FEATURE: Bands you wish would make a comeback

‘Never Say Never’ should be permanently implied or rather become an explicit motto for every band nowadays.

Granted, you can only take a band on their present word, but calling it a day or going on hiatus doesn’t seem like a permanent thing anymore – it may as well be accompanied by an asterisk.

In 2014 we’ve seen iconic melodic death metallers At The Gates announce their first studio album in 19 years. This followed Carcass who released their first album in 17 years in 2013.

Popular UK punk/hardcore outfit Basement have returned from hiatus, Saosin are hinting at writing new material and local favourites Mary Jane Kelly are pushing forward again this year.

Here’s a cross section of bands – some who are taking a break, some that are merely inactive and others that have officially called it quits – that we’d love to see back and making music again.

Poison the Well

Respect is earned never given. Florida’s Poison the Well are the quintessential band that was as loved by its fans as it was admired by its peers. Consistent across the board, while constantly evolving, the band was (and still is) an influential group. From their impressive debut and sophomore releases to the band’s crowning achievement (‘You Come Before You’), Poison the Well will always be welcomed back with open arms. Currently on hiatus, we’d love a follow-up to 2009’s ‘The Tropic Rot’.

Animosity

To put things into context and stark perspective, this Bay Area contingent was comprised of just bratty kids who loved metal when they delivered the likes of ‘Shut It Down’, ‘Empires’ and later ‘Animal’. The talent was already there. It was deathcore but will intelligence. Metal with enthusiasm…and a carefree, ‘play by our own rules’ type mentality that made the music fresh. Look what fingers the band has had in the metal pie since. Navene Koperweis dominated Animals As Leaders before handing over to Matt Garstka. While, Evan Brewer has released a slew of impressive solo albums and is contributing well in The Faceless. A rhythm section of Koperweis and Brewer. Let that sink in. That’s akin to the sporting one-two punch of Durant and Westbrook. Something tells us these guys would show the generic deathcore bands circa 2013-14 a thing or two if they ever released another album.

The End

Talk about being in the right place at the WRONG time. The End would be killing it today in an era where djent, tech metal and melody have coalesced to enjoy a bright moment in the sun. Periphery, TesseracT, Animals As Leaders, Scale The Summit. There’s no reason why The End wouldn’t rank alongside them. Combining The Dillinger Escape Plan-type riffs with crazy time signatures and polyrhythms, the Canadian mathcore outfit were onto something well before listeners caught up.

Thrice

"Thrice is not breaking up.” … “However, we will be taking a break from being a full-time band for the foreseeable future.” Which prevails? The optimistic way of looking at things states, the band has not called it a day. Although, “foreseeable future” is always loosely defined. Two years? five years? 10 years? Fans will wait patiently for a return and hopeful successor to 2011’s ‘Major/Minor’.

The Red Chord

With lyrics like, “The Penis was from Heaven and it went to Hell”, the Red Chord really didn’t give, to paraphrase Malcolm Blight, a “rat’s tossbag” about any scenes, trends or what popular genres suggested they sound like. From Guy Kozowyk’s guttural growls to the blistering double kick, the Red Chord were severely underrated. The band is not on hiatus but rather taking their sweet time preparing a new album. Kozowyk is now a police officer. Time to put the badge down Dirty Harry and get back in the studio.

Carpathian

In the mid-2000s period, Carpathian were a staple at local hardcore/metalcore shows. From playing with the likes of Bleeding Through at the Camberwell Civic Centre or alongside Prom Queen and The Getaway Plan at the Corner Hotel, you always knew it would be a fun gig with the Melbourne boys on the bill. With recent rumblings about a possible reunion show not eventuating, is the door permanently shut on any return? A follow-up to 2008’s ‘Isolation’ would certainly generate a lot of interest if nothing else.

The Chariot

It’s only been a little while since the band called it a day and already we miss The Chariot. It’s bittersweet. In the early days, it seemed a little odd that Josh Scogin would leave Norma Jean to form a band that stylistic shared many similar qualities. However, over time it became clear this was a band with its own identity and its own charms. While the selfish side of us always wants more, the band certainly went out on a high with ‘Long Live’ and ‘One Wing’. While The Chariot didn’t benefit being put on the same time as Metallica at last year’s Soundwave, the performance will still leave a lasting impression. Guitarist Stephen ‘Stevis’ Harrison is probably still climbing down from that giant tent pole.

Underoath

Another band who hasn’t been gone for long. Underoath’s impression will certainly be lasting. The Christian exterior certainly gave the band an unassuming persona, but the music was always of high quality. It progressed just enough to keep things interesting without detracting from what preceded it. While we don’t necessarily demand anything in the short-term, it would be nice to hold onto the notion that the band will return again one day.

Johnny Truant

Underrated, Johnny Truant never really enjoyed the same level of success as some of their contemporary peers. They essentially came and went without too much fuss. The final tour the band was booked to play was almost symbolic. Put on the bill alongside Bring Me the Horizon, The Ghost Inside and Misery Signals we’ve seen what the aforementioned have achieved in the next six years. Is it a case of what could’ve been for Johnny Truant?

Botch

Tacoma mathcore four-piece Botch had a monopoly on the abstract, discordant metal sounds of the late 90’s. ‘We Are the Romans’ was a highlight. Considering eventual associated acts include Minus The Bear and Russian Circles, it’s clear the talent present was no one-time fluke. The band’s stance is not too promising: “There is no reunion in the works. As proud as we are of the band and as much as we're all still friends, there is no plan to do a reunion. Zero, zilch, nada. However, we do appreciate everyone's continuing interest in the band. Thanks.” One can only hope though.

What bands would you like to see write and record music again? Let us know below.