Love and Death (band)

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Love and Death
Brian "Head" Welch performing live in Phoenix, Arizona, on November 23, 2010
Brian "Head" Welch performing live in Phoenix, Arizona, on November 23, 2010
Background information
OriginPhoenix, Arizona, U.S.
Genres
Years active2012–present
LabelsTooth & Nail, Earache
Members
Past members
Websiteloveanddeathmusic.com

Love and Death is an American Christian metal band formed by Korn guitarist Brian "Head" Welch. The group was officially announced in February 2012 as a re-branding of Welch's solo music project.

History[edit]

Formation and early years (2009–2012)[edit]

The group is effectively a re-branding of the touring group that performed under Welch's name to promote his solo album. Formed in 2009, Welch recruited musicians through open auditions via YouTube, and second-round auditions, in person, at his studio in Phoenix, Arizona.[4] The original group was a six-piece group, who featured Michael Valentine on bass, Ralph Patlan on guitar, Brian Ruedy on keyboards, Scott "SVH" Von Heldt on guitars and vocals and Dan Johnson on drums. After two years of touring, Von Heldt departed the band due to financial reasons,[citation needed] whereas Ruedy was let go a few months earlier and later joined Whitesnake.[5] Patlan also departed the band, but no reason was given. The search began to find a guitar player. In March 2011, two weeks before a tour, Welch discovered "the perfect fit" for his band through Thousand Foot Krutch's public audition videos for a new guitarist on YouTube. 15 years old at the time, J.R. Bareis was chosen by Welch to be the new guitar player and became an official permanent member of the band, as they settled on establishing themselves as a four-piece. The group released a single, "Paralyzed" in November 2011, under the Brian "Head" Welch name. In February 2012, the touring band was re-branded into the group Love and Death.

Love and Death was formally announced in February 2012 through an official statement made by Welch. In the statement, Welch explained that "I have wanted to use a band name for branding my music for a few years. It has been an ongoing discussion with my management, but we were just starting to tour and I was in the middle of supporting my third book and it seemed like a bad time to switch names. Now with the new music coming out, it's time to really separate the things I do. I want the music to be about music. I will still be doing public speaking under Brian Head Welch. I am happy that all the confusion will be over".[4] The name Love and Death was chosen because love and death are the two most significant things you can go through in life.[6]

Chemicals EP, Between Here & Lost (2012–2015)[edit]

The band's debut single, "Chemicals", was released in early April, while their debut EP of the same name released on April 24, 2012.[4] Welch revealed that they would be releasing a cover version of the song "Whip It" by Devo and a remix of "Paralyzed" by Har Meggido.[citation needed]

In late September 2012, the band announced that it had signed a deal with record label Tooth and Nail Records/EMI and that the group's debut album, Between Here & Lost would be released on November 20, however this was pushed back and released on January 22, 2013.[7][8] On the album, Welch stated that "this record was birthed from trials, tribulations, pain, suffering, anxiety, depression, and drama. However, we came out on top and the end result is a very real, raw & honest record."[8]

Perfectly Preserved (2016–present)[edit]

On March 15, 2016 a new single titled "Lo Lamento" was released.[9][10] In August 2019, it was announced that Welch was recruiting musicians such as Jasen Rauch, Lacey Sturm and Spencer Chamberlain about appearing on his next work, thought to be the next Love and Death album.[11]

On October 24, 2020, it was announced that the band had signed with extreme metal label Earache Records in order to release their new album in 2021.[12] On Friday, November 13, 2020, the band released "Down", with a new lineup of Welch, Bareis, longtime friend, producer, and Breaking Benjamin guitarist Jasen Rauch on bass, and Phinehas drummer Isaiah Perez on drums.[13] On January 8, 2021, the band released "White Flag" as the second single from Perfectly Preserved. It features sound similarities to both Korn and Breaking Benjamin.[14] Ahead of the album's release Welch explained that the band was able to get together to create the new album, because their main musical projects were on hold due the COVID-19 pandemic.[15] The album has sold 1,400 copies in its first week of release.[citation needed]

Band members[edit]

Current members

Former members

  • Michael Valentine – bass (2012–2016)
  • Dan Johnson (Red) – drums (2012–2017)

Timeline

Discography[edit]

Love and Death discography
Studio albums2
Music videos6
EPs1
Singles6

Studio albums

List of studio albums, with selected chart positions
Title Details Peak chart positions
US
[16]
US
Christ.

[17]
US
Hard
Rock

[18]
US
Rock

[19]
UK
Rock & Metal

[20]
Between Here & Lost 81 5 5 28
Perfectly Preserved[22]
  • Released: February 12, 2021[23]
  • Label: Earache[24]
  • Formats: CD, digital download
52 4 9

Extended plays

List of extended plays
Title Details
Chemicals EP
  • Released: April 24, 2012 (US)[25]
  • Label: Headdog
  • Formats: Digital download

Singles

List of singles, with selected chart positions, showing year released and album name
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
US
Sales

[26]
US
Christ.
Rock

[27]
US
Main.

[28]
"Paralyzed"[29] (as Brian "Head" Welch) 2011 Between Here & Lost
"Chemicals" 2012 6 4
"The Abandoning" 6
"Meltdown" 2013 14
"Lo Lamento"[30] 2016 Perfectly Preserved
"Down" 2020 26
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Promotional singles

Title[citation needed] Year Album
"I W8 4 U" 2013 Between Here & Lost
"By the Way"
"White Flag" 2021 Perfectly Preserved
"The Hunter"

Music videos

List of music videos, showing year released and director
Title[citation needed] Year Director(s)
"Paralyzed" 2011
"Chemicals" 2012 Poab Design
"The Abandoning" Daniel Davison
"Meltdown" 2013 Behn Fannin
"Down" 2020 Sam Link
"Let Me Love You" 2021 Alison Roberto

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b Heaney, Gregory. "Love and Death – Artist Biography". AllMusic. All Media Network. Retrieved December 13, 2015. Love and Death is a Christian alt-metal band
  2. ^ Topher P. (September 23, 2013). "Love & Death Reissue "Between Here & Lost", Featuring New Song "Empty"". Jesus Wired. Retrieved December 12, 2015.
  3. ^ Brown, Lee (January 14, 2013). "Love and Death – Between Here and Lost". Indie Vision Music. Retrieved December 12, 2015.
  4. ^ a b c "The Gauntlet News - Brian Head Welch Changes Band Name". Thegauntlet.com. Retrieved February 7, 2012.
  5. ^ "Whitesnake – Introducing Brian Ruedy". Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved June 20, 2016.
  6. ^ "INTERVIEW/ALBUM REVIEW: LOVE AND DEATH'". Rock Revolt Magazine. January 10, 2013.
  7. ^ "Tooth & Nail Announce Updated Release Date For Debut Album From Love & Death Featuring Former Korn Guitarist Brian Head Welch 1/22/13 @ Top40-Charts.com - New Songs & Videos from 49 Top 20 & Top 40 Music Charts from 30 Countries". Top40-charts.com. November 6, 2012. Retrieved March 27, 2016.
  8. ^ a b Casey (September 26, 2012). "Welcome Love & Death To The Tooth & Nail Family!". Toothandnail.com. Archived from the original on August 24, 2013. Retrieved September 27, 2012.
  9. ^ Childers, Chad (March 15, 2016). "Love and Death "Lo Lamento" — Exclusive Song Premiere; Pre-Order Brian "Head" Welch's With My Eyes Wide Open". Loudwire. Retrieved March 16, 2016.
  10. ^ "Brian "Head" Welch's Love and Death Releases New Single "Lo Lamento"". www.newreleasetoday.com. Retrieved July 8, 2020.
  11. ^ Korn's Brian "Head" Welch Lining Up Breaking Benjamin, Underoath, Etc. Members For New Solo Album The PRP. August 15, 2019. Retrieved August 16, 2019.
  12. ^ Love And Death (Korn, Etc.) Sign With Earache Records ThePRP. October 24, 2020. Retrieved October 24, 2020.
  13. ^ "Korn + Breaking Benjamin Announce Love & Death Reunion". Loudwire. November 13, 2020. Retrieved November 13, 2020.
  14. ^ Aarons, Ricky (January 7, 2021). "Love And Death Drop Second Single 'White Flag' from Forthcoming Release 'Perfectly Preserved'". Wall Of Sound. Retrieved January 19, 2021.
  15. ^ Aarons, Ricky (January 19, 2021). "Brian 'Head' Welch – 'Love And Death With A Side of KoRn, Please'". Wall Of Sound. Retrieved January 19, 2021.
  16. ^ "Love and Death – Chart History: Billboard 200". Billboard. Archived from the original on October 5, 2018. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  17. ^ "Love and Death – Chart History: Top Christian Albums". Billboard. Archived from the original on October 5, 2018. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  18. ^ "Love and Death – Chart History: Hard Rock Albums". Billboard. Archived from the original on October 5, 2018. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  19. ^ "Love and Death – Chart History: Top Rock Albums". Billboard. Archived from the original on October 5, 2018. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  20. ^ "Love and Death - Full Official Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved February 20, 2021.
  21. ^ Heaney, Gregory. "Between Here & Lost – Love and Death". AllMusic. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  22. ^ "Love And Death (Korn) Release New Teaser, Next Album Rumored For January Release". Theprp.com. November 9, 2020. Retrieved November 26, 2020.
  23. ^ "KORN Guitarist BRIAN 'HEAD' WELCH's LOVE AND DEATH Project To Release 'Perfectly Preserved' Album; 'Down' Single Available". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. November 13, 2020. Retrieved November 26, 2020.
  24. ^ "Love And Death (Korn, Etc.) Sign With Earache Records". Theprp.com. October 24, 2020. Retrieved November 26, 2020.
  25. ^ "Chemicals – Love and Death". AllMusic. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  26. ^ "Love and Death – Chart History: Hot Singles Sales". Billboard. Archived from the original on October 5, 2018. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  27. ^ "Love and Death – Chart History: Christian Rock". Billboard. Archived from the original on October 5, 2018. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  28. ^ "Mainstream Rock Airplay - Week of February 20, 2021". Billboard. Retrieved February 17, 2021.
  29. ^ "Head (2) – Paralyzed". Discogs.com.
  30. ^ "Lo Lamento – Single by Love and Death". iTunes Store. July 2016. Retrieved October 4, 2018.