STILL REMAINS

STILL REMAINS
Biography, Discography, and Outlook

1. Pioneers of the "Synthesizer Revolution" in Metalcore

In the early 21st century, within the genre of "Metalcore" that rewrote the map of rock music, Still Remains, a band from Grand Rapids, Michigan, occupies an extremely unique and important position.

In the mid-2000s, the American metal scene was dominated by bands that fused the riff structures of Swedish melodic death metal, the breakdowns of American hardcore, and emotional clean vocals. While bands like Killswitch Engage and As I Lay Dying pushed guitar-driven aggression to the forefront, Still Remains boldly introduced the synthesizer/keyboard as a "fourth element."

The innovation of Still Remains' musical style lay in positioning the synthesizer not merely as background sound (atmosphere), but as a primary melodic instrument on equal footing with the lead guitar. This style fused the brilliance of New Wave and Euro-pop, such as Depeche Mode, with the ferocity of heavy metal, and it was praised as a pioneering example of a Midwestern American band embodying a "Euro-metal" approach.

2. The Dawn and Formation of Identity (2002–2004)

2.1 The Grand Rapids Scene and Predecessor Band "Shades of Amber"

The history of Still Remains is deeply rooted in the local scene of Grand Rapids, Michigan. The core of the band consisted of T.J. Miller (Vo) and Jordan Whelan (Gt). They had previously been active in a hardcore band called Shades of Amber, and following its dissolution or evolutionary disbandment, they formed Still Remains in 2002.

Grand Rapids, located midway between major cities like Chicago and Detroit, possessed a unique environment where a community with Christian values intersected with an underground hardcore scene. This environment significantly influenced themes such as "spiritual conflict" and "salvation" seen in Still Remains' lyrics (reflecting their aspect as a Christian metal band).

2.2 Experimentation and Establishment in Early EPs

Immediately after their formation, Still Remains began energetic songwriting activities and released their first EP, "Dying with a Smile," in October 2003. At this point, the archetype of Still Remains' signature sound—aggressive screams, melodic choruses, and keyboard ornamentation—could already be discerned.

Following that in 2004, they signed with the independent label Benchmark Records and released their second EP, "If Love Was Born to Die." This EP went beyond a mere demo recording and served as the decisive factor that brought Still Remains to the attention of metal label scouts across the United States. In particular, the dramatic progression seen in the title track possessed a standout lyricism within the metalcore scene of that time.

Early members included drummer Cameron MacIntosh and guitarist Jordan Gilliam. Despite undergoing frequent lineup changes, the band's musical core remained rock solid.

3. The Roadrunner Records Era and the Golden Age (2005–2008)

3.1 Major Debut and the Impact of "Of Love and Lunacy"

In the mid-2000s, as the metalcore boom reached its peak, Still Remains secured a contract with the global metal label Roadrunner Records. This meant receiving support from a massive powerhouse that boasted artists like Slipknot and Nickelback, catapulting Still Remains instantly into the major scene.

In May 2005, their debut album "Of Love and Lunacy" was released. With Garth "GGGarth" Richardson, who had worked with Rage Against the Machine and Mudvayne, on board as producer, the recording took place in Vancouver, Canada.

Musical Characteristics and Critical Reception

This work fully showcased the presence of keyboardist Zach Roth.

• "The Worst Is Yet to Come": This song became Still Remains' signature track and was placed in heavy rotation on MTV2's "Headbangers Ball." The catchy synth riff in the intro functioned as a hook equal to any guitar riff, breaking new ground as "danceable metalcore."
• "White Walls": A track where the contrast between clean vocals and screams, as well as the heaviness of the breakdown, stands out prominently.

While the album received generally favorable reviews on platforms like Sputnikmusic and AllMusic, it also faced criticism from metal purists who claimed that the "keyboards were excessive." However, that very polarization was proof of Still Remains' unique identity.

3.2 Global Tours and Festival Appearances

With the powerful backing of Roadrunner Records, the band plunged into a grueling touring cycle.

• Roadrage Tour 2005: They toured the UK and Europe alongside labelmates Trivium and 3 Inches of Blood. The success of this tour allowed Still Remains to establish a solid fan base, particularly in the UK market.
• Download Festival: They performed in front of tens of thousands of fans at one of the world's largest festivals, held at the historic Donington Park rock grounds.
• Kerrang! XXV Tour (2006): They shared the stage with Bullet for My Valentine, Hawthorne Heights, and Aiden on the 25th anniversary tour of the influential UK magazine "Kerrang!". This lineup epitomized the momentum of the "screamo/emo/metalcore" scene at the time.

3.3 Transformation and Conflict in "The Serpent" (2007)

In 2007, they released their second album, "The Serpent," hiring Steve Evetts as producer. With this album, the band took a massive gamble. They steered away from the "chaotic metalcore" of their debut toward a "more structured modern rock" sound.

• Musical Shift: Vocalist T.J. Miller reduced the ratio of screaming, focusing more on a melodic singing style (so-called "song-oriented" material). The song structures also became clearly verse-chorus driven, adopting a more radio-friendly approach.
• Impact of Lineup Changes: During this period, Zach Roth was replaced by Ben Schauland on keyboards, and Adrian "Bone" Green took over on drums. The shift in the rhythm section also contributed to making the overall sound more solid.

Singles like "Stay Captive" and "Dancing with the Enemy" boasted high production quality, but they also drew bewildered reactions from fans who loved the raw, impulsive sound of their early days. It was a time when commercial pressure and the pursuit of a creative direction intersected.

3.4 Sudden Dissolution (2008)

In early 2008, the band suddenly announced the end of their activities. In a statement released on March 25, "personal reasons" were cited as the primary cause, and rumors of infighting among members were denied. Leaving behind the words, "We don't hate each other. It's just time to move on to different phases of our lives," Still Remains disbanded following a final show at Skelletones, a venue in their hometown of Grand Rapids. At this point, it is presumed that many members were entering their late 20s, a time to consider family and stable careers.

4. Reunion and Adaptation to Changes in the Music Industry Structure (2011–2013)

4.1 The Bond with Haste the Day and the Reunion

In March 2011, three years after their dissolution, Still Remains reunited for a one-night-only performance at the farewell show of their close allies Haste the Day in Indianapolis. The enthusiastic response at this event was more than enough to make the members feel that they "still had unfinished business." In May of the same year, the band announced their permanent resumption of activities.

The lineup for the reunion became a "powerhouse roster," bringing back golden-era members (T.J. Miller, Jordan Whelan, Mike Church, Zach Roth, A.J. Barrette) alongside a new bassist, Kenny Polidan.

4.2 Crowdfunding and the Independent Model

Following their reunion, Still Remains chose not to resign with a major label, but instead opted for a fan-participatory funding model using Kickstarter to raise production capital. In the early 2010s, the music industry was in a transitional period due to the decline of CD sales and the shift to digital, and major labels were shrinking budgets for mid-tier bands. In an interview, T.J. Miller emphasized the effectiveness of this model, stating, "It wasn't possible in 2008, but now fans can support us directly."

The campaign was a resounding success, and the resulting third album, "Ceasing to Breathe," was released on December 17, 2013, through their independent label (Still Remains LLC). This work marked a U-turn from the rock direction of "The Serpent," returning to their roots by reclaiming the rawness and lyricism of the "Of Love and Lunacy" era. Their strong ties within the metalcore community were also reaffirmed, featuring guest appearances by members of Zao and It Dies Today.

5. Ongoing Evolution: The 2025 Resurrection and Outlook

Following the album release in 2013, the band went through a long period of silence (aside from occasional live shows), but in 2025, Still Remains returned once more to the forefront of the scene.

5.1 First New Song in 12 Years: "The Wound and the Weapon"

On October 31, 2025, in alignment with Halloween, they released "The Wound and the Weapon," their first new song in 12 years.

• Musical Analysis: This track features Guy Kozowyk, the vocalist of death metal/grindcore band The Red Chord, as a guest. This selection can be interpreted as a clear statement of intent that Still Remains seeks to reinforce their brutal and heavy side. The production was handled by Lee Albrecht, who is highly regarded for modern metalcore sounds.
• Live Debut: Ahead of the official release, the song was premiered live on October 3, 2025, at Furnace Fest, a hardcore festival held in Birmingham, Alabama.

6. Detailed Biography of Members

While Still Remains' member transitions have been complex, the current lineup consists of the most stable and creative members in the band's history.

6.1 Current Lineup

The following table is the official list of members as of 2025.

Name (English)	Role	Years Active	Associated Projects & Notes
T.J. Miller	Lead Vocals	2002-2008, 2011-Present	Band founder. Handles lyric writing. Also active in dead.me and From the Raven. Alternates between overwhelming screams and emotional clean vocals.
Jordan Whelan	Guitars	2002-2008, 2011-Present	Founding member. The core of the band's songwriting. Also active in Kill the Lights (a band featuring former members of Bullet for My Valentine).
Mike Church	Guitars, Vocals	2004-2008, 2011-Present	Handles guitar harmonies and backing vocals. Has a history of live support for Haste the Day and activity in Juleus.
Zach Roth	Keyboards	2002-2006, 2011-Present	The individual who established the synthesizer as Still Remains' sound identity. Also involved in Gylodon and Casanova.
A.J. Barrette	Drums	2004-2005, 2011-Present	Drummer during the "Of Love and Lunacy" era. A technical player also known as a member of The Showdown.
Kenny Polidan	Bass	2012-Present	Joined after the reunion. Supports the band's rhythm.

6.2 Notable Past Members

Name (English)	Role	Years Active	Notes
Adrian "Bone" Green	Drums	2005-2008	Drummer during "The Serpent" era. Powerhouse playing style. Former member of Anah Aevia.
Ben Schauland	Keyboards	2006-2008	Participated during "The Serpent" era. Former member of Blessed by a Broken Heart.
Steve Hetland	Bass	2006-2008	Bassist during the later period. Former member of Vindicated.
Evan Willey	Bass	2002-2006, 2011	Early member. Made a brief return during the early stage of the reunion.
Cameron MacIntosh	Drums	2002-2004	Drummer during the EP era.

7. Discography

Still Remains' body of work acts as a mirror reflecting the transitions of metalcore.

7.1 Studio Albums

1. Of Love and Lunacy

• Release Date: May 3, 2005
• Label: Roadrunner Records
• Catalog Number (Japan Edition): RRCY-21251
• Overview: The debut work that established the band's fame. A golden ratio of aggression and beautiful melody.

Track List:

1. To Live and Die by Fire
2. The Worst Is Yet to Come - Lead single.
3. In Place of Hope
4. White Walls
5. Bliss
6. Cherished
7. With What You Have
8. Kelsey
9. Recovery
10. I Can Revive Him with My Own Hands
11. Stare and Wonder
12. Blossom, the Witch

Japan Edition Bonus: "Head Like a Hole" (Nine Inch Nails cover) may be included.

2. The Serpent

• Release Date: July 31, 2007
• Label: Roadrunner Records
• Catalog Number (Japan Edition): RRCY-21292 (Roadrunner Japan)
• Japan Edition Specifications: Comes with Obi strip, commentary, and lyrics translation.
• Overview: An ambitious work with a reinforced rock approach.

Major Tracks:

• The Wax Walls of an Empty Room
• Stay Captive - Released as a single.
• Anemia in Your Sheets
• Dancing with the Enemy - Released as a single.

3. Ceasing to Breathe

• Release Date: December 17, 2013 (US), 2014 (Japan)
• Label: Still Remains LLC (US) / Warner Music Japan (Japan)
• Catalog Number (Japan Edition): WPCR-15240
• Overview: A return-to-roots heaviness. Produced via crowdfunding.

Track List:

1. Bare Your Teeth (feat. Dan Weyandt of Zao)
2. Crone
3. Beacon
4. Cain
5. Close to the Grave
6. A Way Out
7. Keeping Secrets
8. Ceasing to Breathe
9. F.F.I. (feat. Mike Hatalak of It Dies Today)
10. Hopeless
11. Reprise
12. Bitter Shroud Repentance

7.2 EPs & Demos

Title	Year	Label	Details & Notes
Dying with a Smile	2003	Self-released	Earliest EP. A rare, hard-to-find item.
If Love Was Born to Die	2004	Benchmark Records	Catalog Number: BM7000. An important work that paved the way for the contract with Roadrunner.
Reading Lips	2012	Self-released	A collection of demo tracks distributed after the reunion.
Spirit Breaker	2026	TBD	Latest EP currently in production. Scheduled to include the new song "The Wound and the Weapon."

7.3 Singles

Title	Year	Album	Notes
The Worst Is Yet to Come	2005	Of Love and Lunacy	The band's biggest hit single. A music video was produced.
Recovery	2006	Of Love and Lunacy	Promotional single.
Stay Captive	2007	The Serpent	A melody-oriented track.
Dancing with the Enemy	2007	The Serpent
The Wound and the Weapon	2026	Spirit Breaker (EP)	First new song in 12 years. feat. Guy Kozowyk

8. Reception and Special Notes in the Japanese Market

The relationship between Still Remains and Japan is closely tied to trends in the international metal market.

1. The "Obi" Strip Culture and Japan Editions: The 1st and 2nd albums released by Roadrunner Japan come with a uniquely Japanese "Obi" strip, recognized as a collector's item. In the secondhand market, copies marked as "with Obi / Mint Condition" tend to trade at high prices.
2. Distribution by Warner Music: The fact that the 3rd album "Ceasing to Breathe," which was an independent release, was distributed in Japan through the major label Warner Music Japan proves Still Remains' deep-rooted popularity and market value in Japan.
3. Reception of Lyrics: Through Japan edition liner notes and translated lyrics, themes such as the "affirmation of weakness" and "spiritual struggle" embedded in Still Remains' lyrics were deeply understood by Japanese listeners, which led to the maintenance of a long-term fan base.

9. Conclusion

Still Remains constructed a unique soundscape by fusing the foreign element of the synthesizer during a transitional period for the metalcore genre. Still Remains' achievements should also be praised for acting as a bridge to later electronicore bands such as Asking Alexandria and Enter Shikari.

The 2025 relaunch and the new song "The Wound and the Weapon" demonstrate that Still Remains continues to evolve as an active artist, incorporating modern production and heaviness.