Integrity (band)

{{Short description|American hardcore punk band}} {{Use mdy dates|date=May 2021}} {{Infobox musical artist | name = Integrity | alias = Integ2000 (1999–2000) | background = group_or_band | image = Integrity_Tokyo_2017_unholy.jpg | image_size = | landscape = yes  | alt = | caption = Integrity in 2017 | origin = Cleveland, Ohio, U.S. | genre = {{flatlist| *Metalcore *hardcore punk }} | years_active = {{start date|1988}}–present | label = {{flatlist| *Relapse *A389 *Deathwish *Holy Terror *Victory *Magic Bullet *Organized Crime }} | website = {{URL|holyterror.com}} | current_members = * Dwid Hellion * Alex "The Beast" Henderson * Francis "Darkest Prince" Kano * Justin "Sexminn" Ethem * Asa Dunn * Harley McCoy | past_members = }}

'''Integrity''' is an American hardcore punk band formed in Cleveland, Ohio in 1988, but based in Belgium since 2003. A pioneer of the metalcore genre, the band's merger of influences from hardcore punk and heavy metal music, as well as gothic rock, industrial, noise, doomsday cults and western esotericism, was widely influential on the subsequent development of hardcore and metal. The band was a defining part of the 1990s hardcore scene, influencing similarly influential bands such as Converge, Hatebreed and Killswitch Engage.

During the 1980s, Dwid Hellion had enjoyed creating "fake bands", whom he would devise backstories and print merchandise for, spreading stories of these bands through word of mouth and calling in to radio shows. One of these fake bands was a supposedly twisted and violent straight edge band named Integrity. Following the disbandment of Hellion's legitimate straight edge youth crew band '''Die Hard''', he morphed this vision into a real band, forming Integrity in 1988 with guitarist Aaron Melnick, who was also in Die Hard, as well as drummer Tony "Chubby Fresh" Pines and bassist Tom Front. The band's classic lineup consisted of Hellion and brothers Aaron and Leon Melnick, who were accompanied by various drummers during this time, releasing the band's first four studio albums. In 1999, Hellion recruited brothers Dave and Steve Felton of Mushroomhead, as well as bassist Craig Martini, renaming the group '''Integ2000'''. By 2001, the band had returned to simply Integrity, releasing an additional five studio albums.

==History== thumb|Integrity performing live in 2012 While in his teens, Dwid Hellion would often create fake band logos and backstories, and then print and sell merchandise for them. One such band was "Integrity", whose logo he created from a scan of a cover of a book of the same name he had found in a second hand shop. The story he envisioned for this band was that they were the darkest and most violent straight edge band, who would assault concertgoers who were drinking.<ref name="Green, 2020">{{cite AV media |people=Derrick Green, Damian Abraham |date=2020-08-24 |title=Episode 282 - Derrick Green (Sepultura, Outface, Alpha Jerk) |type=podcast |language=English |url=https://podcasts.apple.com/ai/podcast/episode-282-derrick-green-sepultura-outface-alpha-jerk/id940288964?i=1000488977614 |access-date=2024-12-20 |quote=We were in high school, and Dwid had this idea... he had this book that he got from this second hand bookstore and''Integrity'' was the title, and the lettering is pretty much the shirt lettering... He was like, I'm gonna start making shirts of this band Integrity, and there's not even gonna be a band... so he made up an idea of this band Integrity that were a straight edge band and they were extremely violent, and they'd do shows and they're just beating up people with bears and he gave it this whole background story... He was like "I'm gonna sell them at shows and talk about this band Integrity that doesn't even exist and the people just started to really believe it.}}</ref>

In the following years, Hellion met Aaron Melnick while both working as road crew, and they shared over their similarly broad musical taste. Together they formed the band Die Hard.<ref name="IO, 2013">{{cite web |title=Interview: Integrity |url=https://www.invisibleoranges.com/interview-integrity/ |website=Invisible Oranges |access-date=9 December 2024}}</ref> Following the disbandment of Die Hard, Hellion and Melnick formed Integrity along with drummer Tony "Chubby Fresh" Pines and bassist Tom Front,<ref name="MMR, 1990" /> making use of the concepts and artwork Hellion had designed years prior.<ref name="Green, 2020" /> The band released their first demo tape ''Harder They Fall'' in 1989.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gentile |first1=John |title=Integrity releases archive versions of older material |date=October 4, 2019 |url=https://www.punknews.org/article/70973/integrity-releases-archive-versions-of-older-material |access-date=20 December 2024}}</ref> Following the departure of Front, Melnick's brother Leon, who was only in middle school at the time, took over the role as the band's bassist.<ref>{{cite AV media |people=Dwid Hellion |date=2024-09-09 |title=Episode 282 - Derrick Green (Sepultura, Outface, Alpha Jerk) |type=podcast |language=English |url=https://podcasts.apple.com/gh/podcast/dwid-hellion-of-integrity-psywarfare-pt-1/id1591297508?i=1000668909640 |access-date=2024-12-20 |quote=Lenny Melnick is (Aaron's) brother and he played bass in Integrity for a while, but he only really joined the band because he's like a crazy savant type person who can just do anything and he was a lot younger at the time than us... our bass player quit and we needed a bass player so Aaron was like "Hey, why don't you fucking do it", and he was in middle school.}}</ref> Soon, they hired second guitar Chris Smith, who was in the band False Hope.<ref name="IO, 2013" />

The band released their debut album ''Those Who Fear Tomorrow'' in 1991. Its fusion of metal and hardcore led to Integrity becoming one of the earliest cornerstones of the metalcore genre.<ref>{{cite web | title=Who Invented Metalcore? | website=Loudwire | date=November 28, 2023 | url=https://loudwire.com/who-invented-metalcore/ }}</ref> The album was universally panned by critics, many saying it would "ruin hardcore".<ref name="IO, 2013" /> Despite this, the album was largely influential in the hardcore scene, pushing many groups to incorporate darker elements and metal influences.<ref>{{cite web |title=The 10 most important hardcore albums, according to Terror's Scott Vogel |url=https://www.altpress.com/the_top_10_most_important_hardcore_albums_according_to_terrors_scott_vogel/ |website=Alternative Press |access-date=20 December 2024}}</ref> Following the album's release, recruited drummer Mark Konopka who was previously a member of Outface.<ref name="IO, 2013" /> Their second album They hired guitar Chris Smith, who was in the band False Hope, and Mark Konopka who was previously a member of Outface.<ref name="IO, 2013" />''Systems Overload'' was released in 1995, by which time metalcore was beginning to become the most prominent style in the hardcore scene.<ref name="Bayer, 2013">{{cite web |last1=Bayer |first1=Jonah |title=Humanity Is The Devil And Integrity Are The Best Band Ever |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/humanity-is-the-devil-and-integrity-are-the-best-band-ever/ |website=Vice Media |date=September 13, 2013 |access-date=20 December 2024}}</ref> Their third album ''Humanity is the Devil'' was released in 1996,<ref>{{cite web |last1=PENDERGAST |first1=NICHOLAS |title=ALBUM REVIEW: INTEGRITY – 'HUMANITY IS THE DEVIL' [20TH ANNIVERSARY REMIX + REMASTER] |url=https://newnoisemagazine.com/reviews/album-review-integrity-humanity-is-the-devil-20th-anniversary-remix-remaster/ |access-date=20 December 2024}}</ref> followed by ''Seasons In The Size Of Days'' in 1997.<ref name="Lambgoat">{{cite web |title=Integrity to re-release classic albums 'Seasons In The Size Of Days' and ' Closure' |url=https://lambgoat.com/news/39766/integrity-to-re-release-classic-albums-seasons-in-the-size-of-days-and-closure/ |access-date=20 December 2024}}</ref>

thumb|upright=1.1|Integrity in 2017 In 1999, the Melnick brothers departed from the group, leading to Hellion hiring Dave and Steve Felton of Mushroomhead, as well as bassist Craig Martini. This lineup changed its name to Integ2000. Following the departure of the Felton brothers, the band's name returned to simply "Integrity".<ref name="Allmusic Biography"/> This lineup released the band's fifth album ''Integrity 2000'' in 1999.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Shannon |first1=Tommy |title=Nü Metal Rockers Mushroomhead Return to Erie |url=https://www.eriereader.com/article/n-metal-rockers-mushroomhead-return-to-erie |access-date=20 December 2024}}</ref> Their sixth album ''Closure'' was released in 2001.<ref name="Lambgoat" />

Their seventh studio album ''To Die For'' (2003) was advertised as their "comeback" album,<ref>{{cite web| last1= Downey| first1 = Ryan J.| last2 = Robinson| first2 = Iann| last3 = Wiederhorn| first3 = Jon| title = Metal File: Hard And Heavy News On Slayer, Cannibal Corpse, Cradle Of Filth, Black Dahlia Murder & More| work = MTV| publisher = Viacom| date = October 23, 2003| url = http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1479921/metal-file-hard-heavy-news-on-slayer-cannibal-corpse-cradle-filth-black-dahlia-murder-more.jhtml| archive-url = https://archive.today/20120910055201/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1479921/metal-file-hard-heavy-news-on-slayer-cannibal-corpse-cradle-filth-black-dahlia-murder-more.jhtml| url-status = dead| archive-date = September 10, 2012| accessdate = May 3, 2012}}</ref> seeing the return of the band's founding drummer Tony Pines.<ref>{{cite web |title=Review Integrity To Die For Deathwish Inc. (2003) |url=https://www.scenepointblank.com/reviews/integrity/to-die-for/ |access-date=26 November 2024}}</ref> The same year, the band relocated to Belgium.<ref name="mtv">{{Cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2699254/integritys-dwid-hellion-on-suicide-black-snake-humanity-and-charles-manson/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805193530/http://www.mtv.com/news/2699254/integritys-dwid-hellion-on-suicide-black-snake-humanity-and-charles-manson/|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 5, 2016|title=Integrity's Dwid Hellion on 'Suicide Black Snake,' Humanity and Charles Manson |newspaper=MTV|access-date=December 16, 2020}}</ref><ref name="cleveland.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.cleveland.com/music/2012/10/hardcore_metal_band_integrity.html|title=Hardcore metal band Integrity returns to Cleveland for first gig since 2005|website=cleveland.com|date=October 31, 2012|access-date=December 16, 2020}}</ref>

Their eighth studio album ''The Blackest Curse'' was released in 2010.<ref>{{cite web |title=Integrity - The Blackest Curse |url=https://www.invisibleoranges.com/integrity-the-blackest-curse/ |website=Invisible Oranges |access-date=20 December 2024}}</ref> In early 2012, the band played at the A389 Bash music festival, an annual event organized by Pulling Teeth guitarist Domenic Romeo.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ramirez |first=Carlos RamirezCarlos |date=2011-11-22 |title=A389 Recordings Founder on Success, Moshing and Vinyl Collectors |url=https://noisecreep.com/a389-recordings-anniversary/ |access-date=2026-03-05 |website=Noisecreep |language=en}}</ref> Their ninth studio album ''Suicide Black Snake'' was released in 2013.<ref name="exclaim">{{cite web| last = Adams| first = Gregory| title = Integrity Announce 'Suicide Black Snake'| work = Exclaim!| date = March 21, 2013| url = http://exclaim.ca/News/integrity_announce_suicide_black_snake| access-date = March 21, 2013}}</ref> That same year, the band began recording with its ''Systems Overload'' era lineup: Hellion, Aaron and Leon Melnick, Chris Smith and Mark Konopka. This culminated in the ''7th Revelation: Beyond The Realm Of The VVitch'' EP, which was first sold on January 18, 2014, the A389 X Bash concert, where the lineup performed. The EP was then officially released on February 7, 2014 by A389 Recordings.<ref>{{cite web |title=INTEGRITY: 'Systems Overload' Lineup Records First New Track In Over Twenty Years |date=December 21, 2013 |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/integrity-systems-overload-lineup-records-first-new-track-in-over-twenty-years |access-date=20 December 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=INTEGRITY: Reunited 1990s Lineup Reveals First New Hymn In Two Decades |date=January 18, 2014 |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/integrity-reunited-1990s-lineup-reveals-first-new-hymn-in-two-decades |access-date=20 December 2024}}</ref> Their tenth studio album ''Howling, For the Nightmare Shall Consume'' was released in 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Punknews.org|title=Interviews: Dwid Hellion on Integrity's New Record, G.I.S.M., and Annihilation|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/67525/interviews-dwid-hellion-on-integritys-new-record-gism-and-annihilation|access-date=December 30, 2020|website=punknews.org|date=July 25, 2018 |language=en}}</ref>

== Musical style and legacy == Integrity's music combines elements of disparate genres, including hardcore punk, industrial, techno,<ref name="Allmusic Biography"/> noise,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Camp |first1=Zoe |title=Howling, for the Nightmare Shall Consume |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/integrity-howling-for-the-nightmare-shall-consume/ |website=Pitchfork |access-date=20 December 2024}}</ref> gothic rock, blues, jazz,<ref name="Niesel, 2019" /> thrash metal, doom metal, classic rock, 1950s pop music<ref name="Wohlberg, 2017" /> and Americana.<ref name="Jameson, 2022" /> ''Decibel'' write Michael Wohlberg called them "apocalyptic hardcore"<ref name="Wohlberg, 2017">{{cite web |last1=Wohlberg |first1=Michael |title=Integrity |url=https://www.decibelmagazine.com/2017/07/31/integrity/ |website=Decibel |date=July 31, 2017 |access-date=20 December 2024}}</ref> while ''Vice Media'' writer Andy Capper called them "thrillingly nihilistic, gothic hardcore".<ref name="Capper, 2017">{{cite web |last1=Capper |first1=Andy |title=Integrity Shares the Fierce Video for "Burning Beneath the Devil's Cross" |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/integrity-shares-the-fierce-video-for-burning-beneath-the-devils-cross/ |website=Vice Media |date=September 5, 2017 |access-date=20 December 2024}}</ref> Invisible Oranges writer Neill Jameson called ''Closure'' (2001) "Southern Gothic".<ref name="Jameson, 2022">{{cite web |last1=Jameson |first1=Neill |title=Noise Pollution #24: I Know Where Everyone Lives |url=https://www.invisibleoranges.com/noise-pollution-24/ |website=Invisible Oranges |access-date=20 December 2024}}</ref>

Integrity have cited musical influences including G.I.S.M.,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Thorn |first1=Michael |title=Integrity Singer Dwid Hellion on Boyd Rice, Dadaism + Much More |date=March 30, 2020 |url=https://www.noecho.net/interviews/integrity-singer-dwid-hellion-interview |access-date=3 January 2025}}</ref> Raw Power,<ref name="Z, 2017">{{cite web |last1=Z |first1=Marika |title=HARDCORECVLT NATION Interviews DWID HELLION Of INTEGRITY |url=https://cvltnation.com/interview-dwid-hellion/ |access-date=27 November 2024}}</ref> Max and Igor Cavalera of Sepultura and Cavalera Conspiracy,<ref>{{cite web |last1=PESSARO |first1=FRED |title=BEST OF 2017: INTEGRITY'S DWID HELLION PICKS FAVORITE MUSIC OF PAST YEAR |url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/best-2017-integritys-dwid-hellion-picks-favorite-music-past-year/ |website=Revolver |access-date=27 November 2024}}</ref> Amebix,<ref>{{cite web |title=Integrity's All Death Is Mine: Total Domination: Guitarist Dom Romeo's Track-by-Track Breakdown of New Collection |date=January 10, 2024 |url=https://www.noecho.net/features/all-death-is-mine-total-domination-track-by-track-breakdown |access-date=23 December 2024}}</ref> Slayer,<ref name="Niesel, 2019">{{cite web |last1=Niesel |first1=Jeff |title=Once a Hellion, Always a Hellion |date=November 26, 2024 |url=https://www.clevescene.com/music/cleveland-native-richard-patrick-of-filter-discusses-how-kitalbum-is-changing-the-way-we-listen-and-purchase-music-45574499 |access-date=27 November 2024}}</ref> Judge, Cro-Mags, Straight Ahead, Gorilla Biscuits, Underdog, Suicidal Tendencies, Negative Approach, Project X, Side by Side,<ref name="MMR, 1990">{{cite journal |title=New Bands: Integrity |journal=Maximum Rocknroll |date=June 1990 |issue=85 |page=91 |url=https://archive.org/details/mrr_85/ |access-date=20 December 2024}}</ref> Whitehouse,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Thorn |first1=Michael |title=Integrity Singer Dwid Hellion on Boyd Rice, Dadaism + Much More |date=March 30, 2020 |url=https://www.noecho.net/interviews/integrity-singer-dwid-hellion-interview |access-date=20 December 2024}}</ref> Danzig,<ref>{{cite web |last1=CUNDLE |first1=TIM |title=Integrity |date=July 7, 2017 |url=https://massmovement.co.uk/integrity/ |access-date=27 November 2024}}</ref> Randy Uchida Group, Sex Messiah, G.A.T.E.S., Zouo, LSD, Arkha Sva, Kriegshog, AVM, Zyanose, Rapes,<ref>{{cite web |title=Dwid Hellion of Integrity Rare Exclusive Interview! |date=May 25, 2010 |url=https://blowthescene.com/news/dwid-hellion-of-integrity-rare-exclusive-interview.html |access-date=27 November 2024}}</ref> Alan Lomax, Howlin' Wolf,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Brachmann |first1=Adrian |title=DWID HELLION (INTEGRITY, HOLY TERROR RECORDS) – INTERVIEW |url=https://betweenthelineszine.de/interviews/dwid-hellion-integrity-holy-terror-records |access-date=3 January 2025}}</ref> Celtic Frost, Septic Death, Black Sabbath, Samhain, Metallica, Joy Division, Bauhaus and Throbbing Gristle.<ref>{{cite web |title=Integrity Interview |url=https://www.thrashermagazine.com/articles/integrity-interview/ |website=Thrasher |access-date=20 February 2022}}</ref> Additionally, they have cited non-musical influences including Arthur Rimbaud, Charles Manson, the Bible,<ref name="Devils Shornz, 2020">{{cite web |title=INTEGRITY INTERVIEW WITH DWID ON THE EVE OF THEIR AUSTRALIAN TOUR. |date=February 4, 2020 |url=http://www.devilshorns666.com/2020/02/integrity-interview-with-dwid-on-eve-of.html |access-date=27 November 2024}}</ref> Francis Bacon, Tristan Tzara and André Breton.<ref name="Z, 2017" />

===Lyrical themes=== [[File:Vector Gallery NYC 123.png|150px|thumb|The logo for the Process Church of the Final Judgement, a recurring symbol in Integrity's imagery, and the logo for their record label Holy Terror Records]] Integrity's lyrics often discuss religions and the occult.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Jameson |first1=Neill |title=Integrity's Dwid Hellion On New Album, 'Howling…' |url=https://www.decibelmagazine.com/2017/07/12/integrity-s-dwid-hellion-on-new-album-howling/ |website=Decibel |date=July 12, 2017 |access-date=20 December 2024}}</ref> Criminal and cult leader Charles Manson is a common topic of the band's lyrics, whom Hellion described as "both a political prisoner and religious martyr. A messenger and a bard." Hellion maintained a personal relationship with Manson, releasing a number of recordings the cult leader had made in prison, Manson even endorsing Integrity's album ''Humanity is the Devil'' (1996).<ref name="Debenedictis, 2010" /> Additionally, the Process Church of the Final Judgement is also often discussed.<ref name="Capper, 2017" /> It has even been suggested by ''Noisecreep'' that Hellion, under the pseudonym Jack Abernathy, founded the Process Church splinter group the Holy Terror Church of Final Judgment.<ref name="Debenedictis, 2010">{{cite web |last1=Debenedictis |first1=Matt |title=INTEGRITY CONTINUE, ENDORSED BY CHARLES MANSON |url=https://noisecreep.com/integrity-continue-endorsed-by-charles-manson/ |website=Noisecreep |date=May 26, 2010 |access-date=20 December 2024}}</ref> The band often write concept albums, exploring a single story across an album's wrong run-time,<ref name="Allmusic Biography"/> with ''Humanity is the Devil'' being based on the beliefs of the Process Church.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Process Church Of The Final Judgement |url=https://cvltnation.com/process-church-final-judgement/ |access-date=20 December 2024}}</ref> Furthermore, ''Howling, For the Nightmare Shall Consume'' (2017) telling a story of Francis Bacon's involvement in a séance leading to him being lead through a number of esoteric events and gaining the ability to see the demons with humans.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gentile |first1=John |title=Integrity's Dwid Hellion Thinks Humanity is a Disease |url=https://daily.bandcamp.com/features/integrity-dwid-hellion-interview |website=Bandcamp Daily |date=June 21, 2017 |access-date=20 December 2024}}</ref>

===Legacy=== Integrity was a pioneer of the metalcore genre. ''Those Who Fear Tomorrow '' (1991) merged hardcore with apocalyptic lyrics and metal's guitar solos and chugging riffs to create one of the primeval albums in the genre.<ref name="Young 2020">{{cite web |last1=Young |first1=Simon |title=The 21 best U.S. metalcore albums of all time |url=https://www.kerrang.com/the-21-best-us-metalcore-albums-of-all-time |website=Kerrang! |date=9 June 2020 |access-date=29 August 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://loudwire.com/who-invented-metalcore/ | title=Who Invented Metalcore? | website=Loudwire | date=28 November 2023 }}</ref> The term "holy terror" refers to the specific style of metalcore that Integrity helped to pioneer,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Yanick |first1=Joseph |title=A Documentary About Ohio Hardcore is Coming: We Interviewed the Director of 'Destroy Cleveland' |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/destroy-cleveland-doc/ |website=Vice Media |date=March 22, 2015 |access-date=3 January 2025}}</ref> which is typified by soaring guitar leads,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Whelan |first1=Kez |title=Columnus Metallicus: Heavy Metal For September Reviewed By Kez Whelan |url=https://thequietus.com/quietus-reviews/metal/dying-fetus-incantation-atomck/ |website=The Quietus |date=September 5, 2023 |access-date=3 January 2025}}</ref> gravelly vocals<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gluck |first1=Michael |title=Pulling Teeth Vicious Skin |url=https://lambgoat.com/albums/2363/pulling-teeth-vicious-skin/ |access-date=3 January 2025}}</ref> and lyrics discussing western esotericism.<ref>{{cite web |last1=ADAMS |first1=GREGORY |title=Five Unexpected Elements That Shaped Integrity's 'Howling, For the Nightmare Shall Consume' |url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/five_unexpected_elements_that_shaped_integritys_occult-inspired_new_lp_howling_for_the_nightmare_shall_consume |website=Exclaim! |access-date=3 January 2025}}</ref> ''Revolver'' magazine writer Elis Enis stated that the album "influenced practically every breakdown that's been recorded since".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Enis |first1=Eli |title=10 MOST INFLUENTIAL METALCORE ALBUMS OF ALL TIME |url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/10-most-influential-metalcore-albums-all-time#integrity-those-who-fear-tomorrow |website=Revolver |date=16 August 2021 |access-date=29 August 2023}}</ref> Philip Trapp of Loudwire stated that Integrity "charted the course for metalcore to come", citing Dwid Hellion as one of the genre's most iconic vocalists.<ref>{{cite web | title=Who Invented Metalcore? | website=Loudwire | date=November 28, 2023 | url=https://loudwire.com/who-invented-metalcore/ }}</ref>

In the 2013 ''Decibel'' "Hall of Fame", Integrity's ''Systems Overload'' (1995) was referred to as "the landmark work in a grand and heretical oeuvre".<ref name="decibelmagazine 2">{{Cite news|url=http://decibelmagazine.com/hall-of-fame/2015/3/12/integrity-systems-overload|title=Integrity - "Systems Overload"|work=Decibel Magazine|access-date=June 21, 2017}}</ref> In 2020, John Hill of ''Loudwire'' included the band's debut album in his list of the "Top 25 Metalcore Albums of All Time."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hill |first=John HillJohn |date=2020-05-25 |title=25 Best Metalcore Albums of All Time |url=https://loudwire.com/best-metalcore-albums-all-time/ |access-date=2025-12-22 |website=Loudwire |language=en}}</ref>

Integrity have been cited as an influence by bands including All Pigs Must Die,<ref>{{cite web |title=10 Albums That Inspired All Pigs Must Die's "Hostage Animal" |url=https://www.invisibleoranges.com/all-pigs-must-die-hostage-animal/ |access-date=12 June 2024}}</ref> Clear,<ref name="Turman and Wiederhorn, 2013">{{cite book |last1=Wiederhorn |first1=Jon |last2=Turman |first2=Katherine |title=Louder Than Hell: The Definitive Oral History of Metal |date=2013 |publisher=It Books}}</ref> Converge,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Breihan |first1=Tom |title=5-10-15-20: Converge's Kurt Ballou |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/37497-5-10-15-20-converges-kurt-ballou/ |website=Pitchfork |date=January 7, 2010 |access-date=12 June 2024}}</ref> Full of Hell,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hill |first1=Mike |title=Exploring Complexity With Full of Hell |date=August 30, 2016 |url=https://clrvynt.com/exploring-complexity-with-full-of-hell/}}</ref> Hatebreed,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Thompson |first1=Josh |title=Hatebreed Brings Brutality and Wrath to Columbus |date=November 3, 2005 |url=https://www.thelantern.com/2005/11/hatebreed-brings-brutality-and-wrath-to-columbus/ |access-date=12 June 2024}}</ref> Killswitch Engage,<ref>{{cite web |title=KILLSWITCH ENGAGE Singer: 'Metal Has Changed, But I've Changed As Well' |date=April 21, 2012 |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/killswitch-engage-singer-metal-has-changed-but-i-ve-changed-as-well |access-date=20 December 2024}}</ref> Overcast,<ref name="Turman and Wiederhorn, 2013"/> Pulling Teeth,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Yoe |first1=Adam |title=Former Pulling Teeth Singer Mike Riley on His Hardcore Archival Projects |date=May 19, 2020 |url=https://www.noecho.net/interviews/pulling-teeth-mike-riley-interview |access-date=12 June 2024}}</ref> Ringworm,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Deblat |first1=Davin |title=Ringworm Singer Human Furnace on the Band's History, Record Labels, Show Etiquette + More |date=June 18, 2019 |url=https://www.noecho.net/interviews/ringworm-human-furnace-interview |access-date=22 December 2024}}</ref> Rise and Fall<ref>{{cite web |title=5 Albums That Influenced Rise and Fall, by Vocalist Bjorn Dossche |date=November 25, 2019 |url=https://www.noecho.net/lists/5-albums-that-influenced-rise-and-fall |access-date=12 June 2024}}</ref> and Unbroken.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bowden |first1=Scott |title=(((O))) : INTERVIEW: ROB MORAN FROM UNBROKEN |url=https://echoesanddust.com/2015/09/interview-rob-moran-from-unbroken/ |access-date=12 June 2024}}</ref>

== Members == === Current members === * Dwid Hellion – vocals, keyboards (1988–present)<ref name="Allmusic Biography">{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/integrity-mn0000094934/biography |title=Integrity biography|publisher=AllMusic|access-date=8 May 2021}}</ref> * Alex "The Beast" Henderson – drums (2011–present) * Francis "Darkest Prince" Kano – bass (2017–present) * Justin "Sexminn" Ethem – guitar (2018–present) * Asa Dunn – guitar (2024–present) * Harley McCoy – guitar (2025-present)

=== Former members === {{div-col}} * Aaron Melnick – guitar, vocals (1988–1998, 2013–2014) * Tom Front – bass (1988–1989) * Tony "Chubby Fresh" Pines (1988–1991, 2002–2003) * Frank Cavanaugh – guitar (1991) * Bill Mckinney – guitar (1991) * Chris Smith II – guitar (1991–1996, 2013–2014) * Mark Konopka – drums (1994–1996, 2013–2014) * Frank "3 Gun" Novineck – guitar (1995–1998) * Dave "Gravy" Felton – guitar (1998–2000) * Vee Price – guitar, bass, vocals (2000–2002) * John Comprix – guitar (2003) * Blaze Tishko – guitar, vocals (2003) * Mike Jochum – guitar (2003–2009) * Matt Brewer – guitar (2005–2006) * Rob Orr – guitar, bass, drums (2006–2013) * Domenic Romeo – guitar, bass, organ (2014–2023) * Leon Micha Melnick – bass (1989–1998, 2013–2014) * Craig Martini – bass (1998–2000) * Steve Rauckhorst – bass (2003–2009) * David Nicholi Araca – drums (1991–1994) * Chris Dora – drums (1996–1998) * Steve Felton – drums (1998–2000) * Nate Jochum – drums (2005–2009) {{div-col-end}}

=== Timeline === {{#tag:timeline|ImageSize = width:900 height:auto barincrement:20 PlotArea = left:150 bottom:75 top:0 right:10 Alignbars = justify DateFormat = mm/dd/yyyy Period = from:01/01/1988 till:{{#time:m/d/Y}} TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy Legend = orientation:vertical position:bottom columns:4 ScaleMajor = increment:5 start:1988 ScaleMinor = increment:1 start:1999

Colors = id:lvocals value:red legend:Lead_vocals id:bvocals value:pink legend:Backing_vocals id:guitar value:green legend:Guitar id:keys value:purple legend:Keyboards id:bass value:blue legend:Bass id:drums value:orange legend:Drums id:album value:black legend:Studio_album id:other value:gray(0.5) legend:Other_release id:bars value:gray(0.9)

BackgroundColors = bars:bars

LineData = layer:back color:other at:01/01/1990 at:01/01/1991 at:01/01/1995 at:08/27/1996 at:01/01/2000 at:01/01/2010 at:01/01/2011 at:01/01/2013 at:02/07/2014 at:01/01/2024 color:album at:10/31/1991 at:03/23/1995 at:04/22/1997 at:04/08/1999 at:05/08/2001 at:09/23/2003 at:06/08/2010 at:06/11/2013 at:07/14/2017

BarData = bar:DH text:"Dwid Hellion" bar:AM text:"Aaron Melnick" bar:DF text:"Dave Felton" bar:VP text:"Vee Price" bar:MJ text:"Mike Jochum" bar:JE text:"Justin Ethem" bar:CS text:"Chris Smith II" bar:FN text:"Frank Novenick" bar:MB text:"Matt Brewer" bar:RO text:"Rob Orr" bar:DR text:"Domenic Romeo" bar:TF text:"Tom Front" bar:LM text:"Leon "Micha" Melnick" bar:CM text:"Craig Martini" bar:SR text:"Steve Rauckhorst" bar:FK text:"Francis Kano" bar:TP text:"Tony Pines" bar:DA text:"David Nicholi Araca" bar:MK text:"Mark Konopka" bar:CD text:"Chris Dora" bar:SF text:"Steve Felton" bar:NJ text:"Nate Jochum" bar:AH text:"Alex Henderson"

PlotData = width:11 textcolor:black align:left anchor:from shift:(10,-4)

bar:DH from:01/01/1988 till:end color:LVocals bar:DH from:01/01/1988 till:end color:keys width:3

bar:CS from:01/01/1991 till:01/01/1996 color:guitar bar:CS from:12/01/2013 till:04/01/2014 color:guitar bar:FN from:01/01/1996 till:01/01/1998 color:guitar bar:AM from:01/01/1988 till:01/01/1998 color:guitar bar:AM from:01/01/1988 till:01/01/1998 color:BVocals width:3 bar:AM from:12/01/2013 till:04/01/2014 color:guitar bar:AM from:12/01/2013 till:04/01/2014 color:BVocals width:3 bar:DF from:01/01/1998 till:01/01/2000 color:guitar bar:VP from:01/01/2000 till:01/01/2002 color:guitar bar:VP from:01/01/2000 till:01/01/2002 color:bass width:3 bar:MJ from:01/01/2003 till:01/01/2009 color:guitar bar:MB from:01/01/2005 till:01/01/2006 color:guitar bar:RO from:01/01/2006 till:12/01/2013 color:guitar bar:RO from:01/01/2009 till:12/01/2013 color:bass width:3 bar:RO from:01/01/2009 till:01/01/2011 color:drums width:7 bar:DR from:04/01/2014 till:01/01/2023 color:guitar bar:DR from:04/01/2014 till:01/01/2023 color:keys width:3 bar:DR from:04/01/2014 till:01/01/2018 color:bass width:7 bar:JE from:01/01/2017 till:end color:guitar

bar:TF from:01/01/1988 till:01/01/1989 color:Bass bar:LM from:01/01/1989 till:01/01/1998 color:Bass bar:LM from:12/01/2013 till:04/01/2014 color:Bass bar:CM from:01/01/1998 till:01/01/2000 color:Bass bar:SR from:01/01/2003 till:01/01/2009 color:Bass bar:FK from:01/01/2018 till:end color:Bass

bar:TP from:01/01/1988 till:01/01/1991 color:Drums bar:DA from:01/01/1991 till:01/01/1994 color:Drums bar:MK from:01/01/1994 till:01/01/1996 color:Drums bar:MK from:12/01/2013 till:04/01/2014 color:Drums bar:CD from:01/01/1996 till:01/01/1998 color:Drums bar:SF from:01/01/1998 till:01/01/2000 color:Drums bar:TP from:01/01/2002 till:01/01/2005 color:Drums bar:NJ from:01/01/2005 till:01/01/2009 color:Drums bar:AH from:01/01/2011 till:end color:Drums }}

== Discography == === Studio albums === * ''Those Who Fear Tomorrow'' (1991), Overkill * ''Systems Overload'' (1995), Victory * ''Humanity Is the Devil'' (1996), Victory * ''Seasons in the Size of Days'' (1997), Victory * ''Integrity 2000'' (1999), Victory * ''Closure'' (2001), Victory * ''To Die For'' (2003), Deathwish * ''The Blackest Curse'' (2010), Deathwish * ''Suicide Black Snake'' (2013), A389/Magic Bullet * ''Howling, For the Nightmare Shall Consume'' (2017), Relapse

=== EPs === * ''Den of Iniquity'' (1993) * ''Hooked, Lung, Stolen Breath Cunt'' (1994) * ''Final Taste of Every Sin'' (1999) * ''In Contrast of Tomorrow'' (2001, 2006) * ''7th Revelation: Beyond the Realm of the VVitch'' (2013)

===Other releases=== * ''Harder They Fall'' (demo) (1989) * ''Palm Sunday'' (live) (2006), Aurora Borealis * ''All Death Is Mine: Total Domination'' (compilation) (2024), Relapse

==References== {{reflist}} ==External links== {{Commons category}} * [https://integrity.bandcamp.com/music Integrity] on Bandcamp *{{allmusic}} *{{discogs artist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Integrity}} Category:Metalcore musical groups from Ohio Category:Musical groups from Cleveland Category:Musical groups established in 1988 Category:Deathwish Inc. artists Category:American musical duos Category:Victory Records artists Category:Good Life Recordings artists Category:Hardcore punk groups from Ohio