Destroy the Runner, a Carlsbad metal-core band, spent six weeks in late 2006 on a tour that followed the release of Saints, their first CD on Solid State. The Seattle indie label distributed by EMI is known for its roster of Christian rock artists.
Destroy the Runner's Duane Reed (guitar/vocals) says that, not long ago, Christian rock and secular rock rarely intersected; he says that rock audiences nowadays are more open to Christian bands.
"Underoath is huge right now," says Reed. "I think they sold 100,000 [copies of their latest CD]." About Christian rock bands in the past, Reed says, "A lot of it was real crap. Most of the bands who were claiming Christian stuff were awful. Now a lot of [Christian] bands are coming out with really good music."
Reed says Destroy the Runner's spirituality is subtle.
"I've been to P.O.D. shows where they would preach from the stage, saying they are representing Jesus Christ. We're not that kind of band. We all share beliefs that are portrayed in our lyrics, but we're not out to be a ministry band. We don't want to make anybody uncomfortable."
Destroy the Runner is close to another San Diego Christian band, As I Lay Dying. Reed used to share a residence with former AILD bassist Clint Norris, and guitarist Nick Maldonado attended high school with AILD singer Tim Lambesis. Reed has recorded with AILD, as has Destroy the Runner singer Chad Ackerman. Drummer Michael Catalano spent two years as AILD's drum tech.
Ackerman desribes one of his band's worst gigs. "In Cheyenne, Wyoming, we had a huge guarantee, and we were on tour with Lower Definition at the time. We were told that the show had been promoted for months. Keep in mind that we were in Cheyenne, haha. We all had hotel rooms that the promoter booked, an open bar, free meal at the restaurant, and a huge guest list."
"Two people showed up to the show! There were seriously two people. Ha! We felt so bad that everyone on the tour decided to close the open bar, and we played whatever songs the two kids wanted to hear. I think all the bands gave the kids free shirts too. That was pretty bad, though."
In May 2010, the band announced an "indefinite hiatus." According to a group statement, "We have sought to maintain musical integrity and honesty within all facets of our functioning, and unfortunately are not able to do so at this point in time...Keep on the lookout for a softer, more experimental project with Nick, Duane, Marc, Jeremiah and several others called Other Mountains. Also check out Chapter 14 with Chad and Tanner. And for the super heavy fans, be on the lookout for a very heavy, experimental band with Nick, Duane (vocals), Kyle (from Thieves and Liars), and our guitar tech Jason that is yet to be named."