The Violent is an American rock band from Akron, Ohio formed by Red Sun Rising members Mike Protich, Dave McGarry, and Pat Gerasia after that band announced an "indefinite hiatus" on February 28, 2020.
Even before the hiatus was announced, in 2019, Protich, McGarry, and Gerasia had begun performing as a trio (billed as "Mike Protich") and playing songs outside of the Red Sun Rising discography. They released their first single "Fly on the Wall" on May 22, 2020 as The Violent, not revealing their names, stating that they are a "new independent unsigned band", only later revealing the band members' identity in a Sirius XM Octane interview. The track peaked at #28 on the Billboard's Mainstream Rock chart. The band has released two EPs since then.
Protich, who says to be the principal author of the band's material, cites Chris Cornell and other grunge artists, as well as Maynard Keenan and Trent Reznor, as influences. The Violent's music relies more on electronic sounds compared to the style of Red Sun Rising.
The band has performed as a three-piece ensemble, with Protich playing bass (and switching instruments with McGarry to play the guitar), and as a four-piece ensemble, with a hired bass player.
Discography EPs The Violent (2022) 002.TV (2023) 003.TV: Culmination (2025)
Singles Title Year Peak chart positions AlbumUSMain. "Fly on the Wall" 2020 28 The Violent (EP) "Smile Like a Hostage" ― "Impression" 2021 ― "Think For Yourself" ― "People are Strange" 2022 28 "Counting Sheep" ― 002.TV (EP) "Wrap Your Head Around" ― "I'll Be Waiting" 2023 ― "Bitter End" ― "Feels Like Letting Go" 2024 × 003.TV: Culmination "Fingerprints" × "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.
Music videos + List of music videos, showing year released and director Title Year Director(s) "Fly on the Wall" 2020 Jake Rains "Impression" 2021 Mungo "People are Strange" 2022 Samuel Shapiro "I'll Be Waiting" 2023 Jack Fontes "Follow Me" Johan Carlén
Track listing The Violent track listing 002.TV track listing 003.TV: Culmination track listing
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