Biography

Recognized as one of the pioneers of doom/death metal, Daylight Dies have been lauded for their brand of dark atmospheric music since the release of the Idle EP in 2000. Formed by long-time collaborators Barre Gambling on guitars, and Jesse Haff on drums in 1996, the two were joined by Egan O’Rourke on bass and vocals and Guthrie Iddings on lead vocals, and released their debut full length No Reply on Relapse Records in 2002. Called “memorable and engaging” by Terrorizer Magazine, the album and subsequent touring in Europe and North America catapulted Daylight Dies onto the radar of international audiences. Dismantling Devotion was released by Candlelight Records in 2006, and represented a significant musical evolution. Nathan Ellis replaced Iddings on vocals, and Charley Shackelford joined as a second guitarist. The album received wide acclaim, labeled a “landmark American album” by Digital Metal. While based in the U.S., the band especially gained appreciation in Europe. 2009’s Lost to the Living continued to push the boundaries, contrasting beautiful melancholic leads with harsh dissonant rhythms. Revolver Magazine called it “masterful.” A Frail Becoming was released in 2012, demonstrating the most mature songwriting to date, and once again firmly established Daylight Dies as a leader within the genre. All Music called it “beyond anything accomplished before in America.” The band is currently working on new music.