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Tallah

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Tallah
Tallah in 2022, left to right: Max Portnoy, former member Alizé "Mewzen" Rodriguez, Justin Bonitz, Derrick Schneider, and Alex Snowden.
Background information
OriginPennsylvania, U.S.
Genres
Years active2017–present
LabelsEarache
Members
Past members
  • Nick Malfara
  • AJ Wisniewski
  • Eric Novroski
  • Andrew Cooper
  • Alizé "Mewzen" Rodriguez

Tallah is an American heavy metal band from Pennsylvania. They are currently signed to Earache Records. The band consists of vocalist Justin Bonitz, lead guitarist Derrick Schneider, rhythm guitarist Alex Snowden and drummer Max Portnoy.

The band was formed in 2017 by drummer Max Portnoy (son of Mike Portnoy), lead guitarist Derrick Schneider, and bassist Andrew Cooper. The band has released two studio albums, Matriphagy (2020) and The Generation of Danger (2022). Often described as a "nu-core" band, Tallah mixes nu metal, metalcore, hardcore, and industrial metal, with elements of deathcore, rap, and electronic music.

History

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Formation and No One Should Read This (2017–2020)

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Main article: No One Should Read This

Tallah was formed in Pennsylvania in 2017 by drummer Max Portnoy (son of Dream Theater's drummer Mike Portnoy), Next to None guitarist Derrick Schneider, and bassist Andrew Cooper.[1] The band went through three other rhythm guitarists, Eric Novroski,[1] Nick Malfara,[2] and AJ Wisniewski.[2] Portnoy knew of future singer Justin Bonitz through Bonitz's YouTube channels, Hungry Lights,[3][4] and through Bonitz winning a competition created by Jared Dines.[1] Justin joined the band on January 1, 2018.[1] At the end of 2017, the band had already recorded instrumental demos for their EP No One Should Read This[1] and within six days Bonitz had written lyrics and self-recorded vocals for each track.[1] Their first live performance was on January 7, 2018.[5] The band then held the supporting slot for A Killer's Confession on tour.[6]

During their first tour, in May 2018, the band released a music video for their first single, "Placenta."[7][8] One of the three guitarists left, so they continued as a five-piece. In June 2018, AJ left the band, and they picked up Eric Novroski as their new rhythm guitarist. In August 2018, they released a music video for their song "Cottonmouth".[9][10] On April 25, 2019, the band announced that they had signed to Earache Records.[11][12] On July 18, 2019, the band played a show at The Lizard Lounge in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, during which Bonitz climbed onto the ceiling of the venue.[13][14] A security guard told him to get down, leading to Bonitz punching and kicking the guard.[13][14] Bonitz claims he did not know the person was a security guard and that they violently grabbed him first while he was still hanging from an I-beam.[13][14] He was subsequently arrested before being released on bail.[13][14] The band released a music video for the song "Red Light" on January 21, 2020, and announced that they were entering the studio with Josh Schroeder.[15] In 2019, the band parted ways with Eric, and in 2020, they went to the studio as a four-piece, with Alizé "Mewzen" Rodriguez tagging along as their unofficial DJ.[2]

Matriphagy, Talladdin and line-up changes (2020–2022)

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Main article: Matriphagy

On June 5, 2020, Tallah released "The Silo", the lead single for their debut studio album, Matriphagy.[4][16] On July 2, 2020, the band released "We, the Sad" as the second single.[17][18] On July 23, 2020, "Red Light" was released as the third single.[19] On August 6, 2020, "Placenta" was released as the fourth single.[20][21] On August 20, 2020, "Overconfidence" was released as the fifth single.[22][23] On September 11, 2020, "L.E.D." was released as the sixth single.[24] Matriphagy was released on October 2, 2020.[24][25] On October 15, 2020, the band released a music video for the seventh single, "No One Should Read This".[26][27] On February 18, 2021, the band released a music video for the eighth and final single, "Cottonmouth".[28]

Tallah released a live shot concert on October 1, 2020, in which they played their debut album Matriphagy from front to back.[29][30] In 2020, Alizé "Mewzen" Rodriguez joined as the band's DJ,[31] and they also debuted their new rhythm guitarist, Alex Snowden from Doll Skin.[32]

On April 1, 2021, Tallah announced the Talladdin EP alongside the first single "Friend Like Me".[33][34] This EP consists of five covers from the Aladdin soundtrack exclusive to their Patreon page.[33][34]

On August 17, 2021, they released the single and music video "Vanilla Paste", featuring guest vocals from Grant Hood of Guerilla Warfare, AJ Channer of Fire From the Gods, and Tom Barber of Chelsea Grin.[32][35][36]

The Generation of Danger (2022–present)

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Main article: The Generation of Danger

On March 9, 2022, they released the single and music video "Telescope", and announced their upcoming album entitled The Generation of Danger, along with a temporary release date of September 9, 2022.[37][38] The band supported All That Remains on their spring 2022 US tour that began on March 12, 2022, in Worcester, Massachusetts.[37] On April 19, 2022, they released the second single off the album, "The Impressionist" with a music video.[39][40] In August 2022, they announced that the album's release would be pushed back to November 18.[41][42] On September 1, 2022, they released "Shaken (Not Stirred)" as a single with a music video.[41][42][43] On October 13, 2022, they released the single "For the Recognition" with a music video.[44][45][46] On November 10, 2022, they released the fifth and final single "Dicker's Done".[47] The Generation of Danger was released on November 18, 2022.[41][42][47][44]

Tallah spent the first half of 2023 touring in support of their sophomore album. In August 2023, grooming allegations were brought up against the band's DJ Alizé "Mewzen" Rodriguez, which resulted in his immediate removal from the band.[31][48][49] A tour by Left to Suffer was announced in October 2023, with Tallah as one of the supporting acts.[50][51] Thomas Cucé, who had previously played with Max Portnoy and Derrick Schneider in Next To None, became a touring replacement for Mewzen. On October 11, 2023, the band released the song, "Hard Knock".[52][53] In January 2024, it was announced that the band would be supporting Kim Dracula on a March 2024 tour.[54]

Artistry

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Style and influences

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Tallah's has been referred to as a "nu-core" band and more specifically as nu metal, metalcore, alternative metal, hardcore punk, industrial metal, rap metal, and nu metalcore, with elements of deathcore, death metal, rap, electronic, and industrial.[note 1] John D. Buchanan of AllMusic described Tallah as a "nu-core" quartet...[that brings] back the spirit of early-2000s nu-metal with gnarly riffs, whipcrack drums, electronic textures, and tortured vocals."[1] AllMusic also noted influences "contemporary hardcore".[1] According to Next Mosh, "[Tallah's music includes]...screaming vocals [mixed] with melodic choruses and driving bass guitar with deep and dirty tones, syncing up effortlessly with the thunderous bellow of drums and the screeching ping of the snare."[64] Phillip Trapp of Revolver described their second album, The Generation of Danger, as "a ferocious fusion of early Slipknot intensity — spitfire vocals and grooves that dig deep...and modern hardcore savagery à la Vein.fm and Knocked Loose."[57]

Vocalist Justin Bonitz cites Slipknot, Linkin Park, Korn, System of a Down, Code Orange, Fire from the Gods, and Knocked Loose as his influences.[55] Drummer Max Portnoy cites Joey Jordison and Chris Adler as his influences.[65]

Songwriting and lyrical themes

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The band's vocalist, Justin Bonitz, writes the lyrics and tends to focus on themes and writing concept albums.[5] The band's debut album, Matriphagy, is about a "man who is trapped in a house, under the thumb of his mother, and begins to lose his mind and touch insanity as he scrambles to escape. The album touches on oppression, society’s social engineering, nature vs. nurture, metaphysics, and all kinds of psychological themes."[5] Their second album, The Generation of Danger, follows a mad scientist who works on behalf of a large corporation. He becomes increasingly frustrated due to his inventions being credited to the company rather than himself, eventually leading him to force the company to take part in "the greatest experiment the world of science has ever seen".[66]

Band members

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Current members

Timeline

Discography

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Albums

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EPs

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Singles

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  • "The Silo" (2020)
  • "We, the Sad" (2020)
  • "Gooba" (2020)
  • "Red Light" (2020)
  • "Placenta" (2020)
  • "Overconfidence" (2020)
  • "L.E.D." (2020)
  • "No One Should Read This" (2020)
  • "Cottonmouth" (2021)
  • "Friend Like Me" (2021)
  • "Vanilla Paste" (2021)
  • "Telescope" (2022)
  • "The Impressionist" (2022)
  • "Shaken (Not Stirred)" (2022)
  • "For the Recognition" (2022)
  • "Dicker's Done" (2022)
  • "Hard Knock" (2023)

Music videos

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  • "The Silo" (2020)
  • "We, the Sad" (2020)
  • "Red Light" (2020)
  • "Placenta" (2020)
  • "Overconfidence" (2020)
  • "L.E.D." (2020)
  • "No One Should Read This" (2020)
  • "Cottonmouth" (2021)
  • "Vanilla Paste" (2021)
  • "Telescope" (2022)
  • "The Impressionist" (2022)
  • "Shaken (Not Stirred)" (2022)
  • "For the Recognition" (2022)
  • "Hard Knock" (2023; visualizer)

Notes

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  1. ^ Musical styles:

    elements of:

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Buchanan, John D. "Tallah Biography". AllMusic. Archived from the original on January 13, 2023. Retrieved November 28, 2023.
  2. ^ a b c "Tallah Former Musicians". Metal Storm. Retrieved April 4, 2024.
  3. ^ Buckman, Samantha (October 1, 2020). "Tallah Matriphagy (Album Review)". Sonic Perspectives. Retrieved November 28, 2023.
  4. ^ a b c Everley, Dave (June 5, 2020). "Watch Tallah bring the nu-metal back on twisted new song The Silo". Metal Hammer. Archived from the original on January 13, 2023. Retrieved November 28, 2023.
  5. ^ a b c "Band of the Day: Tallah". Moshville Times. Archived from the original on April 14, 2021. Retrieved November 28, 2023.
  6. ^ "Tallah Featuring Max Portnoy And YouTube Star Justin Bonitz Release "Cottonmouth" Music Video". Brave Words. August 16, 2018. Archived from the original on August 19, 2018. Retrieved November 28, 2023.
  7. ^ "Tallah Featuring Max Portnoy And YouTube Star Justin Bonitz Release "Placenta" Music Video". Brave Words. May 17, 2018. Archived from the original on January 14, 2023. Retrieved November 28, 2023.
  8. ^ "Tallah Feat. Max Portnoy: 'Placenta' Video Released". Blabbermouth.net. May 17, 2018. Archived from the original on January 14, 2023. Retrieved November 28, 2023.
  9. ^ Childers, Chad (August 16, 2018). "Tallah Unleash Visually + Musically Heavy 'Cottonmouth' Clip – Exclusive Video Premiere". Loudwire. Archived from the original on January 14, 2023. Retrieved November 28, 2023.
  10. ^ "Tallah Feat. Max Portnoy: 'Cottonmouth' Video Released". Blabbermouth.net. August 16, 2018. Archived from the original on January 14, 2023. Retrieved November 28, 2023.
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  13. ^ a b c d Hartmann, Graham (July 19, 2019). "Update: Tallah Singer Justin Bonitz Missing After Being Arrested Onstage". Loudwire. Archived from the original on March 18, 2023. Retrieved November 28, 2023.
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  15. ^ "Tallah Get Terminally Sick In Their New Music Video". Kerrang!. January 21, 2020. Archived from the original on January 14, 2023. Retrieved November 28, 2023.
  16. ^ DiVita, Joe (June 5, 2020). "Tallah Debut Unnerving 'The Silo' Song, Announce First Album 'Matriphagy'". Loudwire. Archived from the original on January 13, 2023. Retrieved November 27, 2023.
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  18. ^ a b "See "Nu-Core" Upstarts Tallah's Unhinged New "We, the Sad" Video". Revolver. July 2, 2019. Archived from the original on January 13, 2023. Retrieved November 27, 2023.
  19. ^ "Tallah share "Red Light" music video". Next Mosh. July 23, 2020. Archived from the original on January 13, 2023. Retrieved November 27, 2023.
  20. ^ "Watch Tallah tear nu-metal a new one on monstrously heavy new single Placenta". Metal Hammer. August 6, 2020. Archived from the original on January 13, 2023. Retrieved November 27, 2023.
  21. ^ Kennelty, Greg (August 7, 2020). "Tallah Continues to Revive Nü-Metal With "Placenta"". Metal Injection. Archived from the original on January 13, 2023. Retrieved November 27, 2023.
  22. ^ "Tallah Debut "Overconfidence" Music Video". Brave Words. August 21, 2020. Archived from the original on January 13, 2023. Retrieved November 27, 2023.
  23. ^ "Tallah Debut "Overconfidence" Music Video, Discuss Nü-Metal Appreciation". The PRP. August 20, 2020. Retrieved November 27, 2023.
  24. ^ a b "Tallah Premiere "L.E.D." Video". The PRP. September 10, 2020. Archived from the original on January 13, 2023. Retrieved November 27, 2023.
  25. ^ Reyes-Kulkarni, Saby (October 8, 2020). "Tallah Revive Those Familiar Nu-Metal Blues with 'Matriphagy'". PopMatters. Archived from the original on January 13, 2023. Retrieved November 27, 2023.
  26. ^ "Tallah Release "No One Should Read This" Video". Brave Words. October 16, 2020. Archived from the original on October 31, 2020. Retrieved November 27, 2023.
  27. ^ Gonzales, Ramon (October 15, 2020). "Tallah release new video for "No One Should Read This"". Knotfest. Retrieved June 9, 2023.
  28. ^ "Video News: Tallah Release Video For New Single 'Cottonmouth'". Bring the Noise UK. February 21, 2021. Archived from the original on May 25, 2022. Retrieved November 27, 2023.
  29. ^ "See Tallah Perform Their Entire Debut Album "Matriphagy" Live At Willow Glen State Penitentiary". The PRP. October 3, 2020. Archived from the original on January 14, 2023. Retrieved November 27, 2023.
  30. ^ "Watch Tallah perform their new album at 'Prison of the Dead'". Next Mosh. October 4, 2020. Archived from the original on January 14, 2023. Retrieved November 27, 2023.
  31. ^ a b Scythe, Mandy (August 27, 2023). "Tallah Parts Ways with Alizé "Mewzen" Rodriguez Over Grooming Allegations". MetalSucks. Archived from the original on August 30, 2023. Retrieved November 27, 2023.
  32. ^ a b "Tallah Debut "Vanilla Paste", Chelsea Grin, Fire From The Gods, Etc. Members Guest". The PRP. August 17, 2021. Archived from the original on March 27, 2023. Retrieved November 27, 2023.
  33. ^ a b Hartmann, Graham (April 1, 2021). "Tallah Drop Brutal Nu-Metal Cover From Disney's 'Aladdin'". Loudwire. Archived from the original on January 13, 2023. Retrieved November 27, 2023.
  34. ^ a b "Tallah Go 'Talladdin' For 'Aladdin' Soundtrack Covers EP, Hear Their Take On "Friend Like Me"". The PRP. April 1, 2021. Archived from the original on January 13, 2023. Retrieved November 27, 2023.
  35. ^ a b c Trapp, Phillip (August 27, 2021). "Tallah's Ambitious "Vanilla Paste" is a Nu-Metal Journey With Multiple Guests". Loudwire. Archived from the original on March 18, 2023. Retrieved November 27, 2023.
  36. ^ Aarons, Ricky (August 21, 2021). "Tallah Drop Monster Single 'Vanilla Paste' Featuring Fire From The Gods, Chelsea Grin & Guerrilla Warfare". Wall of Sound. Archived from the original on January 13, 2023. Retrieved November 27, 2023.
  37. ^ a b c d Hadusek, Jon (March 9, 2022). "Tallah Announce New Album, Share Video for "Telescope": Stream". Consequence. Archived from the original on January 13, 2023. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  38. ^ Childers, Chad (March 9, 2022). "Tallah Drop Relentlessly Chaotic New Song 'Telescope,' Announce New Album". Loudwire. Archived from the original on January 13, 2023. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  39. ^ a b Aarons, Ricky (April 20, 2022). "Tallah Continues To Modernise Metalcore With 'The Impressionist'". Wall of Sound. Archived from the original on January 13, 2023. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  40. ^ "Tallah Drop Nu-stalgic New Single "The Impressionist"". MetalSucks. April 19, 2022. Archived from the original on January 13, 2023. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  41. ^ a b c "Tallah Premiere "Shaken (Not Stirred)" Music Video". The PRP. September 1, 2022. Archived from the original on January 13, 2023. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  42. ^ a b c "Tallah Drop New Brand New Track and Video "Shaken (Not Stirred)". Sonic Perspectives. September 1, 2022. Retrieved January 12, 2023.
  43. ^ Kennelty, Greg (September 1, 2022). "Tallah Continues Down Their Nü Path With "Shaken Not Stirred"". Metal Injection. Archived from the original on January 13, 2023. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  44. ^ a b c "See Nu-Metal Revivalists Tallah Go Apeshit in "For the Recognition" Video". Revolver. October 13, 2022. Archived from the original on January 13, 2023. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  45. ^ Keenan, Hesher (October 13, 2022). "Tallah Proves They Do It "For The Recognition"". MetalSucks. Archived from the original on January 13, 2023. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  46. ^ Rogers, Jack (October 14, 2022). "Tallah Release Utterly Debauched New Track 'For The Recognition'". Rock Sound. Archived from the original on January 13, 2023. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  47. ^ a b "Tallah Streaming New Song "Dicker's Done"; Audio". Brave Words. November 10, 2022. Archived from the original on January 13, 2023. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  48. ^ Pementel, Michael (August 28, 2023). "Tallah Kick Out Alizé 'Mewzen' Rodriguez After Accusations of Sexual Coercion and Grooming". We Are the Pit. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  49. ^ Kennelty, Greg (August 28, 2023). "Tallah Splits With Turntablist Mewzen Over Grooming Allegations". Metal Injection. Archived from the original on September 6, 2023. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  50. ^ "Left To Suffer, Tallah, Chamber, Tracheotomy, Etc. North American Tour Announced". The PRP. October 4, 2023. Archived from the original on October 11, 2023. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  51. ^ Kennelty, Greg (October 10, 2023). "Left to Suffer Announces North American Tour With Chamber, Tallah & More". Metal Injection. Archived from the original on October 11, 2023. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  52. ^ Keenan, Hesher (October 11, 2023). "Check Out Tallah's New Standalone Single "Hard Knock"". MetalSucks. Archived from the original on October 12, 2023. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  53. ^ Kennelty, Greg (October 12, 2023). "Tallah Stays Insane With New Single "Hard Knock"". Metal Injection. Archived from the original on October 12, 2023. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  54. ^ "Kim Dracula Announces March 2024 U.S. Tour". Blabbermouth.net. January 16, 2024. Archived from the original on January 16, 2024. Retrieved January 25, 2024.
  55. ^ a b Summan, Yasmine (November 18, 2020). "Tallah: the nu-core rabble-rousers on a mission to make metal disturbing again". Metal Hammer. Archived from the original on April 3, 2022. Retrieved November 24, 2023.
  56. ^ "Missing Tallah Frontman Found". MetalSucks. July 21, 2019. Archived from the original on November 7, 2020. Retrieved November 24, 2023.
  57. ^ a b c Trapp, Phillip (December 16, 2022). "Vomit, Nudity, Arrests: Inside Tallah's Wild World of Hell-Raising Nu-Core". Revolver. Archived from the original on January 13, 2023. Retrieved November 24, 2023.
  58. ^ a b Pementel, Michael (October 13, 2022). "Watch: Tallah Release Music Video For Crushing Industrial Track 'For The Recognition'". We are the Pit. Archived from the original on June 9, 2023. Retrieved November 24, 2023.
  59. ^ a b Mick R. (August 10, 2020). "News: UK's Tallah Release Single "Placenta"". New Noise Magazine. Archived from the original on June 19, 2023. Retrieved November 24, 2023.
  60. ^ "Avatar Announce Fall U.S. Tour with Tallah and Magic Sword". We are the Pit. June 7, 2021. Archived from the original on August 16, 2022. Retrieved November 24, 2023.
  61. ^ Macdonald, Lesley (September 29, 2020). "Tallah – 'Matriphagy' (Earache Records)". Uber Rock. Archived from the original on January 17, 2021. Retrieved November 24, 2023.
  62. ^ Morin, Max (November 17, 2022). "Album Review: Tallah The Generation Of Danger". Metal Injection. Archived from the original on November 17, 2022. Retrieved November 24, 2023.
  63. ^ "Tallah Debut "We, The Sad" Music Video". Brave Words. July 2, 2020. Archived from the original on August 14, 2022. Retrieved November 24, 2023.
  64. ^ a b "Tallah reveals vocal performance video for 'The Silo'". Next Mosh. June 13, 2020. Archived from the original on June 5, 2023. Retrieved November 24, 2023.
  65. ^ "Tallah Drummer Max Portnoy - "I Do Take A Lot Of From My Dad, But My Two Biggest Metal Influences Are Joey Jordison and Chris Adler"". Brave Words. September 12, 2020. Archived from the original on March 26, 2023. Retrieved November 24, 2023.
  66. ^ Roche, Sam (March 9, 2022). "Tallah announce sophomore album, the Generation of Danger, share raging first single, Telescope". Guitar World. Archived from the original on March 9, 2022. Retrieved November 29, 2023.


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