The Central Valley is no stranger to local talent. INSPITE is unique in the thriving metal and hardcore punk scene with its raw sound and authentic spirit.
INSPITE doesn’t just play shows, they create a full-blown, intense sound, with high energy encouraging crowd participation for ‘headbanging’ — a form of expressing one’s enjoyment for the heavy beat of the music.
Their track “Get Rich and Die” is the perfect example of this intensity. The rhythm of the beat makes you want to sway, embodying the hardcore style.
Juan Guerrero, a Fresno State graduate, stepped into his first hardcore show without knowing what to expect. What he found was a rush of adrenaline.
“I’ve never seen a mosh pit,” Guerrero said. “It was my first time seeing one, the crowd was jumping, kicking around and pushing each other, it’s part of that culture.”
The band’s formation started when lead singer Sergio Hernandez Rodriguez, drummer Phillip Garcia and bass and backup vocalist Oley Jacobs left their previous band, Sumthin Else, in 2023. At the time, Rodriguez and Garcia were both 19, and Jacobs was 20.
Rodriguez and Garcia wanted a name that would reflect their resilience and passion in an ever-evolving music scene.
“We wanted a name that stood out for no limits and absolutely no gimmicks,” Rodriguez said. “We don’t need to play catch-up, and that’s what makes us INSPITE. The only thing that matters to us is staying true to ourselves and our fanbase.”
Rodriguez reconnected with guitarist Carmelo Rosales, a high school friend, through Instagram. The band used Vampr, a musician networking app, where they brought in Oley Jacobs on bass and backup vocals, and Nico Alexander, who joined as the second guitarist in 2025.
Jacobs was the first to join, then Rosales and lastly Alexander.
Each member brings in a unique background and influence to the band. For example, Rodriguez once pursued rap but switched to hardcore for something “more exciting.”
Rodriguez is also inspired by Sepultura, a Brazilian heavy metal band, which inspired him to make groove-heavy music that speaks about societal issues. Having grown up around musicians and DJs all his life, Rodriguez always knew he wanted to create something meaningful.
At a young age, Rodriguez faced hard challenges where he learned to move forward with resilience. He had to be okay with moving forward and not staying stuck in the past.
“In five years, I see us near our peak,” Rodriguez said. “Our sound will be so much more developed by then.”
Garcia is a film and media major and a music technology minor in his senior year at Fresno State.
As a child, Garcia was surrounded by family members who played instruments. When Garcia turned 12, his family gave him his first drum set, a gift that would spark a lifelong passion. From there, he taught himself how to play, and the rest is history.
Garcia had many influences that have shaped his drumming career, including legendary performers.
“Tommy Aldridge from Ozzy, Vinny Appice from Dio, Danny Carey from Tool and Gar Samuelson from Megadeth are some of my idols,” Garcia said.
His musical tastes were shaped early by bands like AC/DC and evolved for a love of ‘80s and early ‘90s thrash metal.
Garcia believes that authenticity is INSPITE’s greatest strength. Getting to a point where people appreciate the band’s work and get excited is something meaningful to Garcia.
“We care more about our songs and their impact than chasing clout or faking a narrative,” Garcia said. “We’ve sewn a vision together and care about making that reality for ourselves.”
INSPITE’s music comes together naturally during jam sessions. Preparation for their live performances is flexible, sometimes chaotic, but not stressful. With everyone’s schedule being different, rehearsals can vary from week to week.
“Sometimes it’s winging it, sometimes we’re a little more prepared; usually it involves slurpees,” Jacobs said.
The band’s first debut performance was at The Layover in early 2024, formerly known as The Fulton. Their favorite venue to play at is Summer Fox Brewery in the Tower District, known for its good vibes and supportive community.
Their most recent media feature was a live performance at Community Media Access Collaborative’s (CMAC) immigration fundraiser.
“It felt like being on ‘Saturday Night Live’ or something, probably the most legit show we played,” Rodriguez said.
INSPITE shows attract high school students, college students and some older fans who are usually friends or family. Anyone with good vibes and who is ready to thrash or jump in a mosh pit is welcome to the shows.
With the rising in Fresno’s hardcore scene alongside bands like Brujos and Disorderly Conduct, a new wave of energy is pushing its way to the front.
“Without a doubt, I feel that the wave is at a year mark right now,” Garcia said.
INSPITE has big plans ahead. They’ve been setting up a California tour for nearly a year now and have already hit spots like San Luis Obispo and Easton. The band plans on taking over other outside towns like Visalia, Sacramento and Merced.
There will be upcoming shows in October at Summer Fox Theater. Additionally, INSPITE is working on releasing new material for the spring.
“Right now the main goal is just to write new stuff and hopefully start rerecording our three-song EP so we can add that to the album,” Rodriguez said.
Fans can support by purchasing stickers, banners and T-shirts, which will be available soon. INSPITE can be found on multiple social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok and on Spotify, along with other streaming platforms.
INSPITE wants to inspire resilience. Their straightforward style is something the band wants their fans to embrace.
“We’ve been through a lot together on and off stage, and sharing those experiences has shaped our friendship and how we play as a band,” Alexander said.
INSPITE’s message is simple: Stay true to yourself and keep chasing your passions.
“Don’t give up,” Rodriguez said. “It gets hard. You’ll have your ups and downs.”
With a younger crowd, INSPITE hopes to inspire the next wave of musicians and fans to push forward despite hard challenges.
