Officer Negative
Encyclopedia
Officer Negative was a punk
band from Ventura. Formed in 1995 and initially disbanded in 2000, the band released two albums and an EP on Screaming Giant Records. They played old-school punk, and though their music never appeared in a polished form, it was said to "never hold back the passion." Following a period of reformation they reappeared as The Death Campaign and toured until 2004.
Their 1999 release Zombie Nation was mired in difficulties with their label. Its sound deviated from the band's hoped sound by introducing pop sensibilities – to the point where its members would call it "not a true representation of the band." Also, several tracks were cut from the release; two were released the next year as a split EP with Lugnut. The third, called "Failure to Submit", was described by Chad Wiggins "by far, one of the best songs we have ever written." Ironically it was this release which garnered the most attention for the band. The release included the album Live at the Roxy. Together, with the future of the band uncertain at best, HM Magazine referred to this release as the band's "swan song
."
In late 1999 the departure of bassist Casey Wisenbaker, along with the band's issues with Zombie lead to the dissolution of the band. With the return of Wisenbacker in 2000, the band reformed with new members taking guitar and drums. Vocalist Chad Wiggins saw the reformation of the band as an opportunity to refocus the band on ministry. With this lineup they toured until about 2002, releasing an EP and an album. Their 2002 release Control is an Illusion had a sound based more on metal than punk.
The band rebranded themselves as The Death Campaign, eventually signing to Solid State Records
. In the summer of 2003, the band asked lead vocalist Chad Wiggins to leave, intending for Casey Wisenbaker to take vocals, and hiring a bass player from a band called Akeldama. Within three months of Wiggins departure the band broke up. However, during this short period they had created an album, which was eventually released as Officer Negative Presents The Death Campaign in 2004.
After the breakup guitarist Josh Handley formed Zippy Josh and the Rag Tag Band, and released one album, Stupidville in 1999. The album was basically praise and worship music, and described as "the Sex Pistols
meet Bob Dylan
." Allender and Wisenbaker joined a hardcore band called Hit the Deck, while Osborne and Buli continued to work with Akeldama. Michael Dragon briefly pursued a career in professional skateboarding
.
Punk rock
Punk rock is a rock music genre that developed between 1974 and 1976 in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Rooted in garage rock and other forms of what is now known as protopunk music, punk rock bands eschewed perceived excesses of mainstream 1970s rock...
band from Ventura. Formed in 1995 and initially disbanded in 2000, the band released two albums and an EP on Screaming Giant Records. They played old-school punk, and though their music never appeared in a polished form, it was said to "never hold back the passion." Following a period of reformation they reappeared as The Death Campaign and toured until 2004.
Background
Their first album, Dead To The World (1997) was described as "angry punk" and the band was likened to Rancid or Black Flag.Their 1999 release Zombie Nation was mired in difficulties with their label. Its sound deviated from the band's hoped sound by introducing pop sensibilities – to the point where its members would call it "not a true representation of the band." Also, several tracks were cut from the release; two were released the next year as a split EP with Lugnut. The third, called "Failure to Submit", was described by Chad Wiggins "by far, one of the best songs we have ever written." Ironically it was this release which garnered the most attention for the band. The release included the album Live at the Roxy. Together, with the future of the band uncertain at best, HM Magazine referred to this release as the band's "swan song
Swan song
"Swan song" is a metaphorical phrase for a final gesture, effort, or performance given just before death or retirement. The phrase refers to an ancient belief that the Mute Swan is completely silent during its lifetime until the moment just before death, when it sings one beautiful song...
."
In late 1999 the departure of bassist Casey Wisenbaker, along with the band's issues with Zombie lead to the dissolution of the band. With the return of Wisenbacker in 2000, the band reformed with new members taking guitar and drums. Vocalist Chad Wiggins saw the reformation of the band as an opportunity to refocus the band on ministry. With this lineup they toured until about 2002, releasing an EP and an album. Their 2002 release Control is an Illusion had a sound based more on metal than punk.
The band rebranded themselves as The Death Campaign, eventually signing to Solid State Records
Solid State Records
Solid State Records is a Christian record label, a division of Tooth & Nail Records. Unlike Tooth & Nail, Solid State signs hardcore and metal bands. Like Tooth & Nail, Solid State is primarily a Christian label. However, they have signed several bands that don't label themselves as Christian,...
. In the summer of 2003, the band asked lead vocalist Chad Wiggins to leave, intending for Casey Wisenbaker to take vocals, and hiring a bass player from a band called Akeldama. Within three months of Wiggins departure the band broke up. However, during this short period they had created an album, which was eventually released as Officer Negative Presents The Death Campaign in 2004.
After the breakup guitarist Josh Handley formed Zippy Josh and the Rag Tag Band, and released one album, Stupidville in 1999. The album was basically praise and worship music, and described as "the Sex Pistols
Sex Pistols
The Sex Pistols were an English punk rock band that formed in London in 1975. They were responsible for initiating the punk movement in the United Kingdom and inspiring many later punk and alternative rock musicians...
meet Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan is an American singer-songwriter, musician, poet, film director and painter. He has been a major and profoundly influential figure in popular music and culture for five decades. Much of his most celebrated work dates from the 1960s when he was an informal chronicler and a seemingly...
." Allender and Wisenbaker joined a hardcore band called Hit the Deck, while Osborne and Buli continued to work with Akeldama. Michael Dragon briefly pursued a career in professional skateboarding
Skateboarding
Skateboarding is an action sport which involves riding and performing tricks using a skateboard.Skateboarding can be a recreational activity, an art form, a job, or a method of transportation. Skateboarding has been shaped and influenced by many skateboarders throughout the years. A 2002 report...
.
Discography
- 1997: Dead To The World (Screaming Giant)
- 1999: Zombie Nation
- 1999: Live at the Roxy
- 2000: Split EP (w/Lugnut)
- 2002: Control is an Illusion (Something Sacred)
- 2004: Officer Negative Presents The Death Campaign (Solid State)
Members
- Chad Wiggins - vocals (1995–2003)
- Casey Wisenbaker - bass (1998+)
- Michael Dragon - drums (1997–2000)
- Daniel Osborne - drums (2000+)
- Josh Handley - guitar (1995–1999)
- Taylor Allender - guitar (2000+)
- Todd Wisenbaker - guitar (2000+)
- Joey Buli - guitar (2000+)
- Roger Bell - keyboard (2000+)