THE HARA is an alternative metal band from Manchester, UK. The band was formed by Josh Taylor (frontman), Zack Breen (guitar), and Jack Kennedy (drums) in 2017.[1] Despite all attending BIMM: Manchester at the same time, the bandmates did not meet until after graduation.[2]

THE HARA
OriginManchester
GenresAlternative Metal, Metalcore, Post-hardcore
Years active2017–present
MembersJosh Taylor, Zack Breen, Jack Kennedy
Websitewww.theharaband.com

THE HARA released their first EP, No Regrets, in 2018.[3] The band then spent nearly two years touring the United Kingdom, advocating for youth mental health and completing hundreds of performances to over 4850 fans.[4][5] In 2019, THE HARA released two more EPs, Unconscious Minds Innocently Blind and Tramp Brain.[6]

In April 2020, THE HARA released their fourth EP, We Are the Movement. In September, they released their fifth EP, Play Dead, which hit No. 1 on the iTunes chart across all genres.[7]

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and subsequently, the COVID-19 lockdowns in the United Kingdom, THE HARA had to cancel numerous concert dates and festival performances.[8] As an alternative, THE HARA offered fans a virtual concert experience via live stream.[9] Also during lockdown, THE HARA gained popularity on TikTok for their frequent and diverse posts, which included skits, song covers, and live performance clips. THE HARA went viral on the platform in 2021.[10]

After restrictions on nightlife were lifted later on in 2021, THE HARA rescheduled their tour and received critical acclaim for their numerous music festival performances including Download Festival, Reading and Leeds, Tramlines, and Slam Dunk.[11][12][13][14] Their rescheduled 'Play Dead' tour kicked off in September and continued through November, with the majority of dates selling out.[15]

In April 2022, THE HARA released their sixth EP, We All Wear Black, which reached No. 3 on the UK Rock & Metal albums chart.[16] The band also continued to perform at numerous music festivals in the UK and Europe, including Download Festival, The Great Escape, Rock for People, 2000trees, Y Not?, and others.[17][18][19][20][21] In June 2022, THE HARA released their first live concert CD/DVD, Live at Satan's Hollow, in collaboration with Cosmic Joke, a Manchester-based video production company.[22]

THE HARA made their live debut in the United States during SXSW in March 2023.[23] Later, the band released their debut album, SURVIVAL MODE, in April via Scruff of the Neck.[24] In support of this album, THE HARA went on two tours in the UK and Europe, both with sold-out dates.[25] In June, THE HARA supported Sum 41 during the Rock For People official afterparty.[26]

In February 2024, the band confirmed that their second studio album was forthcoming via social media. Throughout the year, THE HARA continued performing live in the UK and Europe, supporting both Ice Nine Kills[27] and Escape the Fate[28] on their respective UK tours. In July 2024, THE HARA performed during the silent disco at 2000Trees.[29]

References

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  1. ^ "The Moshville Times – Band of the Day: The Hara". The Moshville Times. 2020-06-06. Retrieved 2024-08-28.
  2. ^ Griffiths, Charlotte (2023-06-18). "The Hara: Perfecting Their Sound And Style". Distorted Sound Magazine. Retrieved 2024-08-28.
  3. ^ Dempster, Rachel (2018-04-29). "Exclusive Review – The Hara 'No Regrets' EP". CelebMix. Retrieved 2024-08-28.
  4. ^ W, Paul (2020-01-20). "Promoting positive mental health with upcoming band The Hara". The Holgate Academy. Retrieved 2024-08-28.
  5. ^ Rock, Original (2020-09-16). "The Hara release new EP 'Play Dead'". OriginalRock.net. Retrieved 2024-08-28.
  6. ^ Forrest, Jo (2020-02-04). "THE HARA release new single FYI". TotalNtertainment. Retrieved 2024-09-04.
  7. ^ "The Hara – Alumni". BIMM Music Institute. Retrieved 2024-08-28.
  8. ^ "Bolton rock band set to stage virtual gig for fans after covid led to festival appearances being cancelled". The Bolton News. 2021-04-02. Retrieved 2024-08-28.
  9. ^ Network, Scottish Music (2021-03-28). "LIVE STREAM : THE HARA EXPERIENCE: FIRST WORLDWIDE VIRTUAL GIG BRINGING LIVE MUSIC TO LOCKDOWN". Scottish Music Network. Retrieved 2024-08-28.
  10. ^ "Review: The Hara @ The Joiners, 05/04/2022". The Edge. 2022-04-11. Retrieved 2024-08-28.
  11. ^ Alicia, Alex (September 7, 2021). "THE HARA at Reading & Leeds Festival '21 with ALEX ALICIA". Retrieved August 28, 2024.
  12. ^ "Download Pilot 2021: The Big Review". Kerrang!. 2021-06-18. Retrieved 2024-08-28.
  13. ^ eFestivals. "Tramlines delivers pleasure to performers and audiences alike – eFestivals". www.efestivals.co.uk. Retrieved 2024-08-28.
  14. ^ "Festival Review: Slam Dunk South – September 2021". When The Horn Blows. 2021-09-09. Retrieved 2024-08-28.
  15. ^ "Live Review: The Hara – O2 Islington Academy2, London 10/10/2021". When The Horn Blows. 2021-10-14. Retrieved 2024-08-28.
  16. ^ "WE ALL WEAR BLACK". Official Charts. 2022-04-10. Retrieved 2024-08-28.
  17. ^ "Live Review : Download Festival – An alternative to June 12th 2022". ROCKFLESH. 2022-06-19. Retrieved 2024-08-28.
  18. ^ "The Great Escape 2022 adds over 180 new acts to its line-up". Something You Said. 2022-04-05. Retrieved 2024-08-28.
  19. ^ "2022 | Rock for People 2025". Retrieved 2024-08-28.
  20. ^ "2000 Trees Festival 2022 | WESHOOTMUSIC.COM". 2022-07-17. Retrieved 2024-08-28.
  21. ^ fullpeltmusic (2022-08-02). "Y Not Festival – Live Review". Full Pelt Music. Retrieved 2024-08-28.
  22. ^ "Cosmic Joke | The Hara | Live at Satans Hollow". www.cosmicjoke.co.uk. Retrieved 2024-08-28.
  23. ^ McMahon, Liam (2023-02-13). "35 UK music creators receive support to attend SXSW 2023 through PRS Foundation's International Showcase Fund". PRS for Music Foundation. Retrieved 2024-08-28.
  24. ^ Masen, Ambur (2023-05-17). "THE HARA Challenge Mental Health Stigma with their Debut Album, 'SURVIVAL MODE'". MendoWerks. Retrieved 2024-08-28.
  25. ^ White, Adie (2023-04-15). "Review – The Hara". The Bristol Gig Guide. Retrieved 2024-08-28.
  26. ^ "Sum 41 + special guests: The Hara + Beauty School Dropout – Mon, 12/06/2023, 19:00 – BVV Brno – GoOut". goout.net. 2023-06-12. Retrieved 2024-08-28.
  27. ^ "Ice Nine Kills at The Halls, Wolverhampton". 2470 Mag. 2024-05-27. Retrieved 2024-08-28.
  28. ^ "Jun 30, 2024: Escape the Fate / Stitched Up Heart / The Hara". Concert Archives.
  29. ^ Taylor, Sam (2024-05-07). "SNAYX, NOISY and more have signed up for 2000trees' silent disco". Dork. Retrieved 2024-08-29.