Hawthorne Heights Without Calvert

Things are finally starting to look up for Hawthorne Heights, the Dayton, Ohio quartet who recently released their third Victory Records album, Fragile Future.

The band's on-again, off-again battle with Victory has been well-documented, and drummer Eron Bucciarelli says the title is a reflection of the group's state of mind at the time the album was recorded.

"We didn't know what the future held for us. It even seemed a little perilous for us."

Hawthorne Heights sued Victory for fraudulent accounting practices two years ago, and claimed the label had damaged their relationship with fans. The company responded with a countersuit, accusing the band of libel and breach of contract.

The quartet decided to return to Victory earlier this year, and Bucciarelli says they've patched things up.

"Everyone's gotten into arguments with their families, friends and loved ones at one time or another. You always try to repair things in a civilized manner. I think our relationship with Victory is better because of it. We know now that the lawsuit was not the right decision."

Bucciarelli says making Fragile Future was especially hard without guitarist/vocalist Casey Calvert, their longtime friend and bandmate who died of an accidental drug overdose while on tour last November.

"Casey was very happy-go-lucky. We really missed him joking around in the studio. It really brought the rest of us a lot closer."

Although Hawthorne Heights don't have any Canadian dates booked right now, Bucciarelli says they'll head north soon.

"We'll be doing a full U.S. tour and making a few stops in Canada. We'll be doing a lot more touring next year, and a lot more writing as well."