Armed with an unflinching reverence for post-punk's past and an unapologetic eye towards its future, Hearts Fail engulfs its listeners in a firestorm of dark, textured music and evocative, heartfelt lyrics. Upon first listen, the ghosts of Joy Division, The Chameleons, The Sound, and Depeche Mode dance in the smoke-filled haze. Continue listening, and these influences burn and give way to more contemporary cornerstones in dark alternative music - Placebo, She Wants Revenge, Interpol, and Muse. The flames spread into a roaring inferno, and you find yourself right where Hearts Fail wants you to be.

Formed in 2003, the band's original lineup was comprised of Edward Wagner (vocals & guitar), Michael Lampe (bass), Ruben Verdin (drums), Roberto Medina (guitar) and Clint Kingsbery (keyboards). The band quickly developed a large regional following based on the strength of their live shows, and recorded their debut album, The Empty Promise, in 2004. From this album, the song "Wishing Well" was selected for inclusion on Strobelight Records' "New Dark Age vol. 3" compilation, and Gothic Magazine's Compilation 29. The group was named "Best Unsigned Band, 2005," in Gothic Magazine number 49.

2005 also saw the band record its second album, Medallion. This four song EP, produced by keyboardist Clint Kingsbery, saw the band sharpen its focus to create a far superior, layered sound. From this album, the song "Vivisect" was featured in Unscene Magazine's 3rd Issue Compilation Album (2006). Medallion was originally released as a digital-only free download, but high demand saw to it that the EP later was re-released in a limited-edition CD format in 2008.

Hearts Fail began work on their next album, to be called The Dying Season, throughout 2006 and 2007, when problems with the recording process and interband tensions caused the band to part ways with keyboardist Kingsbery, who was also producing the album, and the recordings were indefinitely shelved. The group continued on as a four-piece, further refining its sound, as they decided how to move forward without a keyboardist. It was eventually decided that the band would begin recording The Dying Season album again from scratch. Several songs were cut from the original tracklisting, and replaced with newer songs that were more indicative of the direction the band wanted to take.

The re-recording of The Dying Season proved to be no easy task, however. Further problems in the studio, coupled with artistic differences, led to a year-long delay in the release of the album. The album finally did see light of day in November of 2009, however, and was met with strong critical acclaim. The album, from a purely artistic standpoint, was a tremendous success, weaving together the difficulty and sorrows of the time during which it was created, to create a concept album based on loss of love. By 2010, though, the rifts that were created during the making of the album had proven to be too much for the band, and both guitarist Roberto Medina and drummer Ruben Verdin left Hearts Fail, turning the album into a self-fulfilling prophesy.

Remaining members Edward Wagner and Michael Lampe were undeterred, however. Continuing on as a two-piece, Hearts Fail enlisted temporary drummer Gabriel Tepes to record a new single, "Promises (Unresolved)," with Wagner contributing all keyboards, guitars, and vocals. After the single was released in late 2010, Hearts Fail tried unsuccessfully to bring another lead guitarist into the band. Wagner then invited his friend, Chicago native Jonathan Pfortmiller, to join Hearts Fail as keyboardist, which changed the direction of the band, replacing Medina's overstated guitar work with Pfortmiller's more economic approach to his instrument. Hearts Fail's fortune then changed for the better when Pfortmiller convinced his friend and former bandmate, Andrew Meadie, to move down from Chicago and become Hearts Fail's permanent drummer.

In 2011, with the new lineup of Wagner, Lampe, Pformiller, and Meadie, Hearts Fail began a series of gigs and regional dates that re-established their reputation as a live powerhouse, developing a new fan base based on their energetic and emotional performances. They began writing new material, and started to record a new EP that summer. The resulting album, entitled " . . . Other Blessings," sees the band headed in a bold new direction, while still being woven by the same dark thread that has held the group together for over eight years. Aggressive guitars and keyboards shoot sparks across Hearts Fail's powerful rhythm section, bolstered by new drummer Meadie, with Wagner's dramatic vocals tying everything together with vivid imagery and thoughtful lyrics.

Hearts Fail is eagerly awaiting further touring and recording in 2012, and so the fire shall spread . . .