Godsmack

Godsmack is an American metal band from Lawrence, Massachusetts, active since 1995. It forms around Sully Erna, who founds the band after earlier experience as a drummer. Early members include bassist Robbie Merrill, guitarist Lee Richards and drummer Tommy Stewart. Tony Rombola joins on guitar in 1996, and Shannon Larkin later replaces Stewart on drums. The band also includes Joe D'Arco among its members.

Early name and first recordings

The group first performs as The Scam before changing its name to Godsmack after recording a demo. Its independently released debut album, All Wound Up..., appears in 1997 and gains attention in the Boston area through radio play of songs such as “Keep Away” and “Whatever”.

Breakthrough albums

The material from the debut is reworked and issued in 1998 as the major-label album Godsmack. It includes “Whatever”, “Keep Away”, “Voodoo” and “Bad Religion”, and becomes multi-platinum over time. The second album, Awake, arrives in 2000 and debuts high on the Billboard 200. Its instrumental track “Vampires” receives a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Instrumental Performance. Songs including “Sick of Life” and “Awake” are also used in United States Navy advertising campaigns.

2000s releases and recognition

In 2002, Erna writes and performs “I Stand Alone” for the soundtrack of The Scorpion King; the song also appears in the video game Prince of Persia: Warrior Within. The third studio album, Faceless (2003), debuts at number one on the Billboard 200 and includes “Straight Out of Line”, which receives a Grammy nomination. Godsmack then releases the acoustic EP The Other Side in 2004, featuring reworked earlier material and new acoustic tracks. The fourth studio album, IV, follows in 2006 and also reaches number one in the United States.

Later albums and live releases

The compilation Good Times, Bad Times... Ten Years of Godsmack appears in 2007 to mark the band’s first decade and includes a cover of Led Zeppelin’s “Good Times Bad Times”. The Oracle follows in 2010 and also debuts at number one. In 2012, the band releases the live album Live & Inspired, which combines live recordings and cover songs. 1000hp is released in 2014 and is preceded by its title track, followed by “Something Different” and “What’s Next”. When Legends Rise appears in 2018 and includes “Bulletproof”, “When Legends Rise”, “Under Your Scars” and later “Unforgettable”. In 2023, the band releases Lighting Up the Sky, with singles including “Surrender”, “You and I”, “Soul on Fire” and “Truth”.

Activity and touring

Godsmack continues to tour internationally and appear at festivals. In 2024, Rombola and Larkin leave the band, and touring musicians fill additional roles. Will Hunt and Sam Koltun perform as live replacements during a 2025 European tour. The band takes part in multi-band touring such as The Rise Of Rock alongside Stone Temple Pilots and Dorothy. The group has also released through E. K. Records Company, Republic Records and Spinefarm Records, and its sound is associated with hard rock, alternative metal, alternative rock, heavy metal, metal and acoustic rock.