Sparta
Sparta is an American post-hardcore/alternative rock band from El Paso, Texas, formed in 2001. The band currently consists of Jim Ward (vocals, guitar), Matt Miller (bass), and drummer Neil Hennessy. Founding members Ward, Paul Hinojos, and Tony Hajjar were members of post-hardcore group At the Drive-In, forming Sparta in 2001 after the break-up of their former band while the other members from At the Drive In went on to form progressive rock band The Mars Volta. Sparta went on hiatus in 2008 for Ward to focus on his solo career and side projects, reuniting from 2011 to 2013 for a series of shows and permanently reuniting in 2017. The band has released five studio albums to date; their fourth, Trust the River, was released in 2020 after a 14-year break between releases and their 5th LP (self titled) in 2022. A sixth album, Cut a Silhouette produced by the legendary J Robbins (Jawbox), is set for release in May 2026 on Equal Vision Records. Sparta's music has been described by Pitchfork as "anxious, epic guitar rock", and by SPIN Magazine as having "a reliably cathartic and emotionally charged presence."
News updates for Sparta
El Paso, TX post-hardcore / alt rockers Sparta announce new LP "Cut A Silhouette" for May 29 release via Equal Vision Records. New Single "Crater"co-written with Frank Iero (My Chemical Romance) now streaming
Celebrated El Paso, TX Alt Rock / Post Hardcore band Sparta have just announced their new LP titled "Cut A Silhouette" set for release on May 29, 2026 via Equal Vision Records. Produced and recorded by the renowned J. Robbins (Jawbox) at Magpie Cage Studio, this record signifies a bold evolution for the Texas alt-rock stalwarts, blending post-hardcore energy with melodic introspection across 10 brand new tracks. Collaborating with Frank Iero of My Chemical Romance on the dynamic lead off single 'Crater' now streaming everywhere, Sparta's distinctive sound shines through, offering a fresh exploration of new musical territories while still sounding very much like classic Sparta. Check out the official video for 'Crater' below and for more details on the new LP, scroll up to the above.
Texas Alt-Rock / Post-Hardcore band Sparta declare desire on latest single "Everything You Say" from forthcoming LP
Equal Vision Records, Dine Alone Records and Sparta are pleased to present “Everything You Say,” the latest track to be lifted from the Friday, May 29 release of Cut A Silhouette, the forthcoming album from the celebrated El Paso, TX-based alt-rock band. “The music for this was brought in by Matt [Miller] to the earliest writing sessions at my house in El Paso, tweaked in a hotel room in Oklahoma City and played at a soundcheck that night,” frontman Jim Ward recalls. “It is one of those songs that takes shape early and no matter how you adjust, it just keeps ending up back where it started. I love it. This is a dreamy song about longing and love. A big scream declaring desire.”
The latest track is a call back to their earlier material with big melodies, clean guitar leads followed by explosive distortion, loud screams and monster hooks. Watch the music video for “Everything You Say” directed by Travis Shinn below.
Releases
Cut A Silhouette
May 29, 2026Embark on a sonic journey with Sparta's highly anticipated album, 'Cut A Silhouette', set to release on May 29, 2026 via Equal Vision Records. Produced by the renowned J. Robbins at Magpie Cage Studio, this record signifies a bold evolution for the Texas alt-rock stalwarts, blending post-hardcore energy with melodic introspection. Collaborating with Frank Iero of My Chemical Romance on the dynamic single 'Crater' now streaming everywhere, Sparta's distinctive sound shines through, offering a fresh exploration of new musical territories while still sounding very much like classic Sparta.
Trust The River
April 10, 2020Sparta, led by Jim Ward, is set to release their first studio album in over a decade, titled Trust The River on April 10 via Dine Alone Records. The album features a lead single "Believe" with a notable contribution from Carlos Arevalo of Chicano Batman.
Driven by a focus on music rather than fame, Ward worked with longtime bandmate Matt Miller to create a diverse and inspired record, incorporating elements from his various musical experiences. The upcoming album is a blend of his heavy band background with his melancholic solo work, creating a harmonious mix of influences.