Words: Timothy Asher

The last time anyone heard from punk act American Steel was 2002. After six years together, they'd managed to put out three albums, become veterans of multiple tours, and have a band member beat leukemia, and were in the process of writing a new record.

Only it wasn't an American Steel record. For a band known for changing their style and experimenting with other forms of music, this one just didn't feel like American Steel. Not wanting to offend their fan base, they changed the name to Communique, a more pop-influenced act.

Now, six years later, American Steel is back. The main questions is, why?

"The short answer is, it felt like more fun,"  says lead singer Rory Henderson. "I was also starting to write music that sounded more like American Steel. So it was basically 'I have an American Steel record in my head, I might as well make one.'"

That record, Destroy Their Hearts, has elicited positive responses from fans and critics alike. It also marked a new milestone: the first American Steel album released on Fat Wreck Chords.

"They really like their bands on Fat, they love 'em and they work for 'em," Henderson says. "Everybody is really loyal and I really appreciate being there. It's been one of my better relationships in the music industry as a whole."

And while the digital revolution is changing that industry, American Steel isn't overly concerned with pirating. There have been occasions where kids will come up and just give them ten bucks, explaining they downloaded the album illegally and wanted to make sure the band got paid.

"People view a band like us as a mom-and-pop store you don't want to steal from," says Henderson. "I guess we're lucky to be in a genre where the kids really love their bands and they don't wanna feel like they are taking from them."

True to their roots, the first show back was at a house party, but since then American Steel have toured with labelmates The Lawrence Arms, performed a blistering set at Fest 6 in Gainesville, hit the road with NOFX and No Use for a Name, and are currently doing shows with Alkaline Trio. And there are more on the way.

"We're looking for a US fall tour and maybe a European tour in the fall," says Henderson.  "Oh, and a headlining or co-headlining tour, as we've been support so far."

New music is on the horizon as well. American Steel have enough material for a new album and plan on recording around the holidays, with a release date hopefully next summer or late spring.

"I feel like if you're going to get back together, I think there should be new music to incorporate with it," Henderson says. "Rather than just getting back together and playing old songs you should offer something new to the world while you're doing it. For better or for worse."

If Destroy Their Future is an indication, it's for the better.

American Steel opens for Alkaline Trio at Orlando's House of Blues on July 19.

myspace.com/amsteel