Strung Out
Strung Out is a melodic hardcore band from Simi Valley, California, formed in 1989.
The band is renowned for their blend of melodic punk, progressive rock, and metal elements. Their debut album, Another Day in Paradise, showcased their ability to fuse raw punk energy with innovative guitar work and socially conscious lyricism. This was followed by Suburban Teenage Wasteland Blues which solidified their reputation with its combination of melodic punk and metal influences. Over the years, their sound has evolved to incorporate more progressive arrangements and introspective lyrics.
As of 2024, the band has released 10 studio albums, two EPs, two compilation albums, a best-of, a box set and a live album with their longtime label Fat Wreck Chords.
They have been a notable act on the Warped Tour and continue to tour internationally. Their albums have charted on the Billboard 200 and appeared on numerous compilations and skate/surf videos. Recently, they partnered with Lucky Luke Brewing Company to create their own beer, the “Astrolux Golden Ale.”
The band currently consists of:
Jason Cruz: vocals, artwork
Rob Ramos: guitar, backing vocals
Chris Aiken: guitar, bass, backing vocals
Daniel Blume: drums
Derik Envy: bass
The band had undergone several lineup changes over the years. Jim Cherry, the band’s former bassist, was dismissed in 1999; he later joined Pulley before his untimely death in 2002. Chris Aiken, who replaced Cherry, brought a musical background that significantly influenced the band’s future records. The band honored Cherry with the song “Swan Dive” in 2004. In early 2018, longtime drummer Jordan Burns parted ways with the band due to internal differences and was replaced by RJ Shankle until 2022. Guitarist Jake Kiley, who had been with the band since 1993, left in 2024 to join Me First and the Gimme Gimmes due to conflicting tour schedules. Chris Aiken transitioned from bass to guitar, Derik Envy took over the bass role, and Daniel Blume replaced RJ, completing the current lineup.
