Neurosis (band)

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Neurosis
Neurosis performing in Seattle, Washington, 2008.
Neurosis performing in Seattle, Washington, 2008.
Background information
Origin Oakland, California, USA
Genre(s) Experimental
Post-metal
Sludge metal
Doom metal
Progressive metal
Hardcore punk (early)
Years active 1985−present
Label(s) Neurot
Relapse
Alternative Tentacles
Lookout!
Alchemy
Associated acts Neurosis & Jarboe
Tribes of Neurot
Red Sparowes
Harvestman
Blood and Time
A Storm of Light
Battle of Mice
Website www.neurosis.com
Members
Scott Kelly
Steve Von Till
Dave Edwardson
Noah Landis
Jason Roeder
Josh Graham
Former members
Adam G. Kendall
Pete Inc.
Simon McIlroy
Chad Salter

Neurosis is an experimental metal band, based out of Oakland, California. Their unique sound draws from influences ranging from hardcore punk and doom metal to dark ambient, industrial, and tribal music as well as incorporating elements of indie and folk music. The band is highly regarded as the primary pioneer of its genre,[1] sometimes referred to as post-metal. Critic Brian Russ has described them as "atmospheric hardcore".[2]

Contents

[edit] History

In late 1985, Scott Kelly, Dave Edwardson and Jason Roeder (formerly members of Violent Coercion) founded the band as a hardcore outfit and it has gradually progressed through a variety of styles, arriving at a mixture of heavy metal and acoustic, minimalistic ambiance which has proved influential on the doom metal scene.[citation needed]

Although Neurosis has been lumped into the hardcore punk genre, because of their previous style on their first two releases, the band has steadily evolved into a powerful, thoughtful and sensitive guitar-based band. Some critics describe their sound as apocalyptic folk, but this is clearly a misgenrelisation as musically their closest comparison is undeniably metal, albeit experimental.

Neurosis's sound is on occasion reminiscent of the more experimental work of Swans and Pink Floyd. Mostly what remains of their hardcore punk influence in their current style is Kelly and Steve Von Till's vocal styles though heavy metal singing techniques are utilized with them.

Their constant evolution has no doubt alienated a good many of their original fanbase,[citation needed] though by the same token the band has garnered acclaim from critics as well as new listeners.[citation needed]

From 1990 to 1993 Adam G. Kendall was recruited to create the visuals and perform live with the band. Following his departure from touring, Pete Inc. took over the job, although Kendall continued to contribute visuals for the band until as late as 1997. Kendall also shot the footage for the Locust Star video. Josh Graham took over live visuals in early 2000, and is still with the band to date, having also done album artwork for 2007's Given to the Rising and 2004's The Eye of Every Storm.

Often experimental and psychedelic in nature, the visuals have added to the reputation of Neurosis' live performances. Many of the visuals for their tours supporting Through Silver in Blood can be found in the film Altered States. Some of the other visuals can be sampled on the enhanced portion of the Sovereign mini album and on the A Sun That Never Sets DVD video release. The majority of the dvd release was directed by Josh Graham, with an additional video by Chad Rullman.

Additionally, the band have founded their own independent record label, Neurot Recordings, which, in addition to releasing material from Neurosis and its associated projects, has since become home to several up-and-coming innovative musical acts.

[edit] Members

[edit] Discography

[edit] Albums

[edit] 7" singles/EPs

[edit] Official bootlegs

[edit] Video/DVD

[edit] Reissues

[edit] Side projects

  • Neurosis & Jarboe a collaboration between Neurosis and Jarboe
  • Tribes of Neurot - The "alter ego" of Neurosis; a collective of musicians that create dark ambient and noise music.
  • Blood and Time - An acoustic side project of Neurosis with apocalyptic folk overtones.
  • Culper Ring - A brief side project of Neurosis experimenting with dark ambient and industrial music.
  • Red Sparowes - A group formerly featuring Josh Graham, as he departed the group early 2008.
  • A Storm of Light - A heavy/drone/experimental/rock band featuring Josh Graham.
  • Harvestman - an ambient/industrial side band featuring Steve Von Till.
  • Violent Coercion - pre-Neurosis Hardcore/punk band with Scott Kelly on guitar and Dave Edwardson on bass.

[edit] Bands influenced by Neurosis

 This section does not cite any references or sources. (April 2008)
Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed.
  • Mastodon- A progressive group out of Atlanta. Kelly has done vocals on two songs. The group has stated that Neurosis is one the biggest influences on their sound.
  • Cult of Luna - Swedish band influenced by Neurosis.
  • Isis - A Boston-based band (now relocated in Los Angeles) that lists Neurosis as heavily influential on their sound. Both bands regard each other as great friends. Fans of Neurosis are usually familiar with this band.
  • Pelican - a four-piece instrumental post-rock/post-metal band from Chicago, Illinois who have since relocated to Los Angeles.
  • Gojira - A progressive death metal band from Bayonne, France that have claimed Neurosis as a strong influence.
  • The Sound of Animals Fighting - A California-based progressive rock music group featuring members of Finch, Rx Bandits, Chiodos, and Circa Survive. The beat, and some effects from the song "Skullflower", off of Lover, the Lord Has Left Us… was taken from the Neurosis song "A Sun That Never Sets".
  • Twin Zero - A UK experimental metal band, featuring Karl Middleton of Earthtone9 with strong Neurosis influences.
  • Light Years - A ambient, post-metal band from Long Island, New York that have citied Neurosis as a strong influence on the direction of their sound.
  • Fall Out Boy - Bassist Pete Wentz first met Lead Vocalist and Guitarist Patrick Stump in a Borders Borkstore, when he overheard Patrick talking about Neurosis. Both members share a mutual interest in the band.

[edit] Bands that influenced Neurosis

[edit] External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to:

[edit] References

  1. ^ "Neurosis", The BNR Metal Pages. Retrieved on 2008-01-11. 
  2. ^ "Atmospheric Hardcore", The BNR Metal Pages. Retrieved on 2008-01-11. 
v • d • e
Neurosis
Dave Edwardson • Scott Kelly • Noah Landis • Jason Roeder • Steve Von Till
Former members
Josh Graham • Pete Inc. • Adam G. Kendall • Chad Salter
Albums
Singles and EPs
Aberration • Empty • Locust Star • The Doorway/Threshold • Sovereign
Official bootlegs
Live in Lyon • Live in Stockholm
Video/DVD
Related Articles
Tribes of Neurot · Neurot Recordings · Red Sparowes · Culper Ring · Blood and Time · Harvestman · Violent Coercion
Official website | Neurot Recordings