Endwell (band)

Formation to Homeland Insecurity (2003–2007)[edit]

Endwell formed in Queens in 2003 and started gaining popularity and experience through local shows. The band independently recorded and released their first EP titled The Missing Pieces in 2005 and began touring the country. In June 2004, they entered Excess dB Entertainment's Hellfest Battle of the Bands contest, hiding their New York-based location because the entry was limited to New Jersey bands.^[1] Nevertheless, Endwell was one of nine bands that won the contest and were given a playing slot on one of Hellfest 2004's smaller stage.^[2] At Hellfest 2004, the band was noticed by Bayside's Anthony Raneri. Bayside was signed to Victory Records and suggested to Endwell that they should attempt to get signed to the label.^[3] Members of Endwell grew up listening to various Victory bands including Earth Crisis and Hatebreed.^[4]


Victory Records owner Tony Brummel agreed to let Endwell display their talent on stage in order to decide if the band was a good fit for the label. The show was to be played in Chicago, so Endwell had to drive there with all their gear from New York. On the way to the show, their van got hit while driving by a truck causing the van to flip several times and ejecting their lead singer,^[3] who spent a few weeks in the hospital. The rest of the band was only hospitalized for a few days with minor injuries. Endwell recovered a few months later and played the show for Victory Records, signing with the label shortly after.^[4]


Endwell began to write and record songs for their debut album, Homeland Insecurity, in California with Jay Baumgardner (Papa Roach, Evanescence, New Found Glory). Lead guitarist Dan Puglisi discussed the production of the new album: