How Faith No More’s “Epic” Redefined Metal in 1990

Faith No More experienced a pivotal moment in 1990 with their single “Epic,” which not only salvaged their career but also transformed the landscape of metal music. After the commercial struggles of their third album, The Real Thing, the band’s label had begun to lose confidence. With their new vocalist, Mike Patton, replacing original singer Chuck Mosley, the group faced scrutiny over their perceived departure from their post-punk roots.

A review in the Los Angeles Times questioned whether Faith No More had become “a bandwagon-jumper deserving that cynicism itself.” Despite this backlash, the band remained steadfast in their artistic direction. Although their lead single “From Out of Nowhere” had failed to gain traction in the United States, the band was allowed to choose their next single, resulting in “Epic.”

Breaking Through the Noise

Released on January 29, 1990, “Epic” initially struggled to attract attention; radio stations largely ignored it, and MTV only aired its music video twice before shelving it. The turning point came during a chaotic performance at the London Astoria on February 7, 1990. Following a collapsed crash barrier and an electrifying atmosphere, Randy Skinner from Warner Brothers recognized the band’s potential and urged a renewed promotional push.

As a result, “Epic” began to gain momentum, reaching the UK charts and peaking at number 37 in February. By May, the single had topped the Australian charts, prompting US radio and MTV to take notice. On September 8, 1990, “Epic” reached number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking a significant milestone for alternative metal.

Drummer Mike Bordin reflected on the band’s identity and influences, stating, “We really identified with bands like Metallica because they came in with this punk rock energy.” In contrast to mainstream hits like “Love In An Elevator” and “Still Of The Night,” Faith No More distinguished themselves by blending various genres, including funk, soul, and thrash.

A Double-Edged Sword

The success of “Epic” proved to be a double-edged sword. While it solidified Faith No More’s position within the alternative music scene, it also brought a level of fame that the band struggled to navigate. Mike Patton expressed discomfort with newfound celebrity, stating, “I’ve never had anyone look up to me and take what I say as gospel.”

Despite the challenges associated with their rising fame, Bordin acknowledged the significant impact of “Epic” on their career trajectory. He noted, “Epic allowed us to keep working and upped the narrative so far as crowds and people being aware of the band goes.” The song became a defining moment in their legacy, with many later associating them with the nu-metal movement.

Patton and Bordin emphasized their desire to create a unique sound by drawing on diverse musical influences. “We just wanted to take the stuff we loved, cut out what we didn’t,” Bordin explained, highlighting their eclectic tastes that shaped their innovative approach to music.

Even amidst the varied offerings on The Real Thing, “Epic” stands as a groundbreaking track that opened doors for future metal acts, including Korn and Killswitch Engage. This single not only marked a turning point for Faith No More but also solidified their place in music history, paving the way for a new era in metal.