by Corey AparChicago metalcore outfit Dead to Fall initially came together in 1999, undergoing various lineup changes throughout its existence. The band debuted to rave reviews in 2002 with Victory Records' Everything I Touch Falls to Pieces. Players on their first album consisted of Jonathan Hunt (vocals), Bryan Lear (guitar), Justin Jakimiak (bass), Sean Nichols (guitar), and Dan Craig (drums), and the band set the stage early for their brutal blend of heavy metal, hardcore, and Swedish metal tendencies. Tours with the Red Chord, Darkest Hour, and Malevolent Creation followed before member changes ensued. For their sophomore effort, Hunt and Jakimiak were rounded out by drummer Evan Kaplan and guitarists Antone Jones and Matt Matera (ex-7 Angels 7 Plagues). The more death metal-oriented Villainy & Virtue, produced by Eric Rachel (Atreyu, the Dillinger Escape Plan), appeared in September 2004, and the band next spent time on the road with Napalm Death, Most Precious Blood, and Remembering Never. Tim Java joined in on drums the following January; Chris Nolan replaced Justin Jakimiak on bass three months later. Returning to the studio, Dead to Fall next issued The Phoenix Throne in early April 2006. By this time, the lineup was comprised of Hunt, Java, guitarist Logan Kelly, bassist Chad Fjerstad, and guitarist Aaron Nelson. Phil Merriman eventually replaced Matera and made his recording debut with the band on Are You Serious?, released in February 2008.