Insolence is a San Jose, California rap-metal and reggae-fusion band formed in 1995. Known for blending heavy nu-metal riffs with Jamaican dancehall toasts, dub sound-system culture, and aggressive dual vocals, the group became a staple of the 2000s West Coast underground scene.

While founded by drummer Armando “Mando” Cardenas, the band’s signature sound took shape with co-vocalists Mark Herman and Billy “Mech 1” Rosenthal, alongside guitarist Mike Rowan, bassist Paul Perry, and DJ “Hermit” Jerry Dalalo. This core lineup abandoned the thrash style of their 1995 debut Vicious Circle to release their breakout Poisonous Philosophy (2000) and major-label debut Revolution (2001) on Maverick Records.

Around 2002, internal division peaked when Cardenas attempted to fire Mike Rowan. The remaining members stood by Rowan, resulting in Cardenas exiting the active group. The core lineup continued without him, expanding their discography with Stand Strong (2003), Audio War (2007), Project Konflict (2010), and Product EP (2014).

Because Cardenas retained legal trademark rights to the name “Insolence,” the active members teased an upcoming name change via social media, though an official rebrand was never formally launched. Cardenas later revived the moniker with hired musicians to release Victory (2019) and Truth to Power (2021). Lacking the original songwriting team and signature vocal duo, these later releases represent a separate era from the classic lineup’s discography.