Since the release of their 2023 album The Above, the band Code Orange has been relatively quiet. During an insightful guest appearance on The Nik Nokturnal Podcast, lead singer Jami Morgan confirmed that the band is currently on a hiatus. He took the opportunity to reflect on the band’s legacy and what it has meant to them and their fans.

Understanding the Current Status of Code Orange

Fans who have been closely following the developments surrounding Code Orange will note that guitarist and singer Reba Meyers has embarked on a new chapter by joining Marilyn Manson’s touring band and launching her own solo career. In parallel, Jami Morgan has partnered with guitarist-keyboardist Eric “Shade” Balderose to release a 2024 EP under the new project name Nowhere2Run.

When asked about the current state of Code Orange, Morgan candidly shared, “We don’t [have any plans]. Code Orange is on the shelf, and I think it’s there for a good reason, for many reasons. I think you can put two, two and four together, and you’ll probably come to the answer.” This statement emphasizes the band’s thoughtful approach to their music and future, suggesting they are taking a deliberate pause for a purpose.

As the conversation shifted to The Above, Morgan disclosed that during the album’s production, guitarist Dominic Landolina was grappling with a genetic condition that hindered his ability to tour. Consequently, the band could not support the record with live performances to the extent they had hoped, which was a disappointment for Morgan and the fans alike.

Reflecting on the album, he expressed, “If you guys haven’t checked it out yet, it says a lot of what needed to be said about that, and even just spiritually, artistically… It’s such a, for me, beautiful way to have put that pause on it. And it kind of says everything that I wanted to say. It’s almost like it feels a little bit like a death record in some ways, but in like a beautiful way for me.” His words convey a deep appreciation for the artistry behind The Above, indicating that it holds significant personal meaning for him.

Despite feeling “artistically fulfilled” by the album, Morgan reiterated, “[Code Orange] is just on the shelf and there’s many circumstances, and we’ll see what happens. But, yeah, I have no plans.” This uncertainty adds to the intrigue surrounding the band’s future endeavors while highlighting their current focus on individual projects.

Insights from Jami Morgan on Code Orange’s Hiatus

In a later segment of the podcast, Morgan revisited the topic of Code Orange‘s hiatus, sharing, “If it was right, and if things were right, and things were happening the right way, then we would have did it. But I felt that they weren’t, for many reasons, and so did others.” His candidness reveals a commitment to maintaining the integrity of the band rather than forcing a continuation that didn’t feel genuine.

Rather than continue against their instincts, Morgan emphasized the band’s philosophy, stating, ‘Fuck that. That’s not how we operate.’ He expressed a desire to maintain their values, declaring, “I’m gonna die like a warrior on my shield, not like a fucking bitch, you know, screaming and crying and kicking and moaning.” This perspective underscores the band’s refusal to compromise their principles, even during difficult times.

READ MORE: Reba Meyers Issues First Statement on Playing With Marilyn Manson

“But at the same time,” he added. “I think that the band will accrue love.” This statement reflects his belief that the band’s artistry and dedication will eventually resonate with fans and new listeners alike.

He continued, “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. Because I do think it’s… I still hundred percent believe it’s very forward thinking, and I think it always kind of was, and I’m very proud of that. I’m very proud of it,” concluded the singer, reiterating his passion for the band’s work and its impact on the music scene.

Jami Morgan Discusses Code Orange on The Nik Nocturnal Podcast

A Comprehensive Look at Code Orange’s Journey

This pause in activity serves as an opportune moment to reflect on the impressive journey of Code Orange from their inception to the present day. The band, originally known as Code Orange Kids, was formed in Pennsylvania and eventually dropped “Kids” from their name to signify their evolution.

Jami Morgan, Reba Meyers, and Eric “Shade” Balderose have been with the band since its early days in 2008, starting with their self-titled EP. Bassist Joe Goldman joined the ranks in 2011, followed by guitarist Dominic Landolina in 2017. In 2021, drummer Max Portnoy came onboard, allowing Morgan to step back from drumming duties, and he became a full-time member in 2023.

Throughout their career, the group has released five studio albums, three EPs, one live album, and one remix album, showcasing their versatility and creativity. Notably, three of their records—I Am King, Forever, and Underneath—have successfully broken into the Top 10 of Billboard’s Hard Rock Albums chart, reflecting their substantial impact on the genre.

The band has also been recognized with two Grammy nominations for Best Metal Performance. The first nomination was for the Forever album in 2018, followed by a second nomination in 2021 for Underneath. These accolades highlight their contributions to the metal and hard rock scenes, affirming their status as influential artists.