Dead by Sunrise: The Alternative Rock Side Project
Dead by Sunrise is an American alternative rock band formed as a solo side project by Linkin Park vocalist and rhythm guitarist Chester Bennington. The group released one studio album, 2009's Out of Ashes, which blended Bennington's signature emotive vocals with a more straightforward rock and electronic-influenced sound distinct from his main band's work.
Early Career
The origins of Dead by Sunrise trace back to 2005, when Chester Bennington began writing songs outside of Linkin Park. These initial demos, which included early versions of tracks like Crawl Back In and Let Down, were more personal and rooted in classic and alternative rock. Bennington assembled a band featuring Amir Derakh and Ryan Shuck from the bands Orgy and Julien-K, who also co-wrote and produced the material.
Breakthrough
The project officially launched under the name Dead by Sunrise in 2008, with the band signing to Warner Bros. Records. Their debut album, Out of Ashes, was released in October 2009 and entered the Billboard 200 chart at number 29, providing a clear snapshot of Bennington's artistic direction beyond the nu-metal and rap-rock sphere.
Key Tracks
Crawl Back In - The lead single and opening track that set the album's tone with its driving guitars and anthemic chorus.
Let Down - A deeply personal song that showcases Bennington's raw lyrical themes and melodic rock sensibilities.
Fire - This track highlights the electronic rock elements woven into the band's sound, courtesy of Derakh and Shuck's production.
Morning After - A song that exemplifies the album's blend of atmospheric textures and hard rock energy.
Following the album's release, Dead by Sunrise performed live shows in 2009 and 2010, including a spot on the annual Carnival of Madness tour. The band's activity was ultimately placed on hold as Chester Bennington refocused his efforts on Linkin Park, who were recording their 2010 album A Thousand Suns. The project remains a definitive, if singular, chapter in Bennington's musical legacy, showcasing a different facet of his vocal and songwriting talents within the alternative rock genre. Fans of Dead by Sunrise's melodic yet gritty rock style may also appreciate the work of Linkin Park for the shared vocal intensity. The electronic rock influence connects to Julien-K, which shares key members. The alternative metal approach can be heard in Stone Sour, another band known for its dynamic vocal delivery. The project's melodic sensibilities also align with Breaking Benjamin in the post-grunge and alternative rock space.
