Earth Crisis
Encyclopedia
Earth Crisis is an American metalcore
band from Syracuse, New York
, active from 1989 until 2001, reuniting in 2007. Their most recent record, To the Death
, was released in May 2009 through Century Media
.
Earth Crisis is known for supporting animal rights
, promoting a straight edge
and vegan lifestyle, and addressing further social and political issues.
, originally their bassist, formed a new lineup of the band in 1991, switching to lead vocals in the process. Buechner was joined by guitarists Scott Crouse and Ben Read, bassist Ian "Bulldog" Edwards and drummer Michael Riccardi.
1992's All Out War EP marked their debut release and established the band in hardcore punk
and metalcore circles. The next year, Riccardi was replaced by Dennis Merrick for Firestorm
; Kris Wiechmann joined shortly thereafter to replace Read. Destroy the Machines
, their first full-length record, was released in 1995. Later this year, the band's touring van was involved in an accident that injured all band members, most severely Merrick. During his recovery time, the other band members began the group Path of Resistance with Riccardi and other friends to remain occupied.
1996's Gomorrah's Season Ends
brought a more complex and developed form of metalcore. Their popularity grew, resulting in a deal with Roadrunner Records
, and the band released Breed the Killers
in 1998, the first with guitarist Erick Edwards (bassist Ian Edwards's brother) replacing Wiechmann. The album also featured a guest appearance by Machine Head
vocalist and guitarist Robb Flynn. The band later returned to Victory Records
, releasing 2000's Slither
soon after. With clear and professional production, it surprised some listeners and introduced the band's music to a wider audience. Their final album before their breakup was 2001's Last of the Sane
, which included cover version
s of songs by The Rolling Stones
, Slayer
, Led Zeppelin
, Cream
and Dead Kennedys
.
In 2001, Earth Crisis played the final show of their initial career at Hellfest in Syracuse.
, Sworn Enemy
, Shai Hulud
, Down to Nothing
and Recon.
On September 10, 2008 it was announced that Earth Crisis had signed a worldwide deal with Century Media. They entered the studio on October 16, 2008 to record a new record, and Tue Madsen was hired to mix the project. The finished album, To the Death
, was released in Europe on April 20, 2009 and in North America on May 5, 2009.
In August and September 2009, Earth Crisis played America and Europe on the Hell on Earth Tour, alongside Sworn Enemy
, Neaera
, Waking the Cadaver, War of Ages
, Thy Will Be Done and War from a Harlots Mouth
.
In March 2010, they announced that drummer Andy Hurley
of Fall Out Boy
and formerly Vegan Reich will serve as a touring member for a portion of the band's upcoming tour, as Merrick will only be available for certain dates.
In July 2011 Earth Crisis released their seventh studio album, Neutralize the Threat. The album was mixed and mastered by Zeuss. The tracks "Raise" and "Total War" were released online as an album teaser.
Metalcore
Metalcore is a subgenre of heavy metal combining various elements of extreme metal and hardcore punk. The name is a portmanteau of the names of the two genres. The term took on its current meaning in the mid-1990s, describing bands such as Earth Crisis, Deadguy and Integrity...
band from Syracuse, New York
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
, active from 1989 until 2001, reuniting in 2007. Their most recent record, To the Death
To the Death (Earth Crisis album)
To the Death is the fifth album released by American straight edge metalcore/hardcore band Earth Crisis .It is the first Earth Crisis album since they reunited in 2007...
, was released in May 2009 through Century Media
Century Media Records
Century Media Records is an Independent record label with offices in the United States, Germany, Australia, France, Italy, Sweden, Finland, and the United Kingdom.- Background :...
.
Earth Crisis is known for supporting animal rights
Animal rights
Animal rights, also known as animal liberation, is the idea that the most basic interests of non-human animals should be afforded the same consideration as the similar interests of human beings...
, promoting a straight edge
Straight edge
Straight edge is a subculture of hardcore punk whose adherents refrain from using alcohol, tobacco, and other recreational drugs. It was a direct reaction to the sexual revolution, hedonism, and excess associated with punk rock. For some, this extends to not engaging in promiscuous sex, following a...
and vegan lifestyle, and addressing further social and political issues.
Initial career (1989–2001)
The band originally formed in 1989, but its initial lineup was short-lived. Karl BuechnerKarl Buechner
Karl Buechner is the original singer for the band Earth Crisis from Syracuse, New York, United States. Since the early 1990s he has been at the forefront of the hardcore music scene...
, originally their bassist, formed a new lineup of the band in 1991, switching to lead vocals in the process. Buechner was joined by guitarists Scott Crouse and Ben Read, bassist Ian "Bulldog" Edwards and drummer Michael Riccardi.
1992's All Out War EP marked their debut release and established the band in hardcore punk
Hardcore punk
Hardcore punk is an underground music genre that originated in the late 1970s, following the mainstream success of punk rock. Hardcore is generally faster, thicker, and heavier than earlier punk rock. The origin of the term "hardcore punk" is uncertain. The Vancouver-based band D.O.A...
and metalcore circles. The next year, Riccardi was replaced by Dennis Merrick for Firestorm
Firestorm (EP)
Firestorm is an EP by the American hardcore punk band Earth Crisis, which was released in 1993. Firestorm is still one of the more controversial releases in U.S. hardcore and the title song has been accused of promoting a hardline stance...
; Kris Wiechmann joined shortly thereafter to replace Read. Destroy the Machines
Destroy the Machines
-Credits:*Karl Buechner - vocals*Scott Crouse - lead guitar*Ian Edwards - bass*Dennis Merrick - drums*Kris Wiechmann - rhythm guitar-Trivia:*The song Forced March was covered by the band Between The Buried And Me in their album The Anatomy Of....
, their first full-length record, was released in 1995. Later this year, the band's touring van was involved in an accident that injured all band members, most severely Merrick. During his recovery time, the other band members began the group Path of Resistance with Riccardi and other friends to remain occupied.
1996's Gomorrah's Season Ends
Gomorrah's Season Ends
Gomorrah's Season Ends is an album by the American metalcore band Earth Crisis, which was released in 1996.-Track listing:-Credits:*Karl Buechner - vocals*Scott Crouse - lead guitar*Ian Edwards - bass*Dennis Merrick - drums...
brought a more complex and developed form of metalcore. Their popularity grew, resulting in a deal with Roadrunner Records
Roadrunner Records
Roadrunner Records is an American record label that concentrates primarily on heavy metal bands. It is currently a subsidiary of Warner Music Group.-History:...
, and the band released Breed the Killers
Breed the Killers
-Credits:*Karl Buechner - vocals*Scott Crouse - guitar*Eric Edwards - guitar*Bulldog - bass*Dennis Merrick - drums*Screaming Lord Sneap - Additional guitar on "Ultramilitance"*Robb Flynn from Machine Head - Additional vocals on "One Against All"...
in 1998, the first with guitarist Erick Edwards (bassist Ian Edwards's brother) replacing Wiechmann. The album also featured a guest appearance by Machine Head
Machine Head (band)
Machine Head is an American heavy metal band from Oakland, California. Formed on October 12, 1991, the group was founded by Robb Flynn and Adam Duce. There have been 4 member changes since their inception. The current lineup of the band comprises Flynn , Duce , ex-Vio-Lence guitarist Phil Demmel ,...
vocalist and guitarist Robb Flynn. The band later returned to Victory Records
Victory Records
Victory Records is a Chicago-based record label founded by Tony Brummel. It is a privately held corporation. It also operates a music publishing company called "Another Victory, Inc." and is the distributor of several smaller independent record labels....
, releasing 2000's Slither
Slither (album)
Slither is the fourth album by the American metalcore band Earth Crisis. It was released in 2000.-Track listing:-Credits:* Karl Buechner - vocals* Scott Crouse - guitar* Erick Edwards - guitar* Ian "Bulldog" Edwards - bass* Dennis Merrick - drums...
soon after. With clear and professional production, it surprised some listeners and introduced the band's music to a wider audience. Their final album before their breakup was 2001's Last of the Sane
Last of the Sane
Last of the Sane is an album by the American metalcore band Earth Crisis, which was released in 2001. After this album the band split up and Karl Buechner, Eric Edwards and Bulldog went on to form the band Freya...
, which included cover version
Cover version
In popular music, a cover version or cover song, or simply cover, is a new performance or recording of a contemporary or previously recorded, commercially released song or popular song...
s of songs by The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones are an English rock band, formed in London in April 1962 by Brian Jones , Ian Stewart , Mick Jagger , and Keith Richards . Bassist Bill Wyman and drummer Charlie Watts completed the early line-up...
, Slayer
Slayer
Slayer is an American thrash metal band formed in Huntington Park, California, in 1981 by guitarists Jeff Hanneman and Kerry King. Slayer rose to fame with their 1986 release, Reign in Blood, and is credited as one of the "Big Four" thrash metal acts, along with Metallica, Megadeth and...
, Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin were an English rock band, active in the late 1960s and throughout the 1970s. Formed in 1968, they consisted of guitarist Jimmy Page, singer Robert Plant, bassist/keyboardist John Paul Jones, and drummer John Bonham...
, Cream
Cream (band)
Cream were a 1960s British rock supergroup consisting of bassist/vocalist Jack Bruce, guitarist/vocalist Eric Clapton, and drummer Ginger Baker...
and Dead Kennedys
Dead Kennedys
Dead Kennedys are an American punk rock band formed in San Francisco, California in 1978. The band became part of the American hardcore punk movement of the early 1980s. They gained a large underground fanbase in the international punk music scene....
.
In 2001, Earth Crisis played the final show of their initial career at Hellfest in Syracuse.
Post-breakup (2002–2007)
After breaking up, Buechner and the Edwards brothers formed the band Nemesis, which was later renamed Freya. Other members remained musically active.Reformation (2007–present)
On January 27, 2007, the reunited Earth Crisis played the Maryland Metal and Hardcore Festival. Although it was originally planned as a one-off concert, numerous American and European dates followed thereafter. Earth Crisis headlined the Firestorm Fest in early 2008, supported by TerrorTerror (band)
Terror is a hardcore punk band from Los Angeles, California. Their second album One with the Underdogs sold over 40,000 copies. They have also been on tours throughout Europe , Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Korea, Mexico and South America...
, Sworn Enemy
Sworn Enemy
-Biography:The band formed in 1995 as "Downfall" and later on as "Mindset", a product of the extremely expansive and influential New York Hardcore scene...
, Shai Hulud
Shai Hulud (band)
Shai Hulud is an American hardcore punk band with progressive metal influences, originally formed in Pompano Beach, Florida, the band later moved up to Poughkeepsie, New York....
, Down to Nothing
Down To Nothing
Down to Nothing is a straight edge hardcore band based out of Richmond, Virginia. Since their inception in 2000, DTN have toured all over the world. Their most recent studio recording is a CD/vinyl release titled "The Most" on Revelation Records which was released on July 15, 2007...
and Recon.
On September 10, 2008 it was announced that Earth Crisis had signed a worldwide deal with Century Media. They entered the studio on October 16, 2008 to record a new record, and Tue Madsen was hired to mix the project. The finished album, To the Death
To the Death (Earth Crisis album)
To the Death is the fifth album released by American straight edge metalcore/hardcore band Earth Crisis .It is the first Earth Crisis album since they reunited in 2007...
, was released in Europe on April 20, 2009 and in North America on May 5, 2009.
In August and September 2009, Earth Crisis played America and Europe on the Hell on Earth Tour, alongside Sworn Enemy
Sworn Enemy
-Biography:The band formed in 1995 as "Downfall" and later on as "Mindset", a product of the extremely expansive and influential New York Hardcore scene...
, Neaera
Neaera (band)
Neaera is a melodic death metal band from Münster, Germany, currently signed to Metal Blade Records. Recently, they have completed their fifth album, Forging the Eclipse, which was released on October 22/25, 2010 in Europe and on October 26, 2010 for the rest of the world.-Musical style:Tobias Buck...
, Waking the Cadaver, War of Ages
War of Ages
War of Ages is a Christian metalcore band formed during the summer of 2002 in Erie, Pennsylvania. They have five music videos: "All Consuming Fire", "Stand Your Ground", "Through the Flames", "Strength Within", and "Collapse". Aaron Harkness aka Aaron Martyr made an appearance in Stand your Ground...
, Thy Will Be Done and War from a Harlots Mouth
War From a Harlots Mouth
War from a Harlots Mouth is a German metalcore band from Berlin, formed in 2005. Consisting of vocalist Nico, guitarists Simon and Daniel, bassist Filip, and drummer Paul, the band is noted for a distinct musical style consisting of infusing many different genres into their songs, such as math...
.
In March 2010, they announced that drummer Andy Hurley
Andy Hurley
Andrew John Hurley is an American musician and drummer. He is best known as a member of the Chicago-based rock band Fall Out Boy. Prior to Fall Out Boy, Hurley played in several different bands. He is currently the drummer in the heavy metal supergroup The Damned Things with Fall Out Boy guitarist...
of Fall Out Boy
Fall Out Boy
Fall Out Boy is an American rock band from Wilmette, Illinois, formed in 2001. The band consists of vocalist, guitarist and composer Patrick Stump, bassist and lyricist Pete Wentz, guitarist Joe Trohman, and drummer Andy Hurley. The band released five studio albums from 2003–2008...
and formerly Vegan Reich will serve as a touring member for a portion of the band's upcoming tour, as Merrick will only be available for certain dates.
In July 2011 Earth Crisis released their seventh studio album, Neutralize the Threat. The album was mixed and mastered by Zeuss. The tracks "Raise" and "Total War" were released online as an album teaser.
Active members
- Karl BuechnerKarl BuechnerKarl Buechner is the original singer for the band Earth Crisis from Syracuse, New York, United States. Since the early 1990s he has been at the forefront of the hardcore music scene...
– vocals (1991–2001, 2007–present), bass (1989–1990) - Scott Crouse – guitar (1991–2001, 2007–present)
- Ian "Bulldog" Edwards – bass (1991–2001, 2007–present)
- Dennis Merrick – drums (1993–2001, 2007–present)
- Erick Edwards – guitar (1998–2001, 2007–present)
Former members
- Ben Read – guitar (1991–1994)
- Kris Wiechmann – guitar (1994–1998)
- Michael Riccardi – drums (1991–1993)
- Shane Durgee - bass (1990)
Studio albums
- Destroy the MachinesDestroy the Machines-Credits:*Karl Buechner - vocals*Scott Crouse - lead guitar*Ian Edwards - bass*Dennis Merrick - drums*Kris Wiechmann - rhythm guitar-Trivia:*The song Forced March was covered by the band Between The Buried And Me in their album The Anatomy Of....
(LPLP albumThe LP, or long-playing microgroove record, is a format for phonograph records, an analog sound storage medium. Introduced by Columbia Records in 1948, it was soon adopted as a new standard by the entire record industry...
) (1995, Victory RecordsVictory RecordsVictory Records is a Chicago-based record label founded by Tony Brummel. It is a privately held corporation. It also operates a music publishing company called "Another Victory, Inc." and is the distributor of several smaller independent record labels....
) - Gomorrah's Season EndsGomorrah's Season EndsGomorrah's Season Ends is an album by the American metalcore band Earth Crisis, which was released in 1996.-Track listing:-Credits:*Karl Buechner - vocals*Scott Crouse - lead guitar*Ian Edwards - bass*Dennis Merrick - drums...
(LP) (1996, Victory RecordsVictory RecordsVictory Records is a Chicago-based record label founded by Tony Brummel. It is a privately held corporation. It also operates a music publishing company called "Another Victory, Inc." and is the distributor of several smaller independent record labels....
) - Breed the KillersBreed the Killers-Credits:*Karl Buechner - vocals*Scott Crouse - guitar*Eric Edwards - guitar*Bulldog - bass*Dennis Merrick - drums*Screaming Lord Sneap - Additional guitar on "Ultramilitance"*Robb Flynn from Machine Head - Additional vocals on "One Against All"...
(LP) (1998, Roadrunner RecordsRoadrunner RecordsRoadrunner Records is an American record label that concentrates primarily on heavy metal bands. It is currently a subsidiary of Warner Music Group.-History:...
) - SlitherSlither (album)Slither is the fourth album by the American metalcore band Earth Crisis. It was released in 2000.-Track listing:-Credits:* Karl Buechner - vocals* Scott Crouse - guitar* Erick Edwards - guitar* Ian "Bulldog" Edwards - bass* Dennis Merrick - drums...
(LP) (2000, Victory RecordsVictory RecordsVictory Records is a Chicago-based record label founded by Tony Brummel. It is a privately held corporation. It also operates a music publishing company called "Another Victory, Inc." and is the distributor of several smaller independent record labels....
) - Last of the SaneLast of the SaneLast of the Sane is an album by the American metalcore band Earth Crisis, which was released in 2001. After this album the band split up and Karl Buechner, Eric Edwards and Bulldog went on to form the band Freya...
(LP) (2001, Victory RecordsVictory RecordsVictory Records is a Chicago-based record label founded by Tony Brummel. It is a privately held corporation. It also operates a music publishing company called "Another Victory, Inc." and is the distributor of several smaller independent record labels....
) - To The DeathTo the Death (Earth Crisis album)To the Death is the fifth album released by American straight edge metalcore/hardcore band Earth Crisis .It is the first Earth Crisis album since they reunited in 2007...
(LP) (2009, Century MediaCentury Media RecordsCentury Media Records is an Independent record label with offices in the United States, Germany, Australia, France, Italy, Sweden, Finland, and the United Kingdom.- Background :...
) - Neutralize the ThreatNeutralize the ThreatNeutralize the Threat is the sixth album released by American straight edge metalcore/hardcore band Earth Crisis. It was released on July 12, 2011 via Century Media Records.-Track listing:-Personnel:Earth Crisis* Karl Buechner - vocals...
(LP) (2011, Century MediaCentury Media RecordsCentury Media Records is an Independent record label with offices in the United States, Germany, Australia, France, Italy, Sweden, Finland, and the United Kingdom.- Background :...
)
EP
- All Out War (EP) (1992, Conviction Records, re-released 1995 on Victory RecordsVictory RecordsVictory Records is a Chicago-based record label founded by Tony Brummel. It is a privately held corporation. It also operates a music publishing company called "Another Victory, Inc." and is the distributor of several smaller independent record labels....
) - FirestormFirestorm (EP)Firestorm is an EP by the American hardcore punk band Earth Crisis, which was released in 1993. Firestorm is still one of the more controversial releases in U.S. hardcore and the title song has been accused of promoting a hardline stance...
(EP) (1993, Victory RecordsVictory RecordsVictory Records is a Chicago-based record label founded by Tony Brummel. It is a privately held corporation. It also operates a music publishing company called "Another Victory, Inc." and is the distributor of several smaller independent record labels....
, re-released 1995) - Forced To Kill (7") (2009, Seventh Dagger RecordsSeventh Dagger RecordsSeventh Dagger Records is a straight edge independent record label releasing largely, but not solely, hardcore and metalcore albums. It was founded in 2001 and based in Creedmoor, North Carolina....
)
Live
- The California TakeoverThe California TakeoverThe California Takeover is a split album by the American metalcore bands Earth Crisis, Strife and Snapcase, which was released in 1996. The album was recorded live at The Whiskey in Los Angeles, California on April 12, 1996.-Track listing:...
(Live) (1996), Victory RecordsVictory RecordsVictory Records is a Chicago-based record label founded by Tony Brummel. It is a privately held corporation. It also operates a music publishing company called "Another Victory, Inc." and is the distributor of several smaller independent record labels....
, split live album with StrifeStrife (band)Strife is an American hardcore punk band from Thousand Oaks, California. But is now primarily based out of Los Angeles, California. They formed in 1991...
and SnapcaseSnapcaseSnapcase is a hardcore punk band from Buffalo, New York. Their records have been released on the Chicago record label, Victory Records. Through the course of the band's initial run of fourteen years, they released six studio albums before disbanding in 2005....
.) - The Oath That Keeps Me FreeThe Oath That Keeps Me FreeThe Oath That Keeps Me Free is a live album by the American metalcore band Earth Crisis, which was released in 1998. The first track, "Sunshine Of Your Love", is a cover song originally recorded by Cream.-Track listing:-Unreleased tracks:...
(Live) (1998, Victory RecordsVictory RecordsVictory Records is a Chicago-based record label founded by Tony Brummel. It is a privately held corporation. It also operates a music publishing company called "Another Victory, Inc." and is the distributor of several smaller independent record labels....
)
External links
- Official Earth Crisis web site
- Earth Crisis at Victory RecordsVictory RecordsVictory Records is a Chicago-based record label founded by Tony Brummel. It is a privately held corporation. It also operates a music publishing company called "Another Victory, Inc." and is the distributor of several smaller independent record labels....
- Earth Crisis at Roadrunner RecordsRoadrunner RecordsRoadrunner Records is an American record label that concentrates primarily on heavy metal bands. It is currently a subsidiary of Warner Music Group.-History:...
- Earth Crisis at MySpaceMySpaceMyspace is a social networking service owned by Specific Media LLC and pop star Justin Timberlake. Myspace launched in August 2003 and is headquartered in Beverly Hills, California. In August 2011, Myspace had 33.1 million unique U.S. visitors....
- Interview w/Karl Buechner at Lambgoat.com
- Earth Crisis interview April 2009
- Interview
- Amp: interview
- ascice.net article
- To the Death Review