Expected | September 2013 | Bullion | N/A | Reformation album; free digital release initially. |
| Masquerade | January 17, 2020 | Self-released | N/A | Pandemic-era production; independent distribution. |
| Youth | June 21, 2024 | Self-released (SBÄM) | N/A | Features collaborations; nostalgic revival focus. |