Winds of Plague

Lore & Background

Winds of Plague was founded in 2002 in Upland, California, originally under the name Bleak December. In April 2005, they changed their name to Winds of Plague, derived from a lyric in the Unearth song 'Endless'. They independently released their demo A Cold Day in Hell in late 2005, with several songs later re-recorded for their debut album. Their first album for Century Media Records, Decimate the Weak, was released in 2008 and included those re-recorded tracks.

The band's second album, The Great Stone War, was released on August 11, 2009, featuring the singles 'Approach the Podium' and 'Chest and Horns', though no music videos were made for it. Keyboardist Kristen Randall left in October 2009, with Lisa Marx filling in for an Australian/New Zealand tour, followed by Alana Potocnik becoming the permanent keyboardist. Against the World (2011) received widespread critical acclaim, with singles 'Refined in the Fire' and 'California', and music videos for 'Drop the Match', 'California', and 'Refined in the Fire'. The band contributed a cover of Buffalo Springfield's 'For What It's Worth' to the Homefront soundtrack, and a cover of The Cranberries' 'Zombie' appeared on an iTunes EP later removed.

Resistance, their fourth studio album, was recorded in early to mid-2013 and released on October 29, 2013. After a brief hiatus, vocalist Johnny Plague announced in December 2015 that the band would resume touring and working on a new album in 2016. Their fifth album, Blood of My Enemy, was recorded from 2016 to 2017 and released on October 27, 2017. The band has toured extensively with acts such as Despised Icon, Parkway Drive, Impending Doom, Danzig, Dimmu Borgir, and others, and has appeared at festivals including the New England Metal and Hardcore Festival, Summer Slaughter, Warped Tour, and Mayhem Festival.

Reader's Guide

Winds of Plague holds a notable place in deathcore history as one of the earliest bands to blend symphonic elements with the genre's characteristic aggression. Their incorporation of keyboards and orchestral textures helped expand the sonic palette of deathcore, influencing later bands. The group's longevity, with a consistent output of five studio albums from 2008 to 2017, demonstrates their staying power in a niche scene. Their tours alongside major metal and hardcore acts, as well as appearances on prominent festivals, underscore their role in the broader metal community. Despite lineup changes—including multiple keyboardists and drummers—the band maintained a core identity centered on vocalist Johnny Plague. Their cover of 'For What It's Worth' for the Homefront soundtrack and the brief availability of a 'Zombie' cover illustrate their engagement with popular culture. The band's legacy is tied to their pioneering symphonic deathcore sound and their persistent touring presence.

Did You Know?

• They were originally called Bleak December before changing their name in April 2005.
• Their cover of Buffalo Springfield's 'For What It's Worth' appeared on the soundtrack for the game Homefront.
• Keyboardist Kristen Randall left the band in October 2009, days after announcing her departure.