From Doubting Thomas to metalcore legends: the evolution of Poison the Well
In short: Before they became a staple of the American metalcore scene, this Florida band underwent a series of identity shifts. From their origins as Doubting Thomas to navigating complex label disputes and a revolving door of bassists, their journey to mainstream recognition is a masterclass in musical persistence.
Formed in the autumn of 1997 in Coral Springs, Florida, the group was originally known as Doubting Thomas. Founded by vocalist Aryeh Lehrer and guitarist Ryan Primack, the lineup initially included rhythm guitarist Russel Saunders and bassist Shane Halpern. By December 1997, the band rebranded as An Acre Lost before eventually settling on the name Poison the Well. Lehrer originally chose the name Doubting Thomas for the group. After the initial name change, the musicians relocated their base of operations to a rehearsal space in Miami.
The band's rise was marked by significant personnel shifts and industry friction. Between 2000 and 2001, the group cycled through five different bassists—Landsman, Gordillo, Van Huss, Albert, and Dovi—while attempting to record their sophomore album, Tear from the Red. This period was also complicated by a failed split 7-inch vinyl project with Eighteen Visions, which was shelved due to complications with Trustkill Records regarding the release of original material on a different label. During this era, the band also faced difficulties regarding a planned split release with the band Twelve Tribes. This specific project was ultimately delayed until early 2001 before being replaced by another group.
Despite these hurdles, the band achieved significant commercial success. Their sophomore effort, Tear from the Red, released on February 19, 2002, became a breakout hit. It reached number 23 on Billboard's Independent Albums chart and number 36 on the Heatseekers chart. This momentum eventually led the band from their initial run ending in 2010 to a permanent reunion in 2020, paving the way for their 2026 release, Peace in Place. Following their reunion, the group released their first new studio album in seventeen years. This comeback record, titled Peace in Place, arrived in 2026.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Poison the Well (band)
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