Topshelf Records

Hailing from Lancaster, Pa., We Were Skeletons are a throwback to the mid-'90s (real) screamo scene that birthed bands like Saetia, Orchid and Shotmaker. Possessing the kind of musical skills that allows them to spazz-out one second and stop in a heartbeat the next, the power trio just released Blame & Aging, their latest album.

With such an off-the-wall sound, Noisecreep figured the dudes in We Were Skeletons own cool record collections. That's why we've asked the group to take part in our '5 Albums That Changed My Life' series

Rafael Diaz (bass/vocals):Chaos Is Me, Orchid (1999)

"Though Gatefoldis my favorite record of their's, stumbling upon this album in my friends AOL Instant Messenger "shared folder" was a watershed moment. It's what both introduced me to and made fall in love with that style of screamo (for lack of a better term). It even started me on the path to discovering DIY hardcore in general."Matt Nissly (drums):

The Shape of Punk to Come, Refused (1998)
"This was the first real punk record I fell in love with. Everything about it - the drums, the overall feel, the, dare I say, badassery of it all... I just love it."Justin Pallas (guitar/vocals):

We're Down Til We're Underground, Give Up the Ghost (2003)

"My friend Jordan showed me the song "Since Always" the summer after ninth grade and I listened to it on repeat. When I finally bought the album I couldn't put it down. It was fast, heartfelt, and the lyrics were so well written. This album inspired me to put everything I have into the music I create."Entire band:

[A--->B] Life, MewithoutYou (2002)

"This was one of the first real aggressive bands any of us were into and remains one of our favorites. Whether listening to their records or seeing them live, you can tell there's just something special about them. They are and have always been one of the best and most original bands out there."Entire band:

Thank You Arms and Fingers, 1994! (2010)

"These are friends of ours from home and this record, hell, the band as a whole, was our first concrete and personal example of what a DIY band could accomplish. Amazing songs and a huge inspiration."

We Were Skeletons' new album, Blame & Aging, is out now via Topshelf Records at this link.

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