Thrice

Thrice: A Journey Through Post-Hardcore Evolution

Thrice, an American post-hardcore band, emerged from Irvine, California, in 1998. The group's enduring lineup features Dustin Kensrue on vocals and guitar, Teppei Teranishi on guitar and keyboards, Eddie Breckenridge on bass, and Riley Breckenridge on drums.

Early Years and Defining Sounds

The band's initial foray into the music industry saw them sign with Sub City Records in 2000, releasing two LPs. While Identity Crisis (2000) garnered a modest reception, their sophomore effort, The Illusion of Safety (2002), achieved widespread acclaim and attracted the attention of major record labels. This album marked a significant shift towards a heavier metalcore sound, a departure from their earlier work, yet still retaining metal influences. The track "The Beltsville Crucible" specifically references the Maryland location where the album was recorded.

Island Records and Artistic Expansion

In 2003, Thrice joined Island Records, releasing The Artist in the Ambulance. This album continued to explore their metal-oriented leanings while staying true to their hardcore roots. The following year, a comprehensive DVD titled If We Could Only See Us Now was released, chronicling their career to date and including a CD with live performances and various b-sides.

Vheissu and Experimental Horizons

Thrice's fourth full-length album, Vheissu, arrived on October 18, 2005. Critically recognized for its experimental nature, the album incorporated non-traditional elements, such as keyboard melodies in "For Miles," Japanese music-box undertones in "Music Box," and chain gang chant choruses in "The Earth Will Shake." This marked a new sonic direction for the band. Collaborating with UK producer Steve Osborne, known for his work with Brit-pop artists, Thrice sought a fresh perspective, expanding their musical influences and producing a distinct album. Vheissu received considerable critical praise and reached #15 on the Billboard 200 chart.

Following Vheissu, the band released Red Sky, an EP featuring b-sides and live recordings.

The Alchemy Index and Label Transition

October 16, 2007, saw the release of the first two volumes of The Alchemy Index, an ambitious project inspired by the four classical elements. During the summer, Thrice transitioned from Island Records to Vagrant Records. The Alchemy Index Vols. I & II - Fire & Water debuted with 28,000 copies sold in its first week. This release comprised two discs, "Fire" and "Water," each containing six songs. The subsequent volumes, "Air" and "Earth," were released on April 15, 2008.

The "Fire" disc resonated with fans of their earlier, heavier post-hardcore sound, reminiscent of their pre-Vheissu albums. In contrast, the "Water" disc explored ambient textures, similar to those found on their previous album. "Air" introduced electronic elements and delayed guitar riffs, while "Earth" delved into an indie-folk sound, featuring intricate piano and acoustic guitar, drawing parallels to Dustin Kensrue's solo work.

Beggars and Major/Minor

Thrice's sixth studio album, Beggars, was released digitally by Vagrant Records on August 9, 2009, in the UK and August 11 in the US, with a physical version featuring bonus material following on September 15. The release dates were adjusted due to an early leak. The lead single, "All the World Is Mad," was first made available through Guitar Hero: World Tour on July 23. Dustin Kensrue described Beggars as "more visceral and more raw," born from playing together in a room as a reaction to the intricate nature of The Alchemy Index.

Their seventh studio album, Major/Minor, was released on September 20, 2011, via Vagrant Records. Pre-release singles like "Yellow Belly" and "Promises" were made available for streaming. The album garnered highly positive reviews, with tracks like "Promises" and "Listen Through Me" showcasing a natural progression from the sound established in Beggars.

Hiatus and Return

On November 21, 2011, Thrice announced a hiatus from full-time band activity. A 'Farewell' tour was scheduled for the spring and summer of 2012, marking their final performances before an indefinite break. In early 2015, the band announced their intention to return, releasing new music and touring once again, confirmed through their official website and social media channels.