Fear Before the March of Flame formed in the Denver area in 2002. Over time, vocalist David Marion, guitarist/vocalist Adam Fisher, bassist Michael Madruga, and drummer Brandon Proff developed a hybrid of screamo, metal, and terse post-hardcore dynamics. Portland-area indie Rise Records took notice and issued the band's full-length debut, Odd How People Shake, in July 2003. Tours with types like the Blood Brothers and Hopesfall followed, and soon Equal Vision had snapped up Fear Before for its own roster. EV licensed and reissued the People album, building more chatter for Fear Before the March of Flame, and after more touring, sent the band into the studio. Art Damage was the result. Released in September 2004, it featured a tighter, more aggressive sound. Expanding even more on their dark, experimental tendencies, the guys followed up with The Always Open Mouth in September 2006. By that album's release, the band excluded Proff (who left to pursue a teaching career) and further included drummer Clayton "Goose" Holyoak, guitarist Zach Hutchings, and guitarist/keyboardist Billy Johnson. Fall dates with Between the Buried and Me and Norma Jean followed. ~ Johnny Loftus
