Sitting somewhere not-so-silently between Led Zeppelin and My Chemical Romance, Leopard Monks drenches you in aggression, emotion, rebellion, and a whole lot of sweat. Based out of Newark, NJ, each member of the five-piece alternative hard rock band has roots in different areas of the vast North Jersey music scene, and when they all finally got together to make some noise, it was nothing short of a miracle.

Formed in 2020 by two Portuguese transplants - drummer Paulo Carmo and guitarist Ray Martins - Leopard Monks hit the ground running, tirelessly brewing what would eventually become the Illusion Of Fools EP. These five songs became quite popular with locals in the Newark area, giving the band a loyal following. They continued to build this fanbase by scraping up every gig they could find in the tri-state area, and even putting together Newark's very own Ironbound Rock Festival, which will celebrate its fifth consecutive year this July.

Come 2023, the band underwent a reinvention of sorts, recruiting a new frontman (James Tank) and a second guitarist (Dave Coombs). Out of this iteration of Leopard Monks came a newfound creativity, and they worked to refine their sound into something as forward as it is eclectic. Through the exploration of this new chemistry, the band's second EP, "Visions", was born. They supported this EP by playing nearly 70 shows over the course of the next two years, welcoming new bassist Zak Salant in the process. Some highlights from the Visions Tour included an opening slot for the viral rock artist Pearl at Philadelphia's World Cafe Live, several gigs in New York City, and the 2025 Point Pleasant Beach Battle Of The Bands, where the band was crowned first place out of twelve contenders.

Right now, the band is back in the studio recording their first full-length album, which will include intense storytelling, experimental song structures, and an ambition to provide a memorable, cohesive experience rather than just a simple collection of tracks. So whether you're an emo kid who can't live without The Used constantly blasting in your ears or their cool uncle that's been wearing the same AC/DC shirt for 40 years, one thing is for sure - Leopard Monks will stop at absolutely nothing to hurl the hardest of rock straight into your face without a lick of remorse.

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