BAND MEMBERS: Mark Andrews (vocals) Dan Lawerence (vocals) Tom Diamond (guitar) Alan Burent Smith (guitar) Duncan Mgilvary (bass) Darren Toms (drums)
FORMED: 2002
A raging, schizophrenic blend of pitch-perfect vocal melodies, brutal breakdowns and killer pop hooks, The Hurt Process are set to turn the tables on the hardcore scenes sometimes staid conventions. Combining a love of hardcore, emo and pop, The Hurt Process formed two years ago, and within six months, they released an EP called Another Day on Loudspeaker. It was met with great reviews from the music press, including Metal Hammer, who raved, You need The Hurt Process. Amazing. and Rocksound, who said, Destined to be one of the U.K.s hottest new bands.
Quickly building a rabid fan base, due to their incendiary live shows and penchant for touring their asses off, The Hurt Process seemed destined to take the buzz they were building in the U.K. to an international level. With the release of The Last Goodbye on Inherited Industries, the refinement of the bands sound became apparent. The four songs of heartache, rage and angst were more focused, direct and intricate often evincing influences from some unique sources. Tuesday channels the spirit of Jeff Buckley into the vocal chords of Boysetsfires Nathan Gray, while the climax, The Sky Bleeding White Butterflies sees the band moving further into uncharted territories emphasizing a more thoughtful, poetic side.
After the EP was released, the band decided to take time off and write a full-length album. They sent their music to several producers and Cameron Webb (Zebrahead, Tenacious D, Ignite) was hands-down the most intuitive candidate when it came to understanding their blend of hardcore and emo. The band arrived in Los Angeles in March 2003 to record at Maple Studios in Santa Anna. It was a completely new experience for us, seeing Los Angeles, and soaking up a whole new culture was really exciting, explained Darren. They were determined to create a package for The Drive By Monologue that would be artistically relevant, so they sent the album to Derek Hess, one of the most famous artists on the punk scene. After hearing it, he was immediately taken with The Hurt Process and created the illustrations for their cd and merchandise. Derek wasnt a friend, we were just fans of his art, but we have become close, and no one can touch his work, Darren commented, It meant a lot to us that he could relate to our music without knowing much about the band.
The release of Drive By Monologue in October 2003 brought a storm of attention from radio and press, and the band were soon receiving airplay on BBC, as well as being featured in Kerrang! and Metal Hammer, who raved, The completed album is a rollercoaster of varying emotions and soundsthe results are astounding.
As exciting as the incredible media attention at home was, labels in the U.S. began to take notice as well. The Hurt Process found a home at Victory Records, who will release the album on March 23, 2004. The band returns to the states this summer they will be the first U.K. band ever to play Warped Tour, and they will support Zebrahead on tour immediately afterward. The aim of the band is simple, according to Darren: Were trying to get the perfect balance between heavy and melodic. We can play with really heavy bands as well as fitting in on more melodic or poppier bills.
The Hurt Process bonded over a love of such bands as Quicksand, Thursday, Jimmy Eat World and Atreyu. Vocalists Daniel Laurence and Mark Andrews, guitarists Tom Diamond and Alun Burnet-Smith, bassist Duncan McGilvary and drummer Darren Toms set out to put their own mark on the hardcore scene they loved. With a emo-style dual-pronged vocal attack thats as soothing as it is serrated, claustrophobic and intertwining fretwork, coupled with the best breakdowns and rumbling low end this side of a Sick Of It All record, The Hurt Process will be making waves this summer.
