Nails (band)

This article is about the hardcore punk band. For the new wave band, see The Nails.
Nails
Nails performing in 2014
Background information
Origin Oxnard, California, U.S.
Genres
Years active 2009–present
Labels
Members
  • Todd Jones
Past members
Website nailssl.bandcamp.com

Nails is an American hardcore punk band from Oxnard, California. The group was formed in 2009 by frontman Todd Jones, formerly the guitarist of Terror, along with bassist John Gianelli and drummer Taylor Young of Disgrace. They released their debut EP Obscene Humanity in 2009, followed by the studio albums Unsilent Death (2010), Abandon All Life (2013) and You Will Never Be One of Us (2016), and a split EP with Full of Hell. Nails have achieved widespread notoriety and critical acclaim for their savage and intense sound.

History

The band formed in 2009. They have since released three full-length albums and two EPs. As of June 2014, the band is signed to Nuclear Blast. They released their third album, You Will Never Be One of Us, on June 17, 2016.

On July 25, 2016, the band abruptly canceled a European tour, with promoters claiming the band were on a hiatus and "had no plans to play live or record again." This also led to canceling their appearance at Ozzfest Meets Knotfest. Todd Jones later stated that the band had never taken a hiatus. In December 2016, the band returned by playing at The Power of the Riff festival and releasing a split 7-inch with Full of Hell.

On November 30, 2020, following the announcement of the 10th anniversary reissue of Unsilent Death, Young announced that he quit the band in early Spring. The day after, John Gianelli also confirmed his departure from the band. From this point, Todd Jones is the only member of the band.

After close to 3 years of silence from Jones, the band's Instagram posted a picture of Jones and Kurt Ballou in God City Studios. The photo was captioned, "New NAILS LP coming Summer 2024 via @nuclearblastrecords engineered by Kurt Ballou. Thanks for sticking with us. Info forthcoming. Love you all." No further information was given as to the bands new lineup.

Musical style

In a review of Abandon All Life, Pitchfork wrote that "Nails cram their brief but constantly shifting tracks with a chaotic, complex blend of hardcore punk, D-beat, grindcore, powerviolence, and death metal." In a 2013 interview for Invisible Oranges, Todd Jones named crust punk, death metal, and Japanese hardcore as the band's foremost musical influences. Rushonrock cited Nails, alongside Trap Them, as key players of the contemporary American crust scene.

Members

Current
  • Todd Jones – vocals, guitar (2009–present)
Former
  • John Gianelli – bass (2009–2020)
  • Taylor Young – drums (2009–2020)
  • Tom Hogan – drums (2009)
  • Andrew Saba – guitar (2012–2015)
  • Leon del Muerte – guitar (2017–2019)
Touring musicians
  • Jon Westbrook – bass (2009)
  • Phil Sgrosso – guitar (2016)

Timeline

Discography

Studio albums

EPs