Sybris

Sybris, an outfit from Chicago, produces angular rock by fusing the explosive force of grunge with the shadowy moods of after-hours goth venues. The band enjoyed strong success across the 2000s yet entered dormancy following their second album, 2008’s Into the Trees. In a surprising reversal, the group reconvened in 2024 to mark the arrival of their previously unreleased third album, Gold on Hold, which had remained shelved since its recording in 2012.

The four members first assembled in 2003, centered on Angela Mullenhour’s lead vocals, Eric Mahle’s drumming, Phil Naumann’s guitar work, and Shaun Podgurski’s bass and vocals. Their self-titled debut arrived on the Flameshovel label in August 2005 and earned both critical praise and commercial attention. A blend of melodic mid-’90s alternative rock with angular lo-fi and experimental pop elements earned them a place on Absolutely Kosher for the 2008 follow-up, Into the Trees. Although they had begun work on a third project, the band slipped into inactivity before its release. Thirteen years later, Gold on Hold emerged in 2024 on Absolutely Kosher—the label itself returning after a lengthy hiatus—prompting Sybris to reunite, now with Clayton DeMuth on drums in place of Mahle.