
Feature Photo: Geoffrey Clowes / Shutterstock.com
Spiritbox began taking shape in 2016 in Victoria, British Columbia, when former Iwrestledabearonce members Courtney LaPlante and her husband, guitarist Mike Stringer, began writing and recording music together. The band was publicly launched in 2017 and quickly gained attention in the metal scene for its innovative blend of metalcore, progressive metal, djent, electronic elements, and atmospheric textures. Spiritbox released its self-titled EP in 2017, followed by the Singles Collection in 2019, before releasing the debut full-length album Eternal Blue in 2021. That album reached number 13 on the Billboard 200 and topped Billboard rock and hard rock charts. Spiritbox followed with the Rotoscope EP in 2022, The Fear of Fear EP in 2023, and the second studio album Tsunami Sea in 2025. Tsunami Sea debuted at number one on Billboard’s Top Hard Rock Albums chart and number 26 on the Billboard 200. Spiritbox is known for its technical proficiency, atmospheric soundscapes, and LaPlante’s versatile vocal abilities, ranging from melodic singing to aggressive screams.
Courtney LaPlante
Courtney LaPlante is the lead vocalist and one of the founding members of Spiritbox. She has been at the center of the band since its beginnings with Mike Stringer. LaPlante’s vocal range and ability to switch between clean singing and harsh screams have been pivotal to the band’s sound. Her lyrical content, often introspective and emotive, adds depth to their music. Courtney played a significant role in the writing and recording of Eternal Blue, The Fear of Fear, and Tsunami Sea. Spiritbox earned three consecutive Grammy nominations for Best Metal Performance with “Jaded,” “Cellar Door,” and “Soft Spine.” Prior to Spiritbox, LaPlante was the lead vocalist for Iwrestledabearonce, which added to her experience and versatility as a metal vocalist.
Mike Stringer
Mike Stringer, the guitarist and another founding member of Spiritbox, is instrumental in crafting the band’s sound. His guitar work is known for its technical intricacies and melodic overlays. Stringer has been involved in virtually every aspect of the band’s music production, from songwriting and engineering to the intricate layering of guitars, bass, and programmed or recorded drum parts on various releases. His contribution to Eternal Blue helped define the album’s sound, characterized by its heavy riffs and atmospheric elements. Stringer also co-produced Tsunami Sea with Dan Braunstein. Before Spiritbox, Stringer played with Iwrestledabearonce, bringing extensive experience in metalcore and progressive metal to the band.
Zev Rose
Zev Rose, also known as Zev Rosenberg, joined Spiritbox as the drummer in 2020. His drumming style, characterized by complex patterns and heavy hitting, complements the band’s aggressive yet melodic sound. Rose played drums on Eternal Blue and has remained a key part of the band’s live performances and subsequent recordings, including The Fear of Fear and Tsunami Sea. His performances have been central to Spiritbox’s reputation as a powerful live act.
Josh Gilbert
Josh Gilbert began performing with Spiritbox as a touring bassist in 2022 after Bill Crook’s departure and became a full-time member in 2023. He provides bass and backing vocals in the band’s live lineup and has contributed vocals to later studio recordings. Stringer has continued to handle much of the recorded bass on Spiritbox’s studio material, including portions of Tsunami Sea. Before joining Spiritbox, Gilbert was well known for his long tenure as bassist and clean vocalist with As I Lay Dying and for his work with Wovenwar.
Past Members
Ryan Loerke
Ryan Loerke was Spiritbox’s first permanent drummer, joining the band in 2018 after its initial recordings had already begun. Loerke played with Spiritbox during the band’s early growth period as it expanded from the founding duo into a full live group. He remained with Spiritbox until 2020, when Zev Rose took over the drum position.
Bill Crook
Bill Crook joined Spiritbox as bassist and backing vocalist in 2018 and remained with the band until 2022. Crook contributed to Spiritbox’s early material and was part of the band’s rise through the Eternal Blue era, contributing bass, backing vocals, and songwriting to various recordings. Spiritbox announced in May 2022 that Crook’s departure was a mutual decision with no hard feelings. Crook died in July 2024, and Spiritbox later paid tribute to their former bandmate.
Former Session Musician
Mikey Montgomery
Mikey Montgomery, a former Iwrestledabearonce bandmate of Courtney LaPlante and Mike Stringer, served as a session drummer during Spiritbox’s earliest recording period. He performed the drum parts on the band’s self-titled 2017 EP before Ryan Loerke joined as Spiritbox’s first permanent drummer.
Read More: Top 10 Spiritbox Songs
Updated August 29, 2026.
Complete List Of Spiritbox Band Members article published on ClassicRockHistory.com © 2026



























