From First to Last is an American band whose trajectory has been marked by significant lineup transformations, sonic evolution, and a lasting impact on the post-hardcore landscape. Emerging from the fertile ground of the early 2000s rock scene, the band navigated the heights of mainstream attention, the challenges of member departures, and multiple reunions, cementing their status as a pivotal act within their genre. Their blend of aggressive instrumentation, melodic hooks, and emotionally charged lyrics has left an indelible mark, making their catalog a cornerstone for events like Emo Night Pittsburgh, where the band’s legacy continues to be celebrated.
Formation and Early Era
The band’s story begins not in the spotlight, but in Tampa, Florida. Their journey from a local project to a nationally recognized name was defined by rapid changes and a relentless drive to create.
Origins and Formation
Initially formed in November 1999 under the name “First Too Last,” the project was the brainchild of guitarist Matt Good and bassist Scott Oord. In these nascent stages, the band was a local Florida entity, cycling through members and honing a raw sound rooted in punk and hardcore. The lineup solidified with the addition of Travis Richter on rhythm guitar and vocals, and Derek Bloom on drums. This core began to build a reputation, but the band’s identity was still in flux. The crucial turning point came with the arrival of vocalist Phillip Reardon, who fronted the band for their first significant release. The group officially adopted the name From First to Last and began to carve out a more distinct musical identity that blended elements of screamo and melodic hardcore.
Early Discography
In 2003, From First to Last released their debut EP, Aesthetic, on Four Leaf Recordings. This record was a raw, unfiltered expression of the burgeoning post-hardcore sound. Tracks like “Such a Tragedy” showcased a dual-vocal attack, with Reardon’s aggressive screams juxtaposed against Good and Richter’s cleaner, melodic passages. The EP was an underground success, capturing the attention of Epitaph Records, a label synonymous with punk and alternative music. However, creative and personal differences led to Reardon’s departure in 2004. This could have been a terminal blow, but it instead led to the band’s most transformative chapter. While searching for a new rhythm guitarist, Matt Good discovered a young MySpace user from California named Sonny Moore. Originally intended to play guitar, the 16-year-old Moore demonstrated a unique and powerful vocal talent. Recognizing his potential as a frontman, the band shifted roles, and Moore became the new lead vocalist. This new lineup entered the studio to record their full-length debut, Dear Diary, My Teen Angst Has a Bodycount, released in 2004. The album was a landmark release for the mid-2000s emo and post-hardcore scene. Songs like “Ride the Wings of Pestilence” and the iconic “Note to Self” became anthems for a generation, defined by Moore’s soaring, emotive vocals and the band’s chaotic yet catchy instrumentation. The album’s title and lyrical themes perfectly encapsulated the era’s angst-ridden zeitgeist, establishing From First to Last as a major new voice in alternative rock.
The Mainstream Breakthrough
With a celebrated debut album and a charismatic new frontman, From First to Last was poised for a larger stage. Their next album would push them to new creative and commercial heights, solidifying their place in the rock mainstream.
Pivotal Album(s) and Lineup Changes
For their sophomore album, From First to Last enlisted legendary producer Ross Robinson, known for his work with Korn, Slipknot, and At the Drive-In. Robinson’s intense, raw production style was a perfect match for the band’s volatile energy. During this period, the band also saw another lineup shift, with bassist Jon Weisberg departing. In a notable move, Wes Borland of Limp Bizkit fame joined to play bass on the album, lending his experience and creative input to the sessions. The result was 2006’s Heroine. The album was a darker, more complex, and sonically ambitious effort than its predecessor. Robinson pushed the band, especially Moore, to their limits, capturing performances that were both technically proficient and emotionally visceral. Tracks like “The Latest Plague” and “Shame Shame” demonstrated a maturation in songwriting, incorporating more atmospheric textures and experimental song structures. The album was a significant step forward, showcasing a band unafraid to evolve beyond the confines of the screamo tag.
Achieving Critical and Commercial Success
Heroine was a commercial success, debuting at number 25 on the Billboard 200 chart—a remarkable achievement for a band in the post-hardcore genre. It sold hundreds of thousands of copies and was lauded by critics for its artistic growth and raw power. The album’s success propelled the band to major tours and festival appearances, placing them at the forefront of the emo and alternative rock movement. However, the intense touring schedule and the strain of performing took a toll on Sonny Moore’s vocal cords, leading to multiple surgeries. In February 2007, Moore announced his departure from the band to pursue a solo career, a path that would eventually lead him to global stardom as the electronic music producer Skrillex. His exit marked the end of the band’s most commercially successful era and presented From First to Last with its greatest challenge yet.
Musical Evolution and Key Events
Facing the loss of their iconic frontman, From First to Last chose to persevere. The subsequent years were a testament to the band’s resilience, defined by sonic experimentation and a rotating cast of collaborators.
Mid-career Albums and Sonic Shifts
Rather than seeking a new vocalist externally, Matt Good stepped up to the microphone, taking on lead vocal duties in addition to his role as lead guitarist. The band also solidified its rhythm section with the addition of bassist Matt Manning. This new four-piece lineup signed with major label Suretone/Interscope Records and released a self-titled album in 2008. From First to Last marked a significant sonic departure, shedding much of the post-hardcore and screamo elements in favor of a more straightforward alternative rock and pop-punk sound. Singles like “Worlds Away” were more melodic and accessible, though the album received a mixed reception from fans accustomed to their heavier style. Following Travis Richter’s departure in 2009, the band signed with Rise Records and released Throne to the Wolves in 2010. This album saw the band return to a heavier, more aggressive sound, but shortly after its release, the group announced an indefinite hiatus.
Hiatus, Reunions, or Significant Member Departures
The hiatus lasted until 2013, when Good, Richter, Bloom, and Manning announced a reunion. To fund a new album, they launched a successful Kickstarter campaign. The reunion took another turn when it was announced that Spencer Sotelo, vocalist for the progressive metal band Periphery, would be fronting the new iteration of the band. This lineup released Dead Trees in 2015 via Sumerian Records. The album blended the band’s post-hardcore roots with elements of metalcore, reflecting Sotelo’s vocal style. While it was a solid return, the most anticipated reunion was yet to come.
Modern Era
After years of speculation and near-misses, the band’s most famous lineup would finally reconvene, sparking a new wave of excitement and creativity that continues to this day.
Recent Albums and Contemporary Activity
In January 2017, on Sonny Moore’s 29th birthday, the unexpected happened. From First to Last released a new single, “Make War,” featuring Moore back on lead vocals. The track was a perfect synthesis of the band’s classic sound and Moore’s modern production sensibilities. The classic lineup of Moore, Good, Richter, and Bloom made their live return at a surprise performance during an Emo Nite event in Los Angeles, a fitting venue for their comeback. The band released another single, “Surrender,” in 2018. While a full album has yet to materialize due to the members’ various commitments, particularly Moore’s demanding schedule as Skrillex, the band has not gone silent. In 2023, the core lineup of Good, Richter, and Bloom officially reunited once more, with Good resuming lead vocal duties. They have since released new singles, proving that the creative spark of From First to Last remains very much alive.
Cultural Impact and Connection to the Scene
From First to Last’s influence extends far beyond their album sales. They were a defining band of a specific cultural moment and their music continues to resonate deeply with fans of the genre.
Influence on Their Primary Genres
From First to Last was at the epicenter of the mid-2000s convergence of post-hardcore, emo, and screamo. Alongside bands like The Used, Underoath, and My Chemical Romance, they helped define the sound and aesthetic of the MySpace generation. Their music provided a soundtrack for countless teenagers navigating the complexities of adolescence. Their fusion of raw aggression, intricate guitar work, and soaring, vulnerable melodies became a blueprint for many bands that followed. They were instrumental in pushing the boundaries of post-hardcore, proving that the genre could be both commercially viable and artistically ambitious.
Relevance in Nostalgia Events like Emo Night Pittsburgh
The enduring popularity of From First to Last is evident at events like Emo Night Pittsburgh. These nights thrive on the powerful nostalgia associated with the 2000s emo scene, and From First to Last’s music is a quintessential part of that experience. When a DJ at a Pittsburgh Emo Night drops the opening riff of “Note to Self” or the anthemic chorus of “Ride the Wings of Pestilence,” the reaction is immediate and electric. These songs are more than just music; they are time capsules that transport listeners back to a specific time and feeling. For attendees of Emo Night Pittsburgh, singing along to From First to Last is a collective, cathartic experience, a celebration of the music that shaped their youth and continues to hold a special place in the alternative rock canon.
Frequently Asked Questions About From First to Last
What genre is From First to Last?
From First to Last is primarily categorized as post-hardcore. Throughout their career, their music has incorporated elements of emo, screamo, alternative rock, electronic rock, and metalcore.
Who is the original singer of From First to Last?
The band’s first vocalist on a recorded release (the Aesthetic EP) was Phillip Reardon. However, the vocalist most associated with their breakthrough era is Sonny Moore, who sang on Dear Diary, My Teen Angst Has a Bodycount and Heroine.
Is Skrillex still in From First to Last?
Sonny Moore (Skrillex) officially reunited with the band in 2017, releasing two singles and playing select shows. While he has not formally departed again, the band’s most recent activity (since 2023) features Matt Good on lead vocals. Moore’s involvement is sporadic due to his commitments as Skrillex.
What is From First to Last’s most popular album?
While Heroine was their highest-charting album, Dear Diary, My Teen Angst Has a Bodycount is arguably their most iconic and influential work. It is considered a seminal album of the mid-2000s emo and post-hardcore scene.
Did From First to Last break up?
The band went on an official hiatus from 2010 to 2013. They have since reunited multiple times with different lineups and have never formally broken up again. They are considered an active entity, releasing new music as recently as 2024.
Why is From First to Last significant to the emo scene?
Their emotional lyrics, dynamic song structures combining screaming and melodic singing, and the distinct vocal style of Sonny Moore during their peak made them a defining band of the 2000s emo explosion. Their music captured the angst and energy of the era, making them a staple at events that celebrate that culture, such as a Pittsburgh Emo Night.
