Inhale Exhale

After losing their bands, bassist Brian Pittman, who had just exited pop-punkers Relient K, and guitarist John LaRussa, whose project Narcissus had dissolved, began casual jamming sessions with local players. Permanent members arrived by 2005 when vocalist Ryland Raus and drummer/vocalist Bobby Poole II came aboard, officially forming Inhale/Exhale. Rooted in Canton, OH, the quartet merged their Christian faith with technical metal and post-hardcore to shape a melodic yet unforgiving style. They inked a deal with Solid State during spring 2006, then traveled to Knoxville to record their debut full-length under producer Travis Wyrick (Pillar, P.O.D.). A run of shows supporting labelmates the Chariot preceded the November 2006 arrival of The Lost, the Sick, the Sacred. Inhale/Exhale spent the balance of the year on tour.