Slaves: The Post-Hardcore Force from Sacramento

Slaves was an American post-hardcore band formed in Sacramento, California, known for their emotionally charged lyrics and dynamic sound. The group achieved notable commercial success with their 2015 album Through Art We Are All Equals, which charted on the Billboard 200 and solidified their passionate fanbase.

Early career

The band's origins trace back to 2014, following the dissolution of several members' previous musical projects. Vocalist Jonny Craig, guitarist Alex Lyman, bassist Colin Vieira, and drummer Christopher Kim formed the core of the initial lineup, aiming to create intense, melody-driven rock.

They quickly signed to Artery Recordings, a label known for its roster of post-hardcore and metalcore acts. Their debut album, Through Art We Are All Equals, was released in June 2014, establishing their signature blend of Craig's soulful vocals with aggressive instrumentation.

Breakthrough

The band's breakthrough moment came in 2015 with the re-release and promotion of their debut album. This renewed push, supported by consistent touring, propelled the album to number 76 on the Billboard 200 chart, a significant achievement for an independent post-hardcore act.

This chart success demonstrated their growing reach beyond the genre's core audience. The album's single The Fire Down Below gained substantial traction on streaming platforms and rock radio, further amplifying their profile.

Key tracks

The Fire Down Below — This powerful single became a live staple and showcased the band's ability to merge catchy hooks with raw emotional intensity.

My Soul Is Empty and Full of White Girls — A track noted for its provocative title and dynamic structure, it highlighted Jonny Craig's distinctive vocal range and the band's lyrical directness.

Winter Everywhere — This song exemplified the band's softer, more melodic side, often providing a poignant contrast to their heavier material in live sets.

I'd Rather See Your Star Explode — Featured on their second album, this track represented the band's evolving sound and continued focus on deeply personal themes.

Following their initial success, Slaves navigated lineup changes, including the departure of Jonny Craig in 2017. Matt McAndrew joined as the new lead vocalist for the 2018 album Beautiful Death, which debuted at number 10 on the Billboard Independent Albums chart. The band continued to tour extensively, building a reputation for energetic live performances before announcing their dissolution in 2022.

Fans of Slaves' intense blend of post-hardcore and melodic rock often appreciate the work of similar American artists. Dance Gavin Dance shares a connection through former vocalist Jonny Craig and a complex, technical approach to the genre. Emarosa also features Craig's earlier work and explores a similar space of soulful vocals over post-hardcore instrumentation. Issues blends metalcore with R&B and funk influences, creating a dynamic mix akin to Slaves' style. Circa Survive offers another take on atmospheric and emotionally driven alternative rock with a dedicated following.

The music of Slaves maintains a strong presence on modern rock and post-hardcore radio formats. Their songs are regularly featured on alternative rock radio stations and dedicated online rock radio streams that cater to fans of intense, melody-focused music. Independent music radio stations often include their tracks in rotations highlighting early 2010s post-hardcore revival acts.

Listeners can explore the dynamic catalog of Slaves through the radio stations featured on our website. Tune in to discover their powerful tracks on various rock and alternative stations available on onairium.com.