Murder by Death (Band)

Overview

• Origin: Bloomington, Indiana, USA.
• Genre: Indie rock, indie folk, gothic country, alternative country, post-rock, early emo.
• Years Active: 2000 - present.
• Labels: Bloodshot, Vagrant, Tent Show, Eyeball, TEAM AV.
• Members: Adam Turla, Sarah Balliet, Dagan Thogerson, David Fountain, Tyler Morse, Emma Tiemann.
• Past Members: Alex Schrodt, Vincent Edwards, Scott Brackett, Matt Armstrong.

History

Early Years (2000-2002)

• Formed in Bloomington, Indiana.
• Original members included Adam Turla, Sarah Balliet, Alexander Schrodt, Vincent Edwards, and Matt Armstrong.
• First performance was at The Red Herring in Urbana, Illinois.
• Initial name was "Little Joe Gould."
• 2001: Released the "Little Joe Gould EP."
• 2002: Contributed a song to the TEAM AV compilation.
• Changed the band name to Murder by Death.

First Works (2002-2006)

• Debut album: "Like The Exorcist, But More Breakdancing" (2002).
• Toured with bands such as Cursive, Interpol.
• Released a split album, contributed to "Who Will Survive, and What Will Be Left of Them?" (2003).
• Tribute single for Matt Davis of Ten Grand.
• Notable songs: "The Devil in Mexico" featuring Gerard Way, "Killbot 2000" featuring Geoff Rickly.

In Bocca Al Lupo (2006-2008)

• Vincent Edwards left the band; Sarah Balliet took over keyboard duties.
• Released "In Bocca Al Lupo" (2006).
• A concept album inspired by Dante’s Divine Comedy.
• Incorporated diverse musical styles: waltzes, jigs, gospel music.

Red of Tooth and Claw (2008-2010)

• Released their fourth album, "Red of Tooth and Claw" (2008).
• First album with Vagrant Records and drummer Dagan Thogerson.
• Themes of "lust, betrayal, and classical archetypes of good and evil."
• Song "Comin’ Home" featured in "Inglourious Basterds" trailer, "Sons of Anarchy."

Good Morning, Magpie (2010-2012)

• Released "Good Morning, Magpie" (2010).
• Songs influenced by Adam Turla’s solo camping trip.

Bitter Drink, Bitter Moon (2012)

• Sixth album released on September 25, 2012.
• First single "I Came Around."
• Kickstarter project raised $187,048.
• Song "Go to the Light" recorded multiple times and used in "Destiny 2" trailer.

Big Dark Love (2015)

• Released "Big Dark Love" on February 3, 2015.
• Kickstarter pre-sale raised $278,486.

The Other Shore (2018)

• Released "The Other Shore" on August 24, 2018.
• Kickstarter raised $327,407.

Spell/Bound (2022)

• Ninth studio album released on July 29, 2022.
• Kickstarter raised $440,439.

Egg & Dart (2025)

• Announced tenth album "Egg & Dart" to release on June 13, 2025.
• Kickstarter campaign raised $751,818.

Style

• Range from instrumentals, rock, to alt-country.
• Cello plays a significant role in creating a gothic sound.
• Concept albums often involve themes like whiskey and the Devil.

Discography

• Studio Albums:

  • "Like The Exorcist, But More Breakdancing" (2002)
  • "Who Will Survive, and What Will Be Left of Them?" (2003)
  • "In Bocca al Lupo" (2006)
  • "Red of Tooth and Claw" (2008)
  • "Good Morning, Magpie" (2010)
  • "Bitter Drink, Bitter Moon" (2012)
  • "Big Dark Love" (2015)
  • "The Other Shore" (2018)
  • "Spell/Bound" (2022)
  • "Egg & Dart" (2025)

• EPs:

  • "Little Joe Gould" (2000)
  • "Konrad Friedrich Wilhelm Zimmer" (2003)
  • "Tribute for Matt Davis" (2003)
  • "Fuego!" (2008)
  • "Finch Instrumental Soundtrack" (2009)

• Notable Singles:

  • "Boy Decide" (2006)
  • "Brother" (2007)
  • "Sometimes the Line Walks You" (2007)
  • "How Long is the Night?" (2022)

Key Collaborations

• Gerard Way, Geoff Rickly, William Elliott Whitmore.