'We gave Nathan Connolly a copy of our record and they loved it. I just mentioned to them. Well, if you guys ever need an opening band. They just happened to it "Come on the road!"'[5]
They recorded their debut EP, titled The Great Disruptors, at Van Leeuwen's home studio[1] and eventually released it on July 13, 2009.[2][3] Van Leeuwen stated that the EP included the first songs recorded by the band[1] with a cover of The Kinks' "Tired of Waiting for You"[1][3] added, describing it as "a single with four B-sides."[1] In August, the group released the video to the title track from the EP[6] before going on to play a show at the LondonBarfly[6] followed by appearances at both the Reading and Leeds Festivals.[6] In late October and early November, the group supported Eagles of Death Metal for a number of shows on their UK tour.[1][6]
With new material recorded, the group released Sweethead on November 2, 2009. The album was produced by Van Leeuwen[1][7] with recording and engineering by Van Leeuwen, Block[7] and Billy Howerdel[7] (of A Perfect Circle and Ashes Divide) among others. The album was also mastered by Alain Johannes[7] The group went on to tour as the main support for the German/UK leg of the Deserve the Future Tour with Them Crooked Vultures.[8] In a November interview, Van Leeuwen hinted that should his commitments with Queens of the Stone Age clash with Sweethead, he would allow the group to continue with him switching to a writing and recording capacity until he could return:
'I think I'll always be involved in Sweethead, and I'll do my best to be involved as much as I can. But like I said, if things get too crazy with Queens Of The Stone Age, which they tend to do, it's totally understood that the idea should continue on, even if I move on to just doing the recording and the writing, and maybe not so much touring. It's really early to say. I love the band, and it's partly my baby, so I want to make sure that it's treated right.'[1]
Serrina Sims stated in an interview that the group may record a new album in the first part of the new year, before the US release of the debut album in March 2010, and when Queens of the Stone Age release a new album and tour, Sweethead will reconvene and continue.[5]
On April 5, 2010, the group announced a string of dates in Europe, including the Rock im Park Festival, as well as the UK, including the Download Festival. In June of the same year, they announced a handful of dates touring in the western US.[9]
Descent to the Surface (2016–present)
On April 8, 2016, they released their second studio album, Descent to the Surface.[10]
