Discovering Hidden Music Gems: Grey Daze

This is one of the most astonishing cases when most people have no idea of the band’s existence even though the lead singer is one of the most recognizable and well known music stars of our time. I am talking about the band Grey Daze and their singer Chester Bennington.

If you listen to rock or metal, then you must have heard of Linking Park. One of the leading nu-metal bands of early 2000s and super popular alt-rock groups of modern era in general. Even if you are not a rock fan, you most likely heard one their songs. On the radio, in the movie or just randomly on the web. Linking Park was and remains extremely popular.

And in big part their popularity lies in their front man Chester Bennington. His vocal range, his talent, stage presence, charisma. It’s like he was born to be a lead singer. Unfortunately his life was cut short as his life long struggles caught up with him.

But before he became the face of Linkin Park he was in a band called Grey Daze. Their music was quite different from LP. Grey Daze was the first band where he showcased all his talent. And the songs he wrote and released with his first band are truly wonderful. This is the caliber of music that if you hear it once, you will always recognize it. It is so good that you can easily have on repeat in you music playlist. This is the music you want to check, trust me.

Who are the Grey Daze? Short Bio

Grey Daze is an alternative rock band from Phoenix, Arizona, formed in 1993 by Chester Bennington, who later became the lead singer of Linkin Park. The band released two albums, “Wake Me” (1994), and “…No Sun Today” (1997), before disbanding in 1998.

In 2017, Bennington planned to reunite with the band, but he died before the reunion could happen. The band decided to honor his legacy by releasing a new album, Amends (2020), using his original vocals from the 1990s. The band also released an acoustic EP, Amends…Stripped (2021), and another album, The Phoenix (2022), featuring guest appearances from Bennington’s family and friends.

For the latest news about the band you can always check their official website and socials.

Music Style of Grey Daze

Grey Daze’s music style has been influenced by grunge, post-grunge, and alternative rock. Heavy riffs and Chester’s vocals are something that you can’t get enough of if you enjoy rock. And it is something that is hard to confuse with anything or anyone else.

It’s worth mentioning that their sound changed since the original releases. The first albums (before the band has gone on hiatus) were really raw and grungy. The latest 2 albums (released after Chester’s passing) are more up to date in terms of the sound. They have a modern alternative rock style with some experimentation. But not to the point of where Linking park went with their experiments. It is still alternative rock.

This makes the same songs sound both old school and totally modern. Just choose the versions you like more and you’ll have a blast either way.

What makes Grey Daze so special?

Chester Bennington. Once you hear any of the band’s songs it’s easy to say what makes Grey Daze so special and so different. Chester’s one of a kind voice and his ability to pour all his emotions into a song. And then deliver these emotions straight to your heart. And also the lyrics. They are often heavy. They are often the reflections of the man’s pain. But they are very poetic at the same time. It is a bittersweet combination of the beautiful music and the tragic story behind it.

Best Song by Grey Daze

This is one of the cases when picking the best song is super hard. Each song has it’s own unique side that makes it beautiful and appealing. Definitely one of the most underrated discography of any rock band that ever existed.

If you prefer more raw grunge sound, the original albums should be your pick. If you are looking for something with a modern musical arrangement, then the re-resealed songs will be better. The choice may simply come down to your mood.

But if you’ve never heard Grey Daze, I can recommend a song “She Shines” as you first listen. This is one of their best songs as well.

If you already listened to this song and have the same feeling as I do, then all I can say is – Welcome aboard, you are now officially the Grey Daze fan. Simply pick your time and listen the rest of the band’s discography. It is amazing.

And these are the TOP 10 songs by Grey Daze. It’s my custom playlist, feel free to enjoy it on YT or Spotify.