Ignite

In the organizer's words:

In 2019, the punk and hardcore institution from Orange County, California, IGNITE, found itself at a crossroads. Over 25 years, IGNITE had not only developed their hardcore roots into a sound that defies categorization, but had established themselves as a global force. With five albums behind them - including the breakthrough Our Darkest Days from 2006 and A War Against You from 2016 (which entered the German album charts at number 6) - as well as countless tours through Europe, North America, Australia, South America and the Far East, the core of the band - bassist Brett Rasmussen, guitarists Nik Hill and Kevin Kilkenny and drummer Craig Anderson - suddenly found themselves without a singer and in search of a new voice.

"There was never any question as to whether we would continue," says Brett. "It was more a question of: Where do we go next? How does IGNITE continue to grow as a band?" Against the backdrop of a world shut down by Covid and a nation caught in the fire of unrest, apocalyptic politics and cultural upheaval, the four members of IGNITE not only searched for a new singer, but also wrote their most comprehensive set of songs to date. "We went back to our earliest days and drew from our hardcore influences," says Brett. "But we also picked up where we left off on the last album and really challenged ourselves musically and lyrically. We were inspired."

Let's jump forward almost two years. IGNITE's self-titled album marks the moment they reconciled with their own history. "It never felt like a struggle or an effort," says guitarist Kevin Kilkenny. "It was like the five of us were all pulling in the same direction." The album not only embodies their will to redefine themselves, but also stands as one of their strongest works ever. This inspiration and passion literally explodes out of the speakers in the opening track "Anti-Complicity-Anthem". IGNITE are firing on all cylinders here: melodic, political, moving and - most importantly - uncompromisingly driving. "This song is a mantra for me," says Nik. "It's about having a voice in the face of the trials and adversity we all face - working through the shame, indignity and loss of life that has become part of our experience as individuals and as a country." Taking center stage is new vocalist Eli Santana - an unexpected choice for the band, but a perfect example of IGNITE's willingness to exceed expectations.

"Eli was a surprise, no question," says Brett. In fact, IGNITE's new frontman is best known as the guitarist in Los Angeles metal bands Holy Grail and Huntress. But after trying out a number of possible candidates, Santana clearly emerged as the best choice. "He had the enthusiasm, the talent, the voice and the same kind of passion for the band that we had," says Brett. "My first or second hardcore show ever was IGNITE at the Showcase Theater in Corona," Eli says. "As someone who grew up in Southern California, bands like Suicidal Tendencies and Bad Religion were just as much of an influence for me as Metallica."

For the recording of the new album, the band once again worked with their longtime producer Cameron Webb (Motörhead, Pennywise), with whom they have been collaborating since A Place Called Home in 2000. The sessions were "probably the easiest time we've ever had in the studio," says Rasmussen. "Three weeks of recording, one week of mixing - normal and without too much thought." The result is IGNITE, sometimes introspective, sometimes anthemic and rousing.

Although IGNITE hail from Southern California, for much of their career they have established themselves as a band without borders. In recent years, they have shared the stage with Hatebreed on Europe's Persistence Tour and performed at festivals with the likes of Motörhead and Rise Against - winning over new, diverse fans each time. "We've always tried to play with as many different bands as possible," explains Brett.

With a new singer at the front and a new album in hand, IGNITE are ready to hit the road again. Tours in Europe and the US are already booked, and the band couldn't be happier about it. "It's a new chapter for IGNITE," confirms Brett. "But it's also a look back at some of our earliest records like Call on My Brothers - with the same feeling we have writing those songs with a new singer." In fact, the band re-recorded one of their earliest songs, "Turn," as a B-side. For these veterans from Southern California, the more things change, the more they stay the same. "This is what we love - just as it was in 1993 and just as it is today."