The Barbarians of California

The Barbarians of California is an American post-hardcore band from Los Angeles, formed in 2024. Started by Aaron Bruno, it is a spinoff of Awolnation. The band was formed by Aaron Bruno, sound engineer Eric Stenman, current Awolnation lead guitarist Zach Irons, and former Awolnation drummer Isaac Carpenter. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Eric Stenman showed Bruno some guitar riffs he had been working on, and as the pandemic ended, "the stars aligned perfectly for the duo to get together and kickstart (the) hardcore band they had always wanted to do." They are influenced from artists such as Slayer, Metallica, Iron Maiden, Queens of the Stone Age, and Nirvana. They have also been inspired by psychedelic rock, pop, 1990s hip hop, and other artists from Bruno's youth. The band intends to encourage people to question authority through their music, though Bruno stated that the Barbarians ultimately are not focused on conveying a message or trying to change the world. They are also characterized by tongue-in-cheek lyrics. On February 9, 2024, the band released their first single, "Dopamine Prophecy". It is the lead single of their debut studio album And Now I'm Just Gnashing My Teeth. The album was released on October 4, 2024. Following its release, the band has performed at Warped Tour and other nationwide venues. In March 2025, Isaac Carpenter left the band to join Guns N' Roses. Following this, Linden Reed joined. Aaron Bruno (lead vocals, guitar) Linden Reed (drums) Eric Stenman (guitar, production) David Amezcua (bass) Zach Irons (lead guitar) Isaac Carpenter (drums) (2024–2025) And Now I'm Just Gnashing My Teeth (2024) Megatons (2026) "Interview: Barbarians of California on Hardcore Roots, Uncompromising Sound, and a Future Fueled by Chaos". New Noise Magazine. Retrieved 2026-03-30. "Cover Story: The Barbarians of California • From L.A. to Riot Fest : Illinois Entertainer". illinoisentertainer.com. Retrieved 2026-03-31. "The Barbarians of California". Rival Magazine. Retrieved 2026-03-30. "Dopamine Prophecy". Amazon Music. Jones, Damian (2025-03-20). "Guns N' Roses announce AWOLNATION's Isaac Carpenter as their new drummer". NME. Retrieved 2026-03-31.