From the Beginning to the Top: The Musical Biography of Hawthorne Heights

Music has the power to express what words can’t entirely say. It is through the rhythm, melody, and lyrics where emotions are expressed in its rawest form. And for Hawthorne Heights, this band has certainly made their mark in the music scene. Their brand of music has been a source of comfort and catharsis for their listeners. In this article, we’ll take a deeper look at the musical biography of Hawthorne Heights - from their beginnings to their top hits.

The band Hawthorne Heights originated from Dayton, Ohio in 2001. Their defining sound could be described as Post-Hardcore/Emo, influenced by the likes of Rainer Maria, Sunny Day Real Estate, and the Promise Ring. Hawthorne Heights’ characteristic sound can be heard in their first album, The Silence in Black and White, which was released in 2004. The album showcased their notable songwriting and guitar works, which are both melancholic and explosively intense. The album’s hits, Ohio Is for Lovers, Niki FM, and Silver Bullet set the tone for the band’s growing following.

In 2006, Hawthorne Heights released their second studio album, If Only You Were Lonely. The album was produced by David Bendeth, who had worked with Paramore and Breaking Benjamin. The album featured songs that were more musically ambitious. One example would be in the song Saying Sorry, where the great sing-along choruses, brilliantly layered guitars, and pulsing rhythm saw the band at their most direct and anthemic. The album was a massive success, reaching number 3 in the US charts and solidified their spot in the Post-Hardcore/Emo genre.

In 2008, Hawthorne Heights released their third studio album, Fragile Future. Released under their label Victory Records, the album continued the band’s take on Post-Hardcore/Emo music in a more polished and pop-leaning production. The album featured grand moments of music layering, orchestration, and catchy choruses. Rescue Me, Here I Am, and Saying Sorry - Acoustic were the album’s biggest hits, continuing to draw their following in.

Their fourth album, Skeletons, was released in 2010. For this album, they worked with producer Howard Benson who had produced albums for notable bands like My Chemical Romance, Three Days Grace, and P.O.D. Skeletons carried the same musical elements as their earlier albums - intense guitars, catchy choruses, layered music - but with a more alternative rock production. Nervous Breakdown and Gravestones were the standout hits for this album.

Hawthorne Heights’ musical story reflects their evolving sound that still always carries an emotional intensity to it. Their brand of music has become an outlet for people who are dealing with their emotions and mental health. Their songs have become an anthem for people who are struggling and are looking for something that would understand and ease their pain. With their most recent album, The Rain Just Follows Me, released in September 2021, Hawthorne Heights still proves that they have more to give in the music scene. Their story is a testament to the power of music to speak to its current time and the lives of its listeners.