Incubus

The Profile

Incubus are an American rock band formed in 1991 in Calabasas, California, widely associated with alternative rock and (early on) funk- and metal-leaning crossover. Reviews emphasize their early experimental blend of funk/metal/hip-hop/jazz textures and later shifts toward more melodic, mainstream-friendly alt-rock.

Publicly known: formed 1991 in Calabasas, California; core members include Brandon Boyd (vocals) and Mike Einziger (guitar); the band’s style is commonly tagged alternative rock, with early associations to funk metal/nu metal. Reviews note bassist Dirk Lance was replaced by Ben Kenney on A Crow Left of the Murder..., and discuss a prominent role for DJs (DJ Lyfe earlier; DJ Kilmore later).

Across 21 reviews, Incubus are praised most for their early, genre-blending explosiveness (especially S.C.I.E.N.C.E. and Fungus Amongus). A recurring storyline is the pivot toward more melodic, pop-leaning alt-rock around Make Yourself and especially Morning View, often framed as MTV-friendly and less adventurous. A Crow Left of the Murder... is commonly treated as a stronger, heavier course-correction, while Light Grenades and later releases draw more divided reactions. Overall: big respect for musicianship, plus loud disagreement about where the band’s “real” identity lives.