Metal, Hardcore, Indie, Rock
The West Coast’s contribution to hardcore punk is undeniable. That tradition of aggression, passion, and scrappy melodicism continues with The Barbarians Of California, an engaging new manifestation of iconoclastic spirit and true bombast. Featuring Aaron Bruno of Awolnation and Eric Stenman of Tinfed, as well as being a noted producer, TBOC are equal opportunity iconoclasts, gleefully thrashing the left and the right in the hardcore-punk tradition of nonconformity and raw fury. The band isn’t “political,” because they aren’t advocating for anyone’s platform. The central message is defiance.
The band kicks off 2026 with the roaring new single ‘Bomb To A Knife Fight’.
Watch the video here.
“’Bomb To A Knife Fight’ was the first song we completed after finishing our first-ever tour with Deftones and IDLES,” the band offers. “You’d have to imagine that the perspective of playing live every night played a part in the creation of this song. Also, our love of old-school hip-hop may shine through a little on this one.”
In late 2025, TBOC also shared the video for ‘PSEUDO INTELLECTUALS ARE HATING ON MY BAND!!! (pure power)’, featuring Keith Buckley. The track is as angular as it is angry. Watch the video here. In the summer, the band dropped the also-ripping single ‘MODERN FASHION’. Watch the video here. The band’s debut album “And Now I’m Just Gnashing My Teeth” arrived in 2024. Get it here.
In addition to performing at ShipRocked 2026 later this month, TBOC will serve as support for Guns N’ Roses for two shows this summer. The band will also embark on several dates supporting Poison the Well and Converge in the spring. Find a full list of the band’s upcoming shows here.
Eric Stenman and Aaron Bruno first collided in the California hardcore scene of the early ’90s. Stenman cut his teeth in the same Sacramento community that eventually launched diverse and disparate acts like Deftones, Far, Will Haven, Team Sleep, Hella, Death Grips, and Trash Talk. Bruno was born and raised just north of L.A. and nicknamed “AWOL” by his high school friends.
Eric played guitar for cutting-edge, electro-infused rockers Tinfed. Commercial success eluded them despite a cult following, a deal with a major label, and an appearance on the M:I 2 soundtrack. Bruno co-founded the hardcore band Insurgence as a teenager. His next band, Home Town Hero, toured with Weezer and Stone Temple Pilots and released a major label album, but combusted in 2004. Next came Under The Influence Of Giants, who, despite critical acclaim, disbanded in 2008. Stenman became one of the most sought-after producers of alternative rock. His discography as a producer, mixer, and engineer includes important releases from 7 Seconds, Senses Fail, ††† (Crosses), and AWOLNATION. AWOLNATION, of course, is the multi-platinum act Bruno formed in 2009.
The spirit of the underground and the personal catharsis delivered through metallic hardcore never left either of them. So, when Aaron learned that Eric crafted a batch of throwback bangers combining impassioned angst with modern sensibilities, he wanted in immediately. The Barbarians were born. The apparent “full circle” moment isn’t lost on either of them. “It’s a funny time in our lives to go back and make the most aggressive music we’ve ever created,”Stenman laughs. “Both of us have always had a love for this world. If given the opportunity, why not try to give back to it?”
