The Browning

Pioneers of Industrial Metal and Electronicore Fusion

The Browning stands at the forefront of modern metal's evolution, creating a groundbreaking fusion between the brutal intensity of deathcore and the pulsating rhythms of electronic dance music. Since their formation in 2005, this Kansas City-based band has continuously pushed the boundaries of heavy music, carving out a unique niche that bridges seemingly disparate musical worlds. Their innovative approach combines skull-crushing breakdowns with danceable electronic beats, creating a sonic experience that has garnered them a dedicated following and established them as pioneers in the industrial metal and electronicore scene. This blog explores their journey, sound, lineup changes, discography, and ongoing influence on the metal landscape.

Origins and Formation

The Browning began as a solo project by vocalist Jonny McBee in Kansas City, Missouri, in 2005. What started as one man's experimental vision would eventually evolve into a full-fledged band that would challenge genre conventions. In the early years, McBee was developing the distinctive sound that would later define the group – a daring blend of heavy metal intensity with electronic music production elements.

In early 2009, the project expanded when rapper Matt Keck joined forces with McBee, adding another dimension to the emerging sound. However, this partnership was relatively short-lived, as Keck departed in 2010 to pursue a career in comedy – even appearing on the television show Tosh.0 in a viral video titled "I'm a Snake". This period marked a significant transition as The Browning evolved from McBee's solo endeavor into a complete band with the addition of drummer Noah Robertson, guitarist Brian Cravey, and bassist Jesse Glidewell.

The newly formed lineup began to refine their sound, releasing two EPs – "Standing on the Edge" in 2010 and "Time Will Tell" in 2011 – that showcased their developing style. By late 2011, the band experienced another lineup change when Brian Cravey was replaced by Collin Woroniak, shortly before they released their video for the track "Bloodlust". This period culminated in a significant milestone for the band – the release of their debut full-length album, "Burn This World," through Earache Records in October 2011.

Musical Style and Sonic Innovation

The Browning's sound defies simple categorization, existing at the intersection of multiple genres and musical approaches. They are primarily described as an electronicore band, a term that encapsulates their fusion of electronic dance music elements with metalcore foundations. This innovative blend has made them pioneers in a niche that few bands have successfully navigated.

At its core, The Browning's music features the brutal vocals and heavy guitar work characteristic of deathcore and metalcore, but these elements are seamlessly integrated with electronic beats, synthesizers, and production techniques drawn from EDM, trance, dubstep, and hardstyle. The result is a sound that can simultaneously appeal to headbangers and ravers – a rare crossover achievement in the often tribalistic world of music fandom.

Their electronic influences are not merely superficial additions but fundamental components of their songwriting approach. Tracks often incorporate pulsating synthesizer leads, four-on-the-floor dance beats, and electronic breakdowns alongside traditional metal elements like aggressive vocals, double-bass drumming, and down-tuned guitar riffing. This duality creates a dynamic tension that defines their signature sound, allowing them to move effortlessly between moments of dance-floor energy and mosh-pit intensity.

Over the years, The Browning's sound has evolved considerably, with each album refining their approach. Music critics have noted that their more recent work demonstrates a maturing sound that better integrates their electronic and metal influences into a cohesive whole. Their 2021 album "End of Existence" was described as "cinematic, danceable, and still completely brutal at times," showcasing their growth as songwriters and producers.

Band Lineup Evolution

Throughout their career, The Browning has experienced numerous lineup changes, with founder Jonny McBee remaining the consistent creative force and only original member. These personnel shifts have contributed to the band's evolving sound while maintaining their core identity.

Jonny McBee, as the founder, vocalist, and primary electronic programmer, has been the band's guiding force since its inception in 2005. His vision for blending electronic music with extreme metal has remained the foundation of The Browning's identity despite the revolving door of supporting musicians. McBee's distinctive vocal style and electronic production define the band's signature sound.

The current iteration of The Browning features an exciting lineup that reflects the band's continued evolution. In 2023, the band announced a significant change with the addition of Hardcore Keem (Akeem Bivens) on guitar. Bivens brings a unique background to the band as both a musician and social media personality, known for his popular TikTok account where he reacts to metal songs and has amassed over 120,000 followers. His social media presence has helped introduce The Browning to new audiences and represents the band's savvy approach to modern music promotion.

Drummer Cody Stewart completes the current lineup, having joined after the departure of original drummer Noah Robertson in 2012. Stewart's technical proficiency provides the rhythmic foundation that bridges the band's electronic programming and traditional metal instrumentation.

The band's history includes several notable former members who contributed to their development. Three founding members – Brian Cravey (guitars/electronics), Jesse Glidewell (bass), and Noah "Shark" Robertson (drums) – would later form the band Diecon after leaving The Browning. Other significant former members include guitarist Drew Ellis, who later switched to bass, and guitarist Collin Woroniak.

Discography and Musical Journey

The Browning's recorded output tells the story of their sonic evolution, from their early experimentation to their current refined approach. Their discography spans six studio albums and two EPs, each representing a chapter in their ongoing musical development.

Their journey began with two EPs that established their foundational sound: "Standing on the Edge" (2010) and "Time Will Tell" (2011). These early releases showcased The Browning's initial approach to blending electronic elements with heavy metal, laying the groundwork for their future direction while attracting attention from labels and fans alike.

The band's debut full-length album, "Burn This World," released in October 2011 on Earache Records, represented their first major statement. The album featured their breakthrough track "Bloodlust," which helped establish their reputation in the metal scene. Their sophomore effort, "Hypernova" (2013), continued to refine their electronic-metal fusion, featuring singles like "Gravedigger" that further solidified their unique approach.

Subsequent albums – "Isolation" (2016), "Geist" (2018), and "End of Existence" (2021) – saw The Browning continue to evolve while maintaining their core identity. Critics noted that these releases showed increased maturity and refinement, with "The End of Existence" being particularly praised for its successful integration of electronic and metal elements.

Their most recent album, "OMNI" (2024), released through FiXT Records, represents the current pinnacle of their sound. The album features collaborations with artists like Nik Nocturnal and THE DEFECT, showcasing some of The Browning's heaviest material to date. Singles from the album, including "HIVEMIND," "Deceiver," and "Poison," have collectively amassed over 2.5 million streams across digital platforms, demonstrating the band's growing popularity.

In early 2025, The Browning released a cover of Eiffel 65's iconic hit "Blue (Da Ba Dee)," transforming the nostalgic dance classic into a heavy-hitting, genre-blending masterpiece that has gained significant attention. This cover exemplifies their ability to reimagine electronic music through a metal lens, further cementing their unique position in the music landscape.

Live Performances and Touring History

The Browning has built a reputation as an electrifying live act, taking their genre-defying sound to stages across the world. Their performances are known for their high energy and the seamless integration of electronic elements with live instrumentation, creating an immersive experience that transcends typical metal shows.

Their touring career gained significant momentum in 2012 when they joined Fear Factory and Shadows Fall on the Noise in the Machine Tour. That same year, they also toured with Static-X on the Noise Revolution tour, exposing their unique sound to broader audiences. These supporting slots with established industrial metal acts helped The Browning build their fanbase and solidify their place in the scene.

A significant milestone in their performance history came when they played at Germany's prestigious With Full Force Festival in 2012, marking their first-ever European show. The success of this appearance led to their return to the festival in 2013, this time earning a coveted spot on the main stage alongside major acts like Slayer, Hatebreed, Korn, In Flames, and Motörhead. This progression from festival newcomer to main stage act in just one year illustrates their rapid rise in reputation.

The Browning's current touring activity remains robust, with their recent OMNI USA Tour in early 2025 featuring support from Dropout Kings, Filth, and The Defect. They are also headlining "The Electronicore Tour" alongside bands Swarm and The Defect, further establishing their leadership in the genre they helped define. As of May 2025, the band has 23 upcoming shows scheduled, demonstrating their continued commitment to live performance.

Fan reactions to their live shows have been overwhelmingly positive. Reviews on platforms like Bandsintown describe their performances as "awesome" and "one of the best I've been to," with fans particularly praising how the band "sounded great and kept the crowd engaged". These testimonials highlight The Browning's ability to translate their complex recorded sound into compelling live experiences.

Fan Reception and Critical Response

The Browning has cultivated a dedicated fanbase drawn to their unique fusion of electronic and metal elements. Their distinctive approach has allowed them to appeal to listeners from multiple music scenes, creating a diverse community of supporters who appreciate their genre-bending innovation.

Their music has performed impressively on streaming platforms, with songs like "Carnage" from their 2018 album "Geist" becoming their most popular track. Recent singles like "HIVEMIND" and "Deceiver" from "OMNI" have continued this success, collectively accumulating millions of streams across digital platforms. Their 2025 cover of Eiffel 65's "Blue (Da Ba Dee)" has further expanded their reach, introducing their sound to new audiences through a familiar electronic music classic.

Critical reception of The Browning's work has generally been positive, with reviewers acknowledging their unique position in the metal landscape. Early in their career, critics praised their innovative approach while noting that their sound had room to mature. By the time of "Geist" (2018), reviews highlighted the "fun" and "intelligent" nature of their music, suggesting that the band had found a more refined balance between their electronic and metal influences.

Their 2021 album "End of Existence" received particularly strong critical acclaim, with Dead Rhetoric stating that it "sees The Browning completely nailing their intended sound" and describing it as "cinematic, danceable, and still completely brutal at times". This review encapsulates the band's successful evolution, suggesting they had fully realized the potential of their unique approach. Their latest album "OMNI" has continued this trend, with critics and fans alike noting how the band continues to push the boundaries of their established sound.

Impact and Cultural Significance

The Browning's significance extends beyond their own discography and performances – they've helped pioneer and legitimize the fusion of EDM and deathcore, influencing a generation of bands that followed in their footsteps. Their willingness to experiment across genre boundaries has contributed to the broader trend of cross-pollination in heavy music, where electronic elements have become increasingly common.

As early adopters of the electronicore approach, The Browning helped establish the template for how electronic music production techniques could be meaningfully integrated with extreme metal, rather than simply added as a superficial layer. Their commitment to this fusion has remained consistent even as musical trends have shifted around them, demonstrating genuine artistic vision rather than trend-chasing.

The band has also shown remarkable adaptability to the changing music industry landscape. Their signing with FiXT Records in 2023 represents their ability to evolve with the industry, partnering with a label known for embracing the intersection of electronic and rock music. This move positions them to continue their growth in an increasingly digital and genre-fluid musical environment.

Beyond their musical output, members like Hardcore Keem have embraced modern platforms for music discovery and fan engagement, using social media to connect with audiences and introduce new listeners to both The Browning and the wider heavy music scene. This approach demonstrates their understanding of how music discovery and fandom have evolved in the digital age.

Conclusion

The Browning occupies a unique and influential position in the landscape of modern heavy music. From their humble beginnings as Jonny McBee's solo project in 2005 to their current status as electronicore innovators, they have consistently defied genre conventions and created something genuinely distinctive in a often homogeneous scene. Their successful integration of electronic dance music elements with the brutal intensity of deathcore has not only earned them a dedicated following but has helped expand the possibilities of what metal can be in the 21st century.

Through lineup changes, stylistic evolution, and shifts in the music industry, The Browning has maintained their creative vision while continuously refining their approach. Their six studio albums chart a clear progression from promising experimentation to confident mastery of their unique sound. With their recent signing to FiXT Records and the release of their acclaimed album "OMNI," the band appears poised for an exciting new chapter in their ongoing story.

For listeners seeking something that transcends traditional genre boundaries, The Browning offers a compelling musical experience that challenges expectations while delivering both dancefloor energy and mosh-pit intensity. As they continue to tour and release new music, their influence on the evolving relationship between electronic and metal genres seems likely to grow, cementing their legacy as true pioneers in the industrial metal scene.