Despiona
Despiona | |
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| Background information | |
| Origin | Salt Lake City, UT, USA |
| Genres | Djent, metalcore, deathcore, progressive metalcore |
| Years active | 2024–present |
| Labels | Yumeno Records |
| Associated acts | Behold Here's Poison |
| Website | https://www.despionaslc.com |
| Members | Tanner Tholl, Devon Cobb |
| Past members | Kayden Gauger, Sawyer Gauger, Brigham Johnson, Diego Viveros, Brayden Dey |
Despiona is an American heavy metalcore band formed in Salt Lake City, UT, in 2024. The band was formed by bassist & vocalist Tanner Tholl, guitarists Kayden and Sawyer Gauger, and vocalist Devon Cobb. The band's sound merges a strong old-school 2000’s deathcore style with modern metalcore, djent, and progressive elements. They released their debut EP Malice in June 2025. Shortly after, Diego Viveros joined as drummer and Brayden Dey joined as guitarist.
Formation
The band was originally formed in Evanston, Wyoming by Tholl under the name “Behold Here's Poison”. The group released three albums under that name before rebranding and finding their place in the Salt Lake City underground scene. The name "Despiona" is inspired by the Greek goddess Despoina.
The group’s debut EP “Malice” was produced by Pablo Viveros (ex-Chelsea Grin) at Elevate Studios in Salt Lake City, UT. Casio Robinson, a good friend of the band, co-wrote the EP as well as worked on pre-production and tracked bass after the departure of their initial bassist.
Lineup Changes
The band started out as a five-piece with Brigham Johnson on bass. Johnson was later removed from the band after playing one show.
Guitarists Kayden and Sawyer Gauger parted ways with the band in August 2025 after a tour cancellation and the band announced via Instagram that they will be on a short hiatus.
The band returned shortly after announcing the joining of Diego Viveros on drums and Brayden Dey on guitar and are gearing up for 2026.
