For over a decade, Third Knuckle has been carving out its place in the hard rock scene, steadily evolving from its dive-bar roots to a band with a distinct, hard-hitting identity. With the release of its latest single, JUDGE, Third Knuckle has taken yet another step forward—one that cements its ability to balance powerful instrumentation with thought-provoking lyricism.

From Covers to Originals: Finding Their Identity

Founded in 2012 by longtime collaborators Bill Jolliemore and Ed Lawrence, Third Knuckle initially built its reputation playing cover gigs while honing its original material in the background. Their sound—rooted in classic and modern hard rock—drew from influences like Metallica, Soundgarden, and Shinedown, but it wasn’t until they fully embraced original songwriting that they started to develop a truly unique voice.

Over the years, the band’s approach to songwriting has matured, with lyrical depth becoming just as important as their signature guitar-driven edge. Tracks like The Page explored themes of personal growth, and now, JUDGE takes that progression even further, tackling the way people judge others and the need for deeper understanding.

A New Layer of Depth in JUDGE

Sonically, JUDGE stays true to Third Knuckle’s “mean and clean” style, blending heavy riffs with anthemic energy. However, where the song truly shines is in its message. The band challenges the listener to reconsider how they perceive others, calling out the ease of passing judgment without context or understanding.

“Never judge a book by its cover; discover what’s inside,” the lyrics urge—marking a shift in the band’s songwriting approach. While earlier material leaned more on storytelling and emotion, JUDGE pushes into social reflection, something that elevates Third Knuckle’s presence in today’s rock landscape.

WATCH VIDEO HERE: https://youtu.be/_GNT-rYT5jY?si=Cb_p-SHYEQlZAUkP

Where Does Third Knuckle Go From Here? With JUDGE, Third Knuckle proves they aren’t just about heavy riffs—they’re about thoughtful, resonant music that challenges listeners. Their evolution has been gradual but deliberate, and this latest release showcases a band that has found its stride.

As 2025 unfolds, it’s clear that Third Knuckle isn’t content to stay in one place. Their growth as songwriters, musicians, and performers is evident, and if JUDGE is any indication, they’re gearing up for something even bigger. Rock music thrives on evolution, and Third Knuckle is proving that they’re not just keeping up—they’re pushing forward.

Follow the band at: https://www.facebook.com/ThirdKnuckle/