Featured Artist: Knocked Loose
A band that has gotten better over the years, and their popularity is blooming and I am here for it.
Shane Brown
4/17/20253 min read
Knocked Loose
The Hardcore Powerhouse Redefining Heavy Music
Introduction
Knocked Loose has emerged as one of the most influential forces in modern hardcore. Since forming in 2013 in Oldham County, Kentucky, they've rapidly ascended to the forefront of heavy music, earning a reputation for their intense sound, relentless live performances, and willingness to push genre boundaries. With each release, they've continued to refine their aggressive approach while steadfastly refusing to compromise their sound in pursuit of mainstream appeal.
Band Origins and Current Lineup
Knocked Loose officially formed in June 2013, originally under the name Manipulator, before quickly adopting their current moniker. The band consists of:
Bryan Garris – Lead vocals
Isaac Hale – Lead guitar, vocals
Kevin Otten – Bass
Kevin "Pacsun" Kaine – Drums
Nicko Calderon – Rhythm guitar, vocals (joined in 2021)
Former members include Dylan Isaacs (drums) and Cole Crutchfield (rhythm guitar, backing vocals), who was a long-standing member until 2021.
Musical Evolution and Discography
Knocked Loose's sound blends metalcore, hardcore punk, and beatdown hardcore, with influences ranging from Slayer and Hatebreed to Slipknot and Job for a Cowboy. Their discography shows a clear evolution while maintaining their signature intensity:
Release Type Year Notable Features Pop Culture EP 2014 Early raw sound, released on Little Heart Records Laugh Tracks Album 2016 Aggressive debut that blended metalcore and hardcore, featuring the iconic "Counting Worms" with its "arf arf" breakdown A Different Shade of Blue Album 2019 Further refined heaviness with complex structures A Tear in the Fabric of Life EP 2021 Conceptual EP with death metal influences, praised for ambition and storytelling You Won't Go Before You're Supposed To Album 2024 Their most critically acclaimed work, featuring collaborations with Poppy and Chris Motionless
Their 2024 album You Won't Go Before You're Supposed To received widespread acclaim from critics, earning a Metacritic score of 87 based on 7 reviews. The album further cemented their status as innovators in the hardcore scene, with many publications calling it one of the best heavy albums of 2024.
Recent Collaborations and Side Projects
Knocked Loose has expanded their musical reach through notable collaborations and side projects:
Collaborations on You Won't Go Before You're Supposed To: The album features guest appearances from Poppy on "Suffocate" and Chris Motionless (of Motionless In White) on "Slaughterhouse 2." The latter is a sequel to Motionless In White's "Slaughterhouse," which featured Bryan Garris.
xWeaponX: A side project featuring Bryan Garris and Isaac Hale, along with Bryan's brother Trey Garris and vocalist Dave Baugher. The straight-edge metallic hardcore band has released a demo (2022), a split EP with World of Pleasure (2023), and singles including "Everybody Breaks" (2025).
Live Reputation and Upcoming Festival Appearances
Knocked Loose is renowned for their chaotic, high-energy performances that have earned them a dedicated following. Their live shows feature intense mosh pits and a confrontational stage presence that has made them a must-see act in heavy music.
In 2025, they're headlining major festivals:
Sound and Fury Festival (July 12-13, 2025, Los Angeles): Co-headlining with Basement, alongside bands like Trash Talk, God's Hate, Cloakroom, and Mindforce.
Furnace Fest (October 3-5, 2025, Birmingham, AL): Headlining the final day of the three-day festival, which also features Jimmy Eat World and Dropkick Murphys as headliners.
The band is also embarking on a major UK/European tour in spring 2025, which includes their biggest UK headline show to date at London's O2 Brixton Academy on March 17, 2025. The tour will feature special guests Basement, Harms Way, and Pest Control.
What Makes Knocked Loose Stand Out
Several factors contribute to Knocked Loose's distinctive position in heavy music:
Uncompromising Sound: Despite growing popularity, the band has refused to water down their sound, instead becoming more extreme and experimental with each release.
Genre-Transcending Appeal: While firmly rooted in hardcore, they incorporate elements of death metal, metalcore, and even atmospheric passages that appeal to fans across the heavy music spectrum.
Powerful Songwriting: Their ability to create emotionally resonant music without sacrificing heaviness has set them apart from their peers.
Dedication to Touring: Since their formation, the band has maintained a relentless touring schedule, building their reputation through powerful live performances.
Essential Tracks
For those new to Knocked Loose, these tracks provide an excellent introduction to their sound:
"Counting Worms" - Known for its iconic "arf arf" breakdown
"All My Friends" - A cathartic live anthem
"God Knows" - Features Matt King of Portrayal of Guilt
"Suffocate" (feat. Poppy) - Showcases their willingness to experiment
"Don't Reach For Me" - A standout from their latest album
"Blinding Faith" - Another highlight from You Won't Go Before You're Supposed To
Conclusion
Knocked Loose represents the cutting edge of modern hardcore, blending aggression, emotion, and experimentation in a way that few bands can match. Their refusal to compromise their sound while steadily growing their audience demonstrates their unique position in today's music landscape. Whether you're a longtime fan or just discovering them, their discography and live shows offer a visceral, cathartic experience that stands as a testament to hardcore's continued relevance and evolution.
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