By the time 1000 Yard Stare hit shelves in August 1999, rock was in a strange place. The post-grunge wave, riding high on the success of bands like Creed and Godsmack, was dominating the airwaves, but much of it felt formulaic. For a lot of listeners, rock was at a crossroads—between the emotional intensity of grunge and the emerging commercial sheen of nu-metal and butt rock. Amidst this backdrop, Atlanta’s doubleDrive emerged, blending gritty riffs and melodic hooks with a level of musicianship that distinguished them from the pack.
While many bands were content to ride the downtuned wave of grunge’s successors, doubleDrive had deeper roots, tapping into influences that spanned from post-hardcore to alternative metal. They were contemporaries of heavier acts like Sevendust, but where those bands found a modicum of mainstream success, doubleDrive never quite broke through. Why? Blame it on timing, misaligned label support, or just plain bad luck. But, listening back to 1000 Yard Stare today, it’s clear that this record deserved better.
Atlanta’s Rock Scene in the Late 90s
In the late ‘90s, Atlanta’s rock scene was percolating with talent, spawning bands that flirted with national success. doubleDrive was no exception, quickly building a local following after forming in 1996. By 1998, they were voted Atlanta’s favorite metal band—no small feat considering the competition. But despite the buzz, their debut album flew under the radar for most.
The album, released under MCA Records, combined elements of hard rock, metal, and that quintessential post-grunge edge. Songs like “Tattooed Bruise” and “Belief System” showcased intricate guitar work and powerful vocals, giving the band a sound that echoed early Soundgarden or even Helmet, but with a Southern twist. This was a time when bands were being snapped up by major labels in hopes of finding the next big thing, and unfortunately for doubleDrive, they didn’t quite fit into the mainstream mold that was being peddled at the time.
1000 Yard Stare
1000 Yard Stare opens with a burst of energy. From the aggressive grooves of “Tattooed Bruise” to the hook-laden melodies of “Belief System,” the album’s dynamic range stands out even today. But it’s more than just riffs and heavy beats. There’s a level of musicianship that elevates the record. Troy McLawhorn’s guitar work, laced with dissonant chords and experimental effects, keeps listeners engaged, while Josh Sattler’s basslines weave in and out, offering more than just the root-note foundation typical of the genre.
A standout track, “Vamp,” adds a brooding element that breaks up the intensity midway through the album, reminiscent of early post-hardcore influences. There’s a sense of experimentation here, a willingness to blend heavy rock with more subtle textures. It’s these moments that make 1000 Yard Stare more than just a late-90s rock album.
While the music shines, not everyone was sold on Donnie Hamby’s vocals. Comparisons to Scott Stapp of Creed and Eddie Vedder were inevitable—Hamby’s deep, emotive voice lent itself to the yarl-heavy style that dominated the era. But when he let loose, particularly on the faster, more aggressive tracks, Hamby’s vocals could be electrifying. Songs like “Standby” show him at his best, delivering a raw intensity that pairs perfectly with the frenetic pace of the music.
However, in the slower moments, his vocal style sometimes felt overly dramatic, falling into the trap that many post-grunge singers did. Despite this, fans who revisit the album today often praise Hamby for his range and the emotion he brings to the heavier tracks.
What Could Have Been
It’s a classic story: a band with immense potential gets caught in the tides of a shifting music industry. By 2003, doubleDrive had signed to Roadrunner Records, releasing their second album Blue in the Face, but it too failed to make the impact it deserved, selling only 27,000 copies. The band broke up in 2006, leaving behind a legacy of two criminally underrated albums.
Looking back, 1000 Yard Stare holds up remarkably well. It’s a record that feels tied to its time, yet still manages to transcend the post-grunge label. Tracks like “Sacrifice” and “Reason” offer glimpses of what could have been massive radio singles in another era, but perhaps doubleDrive was simply ahead of their time.
In 2018, doubleDrive briefly reunited, selling out two shows and reminding fans of the energy they brought to the stage. Guitarist Troy McLawhorn went on to join Evanescence, continuing his career in music, while Hamby and other members have remained relatively quiet in the years since.
For fans of 90s rock looking for a hidden gem, 1000 Yard Stare is worth a spin. It’s a reminder of an era when rock was still evolving, bands were experimenting with sound, and some of the best music was flying under the radar. doubleDrive may not have reached the heights of their peers, but 1000 Yard Stare remains a testament to their talent and passion.
Songs in this Episode
Intro - 1000 Yard Stare
22:31 - Belief System
27:12 - Tattooed Bruise
35:02 - Vamp
38:45 - Gone
40:50 - Reason
Outro - Hell
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doubleDrive - 1000 Yard Stare | 90s Rock Revisited