The members of Hawthorne Heights have always been driven to form a solid band. It doesn’t stem from a hunger for success, though. To the Dayton, Ohio, rock band, playing music is a therapeutic escape.
While the band battled lawsuits and countersuits with Victory Records Inc., the ultimate tragedy struck them in 2007: Guitarist and longtime friend Casey Calvert was found dead on the band’s tour bus from accidental mixture of prescribed medication.
“The one thing that got us through was music,” drummer Eron Bucciarelli said. “That was the one thing that wasn’t dependent on waiting on a lawyer’s phone call or anything else.”
The band members penned down thoughts, strummed out emotions and pounded out troubles. Bucciarelli said music “was one sort of safe place we could all go and meet up.”
Through instrumental remedy, Hawthorne Heights rose above its adversities. “Skeletons” is the fourth release from the band due early next year.
During the Never Sleep Again Tour, Hawthorne Heights will stop at Common Grounds on Nov. 22 with Just Surrender, Punchline, Monty Are I and Night Beast. Tickets are $13 in advance and $15 the day of. Doors open at 6 p.m.
The band sees smaller venues as a revival because fans get a chance to reconnect with members as they preview the album. The shows on Never Sleep Again are “way more intimate” and consist of high energy performance from every band, ideal for fans who haven’t seen them live in four to six years, Bucciarelli said.
“This is all new to us again. It’s great,” he said.
“Skeletons” places the band in a delicate predicament, however. While its 2004 platinum debut, “The Silence in Black and White,” and follow-up success, “If Only You Were Lonely,” boom with catchy screamo rock tracks, last year’s “Fragile Future” was Hawthorne Heights’ outlet for dealing with Calvert’s passing. The sudden reconciliation with Victory Records led to a rushed release, and many fans were unaware of it.
Bucciarelli said he and the band worry about “die-hard” fans’ reactions to “Skeletons.” Their tastes and influences might have changed since “If Only You Were Lonely,” he said.
“To maintain relevance you have to continuously evolve and change your music,” Bucciarelli said. “A lot of fans have grown since then, so hopefully their tastes evolved too.”
The band spent months working on a song, Bucciarelli said, and each is unique.
“You have different vibes going on in this album, some heavier and darker vibes,” Bucciarelli said.
“Skeletons” remains a secret until the show. Bucciarelli said he does not want to give too much away and humbly mentioned that the band has expanded its sound and tried new things.
