History
The Amity Affliction
The Amity Affliction is a post-hardcore band that emerged from Gympie, Queensland, Australia. While their early releases included a demo in 2003 and a self-titled EP in 2004, their touring schedule intensified significantly following the release of the High Hopes EP in 2007. This period saw them become a prominent name within Australia's hardcore music scene, characterized by a potent blend of metallic riffs, rock energy, and a dynamic vocal approach combining singing and screaming.
Early Years and Breakthrough
Beyond their musical output, The Amity Affliction cultivated a distinct attitude and stage presence that contributed to their rapid ascent. Known affectionately as "Amity," the band fostered an environment of energetic and engaging live performances, extending the celebratory atmosphere beyond the stage. The members were deeply involved in the broader Australian hardcore culture, contributing to music magazines, graffiti publications, graphic design, and online blogs, embedding themselves within the scene's ethos.
Severed Ties and Growing Popularity
Their debut full-length album, Severed Ties, was recorded across multiple Australian cities in mid-2008 and released in October of that year. The album featured guest vocals from notable artists such as JJ Peters (Deez Nuts, I Killed the Prom Queen), Michael Crafter (I Killed the Prom Queen, Carpathian, Confession), and Matthew Wright (The Getaway Plan), with production by Darren Thompson. Severed Ties debuted at number 26 on the Australian charts, establishing The Amity Affliction as a leading heavy music act in the country. It garnered critical acclaim, ranking second on Triple J's national radio show "Short Fast Loud" for best albums of 2008 and topping the list on the popular punk site "KillYourStereo.com."
Youngbloods and International Recognition
In mid-2010, the band released their sophomore album, Youngbloods, which debuted at number 6 on the ARIA charts. The album achieved widespread public and critical acclaim, frequently voted the best album of 2010 and often surpassing Parkway Drive's Deep Blue in rankings. Youngbloods propelled Amity's popularity, leading to sold-out national tours, international performances in the UK, US, and Europe, and appearances at the Soundwave Festival. They embarked on their largest tour to date, the "Destroy Music Tour," in May 2010.
Chasing Ghosts and Label Transition
The band continued their momentum with a successful Australian tour in late 2010, followed by the "Fuck the Reaper" tour in early 2012, which sold out in major cities. They performed at the 2012 Big Day Out festival and embarked on the "Still Reckless Tour" in America alongside bands like Asking Alexandria and Trivium. In February 2012, The Amity Affliction signed with Roadrunner Records for their upcoming album. Recording for their third album, Chasing Ghosts, began in Orlando, Florida, with producer Michael Baskette. The album was released in September 2012, achieving significant chart success in Australia, the UK, and the US. Around this time, guitarist Imran Siddiqi departed from the band.
Continued Touring and Album Releases
Following the release of Chasing Ghosts, the band undertook an Australian tour with support from The Ghost Inside, Architects, and Buried In Verona, and appeared at Soundwave and Warped Tour Australia in 2013. Dan Brown joined as the new guitarist in March 2013. The band faced challenges during the 2013 Warped Tour in the United States, with drummer Ryan Burt suffering an eye injury and vocalist Joel Birch experiencing illness, leading to temporary cancellations and guest vocalists filling in. They concluded 2013 with the "Brothers In Arms" tour across Europe and Australia.
In 2014, The Amity Affliction released their fourth studio album, Let the Ocean Take Me. The first singles, "Pittsburgh" and "Don't Lean On Me," preceded the album's release in June, which debuted at number 1 on the Australian ARIA albums chart, marking their second consecutive chart-topping album. Lead guitarist Troy Brady announced his departure in October 2014, leaving Ahren Stringer as the sole original member.
Documentary, This Could Be Heartbreak, and Misery
In May 2015, the band released a trailer for their documentary film, Seems Like Forever, which was released in July 2015 alongside a deluxe edition of Let the Ocean Take Me featuring new tracks. Their fifth studio album, This Could Be Heartbreak, was announced in May 2016 with the release of the first single, "I Bring the Weather with Me." The title track and "All Fucked Up" followed, and the band also contributed a cover of The Weeknd's "Can't Feel My Face" to the Punk Goes Pop Vol. 7 compilation. Ryan Burt officially departed the band in February 2018 due to mental health concerns.
The Amity Affliction returned in June 2018 with the single "Ivy (Doomsday)" from their sixth studio album, Misery, released in August 2018. The album, which included the track "Feels Like I'm Dying," became their fourth consecutive number 1 album on the Aria Albums Chart.
Later Years and Member Changes
Two years later, the band released Everyone Loves You... Once You Leave Them, their first studio LP with new drummer Joe Longobardi. In January 2025, founding member and clean vocalist Ahren Stringer confirmed his departure from the band, following his removal from the 2024 tour and reports of a disagreement with Joel Birch. The band officially confirmed Stringer's exit on February 14, 2025, citing differences within the band.
