Ignite

by MacKenzie Wilson & Corey AparIgnite, a socially and politically conscious melodic hardcore four-piece hailing from Orange County, CA, formed in 1993 with distinctly voiced frontman Zoli Teglas (who grew up in both Hungary and L.A.) as the chief force behind the band's aggressive rock sound. Teglas' brother is a wildlife preservation veterinarian; therefore, Teglas has taken account to such issues as environmental concerns and vegetarianism -- common topics found on the band's 2000 release A Place Called Home. Representing earth-minded organizations such as Earth First, Doctor Without Borders, and Sea Shepherds, Ignite played several benefit shows with proceeds going to these particular groups, among others. Ignite released a handful of singles, demos, and two full-lengths -- 1995's Call on My Brothers and 1996's Past Our Means EP -- before making their TVT label debut with A Place Called Home in May 2000. By then, the band comprised Teglas, bassist Brett Rasmussen, guitarist Brian Balchack (who had replaced Joe D. Foster), and drummer Craig Anderson (replacing Casey Jones). Achieving a dedicated following overseas, Ignite toured extensively throughout the late '90s, including European dates played on the Vans' Warped Tour, the U.K.'s Reading Festival, Hungary's Pepsi Sziget Festival, and Sweden's Hultsfred Festival, as well as dates with Pennywise and Sick of It All. Teglas briefly took over lead vocals in 2000 for a reunited and touring Misfits. Ignite left TVT in 2001, and while the band was between labels, Teglas and Rassmussen did some work with the side project California United that they'd formed with the Lonely Kings' Jon Barrysmith and Jet Lag's Nik Hill, playing a handful of European dates together in 2003. Back on the Ignite front, the guys played their first U.S. shows together in two years in early summer 2004 before, of course, heading out globally. They signed to Abacus Recordings in mid-2005, entering the studio that fall to begin work on their next album. Our Darkest Days appeared in May 2006, and the band -- now with second guitarist Nik Hill on board -- supported it on shows with Rise Against, Blacklisted, and Set Your Goals.