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{{Short description|American heavy metal band}}
{{Short description|American heavy metal band}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2021}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2021}}
{{Infobox musical artist <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject_Musicians -->
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Kylesa
| name = Kylesa
| image = Kylesa_-_Roskilde_Festival_2011.jpg
| image = Kylesa_-_Roskilde_Festival_2011.jpg
Line 9: Line 9:
| origin = [[Savannah, Georgia]], U.S.
| origin = [[Savannah, Georgia]], U.S.
| genre = {{flatlist|
| genre = {{flatlist|
*[[Sludge metal]]<ref name="Parker"/><ref name=Starpulse/>
*[[Sludge metal]]
*[[stoner metal]]
*[[Heavy metal music|heavy metal]]<ref name="AllMusic bio">{{Cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/kylesa-mn0000090988/biography|title=Kylesa &#124; Biography & History|website=[[AllMusic]]|access-date=November 17, 2020}}</ref>
*[[stoner rock]]<ref name="WC10">{{cite web|title=10 Stoner Rock Bands You Need To Hear In 2016|url=http://whatculture.com/music/10-stoner-rock-bands-you-need-to-hear-in-2016|last=Boyd|first=William|publisher=What Culture|date=February 17, 2016|access-date=January 27, 2017}}</ref>
⚫
*[[biker metal]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/music/the-21-best-heavy-metal-albums-of-2013-6614732 |title=The 21 Best Heavy Metal Albums of 2013 |last=WISE |first=LAUREN |website=[[Phoenix New Times]] |access-date=September 23, 2018 |quote=Georgia's pretty damn good at producing great stoner sludge metal: In addition to Mastodon and Baroness there's Kylesa, who fuses basement punk and biker metal on Ultraviolet.}}</ref>
}}
}}
| years_active = 2001–2016 <small>(indefinite hiatus)</small>
| years_active = {{hlist|2001–2016|2024–present}}
| label = {{flatlist|
| label = {{flatlist|
*[[Season of Mist]]
*[[Season of Mist]]
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}}
}}
| associated_acts =
| associated_acts =
| website = {{url|kylesa.com}}
| website = {{url|https://www.kylesamusic.com/}}
| current_members = Phillip Cope<br/>Laura Pleasants<br/>Carl McGinley
| current_members = Phillip Cope<br/>Laura Pleasants
| past_members = Eric Hernandez <br/>Chase Rudseal <br/>Jeff Porter<br/>Brandon Baltzley<br/>Christian Depken<br/>Brian Duke<br/>Corey Barhorst<br/>Tyler Newberry }}
| past_members = Christian Depken<br/>Brian Duke<br/>Corey Barhorst<br/>Brandon Baltzley<br/>Carl McGinley<br/>Jeff Porter<br/>Tyler Newberry<br/>Eric Hernandez<br/>Javier Villegas<br/>Chase Rudseal}}


'''Kylesa''' is an American [[heavy metal music|heavy metal]] band that was formed in [[Savannah, Georgia]]. Their music incorporates experimentalism with heavy riffs, [[Down-tuned guitar|drop-tuned guitars]] and elements of [[psychedelic rock]].<ref name="prostheticrecords.com">{{Cite web|url=http://prostheticrecords.com/bands/kylesa/8.php|title=PROSTHETIC RECORDS.COM|date=February 24, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090224022921/http://prostheticrecords.com/bands/kylesa/8.php|access-date=November 17, 2020|archive-date=February 24, 2009}}</ref> The group was established in 2001<ref name="prostheticrecords.com"/> by the former members of Damad, with the addition of guitar player Laura Pleasants who is from [[North Carolina]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stompandstammer.com/index.php?option=com_content&id=858&Itemid=51&task=view&limit=1&limitstart=0 |title=Kylesa (May.07 issue) |publisher=Stomp And Stammer |access-date=June 3, 2013}}</ref> The band has since undergone line up changes; the remaining original members are Phillip Cope and Laura Pleasants. In 2006, the band added two drummers (Carl McGinley of Unpersons, from Savannah, and Jeff Porter). Eric Hernandez (of Capsule, from Miami) joined in 2008 to replace Porter. The dual drum tracks are often panned strongly to the right and left.
'''Kylesa''' is an American [[sludge metal]] band that was formed in [[Savannah, Georgia]]. Their music incorporates experimentalism with heavy riffs, [[Down-tuned guitar|drop-tuned guitars]] and elements of [[psychedelic rock]].<ref name="prostheticrecords.com">{{Cite web|url=http://prostheticrecords.com/bands/kylesa/8.php|title=PROSTHETIC RECORDS.COM|date=February 24, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090224022921/http://prostheticrecords.com/bands/kylesa/8.php|access-date=November 17, 2020|archive-date=February 24, 2009}}</ref> The group was established in 2001 by the former members of Damad, with the addition of guitar player Laura Pleasants who is from North Carolina.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stompandstammer.com/index.php?option=com_content&id=858&Itemid=51&task=view&limit=1&limitstart=0 |title=Kylesa (May.07 issue) |publisher=Stomp And Stammer |access-date=June 3, 2013}}</ref>


The band has since undergone lineup changes; the remaining original members are Phillip Cope and Laura Pleasants. In 2006, the band added two drummers, Carl McGinley and Jeff Porter. Eric Hernandez joined in 2008 to replace Porter. In April 2016, the band announced that they would be going on an indefinite hiatus. On August 20, 2024 Roadburn Festival announced a reunion of Kylesa at their 2025 edition.
⚫
In April 2016, the band announced in a [[Facebook]] post that they would be going on an indefinite hiatus.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pitchfork.com/news/65154-kylesa-announce-indefinite-hiatus/ |title=Kylesa Announce Indefinite Hiatus |publisher=Pitchfork Media |first=Zoe |last=Camp |date=April 29, 2016 |access-date=April 29, 2016}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
Kylesa is a metal group that borrows elements of [[hardcore punk]], [[psychedelic rock]], [[stoner rock]], [[sludge metal]], and [[speed metal]].<ref name="AllMusic bio"/> They have two singers, Phillip and Laura. Kylesa formed in Savannah in 2001, taking their name from "[[Kleshas (Buddhism)|kilesa mara]]", a Buddhist term denoting delusory mental states.<ref name="Parker">{{cite news|url=http://www.okgazette.com/oklahoma/article-4505-dual-drumming-savannah-sludge-rockers-kylesa-overhaul-sound.html|title=Dual-drumming Savannah sludge-rockers Kylesa overhaul sound|last=Parker|first=Chris|date=September 24, 2009|work=[[Oklahoma Gazette]]}}</ref>
Kylesa formed in Savannah in 2001,<ref name="AllMusic bio" /> taking their name from "[[Kleshas (Buddhism)|kilesa mara]]", a Buddhist term denoting delusory mental states.<ref name="Parker">{{cite news |last=Parker |first=Chris |date=September 24, 2009 |title=Dual-drumming Savannah sludge-rockers Kylesa overhaul sound |url=http://www.okgazette.com/oklahoma/article-4505-dual-drumming-savannah-sludge-rockers-kylesa-overhaul-sound.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002060755/http://www.okgazette.com/oklahoma/article-4505-dual-drumming-savannah-sludge-rockers-kylesa-overhaul-sound.html |archive-date=October 2, 2013 |work=[[Oklahoma Gazette]]}}</ref>


⚫
Guitarist and singer Phillip Cope, bassist Brian Duke, and drummer Christian Depken were former members of the Savannah sludge metal act Damad, which had released two albums in the '90s. Philip Cope has been described as the Savannah "metal scene's godfather".<ref name=spin/> He began playing in hardcore punk groups in the late 1980s, and in 1992 booked groups such as [[Buzzoven]] and [[Neurosis (band)|Neurosis]] at a local all-ages club.<ref name=spin/> From 1993 to 2001, Cope played in the group Damad, which included vocalist [[Victoria Scalisi]]. Pat Mathis of the Passive Fist label said that Damad "established a sound that's stuck-- that whole heavy, doomy Southern kind of metal. When you've got these old punk guys who listen to the [[Allman Brothers]] and start a metal band, that's kind of what you get."<ref name=spin>Peisner, p. 68</ref> Damad changed their name to Kylesa in 2001 with the addition of Laura Pleasants, a native of North Carolina who attended the [[Savannah College of Art and Design]].<ref name=spin/>
Guitarist and singer Phillip Cope, bassist Brian Duke and drummer Christian Depken were former members of the Savannah sludge metal act Damad, which had released two albums in the '90s.
⚫
Philip Cope has been described as the Savannah "metal scene's godfather".<ref name=spin/> He began playing in hardcore punk groups in the late 1980s, and in 1992 booked groups such as [[Buzzoven]] and [[Neurosis (band)|Neurosis]] at a local all-ages club.<ref name=spin/> From 1993 to 2001, Cope played in the group Damad. Pat Mathis of the Passive Fist label said that Damad "established a sound that's stuck-- that whole heavy, doomy Southern kind of metal. When you've got these old punk guys who listen to the [[Allman Brothers]] and start a metal band, that's kind of what you get."<ref name=spin>Peisner, p. 68</ref> Damad changed their name to Kylesa in 2001 with the addition of Laura Pleasants, a native of North Carolina who attended the [[Savannah College of Art and Design]].<ref name=spin/>


After recording the majority of their first record (self-titled on Prank) in May 2001, Kylesa played their first show with [[Mastodon (band)|Mastodon]] and Cream Abdul Babar in Savannah, Georgia on June 2, 2001. On June 6, 2001, Brian Duke died from an epileptic seizure during the course of the night. The band decided to finish the recording in Brian's honor, wrote and recorded two more songs (where local bass player and friend Michael Redmond stepped in and played bass). The self-titled record was released about one year later on Prank Records when artwork by [[Pushead]] was completed. Prior to the full LP, a single limited 7-inch was released on Prank also with Pushead artwork. The Pushead-designed Band Logo from these releases has been used on all the band's merchandise and releases ever since.
After recording the majority of their first record ([[Kylesa (album)|self-titled Kylesa]] on Prank Records) in May 2001, the band played their first show with [[Mastodon (band)|Mastodon]] and Cream Abdul Babar in Savannah, Georgia on June 2, 2001. On June 6, 2001, Brian Duke died from an epileptic seizure during the course of the night. The band decided to finish the recording in his honor, wrote and recorded two more songs (where local bass player and friend Michael Redmond stepped in and played bass). The self-titled record was released about one year later when artwork by [[Pushead]] was completed. Prior to the full LP, a single limited 7-inch was released on Prank Records, also using artwork by Pushead. The Pushead-designed band logo from these releases has been used on all the band's merchandise and releases ever since.


Replacing Duke with bassist and singer Corey Barhorst, the band wrote and recorded a split 7-inch with Memento Mori, on Hyperrealist, and a split full length with Cream Abdul Babar from Florida, on At a Loss Recordings. These records came out immediately following the release on Prank, although they were recorded much later, The long wait for artwork by Pushead delaying the release of the self-titled LP. More singles and a placeholder EP, 2004's ''No Ending 110 Degree Heat Index'' followed right before Depken left the group.
Replacing Duke with bassist and singer Corey Barhorst, the band wrote and recorded a split 7-inch with Memento Mori on Hyperrealist, and a split full-length with Cream Abdul Babar from Florida on At a Loss Recordings. These records came out immediately following the release on Prank despite being recorded much later, due to the long wait for artwork by Pushead delaying the release of the self-titled LP. More singles and a placeholder EP, 2004's ''No Ending 110 Degree Heat Index'', followed right before Depken left the group.


Kylesa signed with the independent metal label [[Prosthetic Records]] and released their second proper album, ''[[To Walk a Middle Course]]'', in 2005 with drummer Brandon Baltzley.
Kylesa signed with the independent metal label [[Prosthetic Records]] and released their second proper album, ''[[To Walk a Middle Course]]'', in 2005 with drummer Brandon Baltzley.


Following the release of that album, Baltzley left the group, replaced by a pair of drummers, Jeff Porter and Carl McGinley. Kylesa's third album, ''[[Time Will Fuse Its Worth]]'', was released on Halloween 2006. Eric Hernandez replaced Porter and appears on ''[[Static Tensions]]'', released in 2009.<ref name=Starpulse>{{cite web |url=http://www.starpulse.com/Music/Kylesa/Biography/ |title=Kylesa Biography |publisher=Starpulse.com |access-date=June 3, 2013 |archive-date=July 5, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130705005951/http://www.starpulse.com/Music/Kylesa/Biography/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Two songs on this album were inspired by the shooting of Jason Statts, a Savannah musician.<ref name=spin/> They toured with Mastodon after the release of this album, whose guitarist, Bill Kelliher, said that {{cquote|We took Kylesa on tour because we love those guys and have been hanging out with them for years. They blew a lot of people's expectations out of the water.<ref name=spin/>}}
Following the release of that album, Baltzley left the group, replaced by a pair of drummers, Carl McGinley (of [[Unpersons (band)|Unpersons]]) and Jeff Porter.<ref name="Parker" /> Kylesa's third album, ''[[Time Will Fuse Its Worth]]'', was released on Halloween 2006. Eric Hernandez (of Capsule) replaced Porter and appears on ''[[Static Tensions]]'', released in 2009.<ref name=Starpulse>{{cite web |url=http://www.starpulse.com/Music/Kylesa/Biography/ |title=Kylesa Biography |publisher=Starpulse.com |access-date=June 3, 2013 |archive-date=July 5, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130705005951/http://www.starpulse.com/Music/Kylesa/Biography/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Two songs on this album were inspired by the shooting of Jason Statts, a Savannah musician.<ref name=spin/> They toured with Mastodon after the release of this album, whose guitarist, [[Bill Kelliher]], said that {{cquote|"We took Kylesa on tour because we love those guys and have been hanging out with them for years. They blew a lot of people's expectations out of the water."<ref name=spin/>}}
[[File:Kylesa grillen 26012014.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Kylesa in 2014]]
[[File:Kylesa grillen 26012014.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Kylesa in 2014]]
Journalist David Peisner of ''[[Spin Magazine|Spin]]'' described them as "dark psych-metal titans", practicing an "aggressive [sound], but with a hazy, stoner vibe that suggests a strange amalgamation of [[Black Sabbath]], [[Black Flag (band)|Black Flag]], and early [[Pink Floyd]]."<ref>Peisner, p. 68.</ref> As of 2010, they have sold 75,000 albums.<ref>Peisner, p. 66.</ref> In 2010 they signed to the [[Season of Mist]] records label to release the album ''[[Spiral Shadow]]'' on October 26 that year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metalinsider.net/label-moves/kylesa-sign-to-season-of-mist |title=Kylesa Sign To Season Of Mist |publisher=Metal Insider |date=April 8, 2010 |access-date=June 3, 2013}}</ref> A rarities compilation album titled ''[[From the Vaults, Vol. 1]]'' was released later that year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://metalstorm.net/events/news_comments.php?news_id=18042|title=Kylesa - New Song Streaming Online - Metal Storm|website=Metalstorm.net|access-date=November 17, 2020}}</ref>


Their sixth album, ''[[Ultraviolet (Kylesa album)|Ultraviolet]]'', was released through Season of Mist in May 2013. The record is said to be darker lyrically and sonically than previous works, containing more vocals from singer/guitarist Laura Pleasants.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pitchfork.com/features/show-no-mercy/9084-kylesa/|title=Laura Pleasants and Phillip Cope on their darker new album Ultraviolet|author=Brandon Stosuy|publisher=[[Pitchfork Media|Pitchfork]] |date=March 15, 2013|access-date=April 12, 2013}}</ref> The band embarked on a full North America headlining tour to promote the release with direct support from [[Blood Ceremony]], ''White Hills'' and ''[[Lazer Wulf]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://loudwire.com/kylesa-2013-north-american-tour-blood-ceremony-white-hills-lazerwulf/|title=Kylesa Announce 2013 North American Tour with Blood Ceremony, White Hills + Lazer/Wulf|author=Graham 'Gruhamed' Hartmann |publisher=[[Loudwire]] |date=March 28, 2013|access-date=May 29, 2013}}</ref> In October 2015, the group released their seventh album ''[[Exhausting Fire]]'' through Season of Mist.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/kylesa-to-release-exhausting-fire-album-in-october/|title= KYLESA To Release 'Exhausting Fire' Album In October|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=July 29, 2015|access-date=October 17, 2015}}</ref>
As of 2010, Kylesa had sold 75,000 albums.<ref>Peisner, p. 66.</ref> In 2010, they signed with [[Season of Mist]] to release the album ''[[Spiral Shadow]]'' on October 26 that year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metalinsider.net/label-moves/kylesa-sign-to-season-of-mist |title=Kylesa Sign To Season Of Mist |publisher=Metal Insider |date=April 8, 2010 |access-date=June 3, 2013}}</ref> A rarities compilation album titled ''[[From the Vaults, Vol. 1]]'' was released later that year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://metalstorm.net/events/news_comments.php?news_id=18042|title=Kylesa - New Song Streaming Online - Metal Storm|website=Metalstorm.net|access-date=November 17, 2020}}</ref>
Their sixth album, ''[[Ultraviolet (Kylesa album)|Ultraviolet]]'', was released through Season of Mist in May 2013. The record is said to be darker lyrically and sonically than previous works, containing more vocals from singer/guitarist Laura Pleasants.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pitchfork.com/features/show-no-mercy/9084-kylesa/|title=Laura Pleasants and Phillip Cope on their darker new album Ultraviolet|author=Brandon Stosuy|publisher=[[Pitchfork Media|Pitchfork]] |date=March 15, 2013|access-date=April 12, 2013}}</ref> The band embarked on a full North America headlining tour to promote the release with direct support from [[Blood Ceremony]], White Hills and [[Lazer Wulf]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://loudwire.com/kylesa-2013-north-american-tour-blood-ceremony-white-hills-lazerwulf/|title=Kylesa Announce 2013 North American Tour with Blood Ceremony, White Hills + Lazer/Wulf|author=Graham 'Gruhamed' Hartmann |publisher=[[Loudwire]] |date=March 28, 2013|access-date=May 29, 2013}}</ref> In October 2015, the group released their seventh album, ''[[Exhausting Fire]]'', through Season of Mist.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/kylesa-to-release-exhausting-fire-album-in-october/|title= KYLESA To Release 'Exhausting Fire' Album In October|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=July 29, 2015|access-date=October 17, 2015}}</ref>

⚫
In April 2016, the band announced in a [[Facebook]] post that they would be going on an indefinite hiatus.<ref>{{cite web |last=Camp |first=Zoe |date=April 29, 2016 |title=Kylesa Announce Indefinite Hiatus |url=http://pitchfork.com/news/65154-kylesa-announce-indefinite-hiatus/ |access-date=April 29, 2016 |publisher=Pitchfork Media}}</ref>

In August 2024, the band announced they had returned from their hiatus and announced they would perform at the 2025 [[Roadburn Festival]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theprp.com/2024/08/20/news/kylesa-officially-reunite-booked-for-2025-roadburn-festival/|title=Kylesa Officially Reunite, Booked For 2025 ‘Roadburn Festival’|website=ThePRP|access-date=August 21, 2024|date=August 20, 2024}}</ref>

==Musical style==
⚫
Kylesa is most often classified as [[Sludge metal|sludge]] and [[stoner metal]].<ref name="phoenixnewtimes" >{{cite web |url=https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/music/the-21-best-heavy-metal-albums-of-2013-6614732 |title=The 21 Best Heavy Metal Albums of 2013 |last=WISE |first=LAUREN |website=[[Phoenix New Times]] |access-date=September 23, 2018 |quote=Georgia's pretty damn good at producing great stoner sludge metal: In addition to Mastodon and Baroness there's Kylesa, who fuses basement punk and biker metal on Ultraviolet.}}</ref> The band has two lead vocalists, Phillip Cope and Laura Pleasants. Beginning in 2006, Kylesa employed two drummers; the dual drum tracks are often panned strongly to the right and left.

[[AllMusic]] stated that the band borrows "elements of [[hardcore punk]], psychedelic [[stoner rock]], technical [[speed metal]], and good old-fashioned [[Black Sabbath]] sludge."<ref name="AllMusic bio">{{Cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/kylesa-mn0000090988/biography|title=Kylesa &#124; Biography & History|website=[[AllMusic]]|access-date=November 17, 2020}}</ref> Journalist David Peisner of ''[[Spin Magazine|Spin]]'' described Kylesa as "dark psych-metal titans", practicing an "aggressive [sound], but with a hazy, stoner vibe that suggests a strange amalgamation of [[Black Sabbath]], [[Black Flag (band)|Black Flag]], and early [[Pink Floyd]]."<ref>Peisner, p. 68.</ref>


==Band members==
==Band members==
{{col-begin}}
;Core members / current
{{col-2}}
*Phillip Cope – vocals, guitars, samples (2001–present)
'''Current members'''
⚫
*Laura Pleasants – vocals, guitars (2001–present)
*Carl McGinley – drums, percussion, keys / samples (2006–present)
*Phillip Cope – vocals, guitars, samples (2001–2016, 2024–present)
⚫
*Laura Pleasants – vocals, guitars (2001–2016, 2024–present)


;Former / live
'''Former members'''
⚫
*Christian Depken – drums, percussion (2001–2004)
*Brian Duke – bass, vocals (2001; died 2001)
*Brian Duke – bass, vocals (2001; died 2001)
*Corey Barhorst – bass, vocals (2001–2007, 2008–2011)
*Corey Barhorst – bass, vocals (2001–2007, 2008–2011)
⚫
*Javier Villegas – bass (2008–2008)
⚫
*Chase Rudeseal – bass (2012–2015)
⚫
*Christian Depken – drums, percussion (2001–2004)
*Brandon Baltzley – drums, percussion (2004–2005)
*Brandon Baltzley – drums, percussion (2004–2005)
*Jason Cadwell – drums, percussion (2005)
*Carl McGinley – drums, percussion, keys, samples (2006–2016)
⚫
*Edley O'Dowd – drums, percussion (2014)
⚫
*Marshall Kirkpatrick – drums, percussion (2009)
*Jeff Porter – drums, percussion (2006–2007)
*Jeff Porter – drums, percussion (2006–2007)
*Tyler Newberry – drums, percussion (2007, 2010–2013)
*Tyler Newberry – drums, percussion (2007, 2010–2013)
*Eric Hernandez –drums, percussion (2008–2009, Bass 2012)
*Eric Hernandez –drums, percussion (2008–2009, 2013–2015), Bass (2013)
⚫
*Javier Villegas – bass (2008–2009)
;Session
⚫
*Chase Rudeseal – bass (2012–2015)

{{col-2}}
'''Live musicians'''
*Jason Cadwell – drums, percussion (2005)
⚫
*Marshall Kirkpatrick – drums, percussion (2009)
⚫
*Edley O'Dowd – drums, percussion (2014)

'''Session musicians'''
*Michael Redmond – bass (on ''Kylesa'')
*Michael Redmond – bass (on ''Kylesa'')
*Bobby Scandiffio – guitar and crickets (on ''Time Will Fuse Its Worth'')
*Bobby Scandiffio – guitar and crickets (on ''Time Will Fuse Its Worth'')
*Jay Matheson – bass (on "Exhausting Fire")
*Jay Matheson – bass (on ''Exhausting Fire'')
{{col-end}}


; Timeline
'''Timeline'''
{{#tag:timeline|
{{#tag:timeline|
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Period = from:01/01/2001 till:04/28/2016
Period = from:01/01/2001 till:{{#time:m/d/Y}}
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ScaleMinor = increment:1 start:2001


Colors =
Colors =
id:Vocals value:red legend:Vocals
id:Vocals value:red legend:Vocals,_guitar
id:BV value:pink legend:Backing_vocals
id:BV value:pink legend:Backing_vocals
id:Guitar value:green legend:Guitar
id:Keys value:purple legend:Keyboards
id:Keys value:purple legend:Keyboards
id:Bass value:blue legend:Bass
id:Bass value:blue legend:Bass
Line 128: Line 141:
PlotData=
PlotData=
width:11
width:11
bar:Cope from:01/01/2001 till:end color:Vocals
bar:Cope from:01/01/2001 till:04/28/2016 color:Vocals
bar:Pleasents from:01/01/2001 till:end color:Guitar
bar:Pleasents from:01/01/2001 till:04/28/2016 color:Vocals
⚫
bar:Cope from:08/20/2024 till:end color:Vocals
⚫
bar:Pleasents from:08/20/2024 till:end color:Vocals
bar:Depken from:01/01/2001 till:01/01/2004 color:Drums
bar:Depken from:01/01/2001 till:01/01/2004 color:Drums
bar:Baltzley from:01/01/2004 till:01/01/2006 color:Drums
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bar:Barhorst from:06/15/2002 till:06/01/2007 color:Bass
bar:Barhorst from:06/15/2002 till:06/01/2007 color:Bass
Line 143: Line 158:
bar:Newberry from:01/01/2012 till:01/01/2013 color:Drums
bar:Newberry from:01/01/2012 till:01/01/2013 color:Drums
bar:Hernandez from:01/01/2008 till:01/01/2010 color:Drums
bar:Hernandez from:01/01/2008 till:01/01/2010 color:Drums
bar:Hernandez from:01/01/2013 till:06/01/2015 color:Drums
bar:Hernandez from:01/01/2013 till:06/01/2015 color:Drums


width:7
width:7
Line 149: Line 164:


width:3
width:3
⚫
bar:Cope from:01/01/2001 till:end color:Guitar
⚫
bar:Pleasents from:01/01/2001 till:end color:Vocals
bar:Duke from:01/01/2001 till:06/06/2001 color:BV
bar:Duke from:01/01/2001 till:06/06/2001 color:BV
bar:Barhorst from:06/15/2002 till:06/01/2007 color:BV
bar:Barhorst from:06/15/2002 till:06/01/2007 color:BV
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==Discography==
==Discography==
{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}
===Studio albums===
;Studio albums
*''[[Kylesa (album)|Kylesa]]'' (2002)
*''[[Kylesa (album)|Kylesa]]'' (2002)
*''[[To Walk a Middle Course]]'' (2005)
*''[[To Walk a Middle Course]]'' (2005)
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*''[[Exhausting Fire]]'' (2015)
*''[[Exhausting Fire]]'' (2015)


;Compilation albums
===EPs===
⚫
*''[[From the Vaults, Vol. 1]]'' (2012)

;Extended plays
*''Point of Stillness'' 7-inch (2002)
*''Point of Stillness'' 7-inch (2002)
⚫
*''No Ending / 110° Heat Index'' (2004)
*''Delusion on Fire'' (2003)
*''Delusion on Fire'' (2003)
⚫
*''No Ending / 110° Heat Index'' (2004)
*''Bacteria Sour'' double 7-inch (2004)
*''Bacteria Sour'' double 7-inch (2004)
*''Unknown Awareness'' (2009)
*''Unknown Awareness'' (2009)
*''Violitionist Sessions'' (2013)
*''Violitionist Sessions'' (2013)
* ''Live Studio Improvisation 3.7.14'' (2014)
*''Live at Maida Vale Studios'' (2017)
*''Live at Maida Vale Studios'' (2017)
{{col-2}}

===Split releases===
;Split releases
*Split with Memento Mori (2002)
*Split with Memento Mori (2002)
*Split with [[Cream Abdul Babar]] (2003)
*Split with [[Cream Abdul Babar]] (2003)
*Split with [[Victims (band)|Victims]] (2009)
*Split with [[Victims (band)|Victims]] (2009)


===Music videos===
;Music videos
* "A 100º Heat Index" (2004)
* "A 100º Heat Index" (2004)
* "Where the Horizon Unfolds" (2006)
* "Where the Horizon Unfolds" (2006)
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* "Lost and Confused" (2015)
* "Lost and Confused" (2015)


===Other appearances===
;Other appearances
*''[[For the Sick]]'' - [[Eyehategod]] tribute album (2007)
*''[[For the Sick]]'' – [[Eyehategod]] tribute album (2007)
*''Like Black Holes in the Sky'' - [[Syd Barrett]] tribute album (2008)
*''Like Black Holes in the Sky'' – [[Syd Barrett]] tribute album (2008)
*''[[Metal Swim]]'' - [[Adult Swim]] compilation album (2010)
*''[[Metal Swim]]'' – [[Adult Swim]] compilation album (2010)
⚫
*''[[From the Vaults, Vol. 1]]'' - [[Season Of Mist]] compilation album (2012)
*"[[Come as You Are (Nirvana song)|Come as You Are]]" <small>(originally by [[Nirvana (band)|Nirvana]]; tribute album ''[[Whatever Nevermind]]'')</small> (2015, Robotic Empire)
*"[[Come as You Are (Nirvana song)|Come as You Are]]" <small>(originally by [[Nirvana (band)|Nirvana]]; tribute album ''[[Whatever Nevermind]]'')</small> (2015, Robotic Empire)
{{col-end}}


==References==
==References==
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==External links==
==External links==
{{cc}}
* {{official website|https://kylesamusic.com/}}
* {{official website|https://kylesamusic.com/}}
* {{allmusic}}
* {{discogs artist}}
* [http://loudside.com/kylesa/ Kylesa] at Loudside.com
* [http://loudside.com/kylesa/ Kylesa] at Loudside.com
* [http://www.stompandstammer.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=858&Itemid=51 Article about Kylesa] in ''Stomp and Stammer''
* [http://www.stompandstammer.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=858&Itemid=51 Article about Kylesa] in ''Stomp and Stammer''
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[[Category:Heavy metal musical groups from Georgia (U.S. state)]]
[[Category:Heavy metal musical groups from Georgia (U.S. state)]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 2001]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 2001]]
[[Category:American avant-garde metal musical groups]]
[[Category:Musical groups disestablished in 2016]]
[[Category:Musical quintets]]
[[Category:Musical groups reestablished in 2024]]
[[Category:American musical quintets]]
[[Category:American stoner rock musical groups]]
[[Category:American stoner rock musical groups]]
[[Category:Season of Mist artists]]
[[Category:Season of Mist artists]]
[[Category:Musical groups from Savannah, Georgia]]
[[Category:Musical groups from Savannah, Georgia]]
[[Category:Mixed-gender bands]]

Latest revision as of 22:23, 8 November 2024

Kylesa
Kylesa performing at Roskilde Festival 2011
Kylesa performing at Roskilde Festival 2011
Background information
OriginSavannah, Georgia, U.S.
Genres
Years active
  • 2001–2016
  • 2024–present
Labels
MembersPhillip Cope
Laura Pleasants
Past membersChristian Depken
Brian Duke
Corey Barhorst
Brandon Baltzley
Carl McGinley
Jeff Porter
Tyler Newberry
Eric Hernandez
Javier Villegas
Chase Rudseal
Websitewww.kylesamusic.com

Kylesa is an American sludge metal band that was formed in Savannah, Georgia. Their music incorporates experimentalism with heavy riffs, drop-tuned guitars and elements of psychedelic rock.[2] The group was established in 2001 by the former members of Damad, with the addition of guitar player Laura Pleasants who is from North Carolina.[3]

The band has since undergone lineup changes; the remaining original members are Phillip Cope and Laura Pleasants. In 2006, the band added two drummers, Carl McGinley and Jeff Porter. Eric Hernandez joined in 2008 to replace Porter. In April 2016, the band announced that they would be going on an indefinite hiatus. On August 20, 2024 Roadburn Festival announced a reunion of Kylesa at their 2025 edition.

History

[edit]

Kylesa formed in Savannah in 2001,[4] taking their name from "kilesa mara", a Buddhist term denoting delusory mental states.[5]

Guitarist and singer Phillip Cope, bassist Brian Duke, and drummer Christian Depken were former members of the Savannah sludge metal act Damad, which had released two albums in the '90s. Philip Cope has been described as the Savannah "metal scene's godfather".[6] He began playing in hardcore punk groups in the late 1980s, and in 1992 booked groups such as Buzzoven and Neurosis at a local all-ages club.[6] From 1993 to 2001, Cope played in the group Damad, which included vocalist Victoria Scalisi. Pat Mathis of the Passive Fist label said that Damad "established a sound that's stuck-- that whole heavy, doomy Southern kind of metal. When you've got these old punk guys who listen to the Allman Brothers and start a metal band, that's kind of what you get."[6] Damad changed their name to Kylesa in 2001 with the addition of Laura Pleasants, a native of North Carolina who attended the Savannah College of Art and Design.[6]

After recording the majority of their first record (self-titled Kylesa on Prank Records) in May 2001, the band played their first show with Mastodon and Cream Abdul Babar in Savannah, Georgia on June 2, 2001. On June 6, 2001, Brian Duke died from an epileptic seizure during the course of the night. The band decided to finish the recording in his honor, wrote and recorded two more songs (where local bass player and friend Michael Redmond stepped in and played bass). The self-titled record was released about one year later when artwork by Pushead was completed. Prior to the full LP, a single limited 7-inch was released on Prank Records, also using artwork by Pushead. The Pushead-designed band logo from these releases has been used on all the band's merchandise and releases ever since.

Replacing Duke with bassist and singer Corey Barhorst, the band wrote and recorded a split 7-inch with Memento Mori on Hyperrealist, and a split full-length with Cream Abdul Babar from Florida on At a Loss Recordings. These records came out immediately following the release on Prank despite being recorded much later, due to the long wait for artwork by Pushead delaying the release of the self-titled LP. More singles and a placeholder EP, 2004's No Ending 110 Degree Heat Index, followed right before Depken left the group.

Kylesa signed with the independent metal label Prosthetic Records and released their second proper album, To Walk a Middle Course, in 2005 with drummer Brandon Baltzley.

Following the release of that album, Baltzley left the group, replaced by a pair of drummers, Carl McGinley (of Unpersons) and Jeff Porter.[5] Kylesa's third album, Time Will Fuse Its Worth, was released on Halloween 2006. Eric Hernandez (of Capsule) replaced Porter and appears on Static Tensions, released in 2009.[7] Two songs on this album were inspired by the shooting of Jason Statts, a Savannah musician.[6] They toured with Mastodon after the release of this album, whose guitarist, Bill Kelliher, said that

"We took Kylesa on tour because we love those guys and have been hanging out with them for years. They blew a lot of people's expectations out of the water."[6]

Kylesa in 2014

As of 2010, Kylesa had sold 75,000 albums.[8] In 2010, they signed with Season of Mist to release the album Spiral Shadow on October 26 that year.[9] A rarities compilation album titled From the Vaults, Vol. 1 was released later that year.[10]

Their sixth album, Ultraviolet, was released through Season of Mist in May 2013. The record is said to be darker lyrically and sonically than previous works, containing more vocals from singer/guitarist Laura Pleasants.[11] The band embarked on a full North America headlining tour to promote the release with direct support from Blood Ceremony, White Hills and Lazer Wulf.[12] In October 2015, the group released their seventh album, Exhausting Fire, through Season of Mist.[13]

In April 2016, the band announced in a Facebook post that they would be going on an indefinite hiatus.[14]

In August 2024, the band announced they had returned from their hiatus and announced they would perform at the 2025 Roadburn Festival.[15]

Musical style

[edit]

Kylesa is most often classified as sludge and stoner metal.[16] The band has two lead vocalists, Phillip Cope and Laura Pleasants. Beginning in 2006, Kylesa employed two drummers; the dual drum tracks are often panned strongly to the right and left.

AllMusic stated that the band borrows "elements of hardcore punk, psychedelic stoner rock, technical speed metal, and good old-fashioned Black Sabbath sludge."[4] Journalist David Peisner of Spin described Kylesa as "dark psych-metal titans", practicing an "aggressive [sound], but with a hazy, stoner vibe that suggests a strange amalgamation of Black Sabbath, Black Flag, and early Pink Floyd."[17]

Band members

[edit]

Timeline

Discography

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Kylesa". Heavy Psych Sounds. Retrieved April 10, 2022.
  2. ^ "PROSTHETIC RECORDS.COM". February 24, 2009. Archived from the original on February 24, 2009. Retrieved November 17, 2020.
  3. ^ "Kylesa (May.07 issue)". Stomp And Stammer. Retrieved June 3, 2013.
  4. ^ a b "Kylesa | Biography & History". AllMusic. Retrieved November 17, 2020.
  5. ^ a b Parker, Chris (September 24, 2009). "Dual-drumming Savannah sludge-rockers Kylesa overhaul sound". Oklahoma Gazette. Archived from the original on October 2, 2013.
  6. ^ a b c d e f Peisner, p. 68
  7. ^ "Kylesa Biography". Starpulse.com. Archived from the original on July 5, 2013. Retrieved June 3, 2013.
  8. ^ Peisner, p. 66.
  9. ^ "Kylesa Sign To Season Of Mist". Metal Insider. April 8, 2010. Retrieved June 3, 2013.
  10. ^ "Kylesa - New Song Streaming Online - Metal Storm". Metalstorm.net. Retrieved November 17, 2020.
  11. ^ Brandon Stosuy (March 15, 2013). "Laura Pleasants and Phillip Cope on their darker new album Ultraviolet". Pitchfork. Retrieved April 12, 2013.
  12. ^ Graham 'Gruhamed' Hartmann (March 28, 2013). "Kylesa Announce 2013 North American Tour with Blood Ceremony, White Hills + Lazer/Wulf". Loudwire. Retrieved May 29, 2013.
  13. ^ "KYLESA To Release 'Exhausting Fire' Album In October". Blabbermouth.net. July 29, 2015. Retrieved October 17, 2015.
  14. ^ Camp, Zoe (April 29, 2016). "Kylesa Announce Indefinite Hiatus". Pitchfork Media. Retrieved April 29, 2016.
  15. ^ "Kylesa Officially Reunite, Booked For 2025 'Roadburn Festival'". ThePRP. August 20, 2024. Retrieved August 21, 2024.
  16. ^ WISE, LAUREN. "The 21 Best Heavy Metal Albums of 2013". Phoenix New Times. Retrieved September 23, 2018. Georgia's pretty damn good at producing great stoner sludge metal: In addition to Mastodon and Baroness there's Kylesa, who fuses basement punk and biker metal on Ultraviolet.
  17. ^ Peisner, p. 68.

Bibliography

[edit]
  • Peisner, David (December 2009). "Metal in the Garden of Good and Evil". Spin. 25 (12): 65–70. ISSN 0886-3032.
[edit]
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