Harm's Way (band)

Harm's Way
Harm's Way performing in 2018
Harm's Way performing in 2018
Background information
OriginChicago, Illinois, U.S.
Genres
Years active2006–present
Labels
Spinoffs
Members
  • James Pligge
  • Christopher Mills
  • Nick Gauthier
  • Casey Soyk
Past members
  • John Hoffman
  • Andrew Saba
  • Dave Cronin
  • Jay Jancetic
  • Bo Lueders
Websiteharmsway13.com

Harm's Way[N 1] is an American hardcore punk band from Chicago, Illinois, formed in 2006. The band started as a side project, but ended up becoming a more serious and full-time band in their later years. Harm's Way has since released four studio albums: Reality Approaches (2009), Isolation (2011) and Rust (2015) and several EPs. On February 9, 2018, the band released their critically acclaimed Metal Blade Records debut, titled Posthuman. They have been recognized for their unique blend of metal, industrial, and hardcore music.

History

In 2006,[5] the members of a straight edge punk band called Few and the Proud started a "side project-slash-joke"[1] band to have fun playing short-and-fast powerviolence songs influenced by Crossed Out and Infest.[6] Harm's Way drummer Chris Mills commented on the band's early days and progression, stating: "We'd play super fast powerviolence songs, and our singer would put on a mask and sing silly lyrics about beating up frat boys or whatever. Then, later as the band became more serious, we retired a lot of those elements and went in a more death metal direction—darker and less ridiculous, even if some aspects of it still weren't 100 percent serious."[1] Harm's Way released several albums, EPs and singles through Organized Crime Records and Closed Casket Activities in their early days.

After the release of their 2011 second studio album Isolation, Harm's Way emailed Jacob Bannon (Converge) and his label Deathwish Inc. after hearing that he was a fan of the band's music to ask if the label would be interested in signing them.[5] The band's signing to Deathwish was announced in March 2013.[7] Harm's Way released the EP Blinded on July 23, 2013 featuring artwork by Florian Bertmer,[5] and promoted it with a music video for the track "Mind Control" followed by a world tour.[7][8] Mills commented on their positive relationship with the label, stating: "It's been awesome—they've been really helpful, we have a bigger budget, we were able to do a music video. They've been willing to do anything we've really wanted. They're really supportive."[5] The Blinded EP also saw the band incorporating more Godflesh-influenced industrial metal into their sound.[5][9] During the Summer of 2013, Harms Way went on an extensive European tour alongside Twitching Tongues.[10] This was followed by a September US tour with Dead in the Dirt and Homewrecker serving as support.[11]

In the Summer of 2014 Harms Way took part in the "Life & Death Tour" alongside acts such as Backtrack and Expire.[12] On October 1, it was announced that the band had begun recording a follow up to their 2011 album Isolation.[13] In February and March of 2015, Harms Way played multiple headling shows in both Australia and Japan.[14][15]

Harm's Way released its third studio album Rust through Deathwish on March 10, 2015 and promoted it with a music video for the track "Amongst the Rust."[16][17] Commenting on the band's musical and imagery changes with Rust, Mills said: "We're still locked into these niches in people's minds—you know, meathead tough guy hardcore band, Satan-worshipping death metal band, whatever. We see Rust as not just a new musical phase—we're changing up the old logo and taking a different direction with the imagery to try to steer people away from generalizations and assumptions based on stuff that really doesn't represent who we are as people or musicians."[1] The album was met with generally positive reviews. Writing for Rock Sound, Chris Hidden gave the album an eight-out-of-ten, and said: "This new record finds them in formidable form, with the likes of 'Amongst The Rust' and 'Cancerous Ways' blending the down-tuned riff attack of nu metal with groove-led thrash and the crushing intensity of hardcore to produce a sound that references everyone from Sepultura to Trapped Under Ice."[18] Harm's Way began touring in support of Rust with a March/April 2015 North American tour with Code Orange and others, a May/June European tour, the European leg of Deathwish Fest and US headlining tour in July, and touring North American with The Black Dahlia Murder in October. In November and December they toured the US with Twitching Tongues and Homewrecker.[17][19][20][21][22]

In June 2016, Harms Way toured Europe,[23] and in July they once again took part in the "Life & Death Tour" alongside Terror and Powertrip.[24] On December 7, it was announced the band had signed a worldwide deal with Metal Blade Records.[25]

In February 2017, Harms Way supported Every Time I Die on a North American tour alongside Knocked Loose.[26] In October and November they supported Soulfly on multiple US dates.[27] On December 6, 2017, the band announced their fourth studio album, and Metal Blade Records debut, titled Posthuman. The record was set for release on February 9, 2018, and was produced by Will Putney at Graphic Nature Audio. [28] Luca Cimarusti wrote for the Chicago Reader, "they've finally fully realized their fascination with [Godflesh]. ...Posthuman is one of the darkest, heaviest records you'll hear this year."[29] A year later, Harm's Way released a four-song EP titled PSTHMN featuring industrial remixes of songs from Posthuman.[30]

The band embarked on a US headlining tour in February and March 2018, with Ringworm, Vein and Queensway serving as support.[31] In August and September, Harms Way headlined a UK tour,[32] During the Fall they supported Cannibal Corpse on a US tour.[33]

During a show in Las Vegas, Nevada on September 27, Harms Way’s trailer featuring their gear and merch, totaling over $20,000 in value was stolen from the parking lot.[34] Colin Young, the lead singer for Twitching Tongues, set up a GoFundMe campaign for the band to help them get back on their feet and continue touring. The goal of $25,000 was quickly reached with donations coming from, Corey Taylor of Slipknot, Hatebreed's Jamey Jasta and Fall Out Boy'sJoe Trohman.[35]

In the Spring 2019, Harms way supported Knocked Loose on a US tour with The Acacia Strain,[36] In August they headlined a short US tour alongside Jesus Piece,[37] they then supported Ghostemane on a US tour in October and November.[38]

After taking time off due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Harms Way were scheduled to return touring early 2021, with a European tour alongside Madball and Knocked Loose however this tour got postponed.[39] In December they supported The Acacia Strain and multiple US Dates.[40]

On July 18, 2023, Harms Way released a single "Silent Wolf" and announced their fifth album Common Suffering which was released on September 29.The album was recorded alongside producer Will Yip at Studio 4 in Pennsylvania.[41] To celebrate the album's release, the band held a hometown show at Metro in Chicago, Illinois on November 18, 2023.[42] This show was part of their Fall tour North American tour in support of the album which was supported by Fleshwater, Ingrown, and Jivebomb.[43] In the Summer 2024, Harms Way toured Europe for the first time in five years.[44] During the Fall they supported Hatebreed on their 30th Anniversary North American Tour.[45]

In February 2025, Harms Way toured Australia,[46] they then supported Knocked Loose on a European tour.[47] On May 6, the group released a two song EP Other World.[48] This was followed by a co-headlining North American tour alongside Full of Hell.[49]

Guitarist Bo Lueders died on April 2, 2026, aged 38.[50] A memorial show for Lueders will take place on August 29 at the Bohemian National Cemetery. Harms Way will headline the event and Twitching Tongues, Linda Claire, Weekend Nachos and The Killer Will serve as the opening acts.[51]

Musical style

The band's musical style has been described as metalcore[52][53][54][55] and hardcore punk,[3][56][57] Harms Way originally began as a powerviolence group.[58][56] They also incorporate elements of groove metal,[57] industrial,[57] death metal, black metal, and nu metal into their sound.[59] The band's music has been compared to bands like Code Orange,[60] Slipknot,[61] and Godflesh.[57]

Band members

Current members[62]

  • James Pligge – vocals (2006–present)
  • Christopher Mills – drums (2006–present)
  • Nick Gauthier – guitars (2017–present)
  • Casey Soyk – bass (2017–present)

Former members[56]

  • John "Caution" Hoffman – guitars/bass
  • Bo Lueders – guitars (2006–2026; d. 2026)[63]
  • Andrew Saba – bass
  • Jay Jancetic – guitars
  • David Winslow Cronin – guitars
  • Eammon Riley – drums

Discography

Studio albums

  • Reality Approaches (2009, Organized Crime)
  • Isolation (2011, Closed Casket Activities)
  • Rust (2015, Deathwish)
  • Posthuman (2018, Metal Blade)[29]
  • Common Suffering (2023, Metal Blade)

Extended plays

  • Imprisoned (2007, Organized Crime)
  • Harm's Way (2008, Organized Crime)
  • No Gods, No Masters (2010, Closed Casket Activities)
  • Blinded (2013, Deathwish)
  • PSTHMN (2019, Metal Blade)[30]

Singles

  • "Breeding Grounds" (2011, Closed Casket Activities)

Music videos

  • "Mind Control" (2013)[8]
  • "Amongst the Rust" (2015)[17]
  • "Left to Disintegrate" (2015)[64]
  • "Become a Machine" (2018)
  • "Silent Wolf" (2023)
  • "Devour" (2023)
  • “Undertow” (2023)[65]

Notes

  1. ↑ The band often drops the apostrophe and present their name as HARMS WAY on album art, merchandise and other promotional materials for "aesthetic reasons".[3][4]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Macomber, Shawn (April 2015). "Playtime's over: Mechanized groove is in hardcore vets' hearts". Decibel (126). Philadelphia: Red Flag Media Inc.: 28. ISSN 1557-2137.
  2. ↑ Crane, Matt (April 22, 2015). "Wolfnote (Harm's Way members) stream new song, 'Luna'". Alternative Press. Retrieved April 22, 2015.
  3. 1 2 Thrashnkill, Joe (January 3, 2018). "Toilet Radio Gets Swole with Harm's Way". Toilet Ov Hell Radio (Podcast). Event occurs at 50:25. Retrieved July 29, 2018.
  4. ↑ Neilstein, Vince (December 6, 2017). "Apostrophe-Challenged Harms Way Release Ripping New Single 'Human Carrying Capacity'". MetalSucks. Retrieved July 29, 2018.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 Cragun, Alex (September 24, 2013). "An Interview with Chris Mills, Drummer of Harm's Way". Slug Magazine. Retrieved March 27, 2015.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  6. ↑ Ludwig, Jamie (January 27, 2015). "Destroy Everything in Your Path with a New Song from Chicago Crushers Harm's Way". Noisey. Vice. Retrieved March 27, 2015.
  7. 1 2 Flynn, John (March 15, 2013). "Tours: Deathwish Inc. signs Harm's Way". Punknews.org. Retrieved March 27, 2015.
  8. 1 2 Paul, Aubin (June 13, 2013). "Videos: Harm's Way: 'Mind Control'". Punknews.org. Retrieved March 27, 2015.
  9. ↑ Harrington, Gregg (September 5, 2013). "Interviews: Chris Mills (Harms Way)". Punknews.org. Retrieved March 27, 2015.
  10. ↑ "Harm's Way, Twitching Tongues tour (Europe)". lambgoat.com. March 21, 2013. Retrieved August 1, 2026.
  11. ↑ "Harm's Way, Dead In The Dirt, Homewrecker tour". lambgoat.com. July 16, 2013. Retrieved August 1, 2026.
  12. ↑ Days, Salad. "LIFE & DEATH TOUR ANNOUNCED FEATURING BACKTRACK, HARM'S WAY, EXPIRE & OTHERS | Salad Days Magazine". Retrieved August 1, 2026.
  13. ↑ "Harm's Way recording new album". lambgoat.com. October 1, 2014. Retrieved August 1, 2026.
  14. ↑ "Harm's Way tour (Japan)". lambgoat.com. December 4, 2014. Retrieved August 1, 2026.
  15. ↑ "Harm's Way to tour Australia in February". lambgoat.com. December 18, 2014. Retrieved August 1, 2026.
  16. ↑ Chichester, Sammi (March 5, 2015). "Harm's Way Premiere New Album, 'Rust'". Revolver. NewBay Media. Retrieved March 27, 2015.
  17. 1 2 3 Macomber, Shawn (February 25, 2015). "Get Into Harm's Way: Exclusive Video Premiere!". Decibel. Red Flag Media Inc. Retrieved March 27, 2015.
  18. ↑ Hidden, Chris (March 11, 2015). "Harm's Way – Rust". Rock Sound. Archived from the original on September 7, 2015. Retrieved March 27, 2015.
  19. ↑ Adams, Gregory (March 5, 2015). "Harm's Way 'Rust' (album stream)". Exclaim!. Retrieved March 27, 2015.
  20. ↑ Neilstein, Vince (June 2, 2015). "Harm's Way Still Do Not Understand Apostrophes, Will Tour Anyway". MetalSucks. Retrieved June 3, 2015.
  21. ↑ Adams, Gregory (July 15, 2015). "The Black Dahlia Murder Take Harm's Way, Iron Reagan on Canada-Heavy Tour". Exclaim!. Retrieved July 18, 2015.
  22. ↑ "Twitching Tongues, Harms Way, Homewrecker tour". lambgoat.com. September 2, 2015. Retrieved August 1, 2026.
  23. ↑ "Harm's way tour (Europe)". lambgoat.com. May 3, 2016. Retrieved August 1, 2026.
  24. ↑ "POWER TRIP To Embark On The Life & Death Tour 2016 With Terror, Harm's Way, And Others Across North America Tomorrow - Earsplit Compound". July 5, 2016. Retrieved August 1, 2026.
  25. ↑ wookubus (December 7, 2016). "Harm's Way Sign With Metal Blade Records". Theprp.com. Retrieved August 1, 2026.
  26. ↑ Staff, New Noise (December 9, 2016). "Every Time I Die Announces North American Tour with Knocked Loose, Harm's Way and Eternal Sleep". New Noise Magazine. Retrieved August 1, 2026.
  27. ↑ DiVita, Joe DiVitaJoe (June 16, 2017). "Soulfly Announce 2017 Tour Performing Nailbomb's 'Point Blank' in Full". Loudwire. Retrieved August 1, 2026.
  28. ↑ "Harm's Way announces North American headlining tour with Ringworm, Vein, Queensway". Metal Blade Records. Retrieved August 1, 2026.
  29. 1 2 Cimarusti, Luca (March 22, 2018). "Harms Way". Chicago Reader. Retrieved March 25, 2018.
  30. 1 2 Bellino, Vince (April 19, 2019). "Full EP Stream: Harm's Way - 'PSTHMN'". Decibel. Red Flag Media. Retrieved April 19, 2019.
  31. ↑ "HARMS WAY Announce Tour With RINGWORM, VEIN And QUEENSWAY". lambgoat.com. December 13, 2017. Retrieved August 1, 2026.
  32. ↑ "Harms Way to tour Europe, UK". lambgoat.com. June 5, 2018. Retrieved August 1, 2026.
  33. ↑ Blabbermouth (July 17, 2018). "CANNIBAL CORPSE Announces Fall 2018 U.S. Tour With HATE ETERNAL, HARM'S WAY". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. Retrieved August 1, 2026.
  34. ↑ Injection, Metal (September 29, 2018). "HARM'S WAY Robbed of Over $20,000 Worth of Gear & Merch in Las Vegas". Metal Injection. Retrieved August 1, 2026.
  35. ↑ Christopher, Michael ChristopherMichael (October 4, 2018). "Slipknot, Fall Out Boy + More Donate to Harm's Way". Loudwire. Retrieved August 1, 2026.
  36. ↑ Injection, Metal (January 22, 2019). "KNOCKED LOOSE, THE ACACIA STRAIN, HARMS WAY Announce Spring 2019 Tour". Metal Injection. Retrieved August 1, 2026.
  37. ↑ Hatfield, Amanda. "Harms Way announce tour with Jesus Piece, Portrayal of Guilt & Fuming Mouth". BrooklynVegan. Retrieved August 1, 2026.
  38. ↑ "HARMS WAY and JESUS PIECE to Tour with Ghostemane". lambgoat.com. August 15, 2019. Retrieved August 1, 2026.
  39. ↑ wookubus (January 22, 2021). "Madball, Knocked Loose, Harm's Way, Etc. European Tour Once Again Postponed". Theprp.com. Retrieved August 1, 2026.
  40. ↑ "THE ACACIA STRAIN to Headline Fall Tour ft. HARMS WAY and KUBLAI KHAN on Select Dates". lambgoat.com. June 8, 2021. Retrieved August 1, 2026.
  41. ↑ Hadusek, Jon (July 18, 2023). "Harm's Way Announce New Album, Unleash Single "Silent Wolf"". Retrieved August 1, 2026.
  42. ↑ "HARM'S WAY schedule hometown release show w/ WEEKEND NACHOS, ALL OUT WAR, FLESHWATER, etc". lambgoat.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved August 1, 2026.
  43. ↑ Hadusek, Jon (August 16, 2023). "Harm's Way Announce Fall Tour, Unveil Single "Devour"". Retrieved August 1, 2026.
  44. ↑ Keenan, Hesher (May 23, 2024). "Harm's Way Announce European Tour". MetalSucks. Retrieved August 1, 2026.
  45. ↑ Kaufman, Spencer (March 19, 2024). "Hatebreed Announce 30th Anniversary 2024 North American Tour". Retrieved August 1, 2026.
  46. ↑ "HARM'S WAY announce Australian tour with TERMINAL SLEEP". lambgoat.com. December 23, 2024. Retrieved August 1, 2026.
  47. ↑ Kennelty, Greg (October 23, 2024). "KNOCKED LOOSE Announces European Tour With BASEMENT, HARM'S WAY & PEST CONTROL". Metal Injection. Retrieved August 1, 2026.
  48. ↑ "HARM'S WAY release two-song EP "Other World" - IDIOTEQ.com". May 6, 2025. Retrieved August 1, 2026.
  49. ↑ Hadusek, Jon (March 5, 2025). "Harm's Way and Full of Hell Announce Co-Headlining 2025 Tour". Retrieved August 1, 2026.
  50. ↑ "Bo Lueders (Hardlore, Harms Way) has passed away". Lambgoat. April 2, 2026. Retrieved April 2, 2026.
  51. ↑ Carroll, Rob CarrollRob (July 30, 2026). "Hardcore Bands Uniting for Memorial Show at Historic Chicago Cemetery". Loudwire. Retrieved August 1, 2026.
  52. ↑ Cimarusti, Luca (November 13, 2023). "Local metalcore masters Harm's Way welcome Common Suffering alongside a reunited Weekend Nachos". Chicago Reader. Retrieved March 6, 2024.
  53. ↑ "Harm's Way (USA-IL) reviews, music, news - sputnikmusic". www.sputnikmusic.com. Retrieved March 6, 2024.
  54. ↑ "HARM'S WAY". MetalMusicArchives.com. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
  55. ↑ Smith, Joe (March 14, 2018). "Harm's Way — Posthuman". Medium. Retrieved December 25, 2021.
  56. 1 2 3 Thomas, Fred. "Harms Way | Album Discography". AllMusic. Retrieved December 25, 2021.
  57. 1 2 3 4 O'Connor, Andy (February 10, 2018). "Harm's Way: Posthuman Album Review". Pitchfork. Retrieved December 25, 2021.
  58. ↑ Smith-Engelhardt, Joe (February 6, 2018). "Harm's Way Reveal Why They Embraced Industrial on 'Posthuman'". exclaim.ca. Retrieved December 26, 2021.
  59. ↑ Cimarusti, Luca (March 16, 2018). "With Posthuman Harm's Way deliver one of the scariest, heaviest records you'll hear this year". Chicago Reader. Retrieved December 25, 2021.
  60. ↑ Pemental, Michael (February 7, 2018). "Album Review: Harm's Way Posthuman". Metal Injection. Retrieved December 25, 2021.
  61. ↑ Smith-Engelhardt, Joe (February 5, 2018). "Harm's Way – Posthuman". Exclaim!. Retrieved December 25, 2021.
  62. ↑ "Harm's Way - Posthuman & PSTHMN". Metal Blade. Retrieved December 25, 2021.
  63. ↑ Monroe, Jazz (April 3, 2026). "Bo Lueders, Harm's Way Guitarist and HardLore Podcast Host, Dies at 38". Pitchfork. Retrieved April 3, 2026.
  64. ↑ Carter, Emily (May 18, 2015). "Harm's Way Unleash New Video, Left To Disintegrate". Kerrang!. Bauer Media Group. Retrieved May 19, 2015.
  65. ↑ "Harm's Way Debut Music Video for "Devour", Announce Fall Tour with Fleshwater, Ingrown & Jivebomb". August 16, 2023.
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