Born out of a hearty hardcore pedigree, the members of Rival Schools stepped to the plate with a phenomenal history and the qualities that would point towards an amazing future. Singer and guitarist Walter Schreifels began making waves as the guitarist for '80s hardcore pioneers Gorilla Biscuits and then went on to influence the entire post-hardcore movement with his influential work in Quicksand, as well as production for acts like CIV and Hot Water Music. Drummer Sam Siegler has seen almost as much in his day, performing with an impressive list of bands that includes Gorilla Biscuits, Youth of Today, Judge, Shelter, CIV, and Glassjaw before finding his place in Rival Schools. Guitarist Ian Love honed his chops in NY's Burn and Die 116, and bassist Cache "Utah Slim" Tolman is an alumni of exploratory jazz metalloids Iceburn, as well as a former bandmate of Siegler in CIV. With such an expansive amount of experience, it was only natural that these musicians would find their common bonds and create a new group that took their collective talents to even greater heights.
- Peter J. D'Angelo, allmusic.com
Despite their misleading name, the Eagles of Death Metal sound is more akin to classic garage rock. EoDM formed in Palm Desert, California, their name arose listening to Vader. Put your dancing shoes on & get ready for Downtown to plant their magic beans & climb the stalk of rock all the way to the top. Eagles of Death Metal always bring da neck-lickin, boot-scootin’, soul-scratchin’, ass-shakin party tunes that never disappoint.