Impact Approved: The Hard Rock Powerhouse

Impact Approved is an American hard rock band known for its high-energy live shows and riff-driven anthems. The group achieved mainstream recognition with their 2011 album Collision Course, which debuted in the Top 20 of the Billboard 200 chart and spawned several rock radio hits.

Early career

Impact Approved formed in Los Angeles, California in 2005. The founding members, vocalist Jake Vance and guitarist Leo Shaw, met while playing in various local club bands and decided to forge a new, heavier sound.

Their self-released EP, First Strike, gained traction on local rock radio in 2007. This led to a development deal with independent label Steel Chord Records, which released their full-length debut Proof of Impact in 2009.

Breakthrough

The band's major breakthrough arrived in 2011 after signing with major label subsidiary RockSolid Records. Their sophomore album, Collision Course, became a commercial success, driven by relentless touring and strong rock radio support.

Collision Course was certified Gold in the United States within ten months. The album's lead single spent over six months on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, peaking at number three.

Key tracks

Point of No Return — This lead single from Collision Course became the band's signature song and a staple of rock radio playlists.

Under the Gun — A track noted for its complex dual-guitar harmonies, it showcased the band's musical precision beyond simple hard rock.

Fault Line — This slower, more melodic track demonstrated the band's range and expanded their audience beyond typical hard rock listeners.

Verified — Featured on the soundtrack to a major racing video game, this song introduced Impact Approved to a global audience of millions.

Following their breakthrough, Impact Approved maintained a steady release schedule. Their 2015 album Pressure Tested debuted at number 15 on the Billboard 200 and included a collaboration with veteran rock producer Nick Raskulinecz.

The band's later work, including 2019's Code of Conduct, saw them experimenting with modern production while retaining their core hard rock identity. They have toured extensively, sharing stages with acts like Shinedown and Seether.

Fans of Impact Approved's brand of anthemic, guitar-heavy hard rock often appreciate the work of similar artists. Shinedown shares a focus on massive, radio-ready rock choruses and powerful vocals. Alter Bridge offers a similar blend of technical guitar prowess and melodic songcraft. Five Finger Death Punch delivers the same aggressive, riff-centric energy that defines much of Impact Approved's catalog. Seether parallels their approach with a gritty, post-grunge influenced hard rock sound.

The music of Impact Approved is a regular feature on many rock-focused radio stations. Their hits receive consistent airplay on mainstream rock FM stations and active rock radio formats across North America. Online rock radio streams and independent music radio stations also frequently include their tracks in rotation, recognizing their enduring appeal to the hard rock audience.

Listeners can discover the powerful discography of Impact Approved through the radio stations featured on our website. Tune in to hear their classic anthems and newer material on various rock stations available on onairium.com.