Junius (band)
American rock band from Boston, formed in 2003.
Junius is an American rock band formed in Boston, Massachusetts, in 2003. The group is led by vocalist and guitarist Joseph E. Martinez, alongside drummer Dana Filloon. To date, they have issued four EPs and three full-length albums. The band’s name comes from the pseudonym of an 18th-century political writer.
The group’s first two EPs, *Forcing Out the Silence* (2004) and *Blood is Bright* (2006), were released on Radar Recordings. In 2007, they combined these EPs into a single self-titled CD, also on Radar Recordings. During this early period, the band went through several bassists before settling on Joel Munguia, who first appeared on the third EP, *The Fires of Antediluvia*, released in May 2007.
Junius’s debut full-length, *The Martyrdom of a Catastrophist*, came out on November 10, 2009, via The Mylene Sheath in the US and Make My Day Records in Europe. Inspired by the writings of theorist Immanuel Velikovsky, the album took nearly three years to complete. It was recorded over a year at the former A&M Records studios in Hollywood (now Henson Recording Studios), often during off-hours when the studio was unbooked—the band joked they were bumped by artists ranging from Akon to Bruce Springsteen. Kevin Mills and Tom Syrowski (known for work with Weezer and AFI) handled recording, while Dave Collins (Danny Elfman, Black Sabbath) mastered it. The release included a 24-page book with art by Drew Speziale (Circle Takes the Square) and illustrator Matt Gauck. On May 20, 2011, Junius announced they would cover Hum’s “Firehead” for the tribute album *Songs of Farewell and Departure: A Tribute To HUM*, released September 6, 2011. A split EP with the band Rosetta, featuring the track “A Day Dark with Night,” came out on September 27, 2011.
Their second full-length, *Reports from the Threshold of Death*, was released on October 25, 2011, through Prosthetic Records. To promote it, Junius replaced Ghost on a 2011 tour with Enslaved and Alcest. In 2012, they toured Europe, Scandinavia, and the UK with Katatonia and Alcest, covering over 20 countries. Their first music video, for “All Shall Float,” debuted on Alternative Press on February 4, 2012, followed by a second video for “Betray the Grave” on Noisecreep on April 10, 2012. In an interview with Blistering, the band said the follow-up to *Reports* was in its “conceptual stages” and they planned to tour through 2
- formed
- 2003
- origin
- Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- genre
- Rock
- years_active
- 2003–present
- label
- Radar Recordings, The Mylene Sheath, Make My Day Records, Prosthetic Records
Lore & Background
Junius was formed in 2003 in Boston, Massachusetts. Their first releases were two EPs on Radar Recordings: Forcing Out the Silence (2004) and Blood is Bright (2006). In 2007, they reissued these EPs on a single self-titled CD. The band cycled through several bass players before finding Joel Munguia, first credited on their third EP The Fires of Antediluvia (May 2007).
Their first full-length album, The Martyrdom of a Catastrophist, was released on November 10, 2009, through The Mylene Sheath in the US and Make My Day Records in Europe. Inspired by the writings of Immanuel Velikovsky, the album took nearly three years to complete and was recorded at A&M Records studios in Hollywood. The band's second full-length, Reports from the Threshold of Death, was released on October 25, 2011, via Prosthetic Records. In support of that album, Junius toured Europe, Scandinavia, and the UK with Katatonia and Alcest.
Their third full-length, Eternal Rituals for the Accretion of Light, was released on March 3, 2017, through Prosthetic Records. Martinez wrote all songs on his own before working them out with Filloon. The album is based around Initiation, the semi-autobiography of Elisabeth Haich, and tells the story of a soul's path to transcendence.
Reader's Guide
Junius has maintained a consistent presence in the American rock scene since 2003, releasing three full-length albums and several EPs. Their work often incorporates literary and philosophical influences, such as the writings of Immanuel Velikovsky on The Martyrdom of a Catastrophist and the semi-autobiography of Elisabeth Haich on Eternal Rituals for the Accretion of Light. The band's name is taken from Junius, the pseudonym of an 18th-century political writer. Over their career, they have toured extensively in North America and Europe, including tours with Katatonia and Alcest. Their music has been featured in tribute albums, such as a cover of Hum's 'Firehead' for Songs of Farewell and Departure. The band has also released split EPs with other groups, including Rosetta. Junius continues to be active, with a fourth studio album, Sotera, listed for 2026.
Did You Know?
- The band name is taken from Junius, the pseudonym of a political writer who lived during the late 18th century.
- Their first full-length album, The Martyrdom of a Catastrophist, was inspired by the writings of theorist Immanuel Velikovsky.
- Junius recorded part of The Martyrdom of a Catastrophist at the legendary A&M Records studios in Hollywood, working during off-hours.
- Their third album, Eternal Rituals for the Accretion of Light, is based around the semi-autobiography of Hungarian mystic Elisabeth Haich.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Junius (band)?
Junius is a Boston-based rock and post-metal outfit that has been active since 2003. The core duo consists of vocalist-guitarist Joseph E. Martinez and drummer Dana Filloon, and the group has put out four EPs and three full-length records over the years.
Where does the name 'Junius' come from?
The band took their name from the pen name used by an 18th-century political writer. It was chosen as a nod to that historical figure's legacy of outspoken commentary.
What are Junius's earliest releases?
Their first two EPs, *Forcing Out the Silence* (2004) and *Blood is Bright* (2006), both appeared on Radar Recordings. In 2007 the band merged those two EPs into a single self-titled CD, also issued through Radar.
Which labels has Junius worked with over the years?
Beyond their early Radar Recordings catalog, the group has released material through The Mylene Sheath, Make My Day Records, and Prosthetic Records, reflecting a steady shift in their label affiliations as their career progressed.
How has Junius's lineup changed since forming?
While Martinez and Filloon have remained the constant centerpieces, the band cycled through several bassists during its early years. That early turnover helped shape the heavier, more textured sound fans associate with their post-metal output.
More in American post-metal musical groups 1-24
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