Knocked Loose (USA)
Knocked Loose is arguably the most successful and influential band in the modern hardcore revival. Hailing from Oldham County, Kentucky, they have achieved the rare feat of bringing uncompromisingly abrasive music to the mainstream, charting alongside pop stars while refusing to add clean singing or soften their sound.
Band Overview
- Origin: Oldham County, Kentucky, USA
- Formed: 2013 (originally under the name Manipulator)
- Genre: Hardcore Punk / Metalcore / Beatdown
- Label: Pure Noise Records
- Lyrical Themes: Mental health, trauma, grief, and societal hypocrisy.
History & The “Arf Arf” Breakthrough
Formed by a group of high school friends, Knocked Loose spent their early years “sweating it out” in basements and DIY venues. Their 2014 EP Pop Culture made them an underground sensation, but it was their 2016 debut album, Laugh Tracks, that changed everything.
- The Viral Moment: The song “Counting Worms” became a massive hit, famous for its mid-song “Arf! Arf!” bark. The track blew up on TikTok years later, introducing hardcore to a completely new generation of fans.
- The Concept Era: In 2021, they released the EP A Tear in the Fabric of Life, a haunting concept record about grief accompanied by a short animated film. It pushed them into “near-death metal” territory in terms of technicality and darkness.
Featured Album: You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To
Released on May 10, 2024, this album saw the band “go supermassive.” It debuted at #1 on multiple Billboard charts and famously beat out mainstream artists in vinyl sales during its release week.
Key Tracks:
- Suffocate (feat. Poppy): A viral hit featuring a “megaton-reggaeton” breakdown.
- Blinding Faith: A blistering critique of organized religion.
- Slaughterhouse 2 (feat. Chris Motionless): A heavy sequel to a fan-favorite collaboration.
- Sit & Mourn: An atmospheric, “blackgaze” closer that explores the totality of loss.
Current Lineup (2026)
- Bryan Garris: Lead Vocals (Famous for his high-pitched, “unhinged” scream)
- Isaac Hale: Lead Guitar, Vocals
- Nicko Calderon: Rhythm Guitar (Joined in 2020)
- Kevin Otten: Bass
- Kevin “Pacsun” Kaine: Drums
2026 European Tour (Supporting Metallica)
Knocked Loose is currently on a massive M72 World Tour run across Europe as the primary support for Metallica and Gojira.
Notable 2026 Dates:
- May 9: Athens, Greece (Olympic Stadium)
- May 19: Chorzów, Poland (Stadion Śląski)
- May 30: Berlin, Germany (Olympiastadion)
- July 3: London, UK (London Stadium)
Note on Næstved: While they are not currently listed for Næstved Metalfest 2026, their stadium schedule with Metallica keeps them in Europe throughout the summer. They often play “off-day” club shows between stadium dates, so keep an eye out for a potential Copenhagen or Aarhus show in June 2026!