Tag Archives: Brandon Kellum

American Standards Release Chaotic, Genre Bending Anthem “The Tourist”

Arizona heavy hardcore band American Standards have released a gritty, bass driven new single titled ‘The Tourist’. High energy, raw and full of emotional intensity, the dynamic song includes an unexpected guest feature from Phoenix gloom rap artist Cody Milford of The God Samaritan. The track will be found alongside the previously released single ‘The Dealer’ on American Standards upcoming EP ‘DOPAMINE DEALER’ being released February 3rd 2023.

American Standards Vocalist Brandon Kellum said of the song:

“The Tourist explores themes of consumerism and legacy. It’s easy to get lost chasing things that don’t really matter. That instant gratification fades quickly though and often results in the search for the next hit of dopamine. I’d like to think a more resonating legacy is left by the impact you have on others.”

Listen to The Tourist by American Standards on Apple Music, Spotify, Bandcamp or wherever you find music.

‘The Tourist’ by American Standards

When all the dust settles

What will be seen

Tarnished relics of fallen king

The wise claim

Love lives on 

As beacon of the past life

Guided to the salvaged throne

Passed through this last breath

The debts are paid with copper covered eyes 

With the echos silenced

The fire rises 

Melts away gilded paths 

Show a king’s haunted memories

And you made of wax

Burnt at both ends 

There is a beauty in 

Impermanence

When our bodies are laid in a row

The only difference  

Is the flowers that they grow

And we believe 

We chase a dream

Inventing meaning out of nothing

The waves push a fate since sealed

Looking back a young king no longer moves forward

Allow the thoughts of regret to float away

A head held high embrace the embers 

From lake of mourning

And you made of wax

Burnt at both ends 

There is a beauty in 

Impermanence

When our bodies are laid in a row

The only difference  

Is the flowers that they grow

And we believe 

We chase a dream

Inventing meaning out of nothing

In the face of the end I’m a wretch

Fool’s gold formed a noose on my neck

I hang alone from the rafters

Drowned out all their screams with my laughter

Insurgence cursing my purpose

Lost my way in pursuit of purchase

I’ve learned that my worth is worthless

Tell my serfs, when I’m in the dirt to

Give me my crown 

Watch me burn this kingdom down

About band:

Sometimes strong emotions can make you lose focus. That’s not the case for Arizona based metallic hardcore band, American Standards. After losing their guitarist to suicide and shortly after the vocalists father to cancer, the band founded in 2011 released their most emotional and socially poignant album to date. Now more focused than ever, American Standards has hit the road playing shows with bands such as Knocked Loose, ‪Every Time I Die‬, and Norma Jean. Their mantra; “Don’t wait for things to happen. Make them happen.” Heralded by Metal Injection as “one of strongest bands in the realm of hardcore and metalcore this year” and with features on Alternative Press, Decibel, Lambgoat and Revolver, people are taking notice.