Hail the Sun

History

Hail the Sun formed in Chico, California in 2009 while members Donovan Melero, Shane Gann, Aric Garcia, and John Stirrat were in college. Their debut full-length studio album, POW! Right In the Kisser!, was written and recorded over three months and released on May 21, 2010. The EP Elephantitis followed on July 3, 2012, with its creative process heavily influenced by post-hardcore groups such as the Fall of Troy and Hot Cross.

The band described the EP as a paradigm shift in post-hardcore, combining progressive guitar techniques and free-range drumming while reducing riffage and conventional time signatures. After three years of touring, Hail the Sun met Dance Gavin Dance and signed to Will Swan's independent label Blue Swan Records. Their sophomore album Wake was released on September 23, 2014, through the label. Throughout 2014 and 2015, the band toured extensively with acts including I the Mighty, Too Close to Touch, Dance Gavin Dance, A Lot Like Birds, the Ongoing Concept, Stolas, Polyphia, Our Last Night, and Palisades.

On December 3, 2015, the group parted ways with Blue Swan Records and signed with Equal Vision Records, releasing a demo version of the song Paranoia. The official single Paranoia came out on March 25, 2016, and the third studio album Culture Scars was released on June 17, 2016. The band later toured on the 2016 Vans Warped Tour. Guitarist Shane Gann explained that the album title refers to physical and emotional scars resulting from societal norms, including themes of dirty politics, family dynamics, and the adult entertainment industry.

Side projects

Donovan Melero creates solo music, releasing his debut album Chelsea Park After Dark in 2022. He is also a member of the bands Sianvar and Nova Charisma, and works as a booking agent for Sound Talent Group. In 2020 he founded the record label, magazine, and festival brand Kill Iconic. Guitarist Shane Gann is a member of the bands Murals and Sufferrer, where he serves as both guitarist and vocalist.

Did You Know?

• Donovan Melero's vocal style has been compared to that of Anthony Green of Circa Survive and Saosin.
• Hail the Sun has performed at Chain Fest, South By So What?!, Horns Up Festival, and Swanfest.
• The band released the EP Secret Wars in 2017, noted for its heavier and technical post-hardcore sound.