Questions
Who is Bad Wolves and when did they form?
Bad Wolves is an American heavy metal band formed in 2017 in Los Angeles, California. It was founded by drummer John Boecklin (formerly of DevilDriver), vocalist Tommy Vext, lead guitarist Doc Coyle, rhythm guitarist Chris Cain, and bassist Kyle Konkiel.
What kind of music do they play?
They are described across many styles including alternative metal, djent, groove metal, hard rock, metalcore, nu metal, and heavy metal. Their sound also pulls in elements of R&B, hip-hop, pop, and gospel.
What is Bad Wolves’ most famous song?
Their breakthrough was a cover of The Cranberries’ 1994 hit "Zombie," released on January 18, 2018. It topped Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart and reached number 23 on the Billboard 200.
What is the sad story behind their Zombie cover?
Cranberries singer Dolores O’Riordan had reportedly agreed to sing on the Bad Wolves version, texting a friend on Christmas Eve 2017 that she would "sing on it." She reportedly left a voicemail on January 15, 2018 asking to visit the studio to hear her vocals, but she died before she could record.
Did the band give back after the Zombie cover?
Yes. The band promised proceeds from the "Zombie" cover to Dolores O’Riordan’s children.
How well did Zombie do around the world?
Beyond topping the US Mainstream Rock chart, the single reached number 9 in Australia. It also earned a nomination for iHeartRadio’s Rock Song of the Year.
How many number one rock songs do they have?
Several Bad Wolves songs have topped Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart, including "Zombie," "Remember When," "Killing Me Slowly," and "Sober."
What albums has Bad Wolves released?
They have released four studio albums: Disobey (2018), N.A.T.I.O.N. (2019), Dear Monsters (2021), and Die About It (2023).
When did drummer John Boecklin start writing the music?
Boecklin reportedly began writing the band’s music back in July 2014, years before the group officially formed in 2017.
Why did original singer Tommy Vext leave?
Tommy Vext departed in January 2021 amid controversy surrounding his public political views. He had been a founding member and contributed to ten of the thirteen songs on the debut album.
Who replaced Tommy Vext on vocals?
Daniel "DL" Laskiewicz, formerly a guitarist for The Acacia Strain, joined as the new vocalist around May and June of 2021.
Who is in Bad Wolves now?
As of 2026 the lineup is John Boecklin on drums (the only remaining original member), AJ Rebollo on guitar, Sara "Killboy" Skinner on vocals, and Derek Bolman on bass. Skinner and Bolman joined on June 29, 2026.
Is Bad Wolves connected to any other big metal band?
Yes. The band is managed by Zoltan Bathory, the guitarist of Five Finger Death Punch.
