Metal-leaning hardcore unit If Hope Dies got together in the summer of 1998 around vocalist Alan French, guitarists Thad Jackson and Aaron Conti, bassist Gary Mann (aka Gary Manowar), and drummer Brandon Wakeham. Based out of Auburn, NY, the guys took influence from local heroes Manowar and played around for a few years before issuing their debut album, Siege Equipment for Spiritual Decline, through Diehard Records in December 2002. Conti exited following the record's release, and was replaced on guitar by Fred Cardinal. If Hope Dies continued honing their sound and live show ...