Pittsburgh Emo Night

Belmont is a name that resonates with technical proficiency, genre-bending innovation, and raw energy within the modern rock landscape. Emerging from the fertile Chicago music scene, the band has carved a unique path, blending the high-octane drive of pop-punk with the intricate musicianship of math rock and the aggressive edge of post-hardcore. Their journey from a promising local act to an internationally recognized force is a testament to their relentless creativity and dedication. This biography traces the chronological history of Belmont, analyzing their musical evolution, pivotal releases, and lasting impact on the alternative music community, including their relevance to vibrant nostalgia events like Pittsburgh Emo Night.

Formation and Early Era

The foundation of Belmont was laid in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, where a shared passion for aggressive, fast-paced, and technically complex music brought its founding members together. This period was defined by raw ambition, the honing of a unique sound, and the initial releases that would capture the attention of a rapidly growing fanbase.

Origins and Formation

Formed in 2014, Belmont originated from the collaboration of high school friends with a unified vision. The initial lineup consisted of vocalist Taz Johnson, lead guitarist Sam Patt, rhythm guitarist and backing vocalist Alex Wieringa, bassist Matt Fazzi, and drummer Brian Lada. From the outset, their goal was to push the boundaries of the conventional pop-punk sound. Influenced by the genre’s titans as well as more eclectic sources like metal, jazz fusion, and hip-hop, they sought to create something that was both familiar and startlingly new. Brian Lada’s intricate and powerful drumming, often cited as a cornerstone of the band’s sound, combined with complex guitar work, established their signature style early on. They cultivated a following through energetic live shows across the Chicago area, building a reputation for a sound that was significantly heavier and more complex than many of their local peers, a style that would later be dubbed easycore and technical pop-punk.

Early Discography

The band’s formative years were marked by a pair of crucial EPs that laid the groundwork for their future success. Their debut EP, Vicissitude, was self-released in 2015. It was a raw, five-track introduction to their frenetic energy and instrumental prowess. Tracks like “Minuscule” and “Overstepping” showcased their ability to blend catchy, anthemic choruses with punishing breakdowns and dizzying guitar riffs. The EP served as a powerful statement of intent, earning them initial recognition within online music communities and the underground scene.

However, it was their 2016 EP, Between You & Me, that marked a significant turning point. Released via Mutant League Records, this seven-song collection demonstrated a more refined and focused version of their sound. The production was cleaner, the songwriting more mature, and the blend of genres more seamless. The lead single, “Overstepping,” was re-recorded for the EP and became an anthem for their early fans. Other tracks, like the aggressive “731” and the more melodic “Water Weight,” displayed their growing versatility. Between You & Me was a critical step forward, solidifying their place as one of the most exciting new bands in the alternative rock and emo scenes and setting the stage for their full-length debut.

The Mainstream Breakthrough

Following the momentum of their early EPs, Belmont entered a phase of significant growth. This period saw them sign to a prominent record label, release their debut full-length album, and navigate lineup changes, all of which propelled them to a new level of recognition within the international music scene.

Pivotal Album(s) and Lineup Changes

The band’s breakthrough was spearheaded by their self-titled debut album, Belmont, released on August 17, 2018, via Mutant League Records. The album was a culmination of the sound they had been developing for years, a masterclass in modern pop-punk and post-hardcore fusion. Produced by Dan Korneff (known for his work with A Day to Remember and Paramore), the record was polished yet retained the raw intensity of their live shows. Singles like “Pushing Daisies” and “Hollowed Out” became instant fan favorites, lauded for their technicality and Taz Johnson’s impassioned vocal delivery. The album was a statement piece, charting on multiple Billboard charts, including Heatseekers and Alternative New Artist Albums, a major achievement for a debut record. It cemented their reputation as innovators in a genre often criticized for its uniformity.

This era also brought significant changes to the band’s lineup. Shortly after the album’s release, founding members Alex Wieringa and Sam Patt departed. This led to the introduction of Jason Inguagiato, a highly skilled guitarist whose background, including studies at Berklee College of Music, aligned perfectly with the band’s technically demanding style. This transition solidified the core trio of Taz Johnson (vocals), Brian Lada (drums, programming), and Jason Inguagiato (guitar), a lineup that would define their sound moving forward.

Achieving Critical and Commercial Success

The success of their self-titled album transformed Belmont from scene contenders to established artists. They embarked on extensive tours across North America and Europe, sharing stages with prominent acts like Sleeping With Sirens, Grayscale, and Such Gold. Their live performances became a key part of their identity, known for being explosive, precise, and engaging. The band’s growing reputation caught the attention of Pure Noise Records, one of the most respected labels in the punk and hardcore world. Signing with Pure Noise in 2020 was a major milestone, providing them with a larger platform and greater resources to realize their increasingly ambitious musical vision. The move signaled their arrival in the upper echelon of the modern pop-punk and emo landscape.

Musical Evolution and Key Events

With a solid foundation and a new record label, Belmont entered a phase of bold experimentation. This period was characterized by a deliberate push against genre constraints, exploring a wider sonic palette while navigating the challenges of the global landscape.

Mid-career Albums and Sonic Shifts

The band’s creative evolution was on full display with their sophomore album, Aftermath, released on March 4, 2022. The album was a radical departure from their previous work, showcasing a fearless integration of disparate genres. While the pop-punk and post-hardcore core remained, it was heavily infused with elements of nu-metal, trap, hip-hop, and electronic music. Produced by the acclaimed Andrew Wade (A Day To Remember, Neck Deep), Aftermath was a hyper-modern and ambitious record. The lead single, “Parasitic,” was a dark and heavy track that highlighted their metal influences, while songs like “Bowser’s Castle” incorporated Chicago drill-inspired beats. Perhaps the most talked-about track was “Country Girl,” a tongue-in-cheek fusion of pop, metal, and country that demonstrated the band’s refusal to take themselves too seriously. This willingness to experiment solidified Belmont as a forward-thinking act, uninterested in adhering to any single genre label.

Hiatus, Reunions, or Significant Member Departures

While the band has not undergone a formal hiatus, their journey has been marked by the aforementioned lineup shifts that solidified the current trio. The departure of original guitarists Wieringa and Patt was a pivotal moment that could have derailed a lesser band. Instead, the addition of Jason Inguagiato proved to be a catalyst for further growth. The chemistry between Johnson, Lada, and Inguagiato became the new creative engine of the band. This core trio has remained stable, navigating the challenges of the music industry, including the global pandemic which halted touring but provided more time for the in-depth studio experimentation that defined Aftermath. Their resilience and ability to adapt have been key to their sustained momentum.

Modern Era

In the current phase of their career, Belmont continues to build upon their reputation for innovation and excellence. Their recent work sees them further refining their eclectic sound while remaining a vital and active presence in the global music scene.

Recent Albums and Contemporary Activity

On April 12, 2024, Belmont released their third full-length album, Liminal, via Pure Noise Records. The album represents a synthesis of their career, merging the raw, skate-punk energy of their early work with the genre-bending experimentation of Aftermath. The result is their most cohesive and mature record to date. Tracks like “SSX Trickmont” are a direct nod to early 2000s video game soundtracks, full of frantic energy and technical guitar work, while other songs explore more melodic and atmospheric textures. Liminal has been praised by critics and fans alike as a powerful showcase of the band’s unique identity. They continue to tour extensively, and their music remains a fixture in the alternative community, demonstrating that Belmont is a band still very much in their creative prime.

Cultural Impact and Connection to the Scene

Beyond their own discography, Belmont has had a significant influence on the direction of modern pop-punk and its related subgenres. Their technicality and genre-fluidity have inspired a new wave of bands to push beyond traditional formulas.

Influence on Their Primary Genres

Belmont is often credited as a key player in the “easycore” and “prog-punk” revivals of the 2010s. They demonstrated that pop-punk could be both incredibly catchy and technically complex, challenging the notion that the genre was simplistic. By incorporating elements of math rock, metal, and hip-hop, they broadened the sonic possibilities for what a “pop-punk band” could be. Their influence can be heard in a new generation of artists who are unafraid to blend heavy breakdowns, intricate instrumentation, and electronic elements into their music. They have helped to keep the genre dynamic and evolving, proving that it is far from a stagnant, legacy format.

Relevance in Nostalgia Events like Emo Night Pittsburgh

The music of Belmont is perfectly suited for the high-energy, cathartic atmosphere of events like Emo Night Pittsburgh. While they are a contemporary band, their sound is deeply rooted in the DNA of the emo and pop-punk explosion of the 2000s. Their fast tempos, anthemic choruses, and emotionally charged lyrics resonate with fans who grew up on bands like Blink-182, New Found Glory, and Taking Back Sunday. At a Pittsburgh Emo Night, where the playlist often spans the history of the genre, Belmont represents the modern evolution of that sound. Their songs provide the same sense of release and community that defines the emo experience, making them a vital part of the genre’s continuing story. Their music serves as a bridge between the genre’s golden era and its vibrant present, making them a staple for any celebration of emo and pop-punk culture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Belmont

What genre is the band Belmont?

Belmont is primarily categorized as pop-punk, but their sound incorporates a wide range of other genres, including post-hardcore, easycore, math rock, emo, and alternative rock. Their later work also features elements of nu-metal, hip-hop, and electronic music.

Who are the current members of Belmont?

As of their latest album, Liminal, the core members of Belmont are Taz Johnson (vocals), Brian Lada (drums, programming), and Jason Inguagiato (guitar).

What was Belmont’s debut album?

Belmont’s debut full-length album is their self-titled record, Belmont, which was released on August 17, 2018.

Where is the band Belmont from?

The band Belmont was formed and is based in the Chicago, Illinois area.

Has Belmont’s music been featured on any Billboard charts?

Yes, their 2018 self-titled debut album landed on several Billboard charts, including the Heatseekers Albums, Independent Albums, and Alternative New Artist Albums charts.

What record label is Belmont signed to?

Belmont is currently signed to Pure Noise Records, which they joined in 2020. Their earlier releases were with Mutant League Records.