Light the Torch

{{Infobox musical artist

| name = Light the Torch

| image = Devil You Know band.jpg

| image_upright = 1.2

| caption = Light the Torch performing in 2016 as Devil You Know

| alias = Devil You Know (2012–2017)

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

| genre = {{flatlist|

Melodic metalcore{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/revival-mw0003145113 |title=Revival |website=AllMusic}}
alternative metal

}}

| years_active = 2012–present

| label = Nuclear Blast

| associated_acts =

| current_members = * Francesco Artusato

Howard Jones
Ryan Wombacher
Alex Rüdinger

| past_members = * Mike Sciulara

Roy Lev-Ari
John Sankey
Kyle Baltus

}}

Light the Torch (formerly Devil You Know) is an American metalcore supergroup formed in Los Angeles in 2012. They are currently signed to Nuclear Blast Records and have released four albums: two under the "Devil You Know" moniker (The Beauty of Destruction and They Bleed Red) and two under the "Light the Torch" name (Revival and You Will Be the Death of Me).

History

=Devil You Know (2012–2017)=

The band started when guitarist Francesco Artusato (All Shall Perish, Hiss of Atrocities) and drummer John Sankey (Devolved) began jamming and writing together in 2012. After 30 to 40 song ideas were written the two decided to look for a vocalist. A couple of early demo recordings were sent to Howard Jones (Killswitch Engage, Blood Has Been Shed) who subsequently got interested and joined the band in late 2012. They named the band Devil You Know.

In early 2013, the band started recording with producer and ex-Machine Head guitarist Logan Mader (Gojira, Five Finger Death Punch).{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/Devilyouknowofficial/info |title=Devil You Know |publisher=Facebookm |date= |access-date=June 1, 2016}}

On October 23, 2013, it was announced the band signed to Nuclear Blast.{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=771958052821213&set=a.771958049487880.1073741828.768944026455949&type=1&stream_ref=10 |title=Devil You Know - DEVIL YOU KNOW signs to Nuclear Blast... |publisher=Facebook |date=October 23, 2013 |access-date=June 1, 2016}} A day later the first demo song "Shut It Down" was released online through the band's Facebook page.{{cite web|url=http://www.metalhammer.co.uk/news/howard-jones-devil-you-know-sign-to-nuclear-blast-release-first-demo/ |title=Devil You Know Shut It Down Howard Jones |access-date=March 28, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131031115656/http://www.metalhammer.co.uk/news/howard-jones-devil-you-know-sign-to-nuclear-blast-release-first-demo/ |archive-date=October 31, 2013 }} On October 31, 2013, the demo was released officially through the label YouTube channel.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0C17On6h3HQ |title=Devil You Know - Shut It Down (Official Demo) |publisher=YouTube |date=October 31, 2013 |access-date=June 1, 2016}}

On December 19, 2013, it was announced that the band finished recording of the album and that bassist Ryan Wombacher (Bleeding Through) and guitarist Roy Lev-Ari (Hiss of Atrocities) joined the band.{{cite web|url=http://www.metalsucks.net/2013/12/19/devil-know-live-line-announced/ |title=Devil You Know Live Line-Up Announced |publisher=MetalSucks |date= December 19, 2013|access-date=June 1, 2016}}

In February–March 2014, the band took part in Soundwave Festival in Australia.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTtGcDnJyNE |title=DEVIL YOU KNOW - Soundwave 2014 (OFFICIAL GREETING VIDEO) |publisher=YouTube |date=February 11, 2014 |access-date=June 1, 2016}}

On March 5, 2014, the debut single "Seven Years Alone" was released.{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/ex-killswitch-engage-singers-devil-you-know-new-song-seven-years-alone-available-for-streaming/ |title=Ex Killswitch Engage Singer's Devil You Know: New Song 'Seven Years Alone' Available For Streaming |website=Blabbermouth.net |date=March 5, 2014 |access-date=June 1, 2016}} On March 27, 2014, the official music video for "Seven Years Alone" was released.{{cite web|url=http://www.metalinjection.net/video/devil-you-know-seven-years-alone-music-video |title=DEVIL YOU KNOW "Seven Years Alone" music video |publisher=Metal Injection |date=March 26, 2014 |access-date=June 1, 2016}}

The band's debut album The Beauty of Destruction was mixed by Chris "Zeuss" Harris and was released on April 24 (EU), April 28 (UK) and April 29, 2014 (US and the rest of the world) via Nuclear Blast.{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/devil-you-know-taps-zeuss-for-debut-album-mix/#7mWeEzW7p4X3LfFz.01 |title=Devil You Know Taps Zeuss For Debut Album Mix |website=Blabbermouth.net |date=December 19, 2013 |access-date=June 1, 2016}}{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=857280780955606&set=a.771958049487880.1073741828.768944026455949&type=1&stream_ref=10 |title=Devil You Know - Here it is DYK fans : Devil You Know... |publisher=Facebook |date=February 14, 2014 |access-date=June 1, 2016}} It charted at No. 50 on the Billboard 200, selling nearly 6,000 units in the first week.{{cite web|url=http://www.metalinsider.net/columns/metal-by-numbers/metal-by-numbers-57-whitechapel-break-into-the-top-10 |title=Metal By Numbers 5/7: Whitechapel break into the top 10 |publisher=Metal Insider |date=May 7, 2014 |access-date=June 1, 2016}}

In April–June 2014, the band took part in Revolver Golden Gods Tour with Black Label Society, Down and Butcher Babies.{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=852137471469937&set=a.771958049487880.1073741828.768944026455949&type=1&stream_ref=10 |title=Devil You Know - It's official - DYK will be joining Black... |publisher=Facebook |date=February 12, 2014 |access-date=June 1, 2016}}

On October 31, 2014, a music video for "It's Over" was released.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4SmFuwyolA |title=Devil You Know - It'S Over (Official Video) |publisher=YouTube |date=October 31, 2014 |access-date=June 1, 2016}} On March 9, 2015, the band released an official music video for "As Bright as the Darkness".{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Y24dLz_n3A |title=DEVIL YOU KNOW - As Bright As The Darkness (OFFICIAL VIDEO) |publisher=YouTube |date=March 9, 2015 |access-date=June 1, 2016}}

In June 2015, the band started recording the second album.{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/Devilyouknowofficial/photos/a.771958049487880.1073741828.768944026455949/1138168939533454/?type=1 |title=Devil You Know - DEVIL YOU KNOW to Begin Recording... |publisher=Facebook |date=May 11, 2015 |access-date=June 1, 2016}}

On September 10, 2015, the band released "Stay of Execution",{{cite web|url=http://metalhammer.teamrock.com/news/2015-09-10/devil-you-know-premiere-stay-of-execution |title=Devil You Know premiere Stay of Execution - Metal Hammer |access-date=September 10, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150911165841/http://metalhammer.teamrock.com/news/2015-09-10/devil-you-know-premiere-stay-of-execution |archive-date=September 11, 2015 }} the first single off the second album titled They Bleed Red which was released on November 6, 2015, via Nuclear Blast.

=Light the Torch (2017–present)=

On July 26, 2017, the band announced via social media that they had changed their name to Light the Torch without an explanation beyond, "A full statement will be made soon and a new album is very close to being completed. It's a new beginning and we couldn't be more excited."{{cite web|url=http://www.metalsucks.net/2017/07/26/devil-you-know-get-a-re-brand |title=Devil You Know Get a Re-Brand|date=July 26, 2017|access-date=July 26, 2017}}

Jones revealed in an interview on October 13, 2017, that the band had to change its name due to legal issues surrounding Sankey's departure from the band, and how the latter wanted to claim part copyright of the name.{{cite web|url=http://www.metalinjection.net/latest-news/howard-jones-explains-the-drummer-drama-that-caused-devil-you-know-to-change-names|title=Howard Jones Explains The Drummer Drama That Caused DEVIL YOU KNOW To Change Names - Metal Injection|date=October 16, 2017|publisher=|access-date=January 18, 2018}}{{cite web|url=https://overcast.fm/+CtogtGDWg|title=Episode 295 - Howard Jones (Light The Torch) & Trent Hafdahl (After The Burial) — The Jasta Show — Overcast|website=overcast.fm|access-date=January 18, 2018}}

Light the Torch released their first studio album Revival on March 30, 2018.{{cite web|title=Light The Torch (Ex-Killswitch Engage) Detail New Album "Revival", Stream "Die Alone"|url=http://www.theprp.com/2018/02/02/news/light-torch-ex-killswitch-engage-detail-new-album-revival-stream-die-alone/|publisher=theprp.com|access-date=February 2, 2018|date=February 2, 2018}}

On April 9, 2021, the band released their single "Wilting in the Light" on YouTube from their latest album You Will Be the Death of Me. The music video features Alex Rüdinger from Whitechapel as the band's new drummer. On June 4, 2021, they released another single titled "Let Me Fall Apart".{{Cite web|url=https://distortedsoundmag.com/light-the-torch-release-new-music-video-for-let-me-fall-apart/|title = Light the Torch release new music video for 'Let Me Fall Apart'|date = June 6, 2021}}

The band released their latest album, You Will Be the Death of Me, on June 25, 2021.{{Cite web |title=Light the Torch announces new album, 'You Will be the Death of Me' - Music News - ABC News Radio |url=http://abcnewsradioonline.com/music-news/2021/4/9/light-the-torch-announces-new-album-you-will-be-the-death-of.html}}

Band members

Current

Francesco Artusato – lead guitar (2012–present), rhythm guitar (2012–2013, 2015–present), bass (2012–2013)
Howard Jones – lead vocals (2012–present)
Ryan Wombacher – bass, backing vocals (2013–present)
Alex Rüdinger – drums (2021–present)

Touring musicians

John Boecklin – drums (2016)
Nick Augusto – drums (2016–2017)
Aaron Stechauner – drums (2022)

Former

John Sankey – drums (2012–2016)
Roy Lev-Ari – rhythm guitar (2013–2015)
Mike Sciulara – drums (2018–2019)
Kyle Baltus – drums (2019–2021)

Timeline

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bar:Ryan text:"Ryan Wombacher"

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Discography

as Devil You Know:

The Beauty of Destruction (2014)
They Bleed Red (2015)

as Light the Torch:

Revival (2018)
You Will Be the Death of Me (2021)

=Singles=

class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" \|+ List of singles, with selected chart positions ! scope="col" rowspan="2"\| Title ! scope="col" rowspan="2"\| Year ! scope="col" colspan="1"\| Peak chart positions ! scope="col" rowspan="2"\| Album
style="width:4em;font-size:85%"\|US Main. Peaks on the Mainstream Rock chart: The Safety of Disbelief: {{cite magazine\|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-mainstream-rock-tracks/2019-03-30\|title=Mainstream Rock Tracks: March 30, 2019\|magazine=Billboard\|access-date=March 26, 2019}} Wilting in the Light: {{cite magazine\|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-mainstream-rock-tracks/2021-05-15\|title=Mainstream Rock Tracks: May 15, 2021\|magazine=Billboard\|access-date=May 11, 2021}}
colspan="4" style="text-align:center; font-size:8pt;" \| as Devil You Know
scope="row"\| "Seven Years Alone" \| 2014 \| — \|rowspan="2"\| The Beauty of Destruction
scope="row"\| "It's Over" \|rowspan="3"\| 2015 \| —
scope="row"\| "Stay of Execution" \| — \|rowspan="2"\| They Bleed Red
scope="row"\| "The Way We Die" \| —
colspan="4" style="text-align:center; font-size:8pt;" \| as Light the Torch
scope="row"\| "Die Alone" \|rowspan="3"\| 2018 \| — \|rowspan="4"\| Revival
scope="row"\| "Calm Before the Storm" \| —
scope="row"\| "The Safety of Disbelief" \| 32
scope="row"\| "The Great Divide" \|2019 \| —
scope="row"\| "Wilting in the Light" \|2021 \| 33 \|rowspan="1"\| You Will Be the Death of Me
colspan="4" style="text-align:center; font-size:8pt;" \| "—" denotes a release that did not chart.

class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"

|+ List of singles, with selected chart positions

! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Title

! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Year

! scope="col" colspan="1"| Peak chart positions

! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Album

style="width:4em;font-size:85%"|US
Main.
Peaks on the Mainstream Rock chart:

The Safety of Disbelief: {{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-mainstream-rock-tracks/2019-03-30|title=Mainstream Rock Tracks: March 30, 2019|magazine=Billboard|access-date=March 26, 2019}}
Wilting in the Light: {{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-mainstream-rock-tracks/2021-05-15|title=Mainstream Rock Tracks: May 15, 2021|magazine=Billboard|access-date=May 11, 2021}}

colspan="4" style="text-align:center; font-size:8pt;" | as Devil You Know

scope="row"| "Seven Years Alone"

| 2014

| —

|rowspan="2"| The Beauty of Destruction

scope="row"| "It's Over"

|rowspan="3"| 2015

| —

scope="row"| "Stay of Execution"

| —

|rowspan="2"| They Bleed Red

scope="row"| "The Way We Die"

| —

colspan="4" style="text-align:center; font-size:8pt;" | as Light the Torch

scope="row"| "Die Alone"

|rowspan="3"| 2018

| —

|rowspan="4"| Revival

scope="row"| "Calm Before the Storm"

| —

scope="row"| "The Safety of Disbelief"

| 32

scope="row"| "The Great Divide"

|2019

| —

scope="row"| "Wilting in the Light"

|2021

| 33

|rowspan="1"| You Will Be the Death of Me

colspan="4" style="text-align:center; font-size:8pt;" | "—" denotes a release that did not chart.

Awards and nominations

=Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards=

|| 2014 || Devil You Know ||Best New Band{{cite web|url=http://goldengods.metalhammer.co.uk/vote |title=Orange Amplification Presents the Metal Hammer Golden God Awards 2014 in Association with World of Tanks |access-date=April 12, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413154547/http://goldengods.metalhammer.co.uk/vote |archive-date=April 13, 2014 }}|| {{Won}}

References

External links

{{allmusic}}

Category:2012 establishments in California

Category:Heavy metal musical groups from California

Category:Metalcore musical groups from California

Category:Musical groups established in 2012

Category:Musical quartets from California

Category:Nuclear Blast artists