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Michale Graves is one of the most polarizing yet influential figures in horror punk, best known as the lead singer of The Misfits from 1995 to 2000. As the frontman during the band’s controversial 1990s resurrection, Graves helped bring a new era of mainstream success to The Misfits, contributing to iconic albums like American Psycho and Famous Monsters. After The Misfits disbanded in 1983, bassist Jerry Only and guitarist Doyle Wolfgang von Frankenstein spent years attempting to regain control of the band’s name and legacy. After winning legal battles against Glenn Danzig, Only reformed The Misfits in 1995 with a new lineup, auditioning for a new lead singer. Enter Michale Graves, a young punk musician from New Jersey who impressed Only and Doyle with his powerful, theatrical vocals.In 1997, the new lineup released American Psycho, the first Misfits album in nearly 15 years. Featuring songs like "Dig Up Her Bones," "Resurrection," and "Shining," the album introduced a more polished, anthemic version of horror punk, blending punk with heavy metal-style riffs and a cartoonish horror aesthetic.The follow-up album, Famous Monsters (1999), became even more commercially successful, with tracks like "Scream!," "Helena," and "Saturday Night" showcasing Graves’ ability to deliver softer, more melodic horror ballads alongside high-energy punk anthems. During this time, The Misfits gained a new, younger fanbase, appearing on major tours, wrestling events (WCW), and even collaborating with horror director George A. Romero for the Bruiser soundtrack.Despite the success of Famous Monsters, tensions within the band grew between Graves and Jerry Only. In 2000, Graves quit the band mid-tour, citing internal conflicts and creative frustrations. Though he briefly returned in 2001, he soon left for good, leading to a tumultuous period for The Misfits, who eventually transformed into a new project with Only as the lead singer.Graves wasted no time launching his solo career, initially forming Gotham Road, a heavier, metal-leaning band. By 2005, he shifted to a solo acoustic and punk style, releasing albums like:Punk Rock Is Dead (2005)Return to Earth (2006)Illusions (2007) (featuring Damien Echols of the West Memphis Three)Vagabond (2013)🔥 Controversies and Political ViewsIn the 2010s, Michale Graves became a controversial figure due to his outspoken political beliefs and activism. His association with far-right and nationalist politics led to backlash from the punk community, with some promoters and venues canceling his shows. While he continued to perform and record, his reputation within horror punk became increasingly divisive, with many fans distancing themselves from his later work.