Erra was formed in 2009 by high school friends Alex Ballew, Jesse Cash, Adam Hicks, Garrison Lee and Alan Rigdon in Birmingham, Alabama. The band wrote and self-released two EPs: one self-titled in 2009 and Andromeda in 2010. This gained the attention of Tragic Hero Records, which had signed them in 2011. Later that year, the band released their first studio albumImpulse and toured with bands such as Born of Osiris and Upon a Burning Body.
''Augment'' and line-up changes (2012–2014)
In 2012, Adam Hicks left the band to pursue other career options and the band began writing their second studio album with Cash tracking both guitar and bass for the album. Augment was released and gained the band a lot more attention from touring bands and began touring more extensively. Hicks was replaced by current guitarist Sean Price, who was included in the "Hybrid Earth" music video. The band toured the following year to promote their second release. Vocalist Garrison Lee and guitarist Alan Rigdon announced their departure from the band in 2014 and left on good terms.
''Moments of Clarity'' and ''Drift'' (2014–2017)
Following the end of their record deal with Tragic Hero, Erra signed to Sumerian Records in mid-2014. Bassist Sean Price moved to rhythm guitar and vocalist Ian Eubanks replaced Garrison Lee's position. In 2014, their third EP Moments of Clarity was released through Sumerian. It reached No. 1 on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart. Throughout 2015, Erra opened up for bands such as August Burns Red on their Frozen Flame Tour and TesseracT on their 2015 Polaris album tour. In late 2015, Eubanks parted ways with the band, citing an impact on his health as the main reason. In 2016, vocalist J.T. Cavey, former member of Texas in July, joined the band to replace Ian Eubanks' position. Cavey and the band entered the studio and wrote and released their third studio album Drift. The album reached No. 1 on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart. The band toured on the Sumerian 10-year tour, along with Born of Osiris, Veil of Maya, After the Burial and Bad Omens.
''Neon'' (2018–present)
On June 12, 2018, the band issued the first single from their album Neon. The album was released on August 10, 2018, and is the band's third release on the label Sumerian Records, and the second album to feature J.T. Cavey on vocals. It peaked at No. 1 on the US Billboard 200's Heatseekers Albums chart. In September 2018, the band departed on tour with After the Burial and The Acacia Strain. On August 8, 2019, the band released a new single titled "Eye of God", it was made available to pre-save. In August 2019, Erra went on the Neon/Alien tour through North America with Northlane, Crystal Lake and Currents.
The band has been referred to as "the spearhead of the whole modern/progressive metalcore movement" and have referred to their own style as "melodic-ambient." They have cited August Burns Red, Misery Signals, Born of Osiris, and Saosin as musical influences. Cove Reber and Anthony Green of the bands Saosin and Circa Survive have been noted as a particular influence on Jesse Cash's vocals.
