Outbreak
Location
Maine
Website
Bio
Emerging out of the quiet, peaceful state of Maine in 2002, Outbreak has proven to be anything but the generalizations made about the state in which they began. They play fast, they play loud, and they have a reputation for an explosive live show. Or as simply as Alternative Press has described Outbreak: "fast, furious, and absolutely unrelenting".
Originally forming as a trio, the then-teenagers, lead by frontman Ryan O'Connor, wasted no time getting out of the garage. Self-booked tours were supported by do-it-yourself style demo tapes. The band knew they weren't going to catch any breaks by sitting still, so they did just the opposite, and built the band from the ground up with a hands-on approach.
International touring and label attention helped develop a global following. Touring has brought Outbreak to five of seven continents to date. Among the headlining tours, Outbreak has given themselves few limitations, supporting old-school punk bands like Agnostic Front, modern hardcore bands like Comeback Kid, metalcore bands like Misery Signals, and even appearances at mainstream festivals with the likes of Rise Against and Taking Back Sunday. But don't let that fool you, the band admits that their brand of stripped down hardcore/punk fits best in an intimate club setting. Brian Kemsley adds: "We know where our roots are, and nothing compares to a small club show with no barrier. Our style of hardcore/punk was meant for that type of environment."
Outbreak released a full length and an EP via hardcore/punk mainstay Bridge 9 Records, home to everyone from platinum selling pop-punk act New Found Glory to the heaviest of the hardcore in Death Before Dishonor. Several other singles, EPs, and split releases have come along the way, notably a split with Only Crime, a band with members of Descendents, Black Flag, and Good Riddance. Despite the label attention, which isn't exactly a common theme for bands coming out of the sticks of Maine, it certainly hasn't been a free or easy ride, pun intended. Vans have been crashed, financial disasters have come full swing, and members have come and gone through it all. In 2009, it's a surprise in itself that Outbreak still exists. Or is it? Vocalist Ryan O'Connor notes: "The band only exists today because of my stubbornness. People have called me crazy for not throwing in the towel throughout the many bumps along the ride, but I just look at how far Outbreak has come from the beginning and think it would be crazy to give up."
In 2009, Outbreak is charging forward with a new full length album. The self titled effort is a direct statement. It's a testament to the fact that Outbreak is still a band in 2009. Along with the new album comes a fresh approach for releasing it. The band is following suit with several high profile acts, and has opted to self-release through O'Connor's ever-growing Think Fast! Records. He states: "As everyone can see, the music industry is rapidly changing, and self-releasing our new record is the smartest thing we can do. We're not going to lie though, we're still getting some help from friends in high places." Trustkill Records is handling distribution duties, a label connected to the Universal Music Group. But despite the major-label ties, the band proudly states that they have complete control of their new album (and wouldn't have it any other way), having recorded once again with the legendary Jim Siegel. Adding to the dimension is new guitarist Billy Bean (of No Trigger) who also shares vocal duties with O'Connor, a first since Outbreak's inception. Expect nothing but the pure hardcore/punk that Outbreak has always delivered with precision as the new album hits stores and major digital retailers on November 10th, 2009.
