The Devil Wears Prada

The Devil Wears Prada is an American metalcore band from Dayton, Ohio. Formed in 2005, the group took its name from the novel The Devil Wears Prada rather than from a fashion label. Its early identity was closely associated with Christian metalcore: the founding members shared Christian backgrounds, and the band's lyrics and public positioning initially reflected religious themes. Over time, however, its music developed into a broader and more emotionally varied form of metalcore, incorporating aggressive guitar work, screamed and clean vocals, atmospheric keyboards, electronic textures, melodic passages, and concept-driven or thematic songwriting. The group began by playing locally in Ohio and recording the demo Patterns of a Horizon. After signing with Rise Records, the musicians substantially re-recorded the demo material for their debut album, Dear Love: A Beautiful Discord, released in 2006. The album established the band within the Christian heavy-music scene and led to extensive touring, including an appearance at Cornerstone Festival. Its follow-up, Plagues, arrived in 2007 and expanded the band's audience through songs such as HTML Rulez D00d and Hey John, What's Your Name Again?, whose videos received exposure on music television outlets. Plagues reached No. 57 on the Billboard 200 and became an important early commercial breakthrough. The band's third album, With Roots Above and Branches Below, was released in 2009. It pushed the group toward a larger, heavier, and more electronically detailed sound while retaining melodic songwriting. The record debuted at No. 11 on the Billboard 200, and the band supported it through major touring activity, including Warped Tour appearances. A subsequent Zombie EP in 2010 emphasized a harsher, more compact style and became a significant reference point for the band's later heavy material. Dead Throne, released in 2011, developed that intensity into a full-length album with an anti-idolatry thematic framework. It reached No. 10 on the Billboard 200 and topped the Christian and independent album charts. During the 2010s, the band experienced important personnel and label changes. Keyboardist James Baney left in 2012, founding guitarist Chris Rubey departed in 2015, and drummer Daniel Williams left in 2016. Kyle Sipress joined on guitar, while Giuseppe Capolupo became the drummer and later an official member. The albums 8:18 and Transit Blues reflected a darker and more introspective phase. The band returned to Rise Records in 2015 and signed with Solid State Records in 2018. Keyboardist Jonathan Gering and Capolupo formally joined in 2019, contributing to the band's next period of writing and production. The Devil Wears Prada released The Act in 2019 and followed it with ZII in 2021, a sequel to the earlier Zombie EP shaped by themes of hopelessness and the social atmosphere surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. Color Decay, issued in 2022, continued the band's emphasis on emotional vulnerability, modern production, and contrasting heaviness and melody. Later singles included Ritual in 2024 and For You in 2025. The band announced Flowers, its ninth studio album, in 2025, alongside the singles Where The Flowers Never Grow and Wave. The group's history has included lineup instability, but its central identity has remained anchored by vocalist Mike Hranica and guitarist-vocalist Jeremy DePoyster. The band has maintained a touring presence in North America and abroad, including festival appearances and announced United Kingdom and United States headline dates. Founding drummer Daniel Williams died in a private-plane crash in May 2025, an event that marked a major personal loss for the group. Bassist Mason Nagy announced his departure in July 2025. The band remains an active recording and touring act whose catalog spans Christian metalcore, modern metalcore, atmospheric heavy music, and emotionally focused alternative metal.

The Devil Wears Prada formed in Dayton, Ohio, in 2005. The founding musicians were connected to the Christian heavy-music community, and the band's initial work was commonly described as Christian metalcore. After playing local shows, the group recorded the Patterns of a Horizon demo and pursued a record deal. Rise Records signed the band, but the musicians were dissatisfied with the demo and re-recorded its songs for Dear Love: A Beautiful Discord. Released in August 2006, the debut introduced the group to a wider metalcore audience and supported touring across the United States. Plagues followed in August 2007. Promotional activity around the album included online song releases and music videos for HTML Rulez D00d and Hey John, What's Your Name Again? The record reached No. 57 on the Billboard 200 and helped establish the band as a prominent young act in Christian and general metalcore circles. The group also contributed a cover of Still Fly to the compilation Punk Goes Crunk. Following the 2008 Warped Tour period, the band wrote and recorded With Roots Above and Branches Below. Released in May 2009, the album emphasized heavier guitar writing, electronic and mechanical textures, and a more expansive production style. It debuted at No. 11 on the Billboard 200. The band toured extensively, including Warped Tour and other national packages, while songs from the album appeared as downloadable content in Guitar Hero World Tour and Rock Band. In parallel, vocalist Mike Hranica operated the clothing venture Shipshape Roolz Clothing, which later closed and changed its online-store name after legal issues. The 2010 Zombie EP was designed as a concentrated, brutal release and accompanied the band's Back to the Roots Tour. It became a bridge between the group's earlier catalog and the heavier direction of Dead Throne. Released in September 2011, Dead Throne centered thematically on anti-idolatry and combined harsh material with the band's established melodic elements. It peaked at No. 10 on the Billboard 200 and performed strongly on Christian, independent, rock, and hard-rock charts. The live release Dead and Alive followed in 2012. The band entered a period of lineup change after James Baney left in 2012. 8:18, released in 2013, was described as darker and more emotionally bleak than Dead Throne. Founding guitarist Chris Rubey departed in 2015, and Kyle Sipress joined after previously working as a guitar technician. The Space EP and the South of the City vinyl release were issued during this transition. Drummer Daniel Williams left in 2016, and Giuseppe Capolupo subsequently recorded and performed with the group, later becoming an official member. Transit Blues, released in October 2016, reflected the band's continuing movement toward atmospheric and introspective metalcore. The group toured with Anthrax and Killswitch Engage in 2017 and signed with Solid State Records in 2018. Jonathan Gering and Giuseppe Capolupo became official members in 2019. Gering contributed songwriting and production work, and the band released The Act later that year. In 2020, longtime bassist Andy Trick left and touring bassist Mason Nagy replaced him. The sequel EP ZII arrived in 2021, revisiting the Zombie concept while focusing on hopelessness and pandemic-era anxiety. Color Decay followed in 2022. Subsequent singles included Ritual in 2024 and For You in 2025. In May 2025, Daniel Williams died in a private-plane crash in San Diego. His death was publicly confirmed by the band and represented a significant loss because of his role in its formation and early development. Mason Nagy announced his departure two months later. The band then announced Flowers, its ninth studio album, with the songs Where The Flowers Never Grow and Wave serving as advance releases. The group also announced United Kingdom and United States headline tours connected with the album. A 2026 cassette reissue of the 2005 Patterns of a Horizon demo was announced as a collaboration with Fantasy Initiative.

1. 2026Patterns of a Horizon cassette reissue

   The band's 2005 demo was announced for cassette reissue in collaboration with Fantasy Initiative.

   Source
2. 2025Flowers announced

   The band announced its ninth studio album and released two advance singles.

   Source
3. 2022Color Decay released

   The eighth studio album continued the band's modern blend of heaviness, melody, and emotional themes.

   Source
4. 2021ZII released

   The EP revisited the Zombie concept and addressed hopelessness in a pandemic-era context.

   Source
5. 2019The Act released

   The band issued The Act after Jonathan Gering and Giuseppe Capolupo became official members.

   Source
6. 2018Solid State Records signing

   The band signed with Solid State Records.

   Source
7. 2016Transit Blues released

   The sixth studio album continued the band's atmospheric and introspective development.

   Source
8. 20138:18 released

   The fifth studio album pursued a darker and more distressed emotional tone.

   Source
9. 2011Dead Throne released

   The album reached No. 10 on the Billboard 200 and topped the Christian and independent album charts.

   Source
10. 2010Zombie EP released

    The band issued a heavy, compact EP focused on zombie-themed material.

    Source
11. 2009With Roots Above and Branches Below released

    The third album debuted at No. 11 on the Billboard 200.

    Source
12. 2007Plagues reaches the Billboard 200

    Plagues peaked at No. 57 on the Billboard 200 and expanded the band's audience.

    Source
13. 2006Dear Love: A Beautiful Discord released

    The re-recorded debut album was released through Rise Records.

    Source
14. 2005Band formed in Dayton

    The Devil Wears Prada was established in Dayton, Ohio, and began performing locally.

    Source
15. 2005Patterns of a Horizon demo recorded

    The group recorded its early demo before signing with Rise Records.

    Source

A modern American metalcore act positioned around high-intensity live performance, emotionally direct songwriting, heavy and melodic composition, and a progression from Christian metalcore roots toward a broader contemporary heavy-music identity.

• Dear Love: A Beautiful DiscordStudio album2006

  The band's 2006 debut studio album, recorded after the group replaced its original demo recordings. It introduced the band's early Christian metalcore identity and helped launch its national touring career.

• PlaguesStudio album2007

  Released in 2007, Plagues strengthened the band's profile through aggressive metalcore songwriting, online promotion, and music videos for two of its best-known early songs. It became the band's first substantial Billboard 200 success.

• With Roots Above and Branches BelowStudio album2009

  The 2009 album expanded the band's sound with heavier riffs, melodic contrasts, keyboards, and electronic textures. Its No. 11 Billboard 200 debut made it one of the group's most commercially visible releases.

• ZombieExtended play2010

  A 2010 EP built around a concentrated, brutal approach to metalcore. Its intensity influenced the direction of the subsequent Dead Throne album and was supported by the band's Back to the Roots Tour.

• Dead ThroneStudio album2011

  The 2011 album developed the heavier approach of Zombie while retaining melody and atmospheric detail. Its broad anti-idolatry theme and strong chart performance made it a major release in the band's catalog.

• 8:18Studio album2013

  Released in 2013, 8:18 presented a darker and more sorrowful direction. It followed the departure of keyboardist James Baney and continued the band's use of intense guitar work, electronic elements, and emotionally bleak lyrics.

• SpaceExtended play2015

  The 2015 EP arrived during a period of lineup and label change. Songs such as Supernova and Alien represented a continuation of the band's heavy, modern production style.

• Transit BluesStudio album2016

  The band's sixth studio album, released in 2016, combined metalcore aggression with a more atmospheric and introspective character. Giuseppe Capolupo recorded drums for the project before becoming an official member.

• The ActStudio album2019

  Released in 2019, The Act was created after Jonathan Gering and Giuseppe Capolupo joined officially. Gering contributed to songwriting and production, helping shape the band's next phase.

• ZIIExtended play2021

  A 2021 sequel to Zombie. The EP revisited the earlier release's heavy approach while centering on hopelessness and experiences associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Color DecayStudio album2022

  The 2022 album continued the band's synthesis of harsh metalcore, melody, atmosphere, and personal emotional subject matter. It is the group's eighth studio album.

• FlowersStudio album2025

  The band's announced ninth studio album, preceded by the singles Where The Flowers Never Grow and Wave. It represents the group's post-Color Decay recording period.

• 2025Flowers touring cycle

  United Kingdom · United States

  The band announced a United Kingdom headline tour and a spring 2026 United States headline tour supporting Flowers, with Four Year Strong, Split Chain, and I Promised the World listed as support.

  Outcome. The campaign extended the Flowers album cycle into headline touring.

  Source
• 2017Killthrax Tour

  United States

  The band toured with Anthrax and Killswitch Engage as part of the Killthrax package.

  Outcome. The tour maintained the group's presence in the broader American heavy-music touring circuit.

  Source
• 2010Back to the Roots Tour

  United States

  A Rockstar-presented tour built around revisiting songs from Dear Love alongside the newly released Zombie material.

  Outcome. The tour connected the band's early catalog with its heavier subsequent direction.

  Source
• 2009Warped Tour promotion for With Roots Above and Branches Below

  United States

  The band used its 2009 Warped Tour appearances and associated touring to support its third studio album and introduce its expanded heavy-electronic sound to a larger live audience.

  Outcome. The album debuted at No. 11 on the Billboard 200.

  Source

• 2025Flowers album announcementProduct launch

  Following Color Decay and later singles, the band entered a new album cycle.

  What changed. It announced Flowers and released Where The Flowers Never Grow and Wave as advance singles.

  Aftermath. The announcement was paired with United Kingdom and United States headline-tour plans.

  Source
• 2021ZII sequel to ZombieProduct launch

  The band wanted to revisit the identity and heaviness of its 2010 Zombie EP while addressing pandemic-era hopelessness.

  What changed. It announced and released ZII as a thematic sequel.

  Aftermath. The EP extended one of the band's most recognizable heavy concepts.

  Source
• 2015Return to Rise Records and lineup resetStrategy

  The band was undergoing personnel changes after the departure of founding guitarist Chris Rubey.

  What changed. The group re-signed with Rise Records, announced the Space EP, and introduced Kyle Sipress as guitarist.

  Aftermath. The release and touring cycle marked a new phase for the band's lineup and catalog.

  Source
• 2006Re-recording the debut materialOther

  The band considered its original Patterns of a Horizon demo unsatisfactory after signing with Rise Records.

  What changed. The musicians re-recorded all of the demo's tracks for Dear Love: A Beautiful Discord.

  Aftermath. The revised recordings became the band's debut full-length release and supported national touring.

  Source

• 2025Daniel Williams dies in a private-plane crash

  Founding drummer Daniel Williams was killed in a private-plane crash in San Diego; the band publicly confirmed his death.

  Other
  Source
• 2025Mason Nagy announces his departure

  Bassist Mason Nagy announced that he had left the band.

  Leadership change
  Source
• 2025The band announces Flowers

  The group announced its ninth studio album, Flowers, and released the singles Where The Flowers Never Grow and Wave.

  Product launch
  Source
• 2020Andy Trick leaves and Mason Nagy becomes bassist

  The band announced Andy Trick's departure and identified former touring bassist Mason Nagy as his replacement.

  Leadership change
  Source
• 2018The band signs with Solid State Records

  The group entered a new label relationship with Solid State Records.

  Other
  Source
• 2016Daniel Williams leaves the band

  Founding drummer Daniel Williams parted ways with the group.

  Leadership change
  Source
• 2015Chris Rubey departs and Kyle Sipress joins

  Founding guitarist Chris Rubey left, and former guitar technician Kyle Sipress was announced as his replacement.

  Leadership change
  Source
• 2012James Baney leaves the band

  Keyboardist James Baney departed during the band's Mayhem Festival period.

  Leadership change
  Source
• 2010The Devil Wears Prada wins Alternative Press Band of the Year recognition

  Readers of Alternative Press selected the group as the publication's 2009 Band of the Year.

  Other
  Source
• 2009The Devil Wears Prada releases With Roots Above and Branches Below

  The band's third studio album reached No. 11 on the Billboard 200 and broadened its commercial profile.

  Product launchProduct generation
  Source

1. The Devil Wears Prada (band)
2. Official The Devil Wears Prada website