Formed in the steel town heartland of Youngstown, Ohio, TiLT 360’s origins are rooted in serendipity, raw passion, and the unshakable bond of musical kindred spirits. The story began in late 1999, when Billy Smaltz, a gritty vocalist and reflective songwriter, answered a humble local ad from drummer Heather Jurina: Drummer looking for singer. That simple call to connection set the wheels in motion. From their very first session together, the creative chemistry was undeniable. Not long after, bassist Drew Salzano joined the fold, bringing his emotive touch and sonic depth to what was quickly becoming more than just a band, it was a family. Over the years, TiLT 360 cycled through three different guitarists, each adding their own stylistic flair. But it wasn’t until Jason Miller, guitarist and songwriter, walked into the rehearsal space that the band’s signature sound fully crystallized.
With Jason’s arrival, TiLT 360’s identity solidified: an emotionally-driven, genre-fusing powerhouse that blended nu-metal intensity, alternative rock textures, and introspective lyricism. Together, the group played tirelessly for over a decade, carving out a loyal regional following and developing a discography that resonated with real human emotion. But in 2010, life took a pause. The band stepped away from the stage and studio for personal reasons, entering a long hiatus that left fans in hopeful limbo. Years passed. Yet the songs they had once created continued to find life, receiving positive feedback and heartfelt reviews long after they had stopped playing. This timeless resonance became a sign, it was time to reunite, to revisit old wounds and old triumphs, and to begin again.
Released on February 10, 2025, It Grows is far more than a typical EP, it’s a reckoning, a renewal, and a reverent look at everything TiLT 360 has endured and become. With four powerful tracks, the EP acts as both a reflection of their past and a vision of their future. It contains two unreleased recordings, the touching, socially observant Innocence and the heartbreak-laced Drown, as well as remastered versions of two cornerstone songs from their 2008 album Day 11: the emotionally charged It Grows and the high-octane journey of The Ride Down.
Recorded between Youngstown, OH and Harrisburg, PA, the EP dives headfirst into themes of addiction, loss, heartbreak, personal struggle, and the fading purity of innocence. It is a collection rooted in deeply personal experiences, from Billy Smaltz’s harrowing battles with addiction and his military service, to Salzano’s vulnerable songwriting born from heartbreak. It Grows is TiLT 360’s triumphant echo from the silence. It’s the sound of a band reclaiming their voice, and reminding the world why it needs to be heard. With this release, TiLT 360 doesn’t just return. They rise, and they grow.
It Grows EP Track List:
It Grows:
From the very moment It Grows kicks off, there’s a fierce surge of energy that grabs hold and refuses to let go. The track opens with a gritty, distorted guitar riff that immediately sets the tone for something raw, emotional, and unrelenting. That intro doesn’t just serve as a sonic door into the world of the song, it’s a declaration of intensity. As the pounding drums follow closely, the band dives headfirst into a powerful blend of nu metal and alternative rock, demonstrating a maturity and edge that speaks of a group that’s deeply attuned to their sound. The production is crisp and well-layered, highlighting every element with a professional polish that doesn’t compromise the raw energy the band thrives on.
As the song unfolds, its transitions and shifts are executed with precision and intention. The verses simmer with tension, the rhythm section pulsing steadily beneath vocals that carry both restraint and underlying fire. Then the chorus hits, and it’s explosive. The vocalist unleashes a deeply expressive performance, pouring grit and anguish into every line. It’s in these moments where the true synergy between instrumentation and vocals shines. The guitars roar, the drums crash, and the bassline grounds everything in a thick, resonant groove. Together, they build a sonic atmosphere that’s emotionally gripping and undeniably immersive. It’s clear that the band has mastered the art of ebb and flow, using quiet-loud dynamics to heighten the emotional stakes of the song.
What TiLT 360 ultimately delivers with It Grows is more than just a hard-hitting rock track, it’s an experience. The music evokes a blend of catharsis and introspection, tapping into personal themes of struggle and transformation. The band’s chemistry is palpable; the way the instrumentation mirrors the emotional urgency of the vocals creates a unified, almost visceral performance. There’s a certain weight in the way the sound grows, true to the song’s title, into something that engulfs the listener, both sonically and emotionally. By the end, you’re left not just moved, but shaken in the best possible way. It Grows stands as a testament to TiLT 360’s ability to craft rock music that’s not only intense but deeply affecting.
The Ride Down:
From the moment The Ride Down kicks off, TiLT 360 wastes no time establishing a sonic landscape that is both explosive and unapologetically intense. The opening seconds detonate with maddening electric guitar riffs that tear through the silence with a bold ferocity, thick, crunchy, and layered with a raw energy that immediately ignites adrenaline. As the riffs crash and twist with precision, the drums follow with a pounding, catchy rhythm that breathes urgency into every beat. This isn’t just background percussion, the drums serve as the very engine of the song, driving it forward with an insatiable force that keeps the momentum burning from start to finish. There’s a visceral synergy between guitar and percussion, a kind of chaotic perfection where every strike, every note, feels purposeful, calculated, and yet wildly free.
The true brilliance of the song emerges in the vocal delivery, a voice that commands without screaming, calm in tone yet weighed down with a gravelly intensity. The lead singer doesn’t overpower the instrumentation; instead, his voice wraps around it, weaving into the soundscape with an understated dominance that brings emotional depth and nuance. It’s a masterful contrast, the restrained vocals against the instrumental storm, and it creates a gripping dynamic that elevates the track beyond a typical rock-metal anthem. The backup vocals and additional harmonies serve as atmospheric amplifiers, widening the scope and adding layers of richness. These sonic textures act as scaffolding to the lead voice, cushioning it in places and lifting it in others, all while filling melodic gaps with just the right amount of warmth and resonance.
As the song progresses, the structure reveals an incredible level of craftsmanship in its ebb and flow, it doesn’t rely on linearity, but rather on tension and release. There are sudden shifts in tone and rhythm that jolt the listener, pulling them from moments of thunderous intensity into surprising spells of calm, only to throw them right back into the storm. These transitions are seamless and intelligently designed, allowing the track to breathe while keeping its core energy intact. The percussive layering and textural nuances in the instrumentation add further complexity, showcasing not only technical prowess but a clear artistic vision. The Ride Down doesn’t just entertain, it transports. It takes you on a pulse-racing journey through emotional highs and lows, adrenaline-fueled passages and introspective pauses, all held together by stunning production and a fearless performance. It’s a masterstroke of balance between chaos and control, power and poise, and it firmly establishes TiLT 360 as sonic architects who know exactly how to shake and seduce their audience.
It Grows is not just an EP, it’s a visceral experience, a sonic journal of emotional survival and human resilience that speaks directly to the heart of anyone who has ever faced inner battles, lost their way, or longed for healing. TiLT 360 delivers a project that feels deeply lived-in and emotionally authentic, blending haunting lyricism with masterful instrumentation to create something both timeless and timely. Each track is steeped in raw vulnerability, whether grappling with addiction, heartbreak, or the tragic erosion of innocence, and the band’s chemistry elevates these themes into something cathartic and unforgettable. For longtime fans and new listeners alike, this EP is a compelling reminder of music’s power to confront, to comfort, and ultimately to grow. TiLT 360 has returned with a purpose, and It Grows deserves not just a listen, but a space in every playlist that values music with depth, truth, and soul.
For more information about TiLT 360, click on the icons below.
Listen to It Grows by TiLT 360 and Manu more on our Rock/Electric Guitar Based Playlist.
