🎸

Murder by Death Band Overview

Apr 26, 2025

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.