The Story of Motionless In White: Gothic Metalcore

What Genre is Motionless In White?

Motionless in White is a metalcore band from Scranton, Pennsylvania, formed in 2004. Known for their unique fusion of metalcore with gothic, industrial, and nu-metal influences, they have created a signature sound that incorporates haunting atmospheres, aggressive riffs, and dark lyrical themes. Often categorized as gothic metalcore, their music blends the intensity of metalcore with the eerie, theatrical elements of gothic and industrial metal.

Who Are The Members of Motionless In White?

The band lineup has changed several times over the years, but as of 2024, the current members are:

• Chris "Motionless" Cerulli - (Lead Vocals)
• Ryan Sitkowski - (Lead Guitar)
• Ricky "Horror" Olson - (Rythm Guitar)
• Vinny Mauro - (Drums)
• Justin Morrow - (Bass)

The Start of Motionless In White

Motionless in White’s journey began in 2004 when they were originally known as "One Way Ticket." After a short stint under that name, they changed it to "When Breathing Stops," before finally settling on Motionless in White by 2005. The band’s early days were marked by local performances at venues like The Staircase, where their intense live shows started gaining attention.

In 2005, Motionless in White self-produced and released their first demo, which helped them build a local following. Their big break came when talent scout Zach Neil discovered them and signed them to Masquerade Recordings. This partnership resulted in their debut EP, “The Whorror”, released in 2007 under Masquerade Records/Warner Music Group.

Rise to Fame: Warped Tour and Fearless Records

With their first album in the works, Motionless In White began to tour with Zach Neil placing the band on his stage at Vans Warped Tour. Motionless in White’s growing popularity caught the attention of Fearless Records, who bought out the band’s contract from Masquerade Recordings. In 2009, they released their first full-length album, “When Love Met Destruction,” which solidified their place in the metalcore scene.

Their momentum continued with the release of the single “Abigail” in August 2010, premiered on Revolver Magazine. The accompanying album, “Creatures,” followed in October of that year. “Creatures” was the band’s first major commercial success, charting at #175 on the Billboard Top 200 and #6 on the Heatseekers Chart. This album introduced the world to Motionless in White’s signature blend of metalcore and gothic elements.

In August of 2010, they released the single "Abigail" which premiered on Revolver Magazine before releasing the accompanying album "Creatures" in October. "Creatures" was the band's first huge commercial success, charting at #175 on the Billboard Top 200 and 6th on the Heatseekers Chart.

Infamous: Global Tours and Chart-Topping Success

By 2012, Motionless in White's success was bigger and brighter than ever before. Their second full-length album, “Infamous,” which released that year, brought even more success, reaching #53 on the Billboard Top 200 and peaking at #5 on the Top Hard Rock Albums chart. The album’s raw energy, gothic influences, and heavy breakdowns further cemented their reputation.

In 2013, the band embarked on their first full UK tour, performing alongside Defiled and Glamour of the Kill. They also toured with heavyweights like All That Remains and In This Moment later that year, helping them reach even larger audiences.

2014 saw the release of their album “Reincarnate,” which continued to build on their gothic metalcore sound. This period also marked their first appearance on the main stage of the Vans Warped Tour, and a massive tour with metalcore giants, Bring Me The Horizon, showcasing their growing popularity in the rock and metal scene.

Graveyard Shift: A New Era with Roadrunner Records

2016 was a turning point for Motionless in White when they signed with Roadrunner Records, one of the biggest labels in rock and metal. Their album “Graveyard Shift,” released that same year, reflected a matured sound with even more emphasis on gothic and industrial elements.

After the band's Nocturnal Underground tour with Breaking Benjamin and Korn in the fall of 2016, longtime keyboardist Josh Balz announced his departure. He left the band to focus on his businesses, including The Strange & Unusual Oddities shop and his root beer brand, Parlor.

In late 2017 to early 2018, Motionless In White embarked on their headlining tour "The Graveyard Shift" with support from Miss May I, and The Amity Affliction.

Lineup Changes and the Pandemic

2018 brought more changes when bassist Devin “Ghost” Sola left the band due to mental health issues. He was replaced by Justin Morrow (formerly of Ice Nine Kills) in March 2019. Morrow brought a fresh energy to the band, contributing to their 2019 release, “Disguise.” While reception was mixed, “Disguise” still saw considerable success, reaching #27 on the Billboard Top 200 and #2 on the Top Hard Rock Albums chart.

By 2020, Motionless In White had a European tour planned with August Burns Red which unfortunately was canceled due to the Pandemic. The band also announced that they were working on their next album but that it may be delayed due to COVID.

Scoring The End Of The World: Motionless in White’s Most Popular Release

In 2022, Motionless in White released their latest album, “Scoring The End Of The World,” which became their most successful release to date. The album peaked at #12 on the Billboard Top 200 and topped the Billboard Top Hard Rock Albums chart.

The album features notable collaborations, including the track “Slaughterhouse” featuring Bryan Garris of Knocked Loose, and the title track, which features Mick Gordon, the composer behind the iconic DOOM soundtrack.

The album’s themes, according to Chris Motionless in an interview with Alternative Press, center around resistance, revolt, and forging a new world.

"When I say Scoring The End Of The World, I’m not suggesting an all-encompassing, the-world-is-over Armageddon. Songs such as “Cyberhex” and the title track do suggest a resistance and revolt, a call to arms, but I’m metaphorically suggesting that the end of the world as we know it is happening, and we are going to step in and forge a new, better positive, forward-thinking world from the ashes."

Conclusion

Motionless in White has become one of the biggest metalcore bands of the last decade. With their mix of gothic, industrial, and nu-metal influences, they’ve created a sound that resonates with fans who crave dark atmospheres paired with aggressive, heavy music. As they continue to evolve, Motionless in White remains a major name metal scene, with a distinct sound and powerful presence that draws in millions of fans from all over the world.

Check out one of our favorite tracks, "Slaughterhouse" by Motionless In White ft. Bryan Garris of Knocked Loose.

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