A Wilhelm Scream

A Wilhelm Scream (often abbreviated as AWS) is a melodic hardcore band from New Bedford, Massachusetts, formed in 1999. Known for their intricate guitar work and energetic performances, their music has often been compared to bands like Strung Out, Propagandhi, and Strike Anywhere. The band’s name is a nod to the Wilhelm scream, a well-known stock sound effect used in many films. Over the years, AWS has undergone several name changes, evolving from earlier iterations such as Koen and Smackin’ Isaiah before finally settling on A Wilhelm Scream.

History

Pre-formation and Early Years (1993–2000)

The roots of A Wilhelm Scream trace back to 1993 when drummer Trevor Reilly, guitarist John Carvalho, and bassist Jonathan Teves formed a band called Adam’s Crack, recording a demo cassette inspired by Nirvana. By 1994, Reilly and Carvalho had formed a side project with vocalist Nuno Pereira. The two groups eventually merged, adopting the name Koen. With this lineup, they released a cassette titled “The Big Fall…” which marked a shift toward skate punk and ska. In 1997, the band renamed themselves Smackin’ Isaiah, releasing another cassette, “Give Girls More Beer…” Shortly thereafter, Nicholas Angelini joined as the permanent drummer, solidifying the lineup that would continue under this name.

Tank Records Era (2000–2002)

Smackin’ Isaiah’s first CD release came through Tank Records, a label created by members of the band. The split CD, titled “6:6:6,” featured tracks from three bands, including Smackin’ Isaiah. Their debut album, “The Way to a Girl’s Heart Is Through Her Boyfriend’s Stomach,” followed shortly after, which the band considers their first significant release. In 2001, they released their second album, “Benefits of Thinking Out Loud,” though its production led to tensions within the band. Six outtakes from these sessions were compiled into an EP titled “The Champagne of Bands… We Know Sexy.” Following the album’s release, guitarist John Carvalho left the band and was replaced by Christopher Levesque.

Final Name Change and Nitro Records Years (2003–2009)

With a shift toward a more serious and technical sound, the band changed their name to A Wilhelm Scream. They signed with Jump Start Records, re-releasing “Benefits of Thinking Out Loud” under their new name. Their first album as A Wilhelm Scream, “Mute Print,” was recorded with Descendents drummer Bill Stevenson and released in 2004. This was followed by “Ruiner” in 2005, which further solidified their aggressive, technical style. During this period, founding bassist Jonathan Teves left the band and was replaced by Curtiss Lopez, and later Brian J. Robinson. The band continued to tour extensively and released a 7-inch EP titled “Diver” in 2006.

Career Suicide and Touring (2007–2009)

A Wilhelm Scream’s third album with Nitro Records, “Career Suicide,” was released in 2007, showcasing an even faster and more aggressive sound. However, shortly before the album’s release, guitarist Chris Levesque departed the band. He was replaced by Mike Supina, who joined the band during their extensive tour in support of “Career Suicide,” which took them to over eighteen countries. Following the tour, the band took a brief hiatus before beginning work on new material.

Label Changes, Self-Titled EP, and Partycrasher (2009–2013)

In 2009, A Wilhelm Scream signed with Paper + Plastick and released a self-titled EP. The band then began work on their next full-length album, which they recorded in their own studio. The album, titled “Partycrasher,” was released in 2013 through No Idea Records. It was produced and engineered by Trevor Reilly and Mike Supina, marking a shift toward a more DIY approach for the band.

Touring Years, Be One to No One, and Lose Your Delusion (2014–2022)

From 2014 to 2018, A Wilhelm Scream focused on touring while intermittently working on new music. During this period, they also built a full studio and permanent rehearsal space in Trevor Reilly’s home, which became the recording site for their next album. In 2022, after nearly nine years, they released “Be One to No One,” followed by their fifth studio album, “Lose Your Delusion,” which was recorded entirely in their new studio. Lead guitarist Mike Supina departed the band in 2018, with Jason Milbank initially stepping in before being replaced by Ben Murray in 2022.

Band Members

Current Members

• Nuno Pereira – vocals (1999–present)
• Trevor Reilly – guitar, vocals (1999–present)
• Ben Murray – lead guitar (2022–present)
• Brian J. Robinson – bass guitar, backing vocals (2006–present)
• Nicholas Pasquale Angelini – drums (1999–present)

Former Members

• Jonathan Teves – bass guitar, backing vocals (1999–2005)
• Christopher Levesque – lead guitar (2001–2007)
• Mike Supina – lead guitar (2008–2018)
• Jason Milbank – lead guitar (2019–2022)

Discography

Studio Albums

• The Way to a Girl’s Heart Is Through Her Boyfriend’s Stomach (2000)
• Benefits of Thinking Out Loud (2001)
• Mute Print (2004)
• Ruiner (2005)
• Career Suicide (2007)
• Partycrasher (2013)
• Lose Your Delusion (2022)