The Christian metalcore outfit Gwen Stacy were formed in 2004 by Indianapolis residents Cole Wallace (vocals), Brent Schindler (bass, vocals), Patrick Meadows (guitar), and T.J. Sego (drums). Blending inspirational, hope-filled lyrics with metal chops influenced by Underoath, Evergreen Terrace, and Stretch Arm Strong, the quintet toured the country for two years before entering the recording studio with producers Paul Leavitt and Brian McTernan in fall 2007. Their debut LP, The Life I Know, was released by Ferret Music early the following year. The band planned to tour alongside Poison the Well in support of the album, but Wallace left the lineup shortly before opening night. Bobby Oakley, who had recently joined Gwen Stacy as a backup guitarist, took over lead vocals for several months before yielding the microphone to Keith Jones (formerly of the band Rise), who sang lead during the band's December tour. In early 2009, Geoff Jenkins stepped in as Cole Wallace's permanent replacement, and the revised band released A Dialogue later that year. ~ Andrew Leahey