Unshackled: The Driving Force of Modern Hard Rock

Unshackled is an American hard rock band known for its powerful riffs and anthemic songwriting. Hailing from Los Angeles, California, the group achieved mainstream recognition with their platinum-certified second album, 'Resonance', which spawned several top-ten rock radio hits.

Early career

The band was formed in 2010 by vocalist/guitarist Marcus Thorne and drummer Leo Vance, who met while studying music in college. After solidifying their lineup with bassist Sarah Kline, Unshackled began playing the competitive LA club circuit, building a local following with their intense live shows.

Their self-released debut EP, 'First Chain', arrived in 2012 and caught the attention of several independent labels. This led to a development deal with indie label Steel Chord Records, which helped fund their first full-length studio sessions.

Breakthrough

Unshackled's breakthrough arrived in 2016 with their sophomore album, 'Resonance', released via the larger imprint Phoenix Rising Records. The album debuted at number 3 on the Billboard Top Rock Albums chart and was later certified platinum, driven by massive rock radio airplay.

The lead single, "Break the Mold," became a defining rock anthem of the year, topping the Billboard Mainstream Rock Songs chart for four consecutive weeks. This success established Unshackled as a major new force in the modern rock landscape.

Key tracks

Break the Mold — This chart-topping single served as the band's mainstream breakthrough and remains their signature song.

Echoes in the Static — A key deep-cut from 'Resonance' that showcases the band's dynamic range and lyrical depth.

Weightless — This powerful ballad expanded their audience and received significant crossover radio play.

Ironclad — A later single known for its aggressive riffage and a high-energy collaboration with veteran guitarist Phil X.

Following the success of 'Resonance', Unshackled toured extensively with major acts like Shinedown and Five Finger Death Punch. Their third album, 2020's 'Volition', debuted at number 1 on the Top Hard Rock Albums chart, proving their staying power. The band has continued to evolve their sound, incorporating modern production elements while staying true to their hard rock roots on subsequent releases.

Fans of Unshackled's brand of melodic yet heavy hard rock often appreciate the work of Shinedown for their shared focus on massive choruses and thematic uplift. The guitar-driven intensity aligns with Five Finger Death Punch and their aggressive, anthemic style. For a similar blend of modern rock energy and radio-friendly hooks, explore Bad Wolves. The melodic sensibility also finds common ground with Starset, though that band leans more into cinematic and conceptual territory.

Unshackled's music maintains a strong presence on rock radio formats across the United States and internationally. Their hits are staples on mainstream rock FM stations, while their deeper album cuts frequently appear on curated online rock radio streams and independent music radio stations that champion guitar-driven music.

You can hear the powerful hard rock of Unshackled on radio stations featured on our website. Discover their music and listen to their biggest hits through the variety of rock-focused radio stations available on onairium.com.