Story of the Year is an American rock band formed in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1995 under the name 67 North. Known for their energetic mix of post-hardcore, alternative rock, and emo-influenced hooks, the band quickly gained a dedicated following and have remained a staple of modern rock since the early 2000s.
The band were formed in 1995 under the name 67 North by guitarist Ryan Phillips of the band Means Well, drummer Dan Marsala, vocalist John Taylor, and bassist Perry West. In 1998, they changed their name to Big Blue Monkey and released their first EP, Three Days Broken, later that year. In 1999, they released another EP called Truth in Separation, their last under that lineup.
In 2000, Taylor and West departed the group, leading to Marsala moving to vocal duties. The band recruited drummer Josh Wills, also from Means Well, and long-time friend Adam Russell on bass duties, despite him previously being a guitarist. At this point, the band relocated to Orange County, California, and released the final Big Blue Monkey EP in 2002 titled Story of the Year. Later that same year, they adopted the name Story of the Year, solidifying the lineup that would define their early success.
The current lineup features Dan Marsala on vocals, Ryan Phillips on guitar, Philip Sneed on guitar, Adam Russell on bass, and Josh Wills on drums. Their music combines melodic hooks, aggressive riffs, and dynamic rhythms, often exploring themes of resilience, personal struggle, and emotional intensity.
Page Avenue (2003) – breakthrough debut full-length, blending post-hardcore aggression with radio-friendly melodies
In the Wake of Determination (2005) – heavier, darker follow-up showcasing their dynamic range
The Black Swan (2008) – introspective and expansive, featuring layered instrumentation
Wolves (2017) – modern rock energy meets mature songwriting
Tear Me to Pieces (2023) – latest album, continuing their tradition of emotive, hard-hitting rock
A.R.S.O.N. (2026) – upcoming album, set to push the band’s sound into new territories while retaining their signature intensity
All Story of the Year releases we stock are 100% official CDs and vinyl, sourced from trusted labels and authorised distributors. We stock audio only — CD and vinyl. We are also looking to source official Story of the Year T-shirts and hoodies to add to the store in the near future.
100% official Story of the Year CDs and vinyl
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Experience the melodic intensity, post-hardcore energy, and enduring sound of Story of the Year through their official CD and vinyl releases.
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