Rorschach (band)
| Rorschach | |
|---|---|
 Rorschach in NYC 2009 | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | New Jersey, United States |
| Genres | Powerviolence, hardcore punk, metalcore |
| Years active | 1989-1993, 2009-2012 |
| Labels |
Gern Blandsten Records Chainsaw Safety Records Old Glory Records Vermiform Records Wardance Records |
| Associated acts |
Computer Cougar Deadguy Die 116 Kiss It Goodbye Playing Enemy Ambush |
| Past members |
Charles Maggio Andrew Gormley Nick Forte Keith Huckins Chris Laucella Thom Rusnak |
Rorschach is a New Jersey-based band that existed from 1989 to 1993 and reformed in 2009 until 2012. The group often blended hardcore punk and dissonant elements of metal providing the inspiration to a number of hardcore and post hardcore bands thereafter.
The first release by the band, Remain Sedate, shows the band's sound at a stage when they played fast, heavy hardcore with a metal slant and raspy hardcore vocals. At this time they also drew heavy comparisons to Die Kreuzen for their bizarre chord progressions and Charles Maggio's unearthly howl.[1] However, as the band progressed, they developed a slower, more sinister, sludge sound that was influenced by New York band Swans.[1] Additionally, the vocals developed into high-pitched, tortured screaming rather than shouting, due in part to voice problems Maggio was experiencing at the time. This change in sound can be heard primarily on their second full-length release, Protestant. Shortly after issuing this album, the group disbanded, some members eventually joining Deadguy and Kiss It Goodbye. Rorschach has performed occasional reunion shows from 2009 through 2012.[2]
Decibel magazine inducted Protestant into their Hall of Fame.[3]
The Rorschach song "Pavlov's Dogs" is depicted in the 2012 film Zero Dark Thirty as being used to torture suspected terrorists.[4]
Members
- Final line-up
- Tom Rusnack - bass (1992-1993, 2009-2012)
- Andrew Gormley - drums (1989-93, 2009-2012)
- Keith Huckins - guitar (1989-93, 2009-2012)
- Nick Forte - guitar (1989-93, 2009-2012)
- Charles Maggio - vocals (1989-93, 2009-2012)
- Previous members
- Chris Laucella - bass (1989-1991)
Discography
| Year | Album | Type | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | Remain Sedate | Studio album | Vermiform Records |
| 1991 | Needlepack | EP | Wardance Records |
| 1991 | Split w/ Neanderthal | EP | Vermiform Records |
| 1993 | Protestant | Studio album | Gern Blandsten Records |
| 1993 | Close Your Eyes and See Death | Live album | Como Caca! Edizioni |
| 1993 | Split w/ Operation Mindfuck | EP | Lund Castle Core Records |
| 1994 | Split w/ 1.6 Band | EP | Chainsaw Safety |
| 1995 | Autopsy | Compilation album | Gern Blandsten Records |
| 2009 | Remain Sedate/Protestant | Compilation album | Gern Blandsten Records |
Compilation appearances
- God's Chosen People (1993, Old Glory)
- Fear of Smell 12" (1993, Vermiform)
- Look At All The Children Now (1990, Evacuate)
- Forever 7" (1990)
Related bands
- Computer Cougar - Charles Maggio, Nick Forte
- Deadguy - Keith Huckins
- Die 116 - Andrew Gormley
- Kiss It Goodbye - Andrew Gormley, Keith Huckins, Thom Rusnak
- Playing Enemy - Andrew Gormley, Thom Rusnak
- Shai Hulud - Andrew Gormley
- Radio To Saturn - Nick Forte
- Bone of Contention - Keith Huckins, Charles Maggio
References
- 1 2 "Powerviolence: The Dysfunctional Family of Bllleeeeaaauuurrrgghhh!!". Terrorizer no. 172. July 2008. pp. 36–37.
- ↑ Rorschach band Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/pages/RORSCHACH/51692712838
- ↑ "Rorschach - Protestant". Decibel. August 4, 2011. Retrieved January 20, 2016.
- ↑ http://www.vice.com/read/zero-dark-thirty-made-me-write-this
External links
- Rorschach's Facebook page
- Gern Blandsten Records - Charles Maggio's record label, including a short biography of Rorschach
- Another site on Rorschach
- Rorschach - BandToBand.com