Pierce The Veil

Formed in San Diego in 2006 after the breakup of Before Today, Pierce the Veil grew from a band founded by brothers Vic and Mike Fuentes into one of the defining names in 21st-century post-hardcore. Before Today had emerged from the San Diego punk scene, and Pierce the Veil carried that foundation into a more expansive mix of emo, screamo, melodic hardcore and pop-punk melody. Bassist Jaime Preciado and lead guitarist Tony Perry joined in 2007.

The band introduced itself with A Flair for the Dramatic in 2007, then followed with Selfish Machines in 2010. Their songs pair intricate guitar work, volatile rhythmic shifts and Vic Fuentes' high, expressive vocals with hooks that often give the material a melodic pull. The group has also incorporated traditional Mexican musical elements into its sound. Fuentes described the approach as “mexi-core,” a blend of heavy music with a Spanish feel, and said the band tried to include at least a hint of Latin influence in every song. “Besitos,” from Selfish Machines, took that idea further.

Collide with the Sky, released in 2012, became a major step in the band's career. It was their first album for Fearless Records and debuted at No. 12 on the US Billboard 200. Its first single, “King for a Day,” became a hit. By this point, Pierce the Veil had developed an international touring profile, having toured worldwide since the release of its debut.

Their fourth studio album, Misadventures, arrived on May 13, 2016. After a hiatus, Pierce the Veil returned with “Pass the Nirvana” in September 2022, the first single from their fifth album. The Jaws of Life was released on February 10, 2023, extending a catalog that has moved between intense post-hardcore passages and more melodic rock songwriting.