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Kylesa

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Kylesa
Kylesa performing at Roskilde Festival 2011
Kylesa performing at Roskilde Festival 2011
Background information
OriginSavannah, Georgia, U.S.
Genres
Years active
  • 2001–2016
  • 2024–present
Labels
MembersPhillip Cope
Laura Pleasants
John John Jesse
Roy Mayorga
Past membersChristian Depken
Brian Duke
Corey Barhorst
Brandon Baltzley
Carl McGinley
Jeff Porter
Tyler Newberry
Eric Hernandez
Javier Villegas
Chase Rudseal
Websitewww.kylesamusic.com

Kylesa is an American sludge metal band from Savannah, Georgia. Their music incorporates experimentalism with heavy riffs, drop-tuned guitars and elements of psychedelic rock.[2] The group was established in 2001 by former members of Damad with the addition of Laura Pleasants, who is from North Carolina.[3] Numerous lineup changes have left guitarists Phillip Cope and Laura Pleasants as the only remaining original members.[4] Kylesa went on an indefinite hiatus in 2016[5] and returned eight years later with a new rhythm section consisting of former Nausea members John John Jesse and Roy Mayorga.[6]

History

[edit]

Philip Cope began playing in hardcore punk groups during the late 1980s, and by 1992, he booked bands such as Buzzoven and Neurosis at a local all-ages club in Savannah.[7] His impact on the city's music community has led to him being described as the "godfather" of Savannah's metal scene.[7] From 1993 to 2001, Cope played guitar for local sludge metal act Damad, an influential group[8][9] whose members included vocalist Victoria Scalisi, drummer Scott Cooper, bassist Brian Duke, and drummer Christian Depken.[8][10] Pat Mathis of Passive Fist Records said that Damad "established a sound that's stuck [around] – that whole heavy, doomy southern kind of metal. When you've got these old punk guys who listen to the Allman Brothers and start a metal band, that's kind of what you get."[7] After Damad broke up, Scalisi and Cooper went on to establish Karst,[11] while the other members formed Kylesa.[8]

Kylesa began in 2001[12] with a lineup of Phillip Cope, Brian Duke, Christian Depken, and Laura Pleasants, a native of North Carolina who attended the Savannah College of Art and Design.[7] Their name is a variation of "kilesa mara", a Buddhist term denoting delusory mental states.[13] After recording the majority of their debut album[14] in May, the band played its first live show on June 2, 2001, with Mastodon and Cream Abdul Babar in Savannah, Georgia.[15] Four days later, bassist Brian Duke died from an epileptic seizure.[16] The band decided to finish the album in his honor, returning to the studio in August to record two songs with their friend Michael Redmond, a local bass player.[15] In 2002, Prank Records released the 7-inch single "Point of Stillness",[15] followed by Kylesa's self-titled debut album.[17] Both releases featured artwork from Brian "Pushead" Schroeder, who designed the band logo that is used on all of Kylesa's merchandise and releases.[15]

Bassist Corey Barhorst was recruited to replace the late Brian Duke, and the band recorded material that would appear on two split releases: a 7-inch with Memento Mori, released in 2002 via Hyperrealist Records,[18] and a full-length with Cream Abdul Babar, released in 2003 by At a Loss Recordings.[19] Another recording session with this lineup yielded two more 7-inches, which were combined into an EP. Released in 2004 by Prank, the enhanced CD features three original songs, a cover version of Nausea's "Clutches", and a music video for "A 100° Heat Index".[20] That same year, Christian Depken left the group and was replaced by drummer Brandon Baltzley. Kylesa signed with the independent metal label Prosthetic Records and recorded their second proper album, To Walk a Middle Course, which was released in 2005.[21] Baltzley left the band by early 2006[22] and was replaced by a pair of drummers, Carl McGinley (of Unpersons) and Jeff Porter.[13]

Kylesa's third studio album, Time Will Fuse Its Worth, was released in 2006 via Prosthetic.[23] The band recorded cover versions of songs by Eyehategod, Syd Barrett, and Pink Floyd, which were featured on different compilation albums. It was around this time that Corey Barhorst and Jeff Porter parted ways with Kylesa. Bassist Javier Villegas and drummer Eric Hernandez (of Capsule) joined prior to the recording of their fourth album, Static Tensions, which Prosthetic released in 2009.[24] Two of its songs were inspired by the shooting of Savannah musician Jason Statts.[7] To support the album, the band toured with Mastodon, whose guitarist Bill Kelliher said, "We took Kylesa on tour because we love those guys and have been hanging out with them for years. They blew a lot of people's expectations out of the water."[7] By December 2009, it was reported that Kylesa had sold 75,000 albums.[7]

Kylesa in 2014

In 2010, Kylesa signed with the record label Season of Mist.[25] Bassist Corey Barhorst and drummer Tyler Newberry returned to the lineup and participated in the recording of the band's fifth album, Spiral Shadow, which came out in October.[26] Two years later, the band put together a compilation album titled From the Vaults, Vol. 1,[27] which collects previously unreleased tracks, alternate versions of songs, and a new song titled "End Truth".[28] Barhorst and Newberry departed Kylesa for the second time, and multi-instrumentalist Eric Hernandez returned before the recording of their sixth studio album, Ultraviolet, which was issued through Season of Mist in 2013.[29] The record contains more vocals from guitarist Laura Pleasants and is said to be darker than previous works.[30] Kylesa embarked on a full North America headlining tour to promote Ultraviolet, with direct support from Blood Ceremony, White Hills, and Lazer Wulf.[31]

Kylesa's members launched their own record label, Retro Futurist, in 2013.[32] The first release from the label was Pslip from Canadian progressive metal band Sierra.[33] In February 2014, Kylesa performed a live set in Maida Vale Studios for BBC Radio 1's Rock Show with Daniel P. Carter.[34] This performance would later be released as an EP.[35] The group released their seventh studio album, Exhausting Fire, in 2015 through Season of Mist.[36] They promoted the album with a North American tour that featured Inter Arma, Indian Handcrafts, and Irata as supporting acts.[37] In April 2016, Kylesa announced in a Facebook post that they would be going on an indefinite hiatus with "no set date to reconvene".[5] Two years later, Season of Mist released Live at Maida Vale Studio, an EP that consists of the band's 2014 live set performed for BBC Radio 1.[35]

In August 2024, the band announced that they had returned from their hiatus and would perform at the 2025 Roadburn Festival.[38] This was followed by announcements from ArcTanGent Festival in the UK,[39] Inferno Fest in Norway,[40] and A Colossal Weekend in Denmark.[41] Kylesa's new lineup includes founding members Phillip Cope and Laura Pleasents along with a new rhythm section consisting of former Nausea members John John Jesse and Roy Mayorga.[6]

Musical style

[edit]

Kylesa is most often classified as sludge and stoner metal.[42] AllMusic stated that the band borrows "elements of hardcore punk, psychedelic stoner rock, technical speed metal, and good old-fashioned Black Sabbath sludge."[12] Journalist David Peisner of Spin described Kylesa as "dark psych-metal titans", practicing an "aggressive [sound], but with a hazy, stoner vibe that suggests a strange amalgamation of Black Sabbath, Black Flag, and early Pink Floyd."[7]

The band has two lead vocalists, Phillip Cope and Laura Pleasants, who have served as the only constant members throughout various lineup changes.[4] Beginning in 2006 with the addition of Carl McGinley and Jeff Porter, Kylesa employed two drummers.[15] The dual drum tracks are often panned to the left and right, producing a "complex and heavily layered sonic texture" that gives their sound "a thicker punch."[43] McGinley remained a fixture in the band until they went on an indefinite hiatus in 2016.[4] Kylesa returned as a four-piece in 2024, utilizing only one drummer.[6]

Band members

[edit]

Current members

  • Phillip Cope – vocals, guitars, samples (2001–2016, 2024–present)
  • Laura Pleasants – vocals, guitars (2001–2016, 2024–present)
  • John John Jesse – bass (2024–present)
  • Roy Mayorga – drums (2024–present)

Former members

  • Christian Depken – drums, percussion (2001–2004)
  • Brian Duke – bass, vocals (2001; died 2001)
  • Corey Barhorst – bass, vocals (2001–2007, 2009–2011)
  • Brandon Baltzley – drums, percussion (2004–2005)
  • Carl McGinley – drums, percussion, keys, samples (2006–2016)
  • Jeff Porter – drums, percussion (2006–2007)
  • Tyler Newberry – drums, percussion (2007, 2010–2012)
  • Eric Hernandez – drums, percussion (2008–2009, 2012–2015); bass (2012)
  • Javier Villegas – bass (2008–2009)
  • Chase Rudeseal – bass (2012–2015)

Live musicians

  • Jason Cadwell – drums, percussion (2005)
  • Marshall Kirkpatrick – drums, percussion (2009)
  • Edley O'Dowd – drums, percussion (2014)

Session musicians

  • Michael Redmond – bass and vocals (on Kylesa)
  • Bobby Scandiffio – guitar and crickets (on Time Will Fuse Its Worth)
  • Jay Matheson – bass (on Ultraviolet and Exhausting Fire)

Timeline

Discography

[edit]
Studio albums
Singles and EPs
  • Point of Stillness (2002)
  • No Ending / A 110° Heat Index (2004)
  • Delusion on Fire (2004)
  • Unknown Awareness (2009)
  • Violitionist Sessions (2013)
  • Live Studio Improvisation 3.7.14 (2014)
  • Live at Maida Vale Studios (2017)
Split releases
Compilations
Other appearances
Music videos
  • "A 100º Heat Index" (2004)
  • "Where the Horizon Unfolds" (2006)
  • "Hollow Severer" (2007)
  • "Tired Climb" (2010)
  • "Unspoken" (2013)
  • "Low Tide" (2013)
  • "Lost and Confused" (2015)

References

[edit]
  1. ↑ "Kylesa". Heavy Psych Sounds. Archived from the original on June 29, 2021. Retrieved April 10, 2022.
  2. ↑ "PROSTHETIC RECORDS.COM". February 24, 2009. Archived from the original on February 24, 2009. Retrieved November 17, 2020.
  3. ↑ "Kylesa (May.07 issue)". Stomp And Stammer. Retrieved June 3, 2013.
  4. 1 2 3 Jon Hadusek (August 20, 2024). "Kylesa to Reunite in 2025 for First Shows in Nearly a Decade". Consequence. Retrieved August 20, 2026.
  5. 1 2 Camp, Zoe (April 29, 2016). "Kylesa Announce Indefinite Hiatus". Pitchfork Media. Retrieved April 29, 2016.
  6. 1 2 3 Greg Kennelty (February 18, 2025). "KYLESA Joined By NAUSEA's Rhythm Section, Announces US Reunion Shows". metalinjection.net. Retrieved August 20, 2026.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Peisner, David (December 2009). "Metal in the Garden of Good and Evil". Spin. 25 (12): 65–70. ISSN 0886-3032.
  8. 1 2 3 "The return of Damad - Influential Savannah band is back for a cause—and heavy as ever". Connect Savannah. September 28, 2016. Retrieved August 21, 2026.
  9. ↑ Statts, J. H. (August 11, 2017). "Remembering DAMAD's Victoria Scalisi's Big Heart and Flying Fists". Vice. Retrieved August 21, 2026.
  10. ↑ Fred Pessaro (October 18, 2016). "Phillip Cope on DAMAD's Return and Kylesa's Hiatus". clrvynt.com. Retrieved August 21, 2026.
  11. ↑ "Victoria Scalisi: Rest In Peace". Connect Savannah. August 9, 2017. Retrieved August 21, 2026.
  12. 1 2 "Kylesa | Biography & History". AllMusic. Retrieved November 17, 2020.
  13. 1 2 Parker, Chris (September 24, 2009). "Dual-drumming Savannah sludge-rockers Kylesa overhaul sound". Oklahoma Gazette. Archived from the original on October 2, 2013.
  14. ↑ Kylesa (June 6, 2016). "It's 15 years today since our beloved friend and original bass player Brian Duke passed away. As most of you know, he was previously in the band DAMAD with Phillip prior to teaming up with Laura to start KYLESA. We were lucky enough to write and record the majority of our first record with him before he left us. We love and miss you, Brian". Facebook. Retrieved August 16, 2026.
  15. 1 2 3 4 5 "Kylesa Bio". Alternative Tentacles. Retrieved August 20, 2026.
  16. ↑ Chris Parker (September 24, 2009). "Dual-drumming Savannah sludge-rockers Kylesa overhaul sound". Oklahoma Gazette. Retrieved August 16, 2026.
  17. ↑ "Kylesa - Kylesa". AllMusic. Retrieved August 21, 2026.
  18. ↑ "Releases". hyperrealist.com. Archived from the original on March 28, 2007. Retrieved August 21, 2026.
  19. ↑ "Split - Cream Abdul Babar / Kylesa". AllMusic. Retrieved August 21, 2026.
  20. ↑ "Prank Records - Homeolder". prankrecords.com. Retrieved August 21, 2026.
  21. ↑ "To Walk a Middle Course - Kylesa". AllMusic. Retrieved August 21, 2026.
  22. ↑ "KYLESA Announce Two New Drummers". Blabbermouth.net. February 18, 2006. Retrieved August 21, 2026.
  23. ↑ "Time Will Fuse Its Worth - Kylesa". AllMusic. Retrieved August 21, 2026.
  24. ↑ "Kylesa Biography". Starpulse.com. Archived from the original on July 5, 2013. Retrieved June 3, 2013.
  25. ↑ "Kylesa Sign To Season Of Mist". Metal Insider. April 8, 2010. Retrieved June 3, 2013.
  26. ↑ "Spiral Shadow - Kylesa / Season of Mist". Season of Mist. Retrieved August 21, 2026.
  27. ↑ "Kylesa - New Song Streaming Online - Metal Storm". Metalstorm.net. Retrieved November 17, 2020.
  28. ↑ "KYLESA To Release 'From The Vaults, Vol. 1' In November". blabbermouth.net. August 28, 2012. Archived from the original on August 29, 2012. Retrieved August 21, 2026.
  29. ↑ "Ultraviolet - Kylesa / Season of Mist". Season of Mist. Retrieved August 21, 2026.
  30. ↑ Brandon Stosuy (March 15, 2013). "Laura Pleasants and Phillip Cope on their darker new album Ultraviolet". Pitchfork. Retrieved April 12, 2013.
  31. ↑ Graham 'Gruhamed' Hartmann (March 28, 2013). "Kylesa Announce 2013 North American Tour with Blood Ceremony, White Hills + Lazer/Wulf". Loudwire. Retrieved May 29, 2013.
  32. ↑ Gregory Adams (August 26, 2013). "Kylesa Launch Their Own Record Label, Prep Vinyl Release from Sierra". Exclaim!. Retrieved August 21, 2026.
  33. ↑ "KYLESA Launch Retro Futurist Records; Inaugural Release This January From Canada's SIERRA". brave Words & Bloody Knuckles. December 11, 2013. Retrieved August 21, 2026.
  34. ↑ "KYLESA Performs On BBC Radio 1, Video Available". radiotangra.com. February 13, 2014. Retrieved August 21, 2026.
  35. 1 2 "Kylesa Set April 22 Release for Live at Maida Vale Studios". radiotangra.com. April 3, 2017. Retrieved August 21, 2026.
  36. ↑ "KYLESA To Release 'Exhausting Fire' Album In October". Blabbermouth.net. July 29, 2015. Retrieved October 17, 2015.
  37. ↑ "KYLESA – Exhausting Fire – October 14, 2015". Season of Mist. October 14, 2015. Retrieved August 21, 2026.
  38. ↑ "Kylesa Officially Reunite, Booked For 2025 'Roadburn Festival'". ThePRP. August 20, 2024. Retrieved August 21, 2024.
  39. ↑ Hesher Keenan (October 1, 2024). "Karnivool, Melvins, Kylesa, and More Announced for Arctangent Festival 2025". metalsucks.net. Retrieved August 21, 2026.
  40. ↑ "NORWAY'S INFERNO FEST 2025 ADDS KYLESA, THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, DØDHEIMSGARD AND PONTE DEL DIAVOLO TO LINEUP – Allfather". allfathermetal.com. Retrieved August 21, 2026.
  41. ↑ Karina Rae Selvig (March 30, 2025). "A Colossal Weekend 2025". rockfreaks.net. Retrieved August 21, 2026.
  42. ↑ WISE, LAUREN. "The 21 Best Heavy Metal Albums of 2013". Phoenix New Times. Retrieved September 23, 2018. Georgia's pretty damn good at producing great stoner sludge metal: In addition to Mastodon and Baroness there's Kylesa, who fuses basement punk and biker metal on Ultraviolet.
  43. ↑ Akhenaten (January 31, 2024). "Discography Deep Dive: Kylesa – Time Will Fuse Its Worth". wherestridesthebehemoth.wordpress.com. Retrieved August 20, 2026.

Bibliography

[edit]
  • Peisner, David (December 2009). "Metal in the Garden of Good and Evil". Spin. 25 (12): 65–70. ISSN 0886-3032.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kylesa&oldid=1375128570"