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 and industrial 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]
History
In late 1985, Scott Kelly, Dave Edwardson and Jason Roeder (formerly members of Violent Coercion) founded the band as a hardcore outfit, borrowing from British crust punk. 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.
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 have compared their sound to apocalyptic folk.citation needed
Their constant evolution has no doubt alienated a good many of their original fanbase, though the band has garnered acclaim from critics as well as new listeners.
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 2004's The Eye of Every Storm and 2007's Given to the Rising.
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 Ken Russell's film Altered States. Other images are included in 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 innovative musicians.
Influences
Neurosis have cited Hank Williams, Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, Black Sabbath, King Crimson, Black Flag, Hawkwind, Joy Division, Rudimentary Peni, Celtic Frost, Melvins, Die Kreuzen, and Amebix[3][4] as inspirational.
Neurosis have also alluded to the work of Philip K. Dick, Jack London, Paul Bowles, and Cormac McCarthy.[5]
Members
- Scott Kelly - guitar, vocals (Tribes of Neurot, Blood and Time; previously in Violent Coercion)
- Steve Von Till - guitar, vocals (Tribes of Neurot, Culper Ring, Harvestman)
- Dave Edwardson - bass guitar, synthesizer, vocals (Tribes of Neurot, The Enemies, I Am Spoonbender, Jesus Fucking Christ; previously in Violent Coercion)
- Noah Landis - organ, piano, samples (Tribes of Neurot, Blood and Time; previously in Christ on Parade)
- Jason Roeder - drums (Tribes of Neurot; previously in Violent Coercion)
- Josh Graham - visual artist (Tribes of Neurot, ex-Red Sparowes, Battle of Mice, A Storm of Light, Blood and Time)
Discography
Albums
- Pain of Mind (1987, Alchemy Records)
- The Word as Law (1990, Lookout! Records)
- Souls at Zero (1992, Alternative Tentacles)
- Enemy of the Sun (1993, Alternative Tentacles)
- Through Silver in Blood (1996, Relapse Records)
- Times of Grace (1999, Relapse Records)
- A Sun that Never Sets (2001, Relapse Records)
- Neurosis & Jarboe (2003, Neurot Recordings)
- The Eye of Every Storm (2004, Neurot Recordings/Relapse Records)
- Given to the Rising (2007, Neurot Recordings)
7" singles/EPs
Official bootlegs
Video/DVD
Reissues
Side projects
External links
References
- ^ "Neurosis", The BNR Metal Pages. Retrieved on 2008-01-11.
- ^ "Atmospheric Hardcore", The BNR Metal Pages. Retrieved on 2008-01-11.
- ^ Anthony Bartkewicz, Decibel Magazine No. 31, May 2007. [1] Access date: June 18, 2008
- ^ Q&A with Scott Kelly of Neurosis, October 17, 2000 [2] Access date: June 18, 2008
- ^ Jasper, Interview with Neurosis, Lords of Metal, [3] Access date: July 9, 2008.
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