The Heavenly States came together in 2002, united by a shared passion for complex and cathartic rock bursting with literate, provocative lyricism. A series of acclaimed albums and a seemingly endless capacity for touring – including a landmark 2005 trek to Egypt and Libya – confirmed their status as one of America's fearless music outfits, flying the flag for self-determination and intelligent, energetic rock 'n' roll. After songwriters Ted Nesseth and Genevieve Gagon relocated from Oakland to Austin, the newer rhythm section of Gray Parsons and Benjamin Howard joined and the triple-LP HISS was released in 2015.