Story of the Year

The Profile

Story of the Year are an American post-hardcore band from St. Louis, Missouri, formed in 1995 (originally as Big Blue Monkey). They broke through with Page Avenue (2003), earning gold and later platinum status, and continued with In the Wake of Determination (2005), The Black Swan (2008), Wolves (self-funded, 2017), Tear Me to Pieces (2023), and A.R.S.O.N. (2026). The long-time core includes Dan Marsala, Ryan Phillips, Adam Russell, and Josh Wills.

Breakthrough via Maverick Records with Page Avenue; later signed to Epitaph for The Black Swan and to SharpTone for Tear Me to Pieces and A.R.S.O.N. Producers tied to their catalog include John Feldmann, Steve Evetts, Michael “Elvis” Baskette, and Colin Brittain. Page Avenue achieved gold (and later platinum) certification; the band also released the live CD/DVD Live in the Lou/Bassassins and the acoustic Page Avenue: Ten Years and Counting.

Six DeBaser reviews chart Story of the Year from Page Avenue to A.R.S.O.N. Themes range from anti-war stances and social critique to redemption and nostalgia. Production credits and label shifts (Maverick, Epitaph, SharpTone) frame the band’s evolution. Overall reception is strongly positive, praising songwriting, energy, and consistency.