It’s been a minute since we’ve heard new noise from the relentless force that is Code Orange — and now we know why. On a recent episode of The Nik Nokturnal Podcast, vocalist and creative spearhead Jami Morgan confirmed the rumors: “Code Orange is on the shelf.”
But here’s the thing — shelving Code Orange isn’t a death knell. It’s a strategic pause, a reset button smashed at the right time.
Morgan didn’t lay out a step-by-step breakdown of reasons, but he dropped enough breadcrumbs. As fans already clocked, guitarist/vocalist Reba Meyers has been lighting up the stage with her solo work, even hitting the road with Marilyn Manson. Eric “Shade” Balderose released an EP (Nowhere2Run) with help from Morgan himself. Life moves, creativity shifts, and sometimes the universe says, “Yo, maybe it’s time to step sideways.”
Add to that a heartbreaking reality: guitarist Dominic Landolina’s serious health issues around the release of their album The Above kept them from touring properly. For a band that thrives on the full-body, immersive experience of live performance, that’s a brutal hit.
Still, Morgan sounds anything but bitter. If anything, he sounds proud — proud of what they built, proud of where they pushed the boundaries.
“There was so much art and love put into the band, dude, and so much thought. And I think that over time, hopefully that’ll accrue, and maybe the trends and stuff will come around and swing to it.”
The Above might not have received the immediate mainstream accolades it deserved, but Code Orange has never played for instant validation. They’ve always been forward-thinking — ahead of the curve, whether the world caught up or not.
Here’s the bigger picture: when you spend years pushing the limits of hardcore, metalcore, industrial, and experimental rock, you eventually need to refill the tank. That’s exactly what’s happening. Meyers finding her solo voice. Balderose exploring new sonic territory. Morgan taking a step back to recalibrate.
This isn’t the end. It’s a chapter break.
And honestly, it’s refreshing. Bands that burn too bright, too fast, often flicker out entirely. Code Orange is making sure that when they return — and make no mistake, Morgan’s words leave the door wide open — they’ll be sharper, hungrier, and even weirder (in the best way) than before.
If you’re a real one, you know: the shelf is just a stopover. Code Orange will be back. And when they are, they’ll be swinging for heads.
Stay ready.
