Bad Wolves

{{Short description|American heavy metal band}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2019}}

{{Infobox musical artist

| name = Bad Wolves

| image = Bad Wolves - Rock am Ring 2019-2451.jpg

| landscape = yes

| alt =

| caption = Bad Wolves at Rock am Ring 2019

| alias =

| origin = Los Angeles, California, U.S.

| genre = {{flatlist|

  • Heavy metal{{cite web |last=Monger |first=James Christopher |title=Bad Wolves |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/bad-wolves-mn0003713326/biography |website=AllMusic |access-date=March 20, 2019}}{{cite news |last=McGreevy |first=Ronan |title=Bad Wolves – from metal hardcore to global success with tribute to Dolores O'Riordan |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/music/bad-wolves-from-metal-hardcore-to-global-success-with-tribute-to-dolores-o-riordan-1.3438235 |newspaper=The Irish Times |access-date=March 20, 2019 |date=March 23, 2018}}
  • alternative metal{{Cite web |date=2024-08-20 |title=Bad Wolves & Pop Evil Announce Fall Co-Headlining Tour |url=https://www.theprp.com/2024/08/20/news/bad-wolves-pop-evil-announce-fall-co-headlining-tour/ |access-date=2025-01-06 |website=Theprp.com}}{{Cite web |title=Bad Wolves Premiere New Single & New Music Video 'Bad Friend' |url=https://www.metalunderground.com/news/details.cfm?newsid=156296 |access-date=2025-01-06 |website=metalunderground.com}}
  • groove metal{{cite web|website=New Noise Magazine|url=https://newnoisemagazine.com/review-bad-wolves-disobey/|title=Album Review: Bad Wolves - Disobey|date=May 7, 2018|access-date=July 31, 2018|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200919154604/https://newnoisemagazine.com/review-bad-wolves-disobey/|archive-date=September 19, 2020|url-status=live|quote=[...]it's not surprising that the name of the game here is groove metal}}
  • djent{{cite news |last=Crabb |first=Brendan |date=March 21, 2018 |title=Bad Wolves: All You Zombies |url=http://www.loudmag.com.au/features/bad-wolves-all-zombies/ |url-status=live |work=Loud Magazine Australia|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200919145236/http://www.loudmag.com.au/features/bad-wolves-all-zombies/ |archive-date=September 19, 2020 |access-date=September 19, 2020|quote=Meanwhile, the band – whose punchy sound infuses elements of djent, metalcore and hard rock ...}}{{cite news |author= |title=Album Review: Bad Wolves – Disobey |url=https://newnoisemagazine.com/review-bad-wolves-disobey/|url-status=live|website=New Noise Magazine|date=May 7, 2018|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200919154604/https://newnoisemagazine.com/review-bad-wolves-disobey/|archive-date=September 19, 2020 |access-date=September 19, 2020|quote=There are a fair number of groups trying to make melodic groove/djent, but few do it as easily and memorably as Bad Wolves.}}
  • hard rock{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/8095120/bad-wolves-zombie-cover-dolores-oriordan |title=Bad Wolves Release 'Zombie' Cover, Promise Proceeds to Late Cranberries Singer Dolores O'Riordan's Children |magazine=Billboard |access-date=March 20, 2019}}

}}

| years_active = {{start date|2017}}–present

| discography = Bad Wolves discography

| label = {{flatlist|

  • Better Noise
  • Eleven Seven{{cite web |url=https://loudwire.com/bad-wolves-toast-to-the-ghost-new-song-debut-album/ |title=Bad Wolves 'Toast to the Ghost' in New Song, Announce Debut Album |work=Loudwire |date=November 3, 2017 | access-date=March 20, 2019 |last=Hill |first=John}}

}}

| website = {{URL|badwolvesnation.com}}

| current_members = * John Boecklin

  • Daniel "DL" Laskiewicz
  • Chris Cain
  • AJ Rebollo
  • Kevin Creekman

| past_members = * Tommy Vext

  • Doc Coyle
  • Kyle Konkiel
  • Max Karon

}}

Bad Wolves is an American heavy metal band formed in Los Angeles, California in 2017. Initially finding fame from their first single, a cover of the Cranberries' 1994 hit "Zombie", the band proceeded to find further success with a number of songs topping the Billboard Mainstream Rock Songs chart, including "Remember When", "Killing Me Slowly", and "Sober". The band has released four studio albums, Disobey (2018), N.A.T.I.O.N. (2019), Dear Monsters (2021), and Die About It (2023). In January 2021, original lead vocalist Tommy Vext left the band and was replaced by Daniel "DL" Laskiewicz. Tensions ensued between Vext and the band, resulting in legal proceedings including Better Noise Music. Following the departures of multiple other members (notably Chris Cain who eventually returned, Doc Coyle and Kyle Konkiel), John Boecklin is the sole continuous member, and him and Cain are the only two original members left in the band.

History

=Formation and ''Disobey'' (2017–2019)=

In July 2014, Boecklin started writing the music that would become the band's debut album and in 2016 entered AudioHammer Studios in Sanford, Florida, with producer Mark Lewis.{{cite web |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/bad-wolves-feat-former-devildriver-god-forbid-divine-heresy-members-debut-album-due-in-spring/ |title=Bad Wolves Feat. Former Devildriver, God Forbid, Divine Heresy Members: Debut Album Due In Spring |website=Blabbermouth |date=November 2, 2017 |access-date=March 20, 2019}}

Bad Wolves was founded in 2017 by drummer John Boecklin (ex-DevilDriver), vocalist Tommy Vext (ex-Divine Heresy, ex-Westfield Massacre), lead guitarist Doc Coyle (ex-God Forbid), rhythm guitarist Chris Cain (ex-Bury Your Dead, ex-For the Fallen Dreams), and bassist Kyle Konkiel (ex-In This Moment, ex-Scar the Martyr, Vimic). They are managed by Zoltan Bathory of Five Finger Death Punch.{{cite web |url=https://www.facebook.com/badwolvesofficial/posts/1835232996565639 |title=Zombie has Officially gone Platinum in the USA |publisher=Facebook |date=August 16, 2018 |access-date=March 21, 2019}} The band announced that they would release their debut studio album, Disobey, on May 11, 2018.{{cite web |url=https://www.theprp.com/2018/03/23/news/bad-wolves-share-acoustic-cover-zombie-detail-debut-album-disobey/ |title=Bad Wolves Share Acoustic Cover Of "Zombie", Detail Debut Album "Disobey" |publisher=theprp |access-date=March 20, 2019 |date=March 23, 2018}} Of the thirteen songs in Disobey, ten were written and recorded before Vext joined the band.{{cite news |last=Gonzales |first=Ramon |date=September 8, 2021 |title=Bad Wolves introduce 'Dear Monsters' with the first single, 'Lifeline' |url=https://knotfest.com/news/bad-wolves-introduce-dear-monsters-with-the-first-single-lifeline/ |url-status=live |work=Knotfest |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210913162626/https://knotfest.com/news/bad-wolves-introduce-dear-monsters-with-the-first-single-lifeline/ |archive-date=September 13, 2021 |access-date=September 13, 2021}}

In May 2017, Bad Wolves released their debut single, "Learn to Live".{{cite web |title=Bad Wolves Feat. Former Devildriver, God Forbid, Divine Heresy Members: 'Learn To Live' Video Released |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/bad-wolves-feat-former-devildriver-god-forbid-divine-heresy-members-learn-to-live-video-released/ |website=Blabbermouth |access-date=March 20, 2019 |date=May 1, 2017}} In November 2017, Bad Wolves released their second single, "Toast to the Ghost". On Christmas Eve 2017, the Cranberries' singer Dolores O'Riordan left a text message to her friend, Managing Director of E7LG-Europe, Dan Waite, where she offered to "sing on it", on the cover of "Zombie" that Waite had previously given her to listen to and accredit.{{cite news |last=Ristić|first=Marko|date=12 February 2018|title=Tommy Vext, Bad Wolves: "We Are Onto Something"|url=https://www.hardwiredmagazine.com/tommy-vext-bad-wolves-interview/?lang=en|url-status=live|work=Hardwired Magazine|language=en|location=Serbia|archive-url=https://archive.today/20201107151412/https://www.hardwiredmagazine.com/tommy-vext-bad-wolves-interview/?lang=en|archive-date=7 November 2020|access-date=7 November 2020}}{{cite news |last=Power|first=Ed|date=3 April 2018|title=Bad Wolves create a great tribute to Dolores|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/arid-30835380.html|url-status=live|work=Irish Examiner|archive-url=https://archive.today/20201107152134/https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/arid-30835380.html|archive-date=7 November 2020|access-date=7 November 2020}}

On January 15, 2018, O'Riordan — who was in London for a recording session for her side project's second album,{{cite news |author= |title=Dolores O'Riordan: Funeral Mass for Cranberries singer|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-42785789|work=BBC News |language=en-GB|date=23 January 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200502191708/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-42785789|archive-date=2 May 2020|access-date=7 November 2020}} left a voice message to Waite during that night, where she asked him to come in the studio later that morning, and to listen to her vocals on the cover of Bad Wolves.{{cite magazine |last=Kaufman |first=Gil |date=April 5, 2018 |title=Voicemail from Cranberries Singer Dolores O'Riordan Emerges|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/8289027/dolores-oriordan-cranberries-final-recording-voicemail-audio |url-status=live |magazine=Billboard|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200503112648/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/8289027/dolores-oriordan-cranberries-final-recording-voicemail-audio |archive-date=May 3, 2020 |access-date=September 19, 2020}} O'Riordan died prior to recording it.{{cite news |last=Mulraney |first=Frances |date=April 5, 2018 |title=Dolores O'Riordan's cheerful final voicemail revealed |url=https://www.irishcentral.com/news/dolores-oriordan-final-voicemail-tmz |work=IrishCentral |publisher=Niall O'Dowd |access-date=September 19, 2020 }} On January 18, 2018, they released a third single, which was the cover of "Zombie" (originally by the Cranberries), which charted on multiple Billboard charts.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8097436/bad-wolves-cranberries-zombie-rock-charts |title=Bad Wolves' Cover of The Cranberries' 'Zombie' Roars Onto Rock Charts |magazine=Billboard |date=January 31, 2018 |access-date=March 20, 2019 |last=Rutherford |first=Kevin}}{{cite web |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmusic/article/Bad-Wolves-Cover-of-The-Cranberries-ZOMBIE-Goes-Global-20180130 |title=Bad Wolves' Cover of The Cranberries' Zombie Goes Global |work=BroadwayWorld |date=January 30, 2018 |access-date=March 20, 2019}} The song peaked at number 23 on the Billboard 200, and reached number 9 in Australia.{{Cite web|url=https://www.viberate.com/article/the-power-of-new-blood-newcomer-rock-tours-of-2020/|title=The Power of New Blood: Newcomer Rock Tours of 2020|last=Klancnik|first=Urban|date=4 November 2019|website=Viberate.com|access-date=5 November 2019|archive-date=January 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200108103845/https://www.viberate.com/article/the-power-of-new-blood-newcomer-rock-tours-of-2020/|url-status=dead}} It topped the US Billboard Mainstream Rock chart. A music video was released on February 22.{{cite news |author= |title=Bad Wolves Release Video For Cover or The Cranberries' 'Zombie' |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/bad-wolves-release-video-for-cover-of-the-cranberries-zombie/|url-status=live|work=Blabbermouth|date=February 22, 2018 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200919153555/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/bad-wolves-release-video-for-cover-of-the-cranberries-zombie/|archive-date=September 19, 2020 |access-date=September 19, 2020}} The band toured with Five Finger Death Punch, Shinedown, Breaking Benjamin, and Starset in the first half of 2018.{{cite news |url=https://www.theprp.com/2018/02/06/news/five-finger-death-punch-shinedown-starset-bad-wolves-tour-announced/ |title=Five Finger Death Punch, Shinedown, Starset & Bad Wolves Tour Announced |date=February 6, 2018 |work=theprp|access-date=March 21, 2019}} In October 2018, the band launched a crowdfunding campaign to create a documentary about their formation and rise to fame. The film would be called "Breaking the Band". By the end of the campaign, they had raised under $15,000 of their $65,000 target. Despite this, the band received all the donated money and still intend to create something for the project.{{cite magazine |url=http://www.ghostcultmag.com/bad-wolves-starts-crowdfunding-campaign-for-documentary/ |title=Bad Wolves Starts Crowdfunding Campaign For Documentary |magazine=Ghost Cult Magazine |date=October 2, 2018 |access-date=March 21, 2019}}

Since their inception, the band has shared the stage with the likes of Five Finger Death Punch, Nickelback, Shinedown, Breaking Benjamin, Papa Roach and Nothing More. They also had their cover of "Zombie" nominated for the iHeartRadio's Rock Song of the Year.{{Cite web|url=https://wbig.iheart.com/featured/bodhi/content/2019-03-15-rock-award-winners-from-iheartradio-music-awards/|title=Rock Award Winners From iHeartRadio Music Awards {{!}} Bodhi {{!}} BIG 100|website=Bodhi|access-date=2019-05-29|archive-date=May 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190529050704/https://wbig.iheart.com/featured/bodhi/content/2019-03-15-rock-award-winners-from-iheartradio-music-awards/|url-status=dead}}

=''N.A.T.I.O.N.'' and departure of Tommy Vext (2019–2021)=

File:Bad Wolves - Rock am Ring 2019-1109.jpg live at Rock am Ring 2019]]

On July 26, 2019, the band released a new single titled "I'll Be There", followed by another single titled "Killing Me Slowly", a third single titled "Sober", as well as a fourth single titled "Crying Game" and announced their new album, N.A.T.I.O.N., which was released on October 25, 2019. "Killing Me Slowly" was a song written in collaboration with outside songwriters; however, Vext would later state publicly that he was "the mastermind behind the song" after changing a few lyrics.

Two new singles were released on April 10 on Patreon – a cover of "Heart-Shaped Box" by Nirvana and a new song called "Shanghai".

In an interview in October 2020, vocalist Vext confirmed that the band had almost completed their third full-length album and that they may release it six months early exclusively via Patreon.{{Cite web|url=https://www.deadpress.co.uk/interview-bad-wolves-14-10-2020/|title=INTERVIEW: Bad Wolves (14/10/2020)|date=October 30, 2020|access-date=October 30, 2020|archive-date=December 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211203044426/https://www.deadpress.co.uk/interview-bad-wolves-14-10-2020/|url-status=dead}}

On January 8, 2021, Vext announced his departure from Bad Wolves, with intention to launch his own solo career.{{cite news|last=Pasbani|first=Robert|date=January 9, 2021|title=Tommy Vext Reportedly Out of Bad Wolves|url=https://metalinjection.net/news/breakups/tommy-vext-reportedly-out-of-bad-wolves|url-status=live|work=Metal Injection|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210109180918/https://metalinjection.net/news/breakups/tommy-vext-reportedly-out-of-bad-wolves|archive-date=January 9, 2021|access-date=January 9, 2021}} On January 9, the band released an official statement saying: "It is true that Bad Wolves and vocalist Tommy Vext have parted ways. The four of us plan to continue making music and a new album is planned for later this year. Tommy has been a big part of Bad Wolves and we are grateful for his contributions".{{cite news|author=|title=Bad Wolves Officially Part Ways With Singer Tommy Vext|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/bad-wolves-officially-part-ways-with-singer-tommy-vext/|url-status=live|work=Blabbermouth|date=January 9, 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210109201407/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/bad-wolves-officially-part-ways-with-singer-tommy-vext/|archive-date=January 9, 2021|access-date=January 9, 2021}}{{cite news|last=Divita|first=Joe|date=January 9, 2021|title=Report: Tommy Vext Is Out of Bad Wolves|url=https://loudwire.com/report-tommy-vext-out-bad-wolves/|url-status=live|work=Loudwire|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210109202259/https://loudwire.com/report-tommy-vext-out-bad-wolves/|archive-date=January 9, 2021|access-date=January 9, 2021}} This followed a context in which his support for Donald Trump was criticized, as well as his criticism of Black Lives Matter."{{cite news|author=|title=Bad Wolves Frontman: 'I Have Not Experience Actual Racism; It's All Manufactured'|url=https://metalinjection.net/politics/bad-wolves-frontman-i-have-not-experience-actual-racism-its-all-manufactured|url-status=live|work=Metal Injection|date=June 9, 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210109202827/https://metalinjection.net/politics/bad-wolves-frontman-i-have-not-experience-actual-racism-its-all-manufactured|archive-date=January 9, 2021|access-date=January 9, 2021}} He stated that he was incited to leave Bad Wolves by the four remaining musicians and the label, Better Noise Music, over his conservative political views.

=Hiring of Daniel "DL" Laskiewicz, ''Dear Monsters'', and departure of Chris Cain (2021–2023)=

On May 25, 2021, Tommy Vext claimed via his official Facebook account that Daniel "DL" Laskiewicz (former guitarist of The Acacia Strain) had joined Bad Wolves as their new lead vocalist. Vext followed this up by claiming that "the band is going to have to change its name if they don't pay for the songs I wrote and my trademark ownership but either way wish this dude the best I guess." The band did not respond to Vext's claims at the time.{{cite web |url=https://www.deadpress.co.uk/news-tommy-vext-claims-daniel-dl-laskiewicz-is-new-bad-wolves-vocalist/|title=News: Tommy Vext claims Daniel "DL" Laskiewicz is new Bad Wolves vocalist! |last=Redrup |first=Zach |work=DEAD PRESS! | It's more than "just music" to us |date=May 25, 2021|publisher=Dead Press |access-date=June 2, 2021|quote= }} Just over a week later on June 2, 2021, Bad Wolves announced that Laskiewicz had indeed joined the band and that they were working on their third album called Dear Monsters, which they claimed would be "the best Bad Wolves album to date". The band also elaborated further on Vext's departure, saying that they "disagree with the validity of much of what he has said publicly about our parting of ways – but we would prefer to not look back on the past and instead focus on this new chapter. And most importantly, we'd like to let the music speak for itself."{{cite web |url=https://badwolvesnation.com/blogs/news/bad-wolves-has-a-new-singer|title=We are Excited to Officially Announce That Bad Wolves Has A New Singer − Daniel 'DL' Lasckiewicz|author= |date=June 2, 2021|website= |publisher= |access-date=June 2, 2021}} Laskiewicz was involved in the songwriting of N.A.T.I.O.N.

In July 2021, Doc Coyle stated on an episode of his podcast The Ex-Man with Doc Coyle that Vext's continued pressure against Bad Wolves meant that "a big portion of the fanbase has essentially been radicalized against the band under false pretenses."{{cite web |url=https://www.theprp.com/2021/07/28/news/bad-wolves-doc-coyle-comments-on-tommy-vext-drama-a-big-portion-of-the-fanbase-has-essentially-been-radicalized-against-the-band-under-false-pretenses/ |title=Bad Wolves' Doc Coyle Comments On Tommy Vext Drama: "A Big Portion Of The Fanbase Has Essentially Been Radicalized Against The Band Under False Pretenses" |author= |date=July 28, 2021 |website= |publisher=The PRP |access-date=July 28, 2021 |quote=}} This came in the wake of a lawsuit filed by Vext against Bad Wolves manager Allen Kovac, who is also the CEO of Better Noise Music. In the lawsuit, Vext alleged that Kovac attempted to stop him from making political statements, attempted to buy the trademarks for Bad Wolves off him, tried to strong-arm radio and streaming services into not playing Bad Wolves when Vext refused to sell him the trademarks as a way of pushing Vext out of the music industry, and repeatedly using racial slurs to belittle him. Kovac responded with a statement of his own saying that Vext's accusations were "categorically false". Coyle and John Boecklin also made their own statement where they said that "In all our dealings with Allen Kovac, he has never used any derogatory racial slurs. Tommy is making all of this up. Period."{{cite web |url=https://www.theprp.com/2021/07/26/news/tommy-vext-files-suit-against-bad-wolves-manager-allen-kovac-alleges-racism-campaign-to-have-him-booted-from-the-band/ |title=Tommy Vext Files Suit Against Bad Wolves Manager Allen Kovac, Alleges Racism & Campaign To Have Him Booted From The Band (Updated) |author= |date=Jul 26, 2021 |website= |publisher=The PRP |access-date=July 29, 2021}}

In late August 2021, Better Noise Music sued Vext for "copyright infringement, breach of contract and unjust enrichment".{{cite news |last=Cooke |first=Chris |date=August 25, 2021 |title=Better Noise Music sues former Bad Wolves frontman |url=https://completemusicupdate.com/article/better-noise-music-sues-former-bad-wolves-frontman/ |url-status=live |work=Complete Music Update |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210914162010/https://completemusicupdate.com/article/better-noise-music-sues-former-bad-wolves-frontman/ |archive-date=September 14, 2021 |access-date=September 14, 2021}}

The band released the first single from Dear Monsters, "Lifeline", on September 8. The album was released on October 29, 2021.{{cite web |title=Bad Wolves Post New Single, 'Lifeline' |url=https://www.metalsucks.net/2021/09/08/bad-wolves-post-new-single-lifeline/ |website=MetalSucks |access-date=September 13, 2021 |date=September 8, 2021}} Vext started a tour starting September 10 and billed himself with his solo band under "Tommy Vext and The B@D W8LV3S".{{cite news |last=Zapata |first=Mark |date=August 24, 2021 |title=Ex-Bad Wolves Frontman Tommy Vext Now Touring As 'Tommy Vext And The B@D W8LV3S' |url=https://metalinsider.net/news/ex-bad-wolves-frontman-tommy-vext-now-touring-as-tommy-vext-and-the-bd-w8lv3s |url-status=live |work=Metal Insider |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210913184724/https://metalinsider.net/news/ex-bad-wolves-frontman-tommy-vext-now-touring-as-tommy-vext-and-the-bd-w8lv3s |archive-date=September 13, 2021 |access-date=September 13, 2021}} On September 9, 2021, in a statement directed toward Vext, Bad Wolves wrote that "desperate people do desperate things", citing that Vext "can't write his own music" and that he had edited a version of the band's single, "Lifeline", with his singing voice on it that he circulated on the Internet.{{cite news |last=Clarke |first=Patrick |date=September 9, 2021 |title=Bad Wolves criticise 'desperate' former frontman Tommy Vext: 'Nobody cares about him as a solo artist' |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/bad-wolves-criticise-desperate-former-frontman-tommy-vext-nobody-cares-about-him-as-a-solo-artist-3041842 |url-status=live |work=NME |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210913184124/https://www.nme.com/news/music/bad-wolves-criticise-desperate-former-frontman-tommy-vext-nobody-cares-about-him-as-a-solo-artist-3041842 |archive-date=September 13, 2021 |access-date=September 13, 2021}} Bad Wolves cited initiatives Vext has taken since leaving the band in January 2021, including his GoFundMe, which was later shut down for fraud because he attempted to "dupe fans" by inciting them to buy an album of covers to which he does not hold the rights.{{cite news |last=Murray |first=Robin |date=September 9, 2021 |title=Bad Wolves Are Airing Their Dirty Laundry On Tommy Vext |url=https://www.clashmusic.com/news/bad-wolves-are-airing-their-dirty-laundry-on-tommy-vext |url-status=live |work=Clash |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210913185410/https://www.clashmusic.com/news/bad-wolves-are-airing-their-dirty-laundry-on-tommy-vext |archive-date=September 13, 2021 |access-date=September 13, 2021}} Bad Wolves described Vext as "abusive − both emotionally and physically" while he was in the band and then afterward when he left it. The band also mentioned his "never-ending temper tantrums" on social media "filled with fraudulent claims and sad attempts to defame members of our band and our team". They said Vext had spread "mountains of lies", that he has "no moral compass", and is willing to do anything to achieve his ends. Vext did not respond directly to Bad Wolves but posted a clip from Avengers: Endgame on his social media, which summed up his sentiment.

On April 14, 2022, guitarist Chris Cain announced his departure from the band via Instagram.{{cite web | url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CcViyTutFUQ/ | title=Chris Cain on Instagram: "It's not much of a secret anymore, that I've left Bad Wolves. I want to thank all the fans for the support over the last 4 years. This doesn't mean the end of my music career, just my time with the band. I wish Bad Wolves the best moving forward and great success. Sometimes in life you have to do what's best for you and for me it was stepping away. I'm in a good place mentally now and can't wait to start my new adventures. Thank you again Wolfpack, I will miss you all!" }} The following month, it was announced that Max Karon (of Once Human) had joined Bad Wolves as their new rhythm guitarist. Karon had previously worked with Bad Wolves on their first three albums.{{cite web | url=https://metalinjection.net/news/original-bad-wolves-guitarist-max-karon-rejoins-band | title=Original BAD WOLVES Guitarist MAX KARON Rejoins Band | date=May 31, 2022 }} On July 28, the band released an EP titled Sacred Kiss.{{cite web|url=https://www.theprp.com/2022/07/28/news/bad-wolves-release-sacred-kiss-ep-of-mice-mens-aaron-pauley-guests-on-reworked-version-of-title-track/|title=Bad Wolves Release "Sacred Kiss" EP, Of Mice & Men's Aaron Pauley Guests On Reworked Version Of Title Track|website=ThePRP|access-date=August 1, 2022|date=July 28, 2022}}

=''Die About It'' (2023–present)=

In 2023, Doc Coyle started touring with Ice Nine Kills, filling in for Dan Sugarman while on recovery from cancer. In July, Max Karon announced that he is no longer touring with Bad Wolves, but still helping with songwriting. On July 21, Bad Wolves released their first single, "Bad Friend", off their fourth album.

Near the end of January 2024, Bad Wolves officially welcomed former Issues guitarist AJ Rebollo into the band, with Rebollo having toured with the band in 2023 following the departure of Max Karon. Along with the announcement the band unveiled their new song, "Knife" which includes Rebollo's vocals as well.{{cite web | url=https://www.theprp.com/2024/01/25/news/bad-wolves-officially-welcome-ex-issues-guitarist-aj-rebollo-debut-heavy-new-track-knife/ | title=Bad Wolves Officially Welcome Ex-Issues Guitarist AJ Rebollo, Debut "Heavy" New Track "Knife"| date=January 26, 2024}}

On April 2, 2025, guitarist Doc Coyle and bassist Kyle Konkiel departed the band. Former guitarist Chris Cain returned to the band, while Kevin Creekman, who appeared in the band's music video for the song Killing Me Slowly was announced as the band's new bassist. Creekman also played bass with Vext's solo band. These changes leave Cain and Boecklin as the only two original members left in the band.

Band members

=Current members=

  • John Boecklin – drums, percussion (2017–present)
  • Chris Cain – rhythm guitar (2017–2022, 2025–present)
  • Daniel "DL" Laskiewicz – lead vocals (2021–present)
  • AJ Rebollo – lead guitar (2025–present), rhythm guitar (2024–2025; touring 2023–2024), backing vocals (2023–present)
  • Kevin Creekman – bass (2025–present)

= Former members =

  • Doc Coyle – lead guitar, backing vocals (2017–2025)
  • Kyle Konkiel – bass, backing vocals (2017–2025)
  • Tommy Vext – lead vocals (2017–2021)
  • Max Karon – rhythm guitar (2022–2023)

Timeline

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Discography

{{main|Bad Wolves discography}}

Studio albums

References

{{Reflist}}