Emerging as a voice for the damaged masses in the early-2000s post-hardcore scene, rock group the Used gained popularity with their breakthrough platinum debut album, ‘The Used.’ The potent mixture of feral rage and unabashed vulnerability connected them to their audience, with hit singles like ‘The Taste of Ink’ and ‘Buried Myself Alive’ resonating on radio and MTV. Despite challenges, the band reached creative peaks on albums like ‘In Love and Death’ and ‘Lies for the Liars.’ Their sound evolved with each release, showcasing maturity and growth in their seventh effort, ‘The Canyon,’ and the nostalgic callback to their roots in 2020’s ‘Heartwork’.
The Used’s journey was marked by overcoming poverty, homelessness, and substance abuse in their hometown of Orem, Utah, before securing a contract with Reprise Records and releasing their self-titled debut album in 2002. Relentless touring quickly expanded their fan base, leading to successful stints on major tours like Warped Tour and Ozzfest. Their public consciousness soared with the release of ‘In Love and Death’ in 2004, followed by collaborations and successful albums like ‘Artwork’ and ‘Imaginary Enemy.’ Despite lineup changes, including the departure of members and new recruits like Justin Shekoski, the band continued to evolve, culminating in critically acclaimed releases like ‘The Canyon’ and ‘Heartwork’ in 2017 and 2020 respectively.