STARSET

STARSET is an American rock band from Columbus, Ohio, founded in 2013 by Dustin Bates, who previously led the band Downplay. Known for their unique fusion of alternative rock, electronic elements, and progressive influences, STARSET describes their music as “cinematic rock,” combining symphonic and electronic components with hard rock to create a grandiose, thematic sound.

The band’s origins are steeped in a fictional narrative crafted by Bates. According to the story, a mysterious signal was detected by a radio astronomer at the Allen Telescope Array in California on New Year’s Day 2013. This signal, coming from a star within the Ophiuchus Constellation, contained a dire message about humanity’s impending demise. To disseminate this message, The Starset Society was formed, and STARSET emerged as a musical arm of this fictional organization, dedicated to spreading the knowledge through their music.

STARSET’s debut album, Transmissions, was released on July 8, 2014, under the Razor and Tie label. The album made a notable impact, debuting at number 49 on the Billboard 200 and selling over 5,300 copies in its first week. It also achieved success on other charts, reaching number 5 in “Hard Music,” number 15 in “Rock,” and number 24 in “Digital.” The album included singles like “My Demons,” “Carnivore,” and “Halo,” which all charted on the Billboard Mainstream Rock charts. The band expanded their concept further with the release of a novel, The Prox Transmissions, which elaborated on the Starset Society’s backstory.

Their second album, Vessels, was released on January 20, 2017. It debuted at number 11 on the Billboard 200, showcasing STARSET’s growing popularity. The lead single, “Monster,” became their most commercially successful track, peaking at number 2 on the US Billboard Mainstream Rock chart. Vessels displayed a more diverse sound compared to their debut, incorporating elements of metal, pop, and djent. STARSET also released a graphic novel tied to The Prox Transmissions, co-written by Bates and Peter David.

In September 2019, STARSET released their third studio album, Divisions. The album’s first single, “Manifest,” set the tone for a record that further explored their thematic and sonic breadth. However, the COVID-19 pandemic led to the postponement and cancellation of many tour dates in 2020. Despite this, STARSET released reimagined and remix versions of singles like “TRIALS” and “WAKING UP” during this period.

Their fourth studio album, Horizons, was released on October 22, 2021. The album continued to delve into their cinematic rock style, featuring tracks like “The Breach” and a series of accompanying music videos that added to the album’s narrative depth. In August 2022, STARSET also released “Waiting on the Sky to Change,” a collaboration with Breaking Benjamin.

In 2024, STARSET has been active with the release of several singles from their upcoming fifth album. “Brave New World” debuted on May 3, followed by “Degenerate” on July 4, and “TokSik” on August 15. These singles have set the stage for another ambitious and thematic record.

STARSET’s innovative approach to rock music, blending a wide array of influences including Hans Zimmer, Nine Inch Nails, and Deftones, has established them as a distinctive force in the genre. Their commitment to integrating narrative and multimedia into their music creates a unique and immersive experience for their audience.