Fear Before The March of Flames

Fear Before the March of Flame came together in the Denver area during 2002. Vocalist David Marion, guitarist/vocalist Adam Fisher, bassist Michael Madruga, and drummer Brandon Proff gradually shaped a hybrid blending screamo, metal, and terse post-hardcore dynamics. Portland-area indie Rise Records noticed the group and released its first full-length, Odd How People Shake, in July 2003. Subsequent tours alongside acts such as the Blood Brothers and Hopesfall drew attention, prompting Equal Vision to add Fear Before the March of Flame to its roster. The label licensed and reissued the People album, generating additional buzz, after which further road work led the band into the studio. The sessions produced Art Damage, which appeared in September 2004 and displayed a tighter, more aggressive sound. Building on those dark, experimental tendencies, the musicians delivered The Always Open Mouth in September 2006. By the time that record emerged, Proff had departed to pursue a teaching career, and the lineup had expanded to include drummer Clayton "Goose" Holyoak, guitarist Zach Hutchings, and guitarist/keyboardist Billy Johnson. Fall engagements alongside Between the Buried and Me and Norma Jean followed.