Integrity (band)

Integrity

Integrity at Roadburn Festival 2017
Background information
Origin Ohio, United States
Genres Metalcore, hardcore punk
Years active 1988 (1988)–present
Labels Relapse Records, A389 records, Deathwish, Holy Terror, Victory, Magic Bullet Records, Organized Crime Records
Website holyterror.com
Members
  • Dwid Hellion
  • Domenic Romeo

Integrity is an American hardcore punk band originally formed in 1988. The group was founded by vocalist Dwid Hellion (born Jack McLimans; February 25, 1971).[1] Born in Indiana and raised in Kentucky before moving to Northeast Ohio at age 16, Hellion eventually relocated to Belgium in 2003.[2] Their 1996 release, Humanity is the Devil, featured cover artwork by legendary musician and artist Pushead, who is widely known for his contributions to metal, punk, and skateboard culture.[3] While their studio and live lineups have varied widely with the exception of Hellion, the band has been active since 1988.[4]

Integrity has played numerous international shows and festivals, most recently including the This is Hardcore festival (2016, Philadelphia, PA) and Amnesia Rockfest (2016, Montebello, CAN), Roadburn Festival (2017, Tilburg, NL) and Hellfest (2017, Clisson, FR).[3]

In 2016, a twentieth anniversary edition of Humanity is the Devil was rereleased by Organized Crime Records. 2017 marks the release of their twelfth full-length studio album, Howling, For the Nightmare Shall Consume (Relapse Records). Integrity has appeared on nearly fifty recordings since 1988.

Legacy and Critical Acclaim

Integrity is credited with innovating the crossover genre that mixed metal and hardcore punk. Their music has been described as "an intense sound that melds together high-velocity hardcore punk, heavy metal, thrash, and angular, noisy guitar riffs with lyrical themes that include religion, the supernatural, mental illness, individualism, the occult, and Holy Terrorism."[5]

Albert Mudrian, editor-in-chief of the monthly metal magazine Decibel and author of Choosing Death: The Improbable History of Death Metal and Grindcore, claims that "They're one of the watershed artists" for heavy music genres, explaining that "they're definitely important to all forms of extreme music. A band like Hatebreed wouldn't sound like they did without Integrity opening up that door for them."[1] Artist Derek Hess, whose art has appeared on albums and promotional materials for numerous metal, hardcore, and crossover artists ranging from Unearth to Converge, as well as MTV's Headbangers Ball compilations,[6] claims that "They were ahead of the curve. Integrity started incorporating art and illustrations, and I think that was a real right-on thing that broke away from the pack. When you say the name Dwid throughout the industry, they know who you're talking about. He's infamous. It's not just a local thing."[1]

Hellion has had numerous side projects, including his electronic project, Psywarfare.[7]

In July 2017, Hellion was featured on the cover of Decibel magazine, no. 153. He is quoted as saying "I do not listen to much new music. When I need a new album to listen to, I make one."[8] Previously, in 2013, Integrity's Systems Overload (1995, Victory Records) was featured in the Decibel "Hall of Fame" in issue no. 107. In the seven-page feature which interviewed all the members who had written or played on the album (Hellion, Aaron Melnick, Lenny Melnick, Mark Konopka, Chris Smith, and Frank Novinec), the album is referred to as "the landmark work in a grand and heretical oeuvre".[9]

Members

Integrity's only current, permanent members are Dwid Hellion and Domenic Romeo.

Integrity's lineup has been an all-star selection of Cleveland hardcore and metal musicians active with other national acts. Former rhythm guitarist Frank Novinec also played in Ringworm, Hatebreed, and Terror. Founding Integrity member Aaron Melnick (lead guitar) and his brother Leon 'Lenny' Melnick (bass) also played in In Cold Blood. Former live guitarist Mike Jochum and his brother, drummer Nate Jochum, played in Final Plan. Derrick Green of Sepultura contributed guest and backup vocals to the album Integrity 2000 (1999).[10]

Timeline

Discography

Studio albums
EPs and singles
Splits
Live/video albums

Music videos

References

  1. 1 2 3 Ferris, D. X. "The Godfather of Cleveland Hardcore". Cleveland Scene. Retrieved 2017-06-19.
  2. ↑ Ramirez, Carlos (November 16, 2009). "Integrity's Dwid Sits Down for Rare Interview". Noisecreep. AOL. Retrieved January 22, 2013.
  3. 1 2 "Interview: Dwid Hellion (Integrity)". Punktastic. Retrieved 2017-06-19.
  4. ↑ "Humanity Is The Devil And Integrity Are The Best Band Ever". Noisey. Retrieved 2017-06-19.
  5. ↑ "Biography". Relapse Records. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
  6. ↑ "The Album Art of Derek Hess". RateYourMusic. Retrieved 2017-06-19.
  7. ↑ "Sound as a Weapon: Integrity's Dwid Hellion on Psywarfare's Legacy". Noisey. Retrieved 2017-06-19.
  8. ↑ "Hardcore Legends Integrity Grace the Cover of the Latest Decibel". Decibel Magazine. Retrieved 2017-06-21.
  9. ↑ "Integrity - "Systems Overload"". Decibel Magazine. Retrieved 2017-06-21.
  10. ↑ Miller, Shawn. [www.metal-observer.com/3.o/review/integrity-integrity-2000/ "Integrity - Integrity 2000 - The Metal Observer"] Check |url= value (help). The Metal Observer. Retrieved 2017-06-21.
  11. ↑ Adams, Gregory (March 21, 2013). "Integrity Announce 'Suicide Black Snake'". Exclaim!. Retrieved March 21, 2013.
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