H2O

H2O is an American hardcore punk band formed in New York City in 1994. Known for their high-energy performances and positive message, the band has built a strong following over the years, particularly in the hardcore scene. Their music blends punk rock with melodic hardcore, and their message often revolves around themes of unity, perseverance, and straight edge culture.

History

Formation and the Epitaph Years (1994–2000)

While touring as a roadie for Sick of It All, Toby Morse often sang with the band during encores. In late 1994, he decided to start his own band and formed H2O in the Lower East Side of Manhattan with Rusty Pistachio and Eric Rice. The band also included his brother Todd Morse and Todd Friend, both formerly of Outcrowd.

The band toured extensively through 1995 and 1996, opening for numerous hardcore acts, including Rancid, Sick of It All, and CIV. H2O recorded their self-titled debut album in 1996 and quickly followed up with Thicker Than Water in 1997, both released on Epitaph Records. The band’s relentless touring and energetic performances earned them a spot on Warped Tour in 1998 and 1999.

Go and Major Label Success (2001–2003)

In 2001, H2O released Go on MCA Records, their first major-label album, produced by Matt Wallace. The band toured with Blink-182, Good Charlotte, and Sum 41, gaining broader exposure while staying true to their hardcore roots. They also appeared on Late Night with Conan O’Brien, performing “Memory Lane.”

Nothing to Prove (2008–2011)

After several years of sporadic activity, H2O signed with Bridge 9 Records in 2008 and released Nothing to Prove, their first album in seven years. The album was a return to form, combining the melodic hardcore sound with personal, reflective lyrics. They supported the release with extensive tours, opening for Rancid and playing festivals such as Reading and Leeds.

Don’t Forget Your Roots and Use Your Voice (2011–present)

In 2011, H2O released Don’t Forget Your Roots, a tribute album covering their favorite punk and hardcore bands. In 2015, they released Use Your Voice, their first album of original material in seven years. The album hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Heatseekers chart, solidifying the band’s status as one of the most beloved acts in modern hardcore punk.

Band Members

Current Members

Toby Morse – lead vocals (1994–present)
Rusty Pistachio – lead guitar, backing vocals (1994–present), rhythm guitar (1994–1995, 2015, 2018–2022)
Adam Blake – bass, backing vocals (1996–present)
Matt Henderson – rhythm guitar, backing vocals (2022–present)
Max Morse – drums (2022–present)

Former Members

Eric Rice – bass, backing vocals (1994–1996)
Max Capshaw – drums (1994–1996)
Todd Morse – rhythm guitar, backing vocals (1995–2015); currently plays select shows and dates
Todd Friend – drums, backing vocals (1996–2022)
Colin McGinnis – rhythm guitar, backing vocals (2015–2018)

Discography

H2O (1996, Blackout)
Thicker Than Water (1997, Epitaph)
F.T.T.W. (1999, Epitaph)
Go (2001, MCA)
Nothing to Prove (2008, Bridge 9)
Don’t Forget Your Roots (2011, Bridge 9)
Use Your Voice (2015, Bridge 9)

History