Spiritbox
Spiritbox is a Canadian progressive heavy metal band formed in 2017 in Victoria, British Columbia, by vocalist Courtney LaPlante and guitarist Mike Stringer.[1] The band blends elements of djent, post-metal, synth-pop, and cinematic soundscapes, often featuring ethereal vocals and intricate instrumentation that have earned them acclaim in the metal scene.[1] Initially gaining attention through independent singles like "Holy Roller" in 2020, Spiritbox achieved mainstream breakthrough with their debut studio album Eternal Blue (2021), which peaked at No. 13 on the Billboard 200 and showcased their signature mix of heavy riffs and atmospheric production.[1] Their sound draws from influences spanning 1980s pop, Nine Inch Nails, and post-punk acts like The Cure, while incorporating electronic textures and dynamic vocal performances by LaPlante.[2] Spiritbox's lineup currently consists of LaPlante on vocals, Stringer on guitar, Zev Rose on drums, and Josh Gilbert on bass.[1] Following Eternal Blue, they released the EPs Rotoscope (2022) and The Fear of Fear (2023), the latter including the track "Too Close/Too Late."[1] Their second studio album, Tsunami Sea (2025), debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Hard Rock Albums chart, solidifying their rising prominence with singles like "Soft Spine" and "No Loss, No Love."[3] The band has garnered multiple Grammy nominations in the Best Metal Performance category, including for "Jaded" (2024), "Cellar Door" (2025), and "Soft Spine" (2026).[4] Notable collaborations include a remix of Megan Thee Stallion's "Cobra" (2023) and a feature on Illenium's "Shivering" (2022), expanding their reach beyond traditional metal audiences.[1] Spiritbox won the Best International Breakthrough Band at the 2021 Heavy Music Awards and has sold out headlining tours, sharing stages with acts like Limp Bizkit, Ghost, and Bring Me the Horizon.[1]History
2017–2019: Formation and early releases
Spiritbox was officially formed in October 2017 in Victoria, British Columbia, by vocalist Courtney LaPlante and guitarist Mike Stringer, who had previously collaborated in the experimental metalcore band Iwrestledabearonce, which disbanded in 2016.[5][6] The duo, who married in 2016, began their songwriting process as early as late 2015, initially as a creative outlet following their departure from Iwrestledabearonce, focusing on a blend of progressive heaviness, atmospheric elements, and melodic vocals inspired by bands like TesseracT and Deftones.[7][8] This period involved home demo recordings in their isolated island setting, emphasizing emotional depth and compression over technical shock value, which marked a shift toward what would become their signature atmospheric metal sound.[7] The band's initial recordings were handled primarily by LaPlante and Stringer in their home studio, with Stringer contributing guitar, programming, drums, and bass, assisted by friend Tim Creviston on additional guitar elements; the material was mixed and mastered by former Volumes member Dan Lang.[9] On October 27, 2017, they independently released their self-titled debut EP through their own Pale Chord imprint, distributed via platforms like Bandcamp, featuring seven tracks including the multi-part "The Mara Effect" suite and "The Beauty of Suffering," which showcased intricate djent riffs layered with ethereal clean vocals and electronic textures.[10][11] The EP's production was self-funded in part by contributions from wedding guests, highlighting their grassroots approach without major label backing.[7] Despite the lack of traditional promotion, the EP generated early online buzz through YouTube uploads and social media shares within metalcore and progressive metal communities, drawing attention for LaPlante's versatile vocal delivery and the band's genre-blending innovation, amassing initial streams and fan engagement that built a dedicated following organically.[8] As an independent act, Spiritbox faced significant challenges, including financial constraints from self-funding recordings and marketing, geographical isolation in Victoria that limited networking opportunities, and no live performances until 2019, relying instead on digital platforms to sustain momentum.[8][7] This foundational period set the stage for their transition to full album production in 2020.[8]2020–2021: Eternal Blue and breakthrough
In 2020, Spiritbox achieved viral success with their single "Holy Roller," released independently in July, which quickly amassed over 10 million streams across platforms and propelled the band toward a major label deal.[12] Building on this momentum, the band signed with Rise Records in September 2020 as part of the label's partnership with Pale Chord, marking their transition from independent releases to broader distribution.[13] The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the band's plans, including the cancellation of their first major tour—a European run supporting After the Burial in March 2020—due to travel restrictions and health concerns.[14] Undeterred, Spiritbox shifted focus to virtual promotion, releasing additional singles like "Circle With Me" in October 2020 and engaging fans through social media previews and live-streamed performances to maintain momentum during lockdowns. Production on their debut studio album, Eternal Blue, had begun in 2019 with producer Daniel Braunstein and guitarist Mike Stringer handling engineering and mixing, but was paused by pandemic restrictions before resuming in late 2020 at an isolated 20-acre property in Joshua Tree, California.[15][16] The remote setting allowed the band to complete recording amid isolation protocols, incorporating ethereal electronic textures and LaPlante's layered vocals into the progressive metal framework, with tracks like "Secret Garden" featuring a music video that highlighted the album's atmospheric depth upon its August 2021 release.[15] Eternal Blue was released on September 17, 2021, via Pale Chord in partnership with Rise Records, debuting at No. 1 on Billboard's Hard Rock Albums chart and No. 13 on the Billboard 200 with 23,000 equivalent album units in its first week.[17] The album's singles, including "Circle With Me" and "Secret Garden," each accompanied by visually striking music videos, contributed to its breakthrough, with "Holy Roller" continuing to surpass streaming milestones as a cornerstone of the band's rising profile.[2] Critics acclaimed Eternal Blue for its innovative blend of heavy riffs, electronic elements, and Courtney LaPlante's versatile vocals, which shifted seamlessly between soaring melodies and guttural screams, creating an emotional and immersive listening experience.[18] Kerrang! awarded it a perfect 5/5 score, praising the "grey-tinged electronics" that amplified the drama in tracks like "Sun Killer" and LaPlante's "incendiary" performance as a highlight of modern metal.[18] Revolver featured the band in a cover story, noting the album's polished production and genre-defying scope as key to their emergence as heavy music's most exciting new act during the pandemic era.[16] This positive reception marked Spiritbox's first widespread media breakthrough, solidifying their status beyond niche online communities.2021–2023: Touring resumption and EPs
In late 2021, Spiritbox resumed live touring after the release of their debut album Eternal Blue, joining nu-metal veterans Limp Bizkit as support on a summer North American headline run that marked one of the band's first major post-pandemic outings.[19] The tour, which kicked off in July and spanned 12 dates across the U.S., showcased the band's rising profile amid the growing success of their breakthrough record.[20] This period also saw the band solidify their lineup, with Philadelphia-based drummer Zev Rose joining as a permanent member after contributing to Eternal Blue and handling touring duties.[21] Building on their momentum, Spiritbox released the three-track Rotoscope EP on June 23, 2022, via Rise Records and Pale Chord, featuring the title track "Rotoscope" alongside "Sew Me Up" and "Hysteria." The EP highlighted the band's experimental edge, blending progressive metal riffs with electronic elements and ethereal vocals, and served as a bridge to new material while they expanded their live presence. In 2022 and 2023, the band broadened their international reach, performing at major European festivals such as Download Festival in the UK and supporting acts like Ghost and Bring Me the Horizon on arena dates across France, Hungary, and beyond.[22] They also made their Australian debut at Knotfest in March 2023, delivering high-energy sets that included staples from Eternal Blue alongside newer cuts.[23] The band's growing fanbase was evident in the sustained success of Eternal Blue, which had amassed over 244 million streams on Spotify by this time, underscoring their breakthrough into mainstream heavy music circles.[24] In November 2023, Spiritbox issued the six-track The Fear of Fear EP on November 3 via Rise Records and Pale Chord, featuring singles like "Jaded," "The Void," and "Ultraviolet" that explored themes of emotional turmoil through dense, atmospheric production.[25] The release, which included reworkings and new compositions, further cemented their reputation for innovative songcraft while teasing the direction of their sophomore album.2024–2025: Tsunami Sea and ongoing activities
In late 2024, Spiritbox announced their second studio album, Tsunami Sea, which was released on March 7, 2025, through Pale Chord in partnership with Rise Records.[26][27] The album was produced by Dan Braunstein alongside the band's own Mike Stringer, marking a continuation of their collaborative production approach from prior releases.[27] Building on the stylistic evolution seen in their 2021–2023 EPs, Tsunami Sea features a mix of progressive metal elements and atmospheric textures.[28] Key singles from the album included "Soft Spine," released in September 2024, which earned a nomination for Best Metal Performance at the 2026 Grammy Awards, marking the band's third consecutive nod in the category.[29][30] "No Loss, No Love" followed as the third single in February 2025, accompanied by an official music video and serving as a preview of the album's intense, riff-driven sound.[31] In March 2025, a limited-time digital edition of Tsunami Sea added live bonus tracks, including performances of "Fata Morgana" and "Perfect Soul" recorded during the band's European tour, available only briefly before expiration.[32][33] The album debuted at No. 26 on the Billboard 200, No. 1 on the Top Hard Rock Albums chart, and No. 4 on the Top Album Sales chart, underscoring its commercial impact.[3][34] With the addition of Josh Gilbert as permanent bassist in April 2023—following his time as a touring member—the band's lineup solidified ahead of their 2025 touring cycle.[35] Spiritbox launched a spring headline tour across North America from April 3 to May 2025, supported by Loathe, Dying Wish, and Gel, performing material from Tsunami Sea alongside earlier hits.[36] This was followed by a fall tour from November 12 to December 2025, featuring Periphery and Honey Revenge as special guests, with dates including stops in Ontario, Las Vegas, and Albuquerque.[37][38] In October 2025, Spiritbox contributed to discussions on the resurgence of heavy metal, with vocalist Courtney LaPlante highlighting the genre's growing appeal among younger audiences in a Billboard feature alongside acts like Ghost and Sleep Token.[39] Later that month, on November 1, LaPlante made a guest appearance with Babymetal at their sold-out show at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, joining for a performance of "My Queen" to a crowd of over 17,000.[40]Artistry
Musical style
Spiritbox's music is defined by a fusion of progressive metal, metalcore, and djent, enriched with atmospheric and electronic integrations that create immersive, dreamlike soundscapes.[41][42] The band's style blends syncopated djent riffs and industrial breakbeats with alt-metal structures, emphasizing emotional depth over traditional genre constraints.[41] This approach incorporates nu-metal aggression through rhythmic drive and post-metal ambiance via expansive, hypnagogic textures, resulting in dynamic tracks that shift between intensity and introspection.[41][43] Central to their sound is vocalist Courtney LaPlante's versatile delivery, spanning ethereal clean singing and harsh screams, often layered with effects for added depth and intensity.[44] Her animalistic screams provide raw power in breakdowns, while cleaner passages evoke haunting beauty, anchoring the band's emotional core.[44][45] Guitarist Mike Stringer's heavy riffs, crafted on 8-string guitars in ultra-low tunings like Drop F#, deliver djent-style chugs and melodic leads, complemented by complex drumming patterns and synth/electronic elements that add textural layers.[42] These components build tension through atmospheric builds and explosive heaviness, with effects like delay and reverb enhancing the guitars' clarity under high gain.[42] Production hallmarks include extensive use of reverb for ethereal atmospheres, distortion on rhythm guitars for bite, and dynamic shifts between crushing breakdowns and soaring melodic choruses, as exemplified in the modern mixing of Eternal Blue.[15] Techniques such as Valhalla reverbs on vocals and SoundToys Decapitator for guitar saturation, combined with compression for tightness, create a polished yet aggressive sonic palette.[15] The band's evolution traces from the raw metalcore aggression of early EPs to the more refined progressive structures in Tsunami Sea, where genre explorations like post-rock and drum & bass amplify their atmospheric sophistication.[46]Influences
Spiritbox's music draws heavily from a diverse array of influences spanning alternative metal, industrial, and progressive genres, with frontwoman Courtney LaPlante and guitarist Mike Stringer citing key artists that shaped their atmospheric and technical approach. LaPlante has frequently highlighted the impact of Deftones, particularly their album White Pony (2000), for its blend of sexy, grungey nu-metal and dynamic vocal delivery, praising Chino Moreno's floaty falsettos in tracks like "Digital Bath" as a pivotal inspiration for her own ethereal and aggressive singing style.[47] Similarly, Nine Inch Nails, led by Trent Reznor, influenced the band's electronic experimentation, with LaPlante noting Reznor's innovative production as a cornerstone for incorporating industrial elements into heavy music.[48] Meshuggah's Obzen (2008) also left a mark on LaPlante's vocal ferocity, as she described its "pure, animalistic screams" as her preferred technique for conveying raw intensity in Spiritbox's tracks.[47] LaPlante's personal inspirations extend to female-fronted acts, including Evanescence's Amy Lee, whom she has idolized since age 12 for her powerful, emotive range in gothic rock, crediting Lee as a major influence on her ability to balance vulnerability and strength in vocals.[48] Stringer's guitar work reflects progressive and technical metal roots, with Animals as Leaders' Tosin Abasi and Polyphia's Tim Henson and Scott LePage cited as key figures for their innovative, melodic phrasing and experimental techniques that inform his intricate layering and seven-string prowess.[49] He also draws from Tool's Adam Jones for atmospheric depth and Periphery's Misha Mansoor for modern production and rhythmic complexity, emphasizing how these shape Spiritbox's blend of heavy riffs and ambient textures.[49] Broader inspirations include early 2000s metalcore's emotional intensity, though the band prioritizes genre fluidity over strict adherence, as LaPlante and Stringer advocate drawing from non-metal sources like R&B and pop to avoid creative stagnation.[50] These influences manifest in Spiritbox's sound through electronic downtempo intros echoing Nine Inch Nails' industrial vibe and djent-inspired rhythms reminiscent of Meshuggah, creating a nu-metal revival feel in their heavy sections.[47] Growing up in Canada's metal scene, particularly Victoria, British Columbia, exposed the band to regional acts like Misery Signals, fostering a sense of community-driven innovation amid the country's progressive heavy music landscape.[51] Online platforms further amplified this, allowing early genre-blending experiments to gain traction through fan communities that encouraged hybrid styles beyond traditional metal boundaries.[52]Personnel
Current members
The current lineup of Spiritbox, as of 2025, consists of four core members. Courtney LaPlante – lead vocals (2017–present)LaPlante is a founding member of the band, co-forming Spiritbox in Victoria, British Columbia, alongside her husband Mike Stringer.[1] She is renowned for her multifaceted vocal delivery, seamlessly blending ethereal clean singing with powerful screams and growls that define the band's dynamic sound.[45] Mike Stringer – lead guitar, backing vocals (2017–present)
Stringer co-founded Spiritbox in 2017 and serves as the primary songwriter, crafting intricate guitar riffs and structures central to the band's progressive metalcore style.[1][42] He also acts as a key producer on their releases, collaborating closely with engineer Dan Braunstein to shape their polished sonic identity.[53] Zev Rosenberg (also known as Zev Rose) – drums (2020–present)
Rosenberg joined Spiritbox in early 2020 following the departure of previous drummer Ryan Loerke, initially as a touring member before becoming official. His playing contributes to the band's complex rhythms and powerful grooves, evident in both studio recordings and live performances. Josh Gilbert – bass (2023–present)
Gilbert, formerly the bassist and clean vocalist of As I Lay Dying from 2007 to 2022, joined Spiritbox as a touring member in 2022 and was elevated to full-time status in April 2023 after the exit of bassist Bill Crook.[54][55] His addition has provided stability to the live lineup, enhancing the band's low-end drive during extensive touring.[56]
Former members
Spiritbox began as a duo consisting of vocalist Courtney LaPlante and guitarist Mike Stringer, evolving into a full band with additional members in 2018 before solidifying its current lineup. The band's first official drummer, Ryan Loerke, joined in 2018 after contributing to early singles like "Trustfall" and performing on drum playthroughs for tracks such as "The Mara Effect, Pt. 2." Loerke, who also played in the band Shreddy Krueger, departed in 2020 to pursue other projects, including session work and his band Tidebringer.[57] Bassist Bill Crook joined Spiritbox the same year as Loerke, providing bass lines and backing vocals on the debut album Eternal Blue (2021) and subsequent tours. Crook, originally from the pop-punk band Living with Lions, left the band amicably in May 2022 due to personal reasons, with the group announcing his departure via social media and naming touring bassist Josh Gilbert as his replacement at the time. Tragically, Crook passed away in July 2024.[21][58] Prior to these additions, the debut self-titled EP (2017) featured session contributions, notably drums written by Mikey Montgomery, a former bandmate of LaPlante and Stringer from Iwrestledabearonce. Montgomery's involvement was limited to enhancing drum arrangements on the EP, with Stringer handling guitar, bass, and additional drum programming. Early live performances from 2019 to 2021 relied on temporary touring drummers amid the transition from a studio project to a touring act, though no long-term commitments formed beyond Loerke until the lineup stabilized. The core duo of LaPlante and Stringer has remained intact throughout, with changes primarily affecting the rhythm section as the band grew.[59][60]Discography
Studio albums
Spiritbox's debut studio album, Eternal Blue, was released on September 17, 2021, through Pale Chord Records in partnership with Rise Records.[2] The album consists of 12 tracks, including "Sun Killer," "Holy Roller," and "Circle with Me," and was produced during the COVID-19 pandemic through remote collaboration sessions among band members, with mixing handled by Daniel Braunstein. In its first week, Eternal Blue earned 23,000 equivalent album units in the United States, with 19,000 from pure sales.[17] It debuted at No. 13 on the Billboard 200, No. 1 on the Top Rock Albums chart, and No. 1 on the Hard Rock Albums chart.[17] The release was supported by promotional extended plays such as Singles Collection and Rotoscope, which tied into the album's singles rollout. The band's second studio album, Tsunami Sea, followed on March 7, 2025, also via Pale Chord and Rise Records.[3] Featuring 11 tracks such as "Fata Morgana," "Soft Spine," and the title track, the album incorporated expanded electronic production elements, building on the band's progressive metalcore sound with layered synths and atmospheric effects.[61] "Soft Spine" served as the lead single, released prior to the album.[62] In its debut week, Tsunami Sea accumulated 22,000 equivalent album units in the U.S., including 16,000 from traditional sales, with strong vinyl performance contributing to its No. 3 debut on the Vinyl Albums chart.[3] The album peaked at No. 26 on the Billboard 200 and No. 1 on the Top Hard Rock Albums chart, marking the band's second consecutive leader on the latter.[3] Bonus editions include digital deluxe versions with additional remixes and live recordings.[63]Extended plays
Spiritbox's extended plays represent key milestones in the band's early development and post-album experimentation, showcasing their evolution from independent releases to more polished, promotional efforts under Rise Records and Pale Chord. These shorter formats allowed the band to test new sounds, compile singles, and maintain momentum between full-length albums, often featuring innovative production and visual accompaniments. The debut self-titled EP, Spiritbox, was independently released on October 27, 2017, via Pale Chord Records.[10] Comprising seven tracks, it introduced the band's signature blend of progressive metalcore and atmospheric elements, with standout pieces like the interconnected "The Mara Effect" trilogy (Parts 1–3) and "Everything's Eventual."[64] This release marked the project's emergence from the duo of Courtney LaPlante and Mike Stringer, establishing their DIY ethos before lineup expansions. In 2019, Spiritbox issued Singles Collection, a five-track EP released on June 14 through Pale Chord, compiling pre-album singles to bridge their initial output.[65] Key tracks include "Perennial," "Electric Cross," "Trust Fall," "Belcarra," and "Bleach Bath," highlighting aggressive riffs and LaPlante's versatile vocals while previewing the heavier direction of their debut album.[66] The EP served as a promotional tool, solidifying fan engagement ahead of signing with Rise Records. Rotoscope, the third EP, arrived as a surprise digital release on June 22, 2022, via Rise Records, consisting of three experimental tracks that leaned into industrial and '90s alt-rock influences.[67] Featuring "Rotoscope," "Sew Me Up," and "Hysteria," it was accompanied by an official music video for the title track, emphasizing glitchy visuals and thematic depth drawn from animation techniques.[68] This EP maintained the band's streaming momentum post-Eternal Blue, with tracks amassing millions of plays on platforms like Spotify. The fourth EP, The Fear of Fear, was released on November 3, 2023, through Pale Chord and Rise Records, expanding to six tracks that explored djent-infused metalcore with electronic flourishes.[69] Highlights include "Cellar Door," the lead single "Jaded," the dual-sided "Too Close / Too Late," "Angel Eyes," a reimagined "The Void," and "Ultraviolet," building on promotional singles to deliver introspective themes of anxiety and resilience.[70] Collectively, these EPs have contributed to Spiritbox's growing digital footprint, with over 100 million combined streams across releases as of late 2023.Awards and nominations
Grammy Awards
Spiritbox first received a Grammy nomination in 2024 for Best Metal Performance with their track "Jaded" from the album Eternal Blue, though the award was won by Metallica for "72 Seasons".[71] The band earned a second consecutive nomination in 2025 for "Cellar Door" from Tsunami Sea in the same category, but lost to Gojira's "Mea Culpa (Ah! Ça ira!)" featuring Marina Viotti and Victor Le Masne.[4][72] On November 7, 2025, Spiritbox secured their third nomination in Best Metal Performance for "Soft Spine" from Tsunami Sea at the 2026 Grammy Awards, competing against acts including Dream Theater, Ghost, Sleep Token, and Turnstile; the outcome remains pending as of November 19, 2025.[73] To date, Spiritbox has not won a Grammy Award, but their successive nominations in the metal category highlight their emergence as a leading progressive metal act.[30]| Year | Category | Song | Album | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 (66th) | Best Metal Performance | "Jaded" | Eternal Blue | Nominated[71] |
| 2025 (67th) | Best Metal Performance | "Cellar Door" | Tsunami Sea | Nominated[4] |
| 2026 (68th) | Best Metal Performance | "Soft Spine" | Tsunami Sea | Pending[73] |
Heavy Music Awards
Spiritbox first gained recognition at the Heavy Music Awards in 2021, winning the Best International Breakthrough Band category for their debut album Eternal Blue.[74] This accolade, presented by Afterlive Music, marked the band's emergence as a significant force in the international heavy music landscape following the album's release on Rise Records.[75] The following year, in 2022, Spiritbox received a nomination for Best Album for Eternal Blue at the Heavy Music Awards, alongside entries from acts like Turnstile and Trivium.[76] Although they did not secure the win—which went to Architects for For Those That Wish to Exist—the nomination affirmed the album's critical reception and influence within the UK heavy music scene.[77] Spiritbox returned to the winners' circle in 2024, claiming the Best International Artist award at the Heavy Music Awards, held at London's O2 Forum Kentish Town.[78] This honor acknowledged their expanding global presence, driven by extensive touring and releases including the Rotoscope EP on Pale Chord.[79] The victories underscore the band's cultivation of a dedicated UK audience, accelerated by headline and festival appearances since their 2021 European outings.[80]Juno Awards
Spiritbox received their first Juno Award nominations in 2022 for their debut album Eternal Blue (2021). The band was nominated in the Breakthrough Group of the Year category, alongside Black Pistol Fire, Cleopatrick, Monowhales, and Ocie Elliott, but Monowhales won the award.[81][82] Eternal Blue also earned a nomination for Metal/Hard Music Album of the Year, competing against releases by Archspire, Brand of Sacrifice, and Danko Jones, though Archspire took the win for Bleed the Future.[83][84] In 2025, Spiritbox secured two further nominations at the 54th Juno Awards. They were recognized in the Group of the Year category, nominated with Crash Adams, Mother Mother, Sum 41, and The Beaches, with the latter winning.[85][86] Their 2023 EP The Fear of Fear was nominated for Metal/Hard Music Album of the Year, facing competition from Devin Townsend's PowerNerd, Kittie's Fire, Anciients' Beyond the Reach of the Sun, and Striker's ULTRAPOWER, but Anciients prevailed.[87][88]| Year | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Breakthrough Group of the Year | N/A | Nominated |
| 2022 | Metal/Hard Music Album of the Year | Eternal Blue | Nominated |
| 2025 | Group of the Year | N/A | Nominated |
| 2025 | Metal/Hard Music Album of the Year | The Fear of Fear | Nominated |