Bane

Bane is a hardcore punk band from Worcester, United States, formed in 1995 and still active. It begins as a side project between Aaron Dalbec, who is then in Converge, and drummer Damon Bellardo. Dalbec first asks Matt Firestone to sing, and the group performs for a short period under the name Gateway before Firestone leaves to focus on other work. Dalbec then asks Aaron Bedard, who has previously sung in the Worcester hardcore band Backbone, to join on vocals.

Early releases and touring

The band records a five-song demo in December 1995 with a number of friends. The following year it issues its first EP and plays extensively in central Massachusetts. In early 1997 it releases Free to Think, Free to Be, and in 1998 it puts out the Holding This Moment 7-inch and CD collection. That same period also sees its first US tour.

Line-up and style

Bane’s core line-up includes Aaron Bedard on vocals, Aaron Dalbec and Zach Jordan on guitars, James Siboni on bass, and Bob Mahoney on drums. Other members listed with the group are Nick Branigan, Christopher Cardone, Pete Chilton, Ben Chused, Matthew Firestone, Joe “Lumpy” Lawrence, Brendan “Stu” Maguire, and Bob Mahoney. The band is associated with straight edge and melodic hardcore as well as hardcore punk, although straight edge is not its only lyrical concern. Its songs and public stance place emphasis on tolerance and unity within the hardcore scene.

Straight edge and later material

Even though Bane is linked with straight edge, that theme is not central across its catalogue. Early material includes straight edge references, and the song “Count Me Out” contains a direct reference to the X symbol associated with straight edge. The later track “Wasted on the Young”, on The Note, can be read as a criticism of people who claim straight edge before they understand it fully.

Label

The group is associated with End Hits Records.