Kublai Khan TX

A metalcore four-piece from North Texas, Kublai Khan produces an intense and unrelenting style that merges crushing guitar riffs and rapid blast beats with lyrics that confront racism, depression, and addiction. Distinct from the speed metal act that used the same name in the 1980s, the group delivered its first full-length album, Balancing Survival and Happiness, in 2014. Rise Records signed them shortly before the 2017 arrival of Nomad, after which Absolute in 2019, Lowest Form of Animal in 2022, and Exhibition of Prowess in 2024 continued their expansion across hardcore sub-genres.

The current members are guitarist and vocalist Nolan Ashley, vocalist and lyricist Matt Honeycutt, bassist Eric English, and drummer Isaac Lamb. Formed in 2009, they issued their self-released debut EP, Youth War, in January 2011. Steady regional and national touring helped them develop an audience and led to opening slots with the Acacia Strain, Fit for a King, and Texas in July. Artery Recordings added them to its roster in early 2014, and Balancing Survival and Happiness followed that spring. A European tour with Obey the Brave took place in spring 2014, and they performed at Impericon Festival in Germany. New Strength, their second album, appeared on Artery the next year. The 2017 move to Rise Records preceded the release of Nomad as their third studio album. Performing thereafter as Kublai Khan TX, they introduced electronicore and alternative metal elements to their approach on Absolute and the Lowest Form of Animal EP. Their fifth studio album, Exhibition of Prowess, arrived in 2024 with a return to classic hardcore intensity, highlighted by the anthemic Darwinism, the groove-heavy Theory of Mind, and Hopeless Fate featuring Jamey Jasta.