First Time In Hell: The Raw Power of Modern Hard Rock

First Time In Hell is a hard rock band from Chicago, Illinois, known for their aggressive riffs and anthemic choruses. The group achieved commercial success with their 2018 debut album, which charted on the Billboard 200 and spawned several rock radio hits.

Early career

First Time In Hell formed in 2012, born from the city's underground metal and punk scenes. The original lineup, featuring vocalist/guitarist Marcus Vale, guitarist Leo Shaw, bassist Cara Flint, and drummer J.D. "Hutch" Hutchinson, began by self-releasing a series of raw EPs.

Their DIY work ethic and intense live shows caught the attention of independent label Steel Carrot Records. The label released the band's first official EP, "Burn the Proof," in 2015, which helped them build a dedicated regional following.

Breakthrough

The band's major breakthrough arrived in 2018 with their debut full-length album, "No Saints to Bury." Released via the larger imprint Razor Wire Music, the album debuted at number 87 on the Billboard 200 chart. Its lead single received heavy rotation on rock radio, pushing the album to sell over 500,000 copies in the United States.

This success was followed by extensive touring across North America and Europe. The album's momentum was sustained by a second single that reached the top 10 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock chart in early 2019.

Key tracks

No Saints to Bury — This title track introduced the band's signature blend of melodic hooks and crushing guitar work to a national audience.

Last Cigarette — As the breakthrough radio single, it became an anthem and remains a staple of their live set.

Paper Crowns — A slower, more atmospheric track that demonstrated the band's dynamic range beyond pure aggression.

Ghost in the Gear — Featured in several major video game soundtracks, expanding the band's reach to a new demographic.

Burn the Proof — A fan-favorite from their early days that was re-recorded for the debut album, bridging their past and present.

Following their breakthrough, First Time In Hell returned to the studio to craft their sophomore effort. The 2021 album, "Condition Critical," was produced by noted rock producer Will Binder and debuted at number 52 on the Billboard 200. While it did not match the sales of their debut, it was praised for its heavier, more complex songwriting.

The band has engaged in select collaborations, most notably contributing a song to the 2022 compilation "Rock Solid" alongside established acts. They have also performed at major festivals like Rock on the Range and Welcome to Rockville, solidifying their reputation as a powerful live act in the modern hard rock scene.

Fans of First Time In Hell's intense hard rock sound often appreciate the work of similar artists. Nothing More shares a penchant for technical proficiency and introspective, aggressive lyrics. Bad Omens explores a similar blend of melodic metalcore and atmospheric rock elements. From Ashes to New merges rap-rock and modern hard rock in a comparable style. Starset offers a similarly cinematic and concept-driven approach within the alternative metal genre.

First Time In Hell's music maintains a strong presence on radio waves. Their hits are frequently featured on mainstream rock FM stations and alternative rock radio stations, while their deeper album cuts find a home on independent music radio stations and dedicated online rock radio streams.

Listeners can discover the powerful hard rock of First Time In Hell through the radio stations featured on our website. Tune in to stations available on onairium.com to hear their essential tracks and latest releases in regular rotation.