Dead Rabbitts
American metalcore supergroup side project of Craig Mabbitt.
Dead Rabbitts are an American metalcore supergroup from Phoenix, Arizona, formed as a side project of Escape the Fate's lead vocalist, Craig Mabbitt. The band released their debut EP, Edge of Reality, in 2012, followed by their debut album Shapeshifter in 2014, which debuted at No. 127 on the Billboard 200. They have since released three additional studio albums: This Emptiness (2017), Rumination (2022), and Redefined (2025).
- origin
- Phoenix, Arizona, United States
- genre
- Metalcore
- years_active
- 2011–present
- label
- Tragic Hero Records, Judge & Jury Records
- associated_acts
- Escape the Fate, LoveHateHero, Motionless in White, Eyes Set to Kill, Greeley Estates, Alesana, Beartooth
Lore & Background
Dead Rabbitts were conceived in late 2011 when Craig Mabbitt announced a side project alongside an upcoming Escape the Fate album. The project's debut single, 'Edge of Reality,' was released after a Facebook page reached 50,000 likes, and the EP of the same name followed in October 2012. The band signed with Tragic Hero Records in November 2013 and released their debut album Shapeshifter in July 2014, which debuted at No. 127 on the Billboard 200. Guitarist Alex Torres left after this album.
The band's second album, This Emptiness, arrived in April 2017, and guitarist Bobby Whitaker departed two days after its release. In 2019, TJ Bell left the band, and Dead Rabbitts released their second EP, Break the Static, in December of that year, their first release without an official bassist. The band's third album, Rumination, was released in April 2022, and bassist Colton Westerman joined soon after. In June 2024, the band released the single 'Mistake' featuring Lauren Babic, ahead of their fourth album Redefined, which was released in March 2025 via Judge & Jury Records.
Reader's Guide
Dead Rabbitts represent a notable side project within the metalcore scene, primarily driven by Craig Mabbitt's creative output outside of Escape the Fate. The band's debut album Shapeshifter achieved a modest chart presence, debuting at No. 127 on the Billboard 200, indicating a niche but dedicated following. Their discography spans four studio albums and two EPs, with consistent releases from 2012 to 2025. The band's significance lies in its role as a creative outlet for Mabbitt and its collaboration with various musicians from other prominent acts, including members of LoveHateHero, Motionless in White, and Eyes Set to Kill. Dead Rabbitts also engaged in charitable efforts, partnering with To Write Love on Her Arms for their debut EP. Despite lineup changes, the band has maintained a steady output, with their later work released through Judge & Jury Records, a label founded by producers Howard Benson and Neil Sanderson.
Did You Know?
- Dead Rabbitts' debut EP, Edge of Reality, was released in 2012 and was promoted through a PledgeMusic campaign that donated 5% of proceeds to To Write Love on Her Arms.
- The band's debut album Shapeshifter debuted at No. 127 on the Billboard 200 in 2014.
- Former short-time rhythm guitarist August Cryns passed away in September 2020.
- The band's fourth album, Redefined, was released in 2025 via Judge & Jury Records, a label founded by producers Howard Benson and Neil Sanderson.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are Dead Rabbitts?
Dead Rabbitts is an American metalcore supergroup out of Phoenix, Arizona, created as a personal side project by Craig Mabbitt, the lead vocalist of Escape the Fate. The band has been active since 2011.
What genre does Dead Rabbitts play?
Dead Rabbitts operates squarely in the metalcore space, channeling Mabbitt's aggressive vocal delivery over heavy, riff-driven instrumentation. Their sound sits alongside other associated acts in the scene such as LoveHateHero, Motionless in White, and Beartooth.
What albums has Dead Rabbitts released?
The group kicked things off with the 2012 EP Edge of Reality and followed it with the 2014 full-length Shapeshifter, which cracked the Billboard 200 at No. 127. Since then they've dropped three more studio records: This Emptiness (2017), Rumination (2022), and Redefined (2025).
Who started Dead Rabbitts and why?
Craig Mabbitt, best known as the frontman of Escape the Fate, put Dead Rabbitts together as a creative outlet separate from his primary band. The project was launched out of Phoenix, Arizona, and has run continuously since 2011.
What label is Dead Rabbitts on?
Dead Rabbitts has put out material through Tragic Hero Records and Judge & Jury Records. The band is based in Phoenix, Arizona, and has been active from 2011 to the present.
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