Band Biographies: The Hostage Situation

Every call warrants a response. Formed in 2006, Phoenix, AZ’s The Hostage Situation emerged as a counterpoint to the wave of metal bands chasing oblivion in the form of who could be the heaviest, fastest, and most technical. Opting for musical dynamics and thought-provoking lyrics delivered with a tongue-in-cheek demeanor, the group created a community of misfits, often being the odd ones out on shows but managing to win over crowds with their high-energy live shows that encourage audience participation.

Blending technical metal with southern rock and a punk ethos, The Hostage Situation released the 11-song album “When I Say Go” then immediately took the road with acts such as The Tony Danza Tap Dance Extravaganza, Arsonists Get All The Girls, and Arizona local favorites, The Irish Front. Hailed by Alternative Press as a “breakout band”, the group lived fast and died young, going on hiatus in 2010.

In 2017, The Hostage Situation returned to the stage for what was planned to be a one-night-only reunion. After the success of the night, the band turned it into an annual event boasting reunions from multiple other bands of the “MySpace era”. Proceeds from each show benefit Rosie’s House, a non-profit providing free music education and hot meals to underprivileged youth. With new music, new merchandise, and increasingly impressive turnouts, the band continues to give back to the community that gave a lifetime of memories to them.