Endwell

Formed in Queens, NY by devotees of the hardcore scene who drew inspiration from groups such as Hatebreed and Earth Crisis, Endwell developed their own take on thrashing melodic hardcore. Their debut performance took place during fall 2003, and proximity to more active neighboring areas soon proved useful: even though Queens itself offered only modest local support, the band could readily tap into established audiences across Long Island and Manhattan to cultivate a dedicated following. Multiple cross-country tours followed, along with the independent release of the EP The Missing Pieces. Fellow New Yorker Anthony Raneri of Bayside encouraged the group to reach out to Victory Records.

While driving toward Chicago for a label showcase, however, their van was struck by a truck and rolled repeatedly. No one sustained lasting injuries, and after a recovery period of several months—during which some lineup adjustments took place—the band completed its showcase and secured a deal with Victory in spring 2006. The roster at that point included vocalist Sean Murphy, guitarists Dan Puglisi and Danny Pupplo, drummer/vocalist Mike Kaabe, and bassist Steve Muskopf. They tracked their first album for the label, Homeland Insecurity, in California under producer Jay Baumgardner (Papa Roach, New Found Glory) and released it that Halloween.