Emerging from the vibrant Atlanta music scene in 2012, Issues quickly established themselves as a dynamic and innovative force in modern metalcore. The band distinguished itself by seamlessly blending aggressive, downtuned guitar riffs and punishing breakdowns with smooth R&B melodies, soulful clean vocals, and even elements of funk and pop, creating a signature sound they often dubbed "futuristic trap metal." This unique fusion captured the attention of a generation of fans seeking something fresh within the heavy music landscape.
The core of the band's initial lineup featured vocalist Tyler Carter, who brought his soulful singing and occasional screaming to the forefront, and guitarist and harsh vocalist Michael Bohn. They were joined by bassist Skyler Acord, drummer Josh Manuel, and guitarist AJ Rebollo. This collective released their self-titled debut EP in 2012, which generated significant buzz and led to a deal with Rise Records. Their highly anticipated debut full-length album, "Issues," arrived in 2014 and was a commercial and critical success, debuting at number nine on the Billboard 200 chart. The album's lead single, "Hooligans," perfectly encapsulated their genre-bending approach and became a fan favorite.
Building on this momentum, Issues released their sophomore album, "Headspace," in 2016. The record further refined their eclectic style, featuring collaborations with artists like Nylo on the track "Yung & Dum" and showcasing a more polished, ambitious production. Tracks like "The Realest" and "Coma" highlighted their growth and solidified their place as headliners in the scene. The band experienced several lineup changes over the years, most notably the departure of co-vocalist Michael Bohn in 2018, which led Tyler Carter to assume all vocal duties. Despite these shifts, they continued to evolve, releasing their third studio album, "Beautiful Oblivion," in 2019. This album leaned even further into their melodic and experimental tendencies, incorporating more electronic elements and showcasing Carter's vocal range.
The band's journey faced a significant turning point in late 2020 when Tyler Carter was removed from the group following serious allegations. Remaining members AJ Rebollo, Josh Manuel, and Skyler Acord vowed to continue, eventually welcoming new vocalist Jason Cameron, formerly of Woe, Is Me, into the fold. This new iteration of Issues began releasing new music, starting with the 2022 single "Tapping Out," signaling a new chapter that aimed to honor the band's past while forging a renewed path forward. Throughout their career, Issues has been celebrated for pushing the boundaries of their genre, influencing a wave of bands to incorporate diverse sounds into heavy music and maintaining a dedicated fanbase drawn to their fearless creativity.
