Starset

Formation and Transmissions (2013–17)

Starset was formed by Downplay vocalist Dustin Bates in 2013, who is also the band's lead singer, songwriter, and keyboardist. Bates' interest in astronomy was first fueled when acquiring his PhD in electrical engineering as he studied at Ohio University. He has also completed research for the US Air Force, and taught at the International Space University. Bates also created the fictional backstory for the band that forms the thematic basis for their music and multimedia. In the backstory, Starset was formed as part of a public outreach initiative by The Starset Society. The Society's aims were to alert the public about the contents of "the Message" the society obtained from a mysterious signal from space. Starset treats their backstory and The Starset Society as real in interviews, with few exceptions.

The band released their debut album Transmissions on July 8, 2014. The music on Transmissions has been compared to the style of Linkin Park, Breaking Benjamin, Skillet, 30 Seconds to Mars, Three Days Grace and Red. Along with the digital release of the album, there would be an available copy of a graphic novel from the Starset Society titled The Prox Transmission.

The society announced through social media an official novel titled The Prox Transmissions that would be "inbound" on New Year's Eve 2015. The book details the fictional origin and meaning behind the society's message.

Vessels (2016–present)

Rob Graves, who produced Transmissions, announced on January 26, 2016 that the making of Starset's sophomore record has "officially commenced". Along with the announcement of European tour dates supporting Breaking Benjamin, Starset announced that their second album is "due in the autumn". On October 4, 2016, Starset posted to their social media an image of "a Marvel graphic novel coming out in fall of 2017", according to an interview with Marvel at New York Comic Con, which will be an "extension" to The Prox Transmissions. Bates also said that the new album will be "even more diverse" than the last and "goes from metal to pop".

The album's first single, "Monster" was released on October 28, 2016. On November 4, 2016, Starset announced their upcoming album Vessels, which was released on January 20, 2017.

Musical style

Starset's musical style is described by Erie Times-News' Dave Richards as "blending the progressive aspirations of Muse with the openhearted approach of emotional and muscular power of bands like Breaking Benjamin". Their style is described by Bates himself as "blending symphonics with electronics and riff-driven, baritone guitar hard rock". Influences of Starset include Hans Zimmer, Nine Inch Nails, Sigur Ros, Thirty Seconds to Mars, Deftones, Angels and Airwaves, Red, Skillet and Breaking Benjamin.

Studio albums