rock bands have largely influenced the band like the deftones, sepultura, sick of it all, and snapcase. at an early age, schwab listened to slayer, s.o.d., and metallica. he later discovered east coast hip hop. during the recording of "rival factions", the band took heavy influence from post-punk groups like depeche mode, joy division, psychedelic furs, and the sisters of mercy. some of their favorite bands are the cure, portishead, quicksand, shiner, and sunny day real estate.