Taproot has experienced the highs and lows of the rock ’n’ roll life. The alt-metal act self-released its albums in the early days, and spent time on Atlantic Records in the early 2000s, but the band is right at home now with indie powerhouse Victory Records.

On tour: Taproot — Stephen Richards (vocals, guitar), Michael DeWolf (guitar), Phil Lipscomb (bass) and Nick Fredell (drums) — performs at McGuffy’s House of Rock in Dayton at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 18.

Indie act pt. 1: Taproot formed in Ann Arbor, Mich., in 1997 and self-released three albums before graduating to the major labels at the dawning of this century.

The big time: After two strong-selling records for Atlantic Records, “Gift” (2000) and “Welcome” (2002), and another not as successful record, “Blue Sky Research” (2005), the group parted ways amicably with the major label.

Indie act pt. 2: Taproot released “Long Road Home” with the help of its management company, but released the 2010 follow-up, “Plead the Fifth,” on Victory Records. Although it didn’t sell as well as the group’s Atlantic releases, the album was sonically a return to form.

Familiar territory: The band’s latest album, “The Episodes,” was released by Victory in April 2012. Like “Long Road Home” and “Plead the Fifth,” the new material was recorded by Tim Patalan at The Loft Studios in Saline, Mich.

More info: The doors open Tuesday at 7 p.m. Cost: $15. Call (937) 256-3005 or visit www.mcguffy’s.net or www.taprootmusic.com.