Why Is Everyone So Into Spiritbox Right Now?!

[@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain]

I'm performing with The Darkness in the USA next month! Come see us! www.thedarknesslive.com/tour-dates/

[@mannyfragoza9652]

to me this band reminds me of Eminence

[@SampleRate-w2w]

You should cover awannabe, they're more me. Try the song content?

[@FTFJohn]

Looking forward to seeing you in Oklahoma if you come!!

[@MellowGhetto]

Black cube of Saturn (Satan)

[@nicklewis4587]

going to see you at the Ace Of Spades in Sacto in October, Ace is an intimate venue(might even see you at the Masonic if S.F), on riff notes, underground artist YCK's rapping is like the sauce you are mentioning, his delivery is like guitar solos you anticipate and relish, one example his "I'm Sick" off his last album Zealot. Thanks again Justin

[@metalbabesami]

Really wish people would stop comparing them to Jinjer. Just bc they have female singers who do growls and cleans, doesn’t make them the same. They have totally different styles and that’s great. You can like one without shitting on the other. I enjoy them both and have seen both in concert. Tatiana and Courtney both sounds awesome live!

[@BimqyMalmsteen]

I personally feel like Courtney's vocals is far superior to Tatiana in Jinjers. I could never get into any of their music because her singing never grew on me.

[@erra7552]

I definitely can't stand Jinjer's vocals. No disrespect to them. But the vocals have always kept me from enjoying that band.

[@k6657]

Tatiana is a beast. Courtney too. But we can't really compare them, I feel Tatiana has really good powerful harsh vocals but I always preferred Courtney singing voice.

[@robblazik7185]

Totally agree....

[@pitpride1220]

The only real commonality is that they kill it in studio and live on stage.

[@bongzilla4172]

Spiritbox is a great band. Saw them live earlier this year and they did NOT disappoint.

[@Cwin-ny6bp]

I saw them live 3 times with another coming up. They are fantastic. They were basically a fully realized act by the time they dropped their debut album, since Mike and Courtney had cut their teeth in Iwrestledabearonce and then spent several years working up to the debut. Both the Rotoscope EP and the upcoming EP with this and The Void show a lot of continuing evolution too.

[@currentlyvibing9916]

They were CRAZY good at knotfest

[@LeadBurritos28]

Saw them open for Ghost and I wish I could’ve heard more

[@ThisOrThat13]

Same, I saw them on their own tour in Washington this year with After The Burial. They're absolutely amazing. Super sweet people during meet and greet. They give a lot swag away for VIP.

[@Cwin-ny6bp]

@@ThisOrThat13 aww man, I really wanted to do a meet and greet, but I don’t think they had it at the shows I saw. I went out of my way to look for an add-on. I’m glad they’re actually cool people like they seem.

[@amandag1337]

I love Spiritbox. I got into them when they had kind of a horror theme but I love their current music as well.

[@shona5512]

They never had a horror theme? It was just Metalcore lol Bit of blood in the music videos, but I wouldn't exactly call it horror themed.

[@Kinshinobi]

Belcarra is the song that got me into them, loved them ever since!

[@jessewest2894]

​@shona5512 belcarra, beach blonde, holy roller, def horror themed. You slow or nah?

[@shona5512]

@@jessewest2894 The only one remotely horror themed is Holy Roller, since the music video is inspired by Midsommar. Just because something is dark, and has gore in the video, doesn't make it horror themed. That's like saying 70% of Metal in general is horror themed when there's only actually a small niche group of bands that are horror themed. Spiritbox are just a Metalcore band, there is no "theme".

[@terogates1]

@@shona5512I’d throw rule of nines in there too, and I think they more meant like the vibe of it, cus there’s definitly that in rule of nines and belcarra/ bleach bath

[@johnjohn37371]

Mike, the guitarist, and singer Courtney are married...they are former members of Iwrestledabearonce and have really come into their own with Spiritbox the last few years....intricate, catchy, really good music...

[@NoName-fo7mz]

Nope they suck

[@johnjohn37371]

@@NoName-fo7mz No reasoning, no explanation, not even a subtle nuanced suggestion, they just suck?...Ok, I respect that...but I need to know, what exactly did you have to edit?

[@ponicsgt]

TIL

[@NoName-fo7mz]

cringe lmaooooo lolll @@johnjohn37371

[@andrewsutton2266]

Mike's first band Fall of Archaea was also fucking mental

[@DrewCheech]

Right now? September 17th, 2021 is when Eternal Blue released - and it was my OBSESSION. First hearing Constance, and then hearing Holy Roller - our ears were given such an incredible delight at the range we heard in just these two opposing tracks alone. Spiritbox, in my humble opinion, found a way to create songs that dance on the border between "keeping it simple" and "punch to the gut." There's something about the way they write their songs that pulls people from metal, and non-metal camps alike. Everything they've done has been enjoyable, and I'm excited to hear the rest of the EP :)

[@Return2TheLiving]

I really want to see Justin play a guitar tuned to Drop F#

[@metalheadblues]

It'll be easier if he tuned up

[@brucemangan3807]

My 6 string bass is in F# standard 😬

[@farrenLP]

@@brucemangan3807 u gotta go lower man, my 6 string guitar is in F# standard

[@brucemangan3807]

@@farrenLP so a bass would be an octave below you… besides.. lower than F#0 starts to leave equipment reproduction range so lower would be a bit pointless

[@mikejenkins4924]

They are a really good band. Nothing else to say. Catchy music, great musicianship and composing skill. The singing quality is amazing. What more would you want from a band?

[@adameve2647]

It's like magic

[@ScarletSun]

yesssss, this is my fav band ever. So excited you're checking them out!

[@erra7552]

@@jayt717 Not sad at all. But, we get it. you listen to reallllly cool music, guy.

[@thallcore9550]

@@jayt717 i bet your fav band is 5fdp

[@erra7552]

@@thallcore9550 the guy definitely listens to bro metal.

[@steveh1802]

You should really cover Gojira. Surprised you haven’t given your love for death metal and how big they’ve gotten. Plus, the singer / guitarist looks like your French death metal cousin and his brother is even in the band :)

[@AliraelLuenn]

I do love the way you geek out about guitars and guitar parts in songs. I would think that most people (myself included) would focus on vocals first, especially when listening to a band for the first time. Through you I am learning to appreciate more in music than just the vocals or overall tune. Thanks!

[@cody3335]

Justin is a guitarist man and a damn good one at that so it makes sense haha.

[@d.hodgsky]

I'm only a minute into the video but I'm already gonna say that last chorus gives my goosebumps goosebumps. This song is so Spiritbox. The vocals, the riffs, the ambience. I love it.

[@cody3335]

The vocals send a bit indie which is really a fresh sound with this music.

[@daddyyu-gi-oh4330]

When I read your clement I was like “lol yeah okay dude” as soon as the guitars kicked in I literally had goosebumps 😂😂😂 I am so sorry I judged you

[@d.hodgsky]

@@daddyyu-gi-oh4330 apology accepted lol

[@667neighbourofthebeast]

The math doesn't add up. Lol.

[@d.hodgsky]

@@667neighbourofthebeast what do you mean?

[@ZuzuTheLemon]

The brown outfit on the brown background makes me think of those big camouflaged moths. You need some large shiny sunglasses to go with it, for the full lepidoptera effect.

[@NinStardust]

Those trousers are 🔥 though! 🥵😅😂

[@MariaFrancesca]

Yes! He's a Hawk Moth! 🙂

[@ZuzuTheLemon]

​​@@MariaFrancesca😂 how did I miss that! 🤦‍♀️

[@MariaFrancesca]

@@ZuzuTheLemon It's so perfect 🙂

[@JamesJSA]

Justin you must absolutely watch Courtney Laplante (The lead singer) do her 'One Take' video of their song 'Circle with me'

[@MrSeedi76]

Or "Rule of Nines" in one take. 😊

[@jimronnysrlie8601]

I second this. It's actually better than the studio version imo :)

[@apexdisease6030]

I 100% agree@@jimronnysrlie8601

[@Rosstafa]

Really love how much you pick up on and appreciate in every track you listen to. You have such a wholesome, interesting perspective. Love this band - worth checking out Blessed Be or Rule of Nines.

[@SkimPickens]

I dig Spiritbox. They're pretty good live, too

[@roadfordays]

Those bass sounds come from multiband compression and multiband distortion, where the upper frequencies are distorted but the lower frequencies are left fairly clean, so the bass can be really growly and have the rich overtones of distortion, without losing low-end punch, depth, and clarity.

[@lotusmilano]

I admire your awareness/love for music. I love how you talk like an engineer/understand everything going on engineering/mix wise in a song

[@mayamelina6]

I saw Spiritbox when they opened for Ghost and it was a great show. She has wonderful vocals.

[@carolbusbey9928]

me too

[@Phunkophil]

Saw that show as well. Went mainly for Spiritbox, but I've been down the Ghost rabbit hole ever since. Going to see Spiritbox again next year, opening for Architects.

[@lens_hunter]

Was Mastodon also there?

[@mayamelina6]

@@lens_hunter yep, that’s the one.

[@lens_hunter]

@@mayamelina6 Don't tell me it was in Grand Rapids :o

[@Grendor]

Hey Justin, would love this to appear in one of your comments videos for some comic relief. Before your channel, it was the first thing that would come to mind anytime anyone mentioned your band. Back when PTL was riding high, I was in primary school in Dublin. We had this old school yard with these 12 sand-coloured brick pillars that made up the perimeter, with black horizontal bars going between each. At these time, the older guys in the school were what those of us in the year below unaffectionately called 'smelly rockers' due to the abundance of black hoodies with bands such as Slipknot and Offspring and their long hair. However The Darkness had more of a cross cultural appeal after hits like IBIATCL. One day we arrived to school to see that each pillar had been graffitied with an individual letter: T-H-E-D-A-R-K-N-E-S-S. But the true piece de resistance was the final act of also adding "O'Neill is a fanny wart" on the wall, O'Neill being the principal. To this day anytime The Darkness is mentioned in the company of people I went to school with, somebody will chime in that O'Neill was, and probably is, in fact a fanny wart. I thank both you and the 'smelly rockers' for that memory, if it was indeed them*. The culprits were never officially caught. *It was definitely them.

[@countskippy]

For those wondering what a "spirit box" is (if it hasn't already been said here), it's a piece of ghost hunting equipment that people use to try and get spirits/the dead/ghosts/etc to "talk" to them via different electronic means. A lot of them tend to cycle through radio frequencies to see if ghosts/spirits use electronic "context clues" to speak to the listener. Interesting piece of equipment that's pretty regularly used. That's what the band is named after. Not SUPER related to what they do, but it's a cool piece of knowledge.

[@Nolan013]

Really enjoyed this, as per usual. Not familiar with Spiritbox but will definitely be delving deeper into their catalog. Also, Justin, what the world really needs is a straight up compilation video of all the "AAAAY HOW COMES HE'S..." clips you've done on your channel. Make it happen. Please.

[@TheCrazyCanuck420]

I stumbled on them the same way as Jinjer through KZbin reactions. The vocalist and guitarist came from a band called Iwrestledabearonce who wanted to start a band to branch out.

[@alexandrehenri-bhargava2741]

Amazing to see this. I live in their home town and just wish our local venues and radio stations would show them some well-deserved love!

[@ComfyTacos]

I met Spiritbox a few moths ago at Knotfest in Melbourne. Absolutely lovely people, and they frankly killed it on stage. One of my favourite bands out there at the moment

[@therealexpletive]

I ALSO LOVE THOSE "WEEDOOP WEEDOP" PARTS! QUITE SAUCY INDEED MATE! BTW LOVE THE GRADO"S ALSO!

[@Henrychamber-r8w]

When your 80 year old grandad listens to a metal band for the first time

[@lyramsr]

I absolutely adore this band. the most exciting current metal band imo. have seen them three times over the last two years and they are always incredible

[@RosieHarp]

another band I've never heard of. Every day's a school day on Mr H's channel 👍🌟

[@hops2099x]

3:02 josh is one of the best bass players in the game IMHO, loved all of his work in As I Lay Dying, I am ecstatic to see this new path forward for him. Initiated friends and friends of friends also speak glowingly of working with him 🤙

[@lukebmx4lyf]

Love spiritbox. Had the opportunity to see them live in Australia earlier this year. I’ve been wanting to see them for a very long time, and I was not disappointed. I really hope they return to Australia, their live presence and outstanding and they meld their music so well together. There’s a reason why they’ve been my favourite band since their early days.

[@nwlondonmetaller3427]

Metalcore has come about due to the open mindedness of these musicians, using elements of other genres and Spiritbox is a prime example of this. It would be difficult to choose which Spiritbox video to watch, as they are all very good. They played down the Camden Roundhouse recently and it was great to see a new generation of Metallers, even the dress sense has evolved, with one young girl dressed in all pink, with a Grindcore logo top. One other band has exploded on to the scene is Ankor - Prisoner. That video has gone viral. It is like Euphoric Pop meeting Extreme Metal.

[@mashedindaed]

Hi Justin. In memory of my father who passed a few weeks ago I wonder if you could give your thoughts on his favourite band, Hawkwind. Really enjoying the channel, keep up the good work.

[@metaldog4642]

Lemmy?

[@confessorsedai]

I have loving them since they started releasing singles in 2017/2018 and while I personally loved their more melodic songs like “Perennial” and “Everything’s Eventual”, I also absolutely loved “Holy Roller”. Eternal Blue was an amazing cd but it took me a few listens unlike their earlier stuff, that had me hooked instantly. Courtney is just incredible and I’m glad I followed her and Mike when they left IWABO!

[@darksidegallery]

Spiritbox are crushing everything right now, great to see.

[@fredskull1618]

Great vid, Justin! As someone new to Spirit Box, their song "Jaded" sounds like an excellent entry point. The blend of metalcore and prog metal elements makes them sound really unique. I love the idea you brought up of the "sauce" the band add to typical metal riffs. The INXS comparison was unexpected but spot-on for emphasizing the distinctiveness of their style. Your review has piqued my interest, and I'm looking forward to diving deeper into Spirit Box's discography!

[@KoleNoscopy]

Got some great songs Spiritbox. Looking forward to seeing how they get on with Josh from AILD

[@jakeparker6610]

Glad you’ve finally covered Spiritbox, such an incredible band and excellent live too

[@grahamnunn8998]

I would never have seeked them out but her voice is pure gold.

[@matthewrichardson9564]

I absolutely love Spiritbox! So damn good

[@currentlyvibing9916]

Really like your reactions lmao they’re more genuine than other reaction channels lmao

[@YYesImCrazYY]

I always prefer reactions by people who are making music themselves, doesn't even have to be on a like huge level but it def brings a different understanding to the mix

[@123100ozzy]

When I first heard about them I thought they were a gimmicky band so i paid no mind. But after finally checking their stuff out I can definitely say they have talent and grit to put out good work.

[@jbrad6888]

I keep finding new, great music thanks to your videos!

[@No20six]

Spiritibox are master song writers. Their push and pull is unrivaled. They really know how to structure a song with an emotional core. Fantastic stuff.

[@unrealzine]

Justin! Congratulations on the 20th anniversary of your smash hit...Keep up the good work!

[@trufflehuffer]

I’d love to hear more of their work. Great envy of women with such vocal capacity. If I could make sounds like that, my kids would be much better behaved!

[@anndelfel7469]

Funny you should say that! When I really wanted my kids attention, I would go into what my kids called demon speak!😂 they're all grown now and still talk about it!

[@liambailes9238]

Watch her one take vocal video of lake of nines

[@kayjay9701]

Their entire discography is an absolute treat. 😍

[@reighnerboo]

Love Spirtbox and Courtney admits she incorporates Beyoncé 's stage presence into their live set often too

[@jessewest2894]

That's Hella lame. Beyonce is trash.

[@FluffyThieves]

Yeah I've seen interviews with her over the years and I think Beyonce is probably her biggest influence. Surprises people but honestly she's always had a popstar vibe to her

[@deangomes6280]

I love this band. I remember on a road trip in 2018 I was looking for music to listen to. I went to see if iwrestledabearonce had any new music and found out Courtney and Mike had started a new band. Listened to the first ep in entirety, was hooked and have been following them ever since. I used to be on their patreon. What’s cool is once they got bigger they stopped it because they had enough support. They’re really cool and I hope I get to see them live one day.

[@timbo4973]

Saw them live and it was one of the best shows I ever saw in my life.

[@tophertaylor68]

You almost had us with the title. Loved the tune tbh

[@kevinmyles6369]

Good tune. Catchy, memorable chorus and that drop in the ridiculous eh..top tier production really.. good thing they're around. Cheers

[@PeterCleff]

I'm a massive fan of their work. They've been a massive influence on me. Insane musicianship. Definitely check out some of their other stuff. It's more this or more that.

[@michaelhickson4317]

I love spirit box so catchy so many riffs

[@Alex_Inigma]

If you want your face blown off, listen to Holy Roller by them 🤘🔥

[@andrewhigdon8346]

That song is BRUTAL.

[@LA_i6]

I saw them Sunday night in Maryland Heights, MO. They rocked and ROLLED.

[@d.j.casanova960]

I’m a metal head, I love deathcore, metalcore, heavy metal, I just love metal. But I’ve always leaned more towards deathcore, even before it was called deathcore, but one thing I can say is that I absolutely love the darkness. I started off as a guitarist then turned my attention to vocals, more precisely extreme vocals, but I’ll never forget the first time I heard The Darkness, it was I Believe In A Thing Called Love, and I was hooked. Ever since then I’ve listened to all your records, and have practiced my ass off to be able to sing just because of The Darkness. When people ask me my influences for vocals I tell them Suicide Silence(Mitch Lucker R.I.P.), Job For A Cowboy, Lamb of God, The Black Dahlia Murder, and The Darkness.

[@trowabarton222]

Spiritbox can do no wrong in my eyes but this is the best song they have put out in awhile. Cant wait for the EP!

[@Elwooddudes]

Just recently got into spiritbox, absolutely love this band!!

[@Jade-ms2ys]

Justin, how DID you come up with the name The Darkness and what does it mean to all of you? PS love your channel.

[@dimensional9536]

Speaking on my experience I love spiritbox. I got into them during 2021, just a little before eternal blue was released. I love their blend of mixing electronic and djent riffs and lyrical they almost are as poetic as sleep token

[@agingerbeard]

I really like her vocals, this is such a fun and human channel thanks for sharing

[@sharnjitsharonlalli212]

Yay from Canada my home country I like their sound she is pretty too and her sound is so wow it’s like it doesn’t even come from her the music is soothing too!🥰👌💗🤗😘🙏🏼👌🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@clairotway6045]

Her vocals are amazing, go girl. Love ya Justin ❤

[@JungYT]

I wish they would throw in a guitar solo occasionally🎸

[@criviette]

I realise that I might be too old for this when the thing that gets me excited is the INXS reference. Although I would argue that INXS is way sexier than this could ever be...

[@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain]

Very true! And thank you!!

[@bobsennick7403]

Seeing them this month! They've got a pretty consistent bunch of songs and a few that just earworm into my head soooooo strongly. Live show should be amazing!

[@a3842-j3o]

thank you for giving spiritbox a listen. love your videos justin

[@WrekuiemForAMeme]

I remember exactly where I was when I first heard them. In a queue in the super market near the Nyon train station in Switzerland back in 2020. It started fading out with "i say these blessings all for you"... and then bam! Jumped out of my skin in the queue. Hooked ever since 😊

[@battlewolf578]

You get cool music at supermarkets, we get taylor swift and trap beats😂

[@WrekuiemForAMeme]

@@battlewolf578 I wouldn't know, rarely have my headphones off 😜

[@neko_neko9]

What mic are you using? sounds great

[@Alexketchem]

Their live set was insane.

[@salemmustdie]

saw them live 2months ago. THEY WERE INCREDIBLEEEDXJJXKDKD

[@Justin_black_leviathan]

Because they're amazing

[@RiKxWolfman]

Love the 2unlimited reference.😂

[@jon-paulfilkins7820]

Let there be No No, There's No Limits to 2Unlimited refences! 🤪

[@iammoog]

I was listening to this as I was popping the washing out and thought the song had just taken a significant dynamic twist and was waiting for it to kick back in. Turned out it was just an advert for the 'Calm' app. 😅

[@nicklewis4587]

going to see you at the Ace Of Spades in Sacto in October, Ace is an intimate venue(might even see you at the Masonic if S.F), on riff notes, underground artist YCK's rapping is like the sauce you are mentioning, his delivery is like guitar solos you anticipate and relish, one example his "I'm Sick" off his last album Zealot. Thanks again Justin

[@Kabz8]

Spiritbox is super dope and one of the best new metal bands out today. Great live sound as well.

[@Tezah89]

I stumbled upon Courtney because of Crown the Empire. I listened to like two songs from Spiritbox and thats all I needed to become a fan.

[@combover71]

Live baby, live! So good. Justin rules

[@MarkoBojkovic-guitar]

Everyone loves Spiritbox because it’s easily the best band of the last few years. I saw the band live back in April, and unsurprisingly, I was blown away!

[@jenn288]

I’m really enjoying your dry wit, and irreverent style of commentary, peppered peppered as it is with the occasionally bizarre off the cuff bon mot, and yet filled with musically sound, insightful analysis Jack White, as a Solo artist, does some fascinating and experimental work some of it beautiful, genius even, raw and honest, some , honestly, unlistenable (to me, anyway) I’d love to hear your thoughts and analysis (and cheeky remarks) on a song off of one of his newer albums!

[@marklawson2004]

I discovered them during the first lockdown and absolutely fell in love with them. They'd only had EPs up to that point and it felt like forever waiting 18 months for that first full length to drop. Obviously lockdown had a huge impact. Saw them live June 2022 on their first UK headline and they were just incredible. And yes Courtney sings like that live. Amazing band.

[@metaldog4642]

They’re from Victoria B.C. In the 90’s the music scene there was crazy. Always something going on every week. 🤘🏻

[@scottmh96]

To answer your question about the bass, they split the signal and run half through the same rig as the guitarist uses as well. All digital obviously.

[@MrJonnyroboto]

They are incredible. Courtney goes from scream to clean vocals in seemingly the same breath. That is total control of her instrument. They’re just f*cking rad.

[@667neighbourofthebeast]

If 'metal' equates to the amplitude of the signal via scratchy treble, then yeah, they are what they say they are.

[@muppetjoe870]

I'd be curious to hear your thoughts on Wargasm

[@s_bee]

Saw them play earlier in the year, outstanding live!

[@YazmynJade95]

I thought nothing would beat circle with me as my favourite song of theirs and then jaded dropped. Obsessed isn’t the word

[@maggiereedy4079]

Courtney is brilliant!!! I absolutly love everything they've done, it's all incredible. She is incredibly live too!!!

[@traviscue2099]

Its funny how a metal musician will know all of rock and not only admire it, but love it.. Then a musician who never pushed past rock will always be stuck in rock.. I can understand to where you stop where you find you've found what you love.. but the further into metal I go, the further I can appreciate every other genre, and then even better mixing those genres into metal. From folk to pop or classical to rnb.

[@eduardoescobar1906]

Because they fucking rule, basically

[@vanesish]

It reminded me a bit of the band "Chaosbay". I think a reaction/analysis of them would also be super cool! 😝

[@IanWrigleyNZ]

Indeed. Accomplished musicians and an enjoyable listen. I love them

[@Weeeeeeeeeg]

From a luthier, re metal guitars… Acoustic: They have them they are called a resonator and they have a tinny sound to them Electric: Won't make much difference to the tone other than improve the sustain. It would have great sustain. 99% of tone on a leccy is the pickup, strings and setup

[@dragon13304]

Saw them at Knotfest Australia earlier this year, insane show!

[@ryanboland6231]

I love that you mention INXS in a video about a modern metal band. Love INXS and Love Spiritbox.

[@haven5144]

One of my favorite bands out these days. Courtney is a phenomenal vocal talent and Mikes riffs are awesome!!

[@strategicallywild]

I subbed because of the INXS comparison 😂

[@RUTHP123]

Another great video…thanks for introducing me to so much new music! Reminds me of when I listened to Jonesy’s Jukebox on the radio. So much good music that would have otherwise passed me by ❤

[@temubarrackslawyer]

I've seen em' twice. Absolutely doesn't disappoint.

[@theWEITNA]

I listened to her podcast as well. ❤