History
Pierce the Veil was formed in San Diego, California, in 2006 by brothers Vic and Mike Fuentes. The project emerged from the remains of their previous band, Before Today, after that group disbanded. Working as a duo, the brothers wrote and recorded their entire debut album in Seattle with producer Casey Bates. Released on June 26, 2007, through Equal Vision Records, A Flair for the Dramatic introduced the band's signature high-energy post-hardcore sound. The group's name was derived from a song title on Before Today's final album.
To transition into a full touring act, the Fuentes brothers recruited guitarist Tony Perry and bassist Jaime Preciado. This lineup quickly established a reputation for intense live performances, spending much of 2007 and 2008 on the road. They became staples of the Vans Warped Tour circuit and launched their first headlining run, The Delicious Tour, in late 2008.
Selfish Machines and Rise to Prominence
The band's second studio album, Selfish Machines, was released on June 21, 2010. The record was a commercial success for the independent label, reaching number one on the Billboard Heatseekers Chart. During this era, Pierce the Veil expanded their reach by performing at major festivals like South by Southwest and Bamboozle Left. They also gained visibility through the Punk Goes... compilation series, contributing covers of Blue Öyster Cult's "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" and Bruno Mars's "Just the Way You Are."
Mainstream Breakthrough with Collide with the Sky
In 2011, Pierce the Veil signed with Fearless Records, a move that preceded their most significant commercial breakthrough. Their third album, Collide with the Sky, was released on July 17, 2012. The album was bolstered by the massive success of the lead single "King for a Day," which featured Kellin Quinn of Sleeping with Sirens. The track became a definitive anthem of the genre, eventually earning RIAA platinum certification.
The success of Collide with the Sky led to sold-out headlining tours across the United Kingdom and the United States. The band’s impact was recognized by the industry and fans alike; in 2012, they won nine categories in the Alternative Press readers' poll, including Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, and Best Live Band.
Misadventures and The Jaws of Life
After several years of heavy touring and a meticulous recording process with producer Dan Korneff, the band released their fourth album, Misadventures, on May 13, 2016. The album featured singles such as "The Divine Zero" and "Texas Is Forever," debuting at number four on the Billboard 200. The record was praised for its technical precision and the evolution of Vic Fuentes' songwriting.
Following a lengthy hiatus and a shift in the band's internal structure, Pierce the Veil returned in late 2022 with new music. Their fifth studio album, The Jaws of Life, was released on February 10, 2023. The album, which includes the singles "Pass The Nirvana" and "Emergency Contact," showcased a grungier, more alternative rock-influenced sound while maintaining the melodic sensibilities that earned them a dedicated global following.