The West Coast’s contribution to hardcore punk is undeniable. That tradition of aggression, passion, and scrappy melodicism continues with The Barbarians Of California, an engaging new manifestation of iconoclastic spirit and true bombast. Born from the shared passion of Aaron Bruno (AWOLNATION) and his longtime engineer Eric Stenman – who cut his teeth in the same Sacramento community that eventually launched diverse and disparate acts like Deftones, Far, Will Haven, Team Sleep, Hella, Dance Gavin Dance, Death Grips, and Trash Talk – the spirit of the underground and the personal catharsis delivered through metallic hardcore never left either of them. So, when Aaron learned that Eric crafted a batch of throwback bangers combining impassioned angst with modern sensibilities, he wanted in immediately. The Barbarians of California was born.
In 2024, the band released their debut album, And Now I’m Just Gnashing My Teeth, and celebrated with a high-energy show at the iconic Troubadour in Los Angeles, cementing their place in the hardcore scene’s next chapter. Since then, they’ve continued to build momentum with headline shows across LA, a summer 2025 arena tour with Deftones that brought their explosive live presence to a wider audience, and three new singles, including a collaboration with Keith Buckley (Every Time I Die/Many Eyes). In 2026, the band dropped their latest single “Bomb to a Knife Fight” and announced they will be touring with Poison The Well and Convergence, Guns N Roses and appearing at Rocklahoma Festival and Louder than Life Festival. Their sophomore album drops this year via Villains For Good, delivering their most intense and uncompromising work yet.