Early career (1996-1999)

The band was formed by Ian Fowles, Jarrod Alexander, Efrem Schulz, Paul Miner and Jim Miner out of were the remnants of Clint, CleanX and the D-Cons (their former bands). They practiced in Jarrod's garage for a few months and then decided to record a demo. They recorded five songs at For The Record Studios, where Paul worked. Out of the five songs, four of them went on to be included on the album If Looks Could Kill, I'd Watch You Die. On March 5, 1998, they played their first show, and soon after began playing more shows around Southern California.

Major career (1999-2005)

In the winter of 1999, during a tour with Straight Faced and Ignite, Brett Gurewitz from Epitaph Records approached the band about releasing an album. In 2000, they signed to Epitaph Records, which is one of the biggest Punk Rock labels of all time. Between a tour with Bane and Adamantium, they finished their second album, Day of the Death, which was released in January 2001.

Rotating members (2005-2006)

In July 2005, Death By Stereo's guitarist Tito left the band. They played as a four piece band up until late 2006.

Reunion with former members and new album (2006-present)

In June 2006, Punkbands.com reported that Death By Stereo would begin writing their fifth studio album, which is due for release in spring 2007. The album has not yet been titled. In a recent interview with guitarist Dan Palmer, a question was asked if there are still plans for the album, he replied:

Members

Current members

• Efrem Schulz - Vocals (always a member)
• Tyler Rebbe - Bass (joined in 2005)
• Dan Palmer - Guitar (joined in 1999)
• Jim Miner - Guitar (1996-2003, rejoined in 2006)
• Jarrod Alexander - Drums (1996-2000, rejoined in 2006)

Past members

• Todd Hennig - Drums (2001-2006)
• Tim "Tito" Owens - Guitar (2003-2005)
• Paul Miner - Bass, engineering, layout (1996-2005)
• Tim Bender - Drums (2000-2001)
• Keith Barney - Guitar (1999)
• Ian Fowles - Guitar (1996-1999)
• Sid Dynamite - Bass (one show), and also is roadie/merch guy
• All members - Backing vocals

The music of Death by Stereo

Genre

Death By Stereo's music blurs the lines between traditional Punk Rock, Hardcore and Metal. Their music mixes metal riffs, solos, melodies and hooks, and results in a sound that is noted for its originality, among a Punk Rock scene that some say has become stagnant in recent years. The music has evolved over time, mainly due to the unstable lineup, which has included 5 guitarists, 2 bassists, 3 drummers and one vocalist. Their album If Looks Could Kill, I'd Watch You Die was punk rock, with heavy influence of hardcore. Their later albums, especially Death for Life, are more heavy metal, with less Punk Rock and hardcore elements.

Influences

Bands that have influenced Death By Stereo are: At the Gates, Bad Brains, Bad Religion, Black Flag, Black Sabbath, Cannibal Corpse, Circle Jerks, D.R.I., Dead Kennedys, Descendents, In Flames, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Madball, The Misfits, Pantera, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sepultura, Sick of It All, Slayer and Suicidal Tendencies.

Trivia

• The name Death By Stereo was taken from a scene in the movie The Lost Boys.

• Efrem the singer also appeared as backup vocals for Atreyu on the album Suicide Notes and Butterfly Kisses, on track number 7. "At least I know I am a sinner"

• He also appears on Welcome To Your Life's 2002 release, There Is No Turning Back on backing vocals on track 9, One Way Road.

Discography

ALBUMS