Formed by Dakota Malinowski and Branden Johns in 2012, later joined by guitarist Zach Smith and drummer Taylor Paulson in late 2020, Killing Rapunzel is a hard rock band based in Wausau, Wisconsin. Together, the four realized that they have been given the tools, and shown the wisdom from the leaders of the past. They knew that they could show this new world how to rock their souls out.

The mission statements of Killing Rapunzel are,

To make people aware of the problems that are destroying and corrupting the world, and the assurance that no one is alone if they experience one of these problems.

That the members of Killing Rapunzel express the “excess” that every human faces. All the while showing the fun, and the adverse side of every situation, they also share a position with many others, that states that if one believes, wants, and needs something, one can, and will, get it.

That it is not because of the unique way that they operate, appear, and create music, but it is with the power, and solely, in the hands of the fans, current and future, that Killing Rapunzel will make the biggest, baddest, and most spectacular shows and music in metal history, regardless of anything that gets in their way.

So far along their timeline, Killing Rapunzel has played many shows across the Midwest, many being festivals such The Price County Fair, and the annual Rock The 400 Block Party. Killing Rapunzel has also had the honor of opening up for national recording artists Smile Empty Soul, Powerman 5000, Texas Hippie Coalition, Trapt, Doll Skin, 3 Pill Morning, ONE (The Only Tribute To Metallica), The Fuck Off And Dies, Warrant, Sebastian Bach, Armored Saint and Dokken. They also have successfully carried out their self-sustained Taking Control Tour 2016 across the midwest, throwing down in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa and Illinois.

Currently, Killing Rapunzel is a self-governing entity and they record, mix and master their own music. They have recently released their debut album, "Taking Control", which includes the single, S&M. They keep their own books and file for their own claims and records, such as trademarking and copywriting applicable material.

Though the leadership and guidance portrayed by the members of this group is accredited to many people throughout their lives, Killing Rapunzel takes great pride in taking part of the collective mindset of global touring artist, Tom Hess’, Music Career Mentoring Program, whose core values are to elaborate on the steps and necessary mindset needed to “become successful” in the music industry.

Along with being a growing business, Killing Rapunzel strives to be a national and global touring act. Together, aiming to tear the roof down in venues all across the world, Killing Rapunzel has their hearts set on showing the world that real rock and metal is long from dead.