Hailing from New Brunswick, New Jersey, Thursday is a post-hardcore band that emerged in the late 1990s and quickly became one of the most influential acts in the emo and screamo scenes of the early 2000s. Known for their emotionally intense lyrics, raw vocal delivery, and atmospheric instrumentation, Thursday helped shape a generation of bands while also finding critical and commercial success during their career.

Thursday formed in 1997 and originally consisted of Geoff Rickly (vocals), Tom Keeley (lead guitar), Steve Pedulla (rhythm guitar), Tim Payne (bass), Tucker Rule (drums), and later, Andrew Everding (keyboard, starting in 2002). The band developed a passionate underground following with their 1999 debut album Waiting, released on New Jersey-based label Eyeball Records. The album was an unfiltered introduction to Thursday’s sound—melodic, chaotic, and deeply emotional.

Their breakthrough came with the release of Full Collapse in 2001 on Victory Records. The album is widely regarded as a cornerstone of early 2000s post-hardcore, featuring standout tracks like “Understanding in a Car Crash”, “Paris in Flames” and “Cross Out the Eyes.” Full Collapse earned widespread acclaim for its honest lyrics dealing with depression, loss, and social issues, all underscored by a relentless sonic intensity. It was this record that catapulted Thursday into the national spotlight and helped define the genre for a broader audience.

Riding the momentum, Thursday signed to Island Records and released War All the Time in 2003. The album debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard 200, a significant accomplishment for a band rooted in the underground punk scene. The title track “War All The Time”, along with “Signals Over the Air,” and “For the Workforce, Drowning” showed a band grappling with fame and political unrest, further solidifying their identity as socially aware artists. Despite their rising popularity, the band remained grounded in their DIY roots, often using their platform to support independent music and progressive causes.

In 2006, they followed up with A City by the Light Divided, produced by Dave Fridmann (The Flaming Lips, Mogwai). The album pushed the band’s sound in a more experimental direction, blending ambient textures with their post-hardcore core. While not as commercially successful as its predecessor, the album was praised for its ambition and artistic growth. It also has fan favourites on it, including “Counting 5-4-3-2-1” and “At This Velocity”.

Thursday continued to evolve with their fifth album, Common Existence (2009), and the sixth album, No Devolución (2011). No Devolución, in particular, marked a departure from their earlier style, incorporating more atmospheric and moody soundscapes. Critics lauded the album for its maturity and willingness to break from the expectations of the genre they helped popularize.

After years of intense touring and internal struggles, Thursday announced an indefinite hiatus in 2011. Their final shows were emotionally charged farewells, ending an era for many fans of post-hardcore. However, in 2016, Thursday reunited for a series of shows, including performances at festivals like Wrecking Ball in Atlanta and Riot Fest. The reunion was met with overwhelming enthusiasm, affirming their lasting impact on the scene.

Since reuniting, Thursday has continued to tour intermittently, with Geoff Rickly stating that they are focused more on enjoying their time together rather than rushing into new recordings. As of now, no new album has been announced, but the band have released several stand along songs like “Application For Release From The Dream”, “White Bikes” and “Taking Inventory Of A Frozen Lake”, all which showcase the newer members of the band, Norman Brandon and Stu Richardson who have replaced Tom Keeley and Tim Payne.

Looking ahead, Thursday’s legacy remains secure. They are often cited as a major influence by bands in the post-hardcore, emo, and alternative rock scenes. Whether or not they are working on a new album, their contribution to the genre is undeniable. They still tour regularly, even taking their shows over to the UK and EU a couple of times in the past few years. For fans, Thursday represents more than just a band—they’re a voice for vulnerability, resistance, and connection in a tumultuous world, standing up and fighting for what they believe in. They will forever be empowering.