Gwen Stacy is an Indianapolis music group that plays their own brand of Christian metalcore, similar to fellow Indianapolis band, Haste the Day. Named after a character in the Spiderman comic books, Gwen Stacy has been together since 2004. They have released two albums: the 2005 independent LP, I Believe in Humility and another full length album, The Life I Know, in 2008 with Ferret Music.
| Video of Indianapolis band Gwen Stacy performing Jermeiah Buys a Field at the Emerson Theater in Indianapolis |
Metalcore, the genre Gwen Stacy most easily fits into, is different from traditional metal in that it combines the speed and technical prowess of metal bands like Summon the Destroyer with the lyrical complexity and emotional themes of mid 90’s hardcore and emo music. The genre has been growing in popularity throughout the past decade, particularly in teenage Christian circles, and Gwen Stacy has been growing right along with it, keeping their fans interested with their focused stage presence.
Like many other metalcore bands, Gwen Stacy makes use of throaty, screamed vocals, punishing guitars, and loud, heavy drumming to propel their empathetic, message laden lyrics. Their relatable lyrics and frenzied music have gained them quite a few fans, and they have built a hard earned reputation of relentless work and dedication.
| Video of Indianapolis band Gwen Stacy performing “Gone Fishing, See You in a Year” live |
The Indianapolis band currently has four members: bassist and backup vocalist Brent Schindler, guitarist Patrick Meadows, drummer T.J. Sego, and lead vocalist Geoff Jenkins. The band has been somewhat of a revolving door throughout its history, going through three vocalists, two guitarists, and Chris Suter, who played guitar and sang, before settling on the current lineup. Of the original band, only Schindler and Sego are left.
Normally metalcore bands aren’t the first thing that come to mind when you think of Hoosiers, but all the members of Gwen Stacy are Indianapolis residents who say they loved growing up in the Midwest. The band tours nationally with other hardcore acts, and they have appeared at several festivals, including some Indianapolis fairs and festivals. Gwen Stacy even took a trip to Europe in 2009 in support of their Ferret Music LP, The Life I Know.
Since they’re from the Circle City, Gwen Stacy has played at many Indianapolis bars and Indianapolis music venues, like the Emerson Theatre, the Music Mill, and the Murat Theatre. The band still comes to town every once in a while for a show on their home turf before returning to the national stage.
| Indianapolis band Gwen Stacy performs “Gun Held to the Head of the World” live |
Currently, Gwen Stacy is back in the studio working on a new album. The album is being produced by Andreas Magnusson, the same engineer behind Haste the Day’s Dreamer. The new album is expected to be released sometime in 2009, and Gwen Stacy’s fans are rabidly awaiting the release. The band is also embarking on a new nationwide tour, the Scream the Prayer Tour, which should bring them a whole new legion of fans. Gwen Stacy is just now at the start of their career, and it looks like the only way to go for this Indianapolis four piece is up.
For more information on Gwen Stacy, including a bio, tour dates, and music samples, please visit their Ferret Music homepage and their MySpace page.
Visit FunCityFinder Indianapolis on our MySpace to connect with more Indianapolis bands and music venues!
[include-page id="54222"]
{ 0 comments… add one now }