The Cold Stares, an American rock band duo, was formed in 2009 in Evansville, Indiana, by guitarist-singer Chris Tapp and drummer Brian Mullins, who are originally from Madisonville, Kentucky. The duo became friends when playing in other bands during their early twenties. Chris and Brian went on to pursue separate interests, only to reconnect again ten years later.

In 2012, The Cold Stares released their album A Cold Wet Night and a Howling Wind. Tracks off this album include "Jesus' Brother James", "Parchment Farm" and "The Third Degree". This album went on to sell 25,000 copies and made it to #1 on Amazon Music's Blues Rock albums.

The Head Bent album was released on June 16, 2017. This album included the songs "Head Bent", "Neighbor Blues" and "God and Country". A fun fact: The song "Head Bent" was used in a Dodge commercial.

The Cold Stares released their album Mountain on October 31, 2018. Tracks included on this album are "The Great Unknown", "Stickemup" and "Sleeping With Lions". This album has 15 songs on it. "Sleeping With Lions" was used by Animal Kingdom on TNT, a Monster Energy commercial, ESPN, and the X Games.

Another album release came on October 18, 2019. This album was titled Ways. Once again, The Cold Stares, with this album, would make Amazon's Best Sellers list in the Hard Rock category. Songs from this album include "Any Way The Wind Blows", "Ways" and "Jackson Mississippi". This album consists of 13 songs.

With 2020 came the Covid 19 pandemic which led to the cancellation of 2020 Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea II cruise, a scheduled event that The Cold Stares would have been supporting Joe Bonamassa.

How amazing is it that The Cold Stares "Mojo Hand" was used as the trailer song for the video game Cyberpunk 2077 and received more than ten million streams on YouTube. The trailer for the game also featured actor Keanu Reeves and another song from the band titled "Suffer Me".

The Cold Stares signed with Mascot Label Group in 2021. With this came the announcement of their fifth studio album, Heavy Shoes. This album has 12 songs, including "20 Dead Men", Take This Body From Me" and "Hard Times". This album was released August 13, 2021. The Classic Rock Magazine and their readers chose the singles "In The Night Time" and "Prosecution Blues" as tracks of the week. This album would also catch the eye of American Songwriter Magazine. They called it "gusty and personal" and "arguably their finest record".

With the addition of bassist Bryce Klueh in 2022, the duo became a trio. The band then went right to work on their next album, Voices that was released March 10. 2023 under the Mascot Label Group. The songs on this album include "Nothing But The Blues", "Come For Me" and "Lights Out".

The Cold Stares have truly captured the music world like a whirlwind. They have been on the road with people like Joe Bonamassa, Larkin Poe, Rival Sons, Reignwolf, Spoon, Grand Funk Railroad, and Thievery Corp, among many others. It is amazing to see their strength and persistence in each new opportunity that presents itself.

We are eagerly keeping our eyes out for the release of their newest album, The Southern, which is expected to be released in the spring of 2024. In the meantime, The Cold Stares are busy touring in 2024.