Sheer Terror
Encyclopedia
Sheer Terror was an American hardcore punk
band from New York City
. The band was one of the first to combine elements of heavy metal
with a hardcore punk base, pioneering a heavier style of hardcore that would become popular in the following decades. Formed in late 1984, the band, stayed together until 1998, surviving numerous lineup changes and shifts in musical style. In October 2004, the band reunited and gave two final farewell shows at New York
's CBGB
Club.
singer. Filling out the original lineup was guitarist Alan Blake, bassist Baron "Barry" Misuraca, and drummer Sam "Reid" Lohman. The band was featured on the 1985 One Big Crowd compilation, and released two cassette demos, No Grounds For Pity
and Fall From Grace
. Soon after the band broke up due to personality conflicts. Afterwards, Bearer would spend some time in southern California
before returning to New York, where he reformed Sheer Terror with Blake, adding Mark Neuman on bass
and Jason Martin on drums
.
The band soon after began a longtime association with Blackout Records
, who released some of their songs on the label's compilation Where the Wild Things Are, in 1989, along with a 7 inch Live At CBGB release. The following year, the band recorded their debut full length Just Can't Hate Enough. The record was engineered by Tommy Victor
of Prong. As Victor also worked at CBGB
, he was able to allow the band to record live at the famous bar in the morning and afternoon hours before shows were held. The record was released in Germany
on Starving Missile Records, and later released stateside under the Blackout name. Just Can't Hate Enough quickly became one of the records that defined the new, heavier sound of hardcore that was emerging at the time, played by bands such as Biohazard
and Killing Time
, among others. The guitar tone and riffs, in particular, display a large heavy metal influence, especially from Swiss
speed metal
lers Celtic Frost
, who were allegedly one of Alan Blake's favorite bands. The band also became known for Bearer's no-nonsense stage personality, with some finding him offensive, and others enjoying his often blunt and obscenity filled humor.
Blake, however, exited the band soon after the record's release. He would later form Darkside, also known as Darkside NYC, which also featured a heavy Celtic Frost
influence.
Neuman took the opportunity to switch to guitar, and Mike "Chickie" Walter, a former member of the crossover
band Ludichrist
, took over on bass duties, only to be replaced a year later by Keith "Zippy" McAdam. With the lineup of Bearer, Neuman, McAdam, and Martin, the band cut a new record in 1991 that was titled Ugly And Proud, and whose planned cover featured a bulldog belonging to Josh Silver
of Type O Negative
. Seeing the success of Biohazard
's eponymous 1990 release, the band planned to release the LP under Maze Records. However, due to the amount of money and time spent on the Biohazard release, Maze was not in the position to release Ugly And Proud. The record was shelved by the label, much to the dismay of the band who could not convince the company to allow them to take the masters elsewhere.
In this time, the band experienced more member turnover, including the return of Chickie to bass duties, and an extended stint with a former glam metal
drummer named Dave Todd. Paul Bearer recounts in the liner notes of a later release about his disbelief that Dave, while the band was in Europe, asked him who "Anarchy" was, thinking the circle-A logo he saw spray painted on walls belonged to a band. The tension of having someone in the band who did not understand punk rock
ultimately led to finding a new drummer in Pat Cronin.
To make up for the lack of an album, Sheer Terror re-recorded many of the songs from Ugly And Proud, releasing the result on Blackout as Thanks Fer Nuthin, a jab at the owner of Maze Records. According to Bearer, he originally wanted to call the record Canadian Scumbag. However, upon hearing of the band's new album, Maze Records quickly, and finally, released Ugly And Proud, leading to the band having two records on the market with mostly identical songs.
Some tours later, the Old, New, Borrowed, And Blue EP was released. Following the theme of the title, the tracklist included an old song, Walls, a new song, Broken, a cover ("borrowed") song, Everything's Fine by The Saints, and a slow ballad ("blue"), Goodbye, Farewell. It also included a short cover of Johnny Cash's "I Still Miss Someone
". The cover depicted an old photograph of Bearer's parents' wedding. Both Bearer and Mark Neuman have commented that due to Josh Silver
's production of the EP, it remains their favorite Sheer Terror release. The band even cut the only music video
of their career for Broken, which featured a live action depiction of the song's subject, a despondent, alcoholic circus clown
.
This, among other things, led to interest from MCA
, who signed the band for the recording of 1995's Love Songs for the Unloved. Produced by Tommy Victor, the record reflected a changing band, with slower songs and more clean, operatic singing from Bearer, rather than his usual growls. The upbeat track For Rudy The Kraut even featured an almost ska
-sounding horn section. Neuman was also not particularly satisfied with the overall sound of his guitar tracks, leading to the dismissal of Producer Victor, leaving production to be taken over by both Neuman and Walters. The record did not receive the expected attention from fans, and Sheer Terror was soon dropped from MCA, who Bearer later sarcastically referred to as "the Music Cemetery of America".
In the following years, Bearer's self admittedly "pig-headed" personality clashed with the other members of the band, leading to Cronin and Neuman's exit. Sheer Terror managed to press on with a lineup that included former Whiplash
drummer Tony Scaglione
, and future Cause for Alarm guitarist Jay Banks. This lineup lasted through a U.S. tour with Napalm Death
. Shortly after, the band broke up, only to be revived in 1997 featuring Ex-Mind over Matter/Neglect drummer John Lafata, and current Kill Your Idols
guitarist Gary Bennett. John Lafata then went on to tour and record with Madball
, and Tony Scaglione was brought in once again. But eventually, Sheer Terror ended their 13 year career in 1998, immediately following a mildly successful European tour. Most members did not speak to each other for many years following the break-up.
, alongside opening bands such as Inhuman
and Subzero
. Footage from both nights, as well as an extensive documentary, was released as the Beaten By The Fists Of God DVD in 2005. Many high-profile members of the punk rock and hardcore community were featured praising the band in the documentary, including members of Dropkick Murphys
, Life of Agony
, and Blood For Blood
. Many former members were interviewed as well.
A new lineup of the band featuring Bearer, Michael De Lorenzo (guitar), Jason Çarter (bass), and Anthony Corallo (drums) played again on August 13, 2010 at the Starlight Ballroom in Philadelphia, PA as part of the annual This is Hardcore festival. Paul announced at the show that the band may begin to write new songs if the band is happy with the new material. Since that first show, the band has played several other shows in major US markets, Japan, and Europe. According to a post by Paul on the band's Facebook page "Really looking forward to working with guys who not only know the music,but actually feel it...It's not a competition,but a full-on threat...Hooray,for me...!!! Yes,not a jibe nor a slight...a truth."
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...
band from New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
. The band was one of the first to combine elements of heavy metal
Heavy metal music
Heavy metal is a genre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, largely in the Midlands of the United Kingdom and the United States...
with a hardcore punk base, pioneering a heavier style of hardcore that would become popular in the following decades. Formed in late 1984, the band, stayed together until 1998, surviving numerous lineup changes and shifts in musical style. In October 2004, the band reunited and gave two final farewell shows at New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
's CBGB
CBGB
CBGB was a music club at 315 Bowery at Bleecker Street in the borough of Manhattan in New York City.Founded by Hilly Kristal in 1973, it was originally intended to feature its namesake musical styles, but became a forum for American punk and New Wave bands like Ramones, Misfits, Television, the...
Club.
History
The band first came into existence in December 1984 when former Fathead Suburbia vocalist Paul Bearer answered an ad in the Village Voice for a hardcore punkHardcore 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...
singer. Filling out the original lineup was guitarist Alan Blake, bassist Baron "Barry" Misuraca, and drummer Sam "Reid" Lohman. The band was featured on the 1985 One Big Crowd compilation, and released two cassette demos, No Grounds For Pity
No Grounds for Pity
No Grounds For Pity was a compilation album of early demo material by the New York hardcore band, Sheer Terror...
and Fall From Grace
No Grounds for Pity
No Grounds For Pity was a compilation album of early demo material by the New York hardcore band, Sheer Terror...
. Soon after the band broke up due to personality conflicts. Afterwards, Bearer would spend some time in southern California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
before returning to New York, where he reformed Sheer Terror with Blake, adding Mark Neuman on bass
Bass guitar
The bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
and Jason Martin on drums
Drum kit
A drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....
.
The band soon after began a longtime association with Blackout Records
Blackout Records
Blackout! Records was an independent record label which specialized in the hardcore punk genre.It was formed in 1988 by Bill Wilson – now forever known as "Bill Blackout" – and, together with friend Jim Gibson, the label released its first record – a New York hardcore compilation...
, who released some of their songs on the label's compilation Where the Wild Things Are, in 1989, along with a 7 inch Live At CBGB release. The following year, the band recorded their debut full length Just Can't Hate Enough. The record was engineered by Tommy Victor
Tommy Victor
Tommy Victor is the lead singer and guitarist for the crossover thrash/industrial metal band Prong that he founded in New York in 1986. In the late 1980s Victor worked as a soundman at CBGB's. After the release of Rude Awakening in 1996, Prong disbanded and Victor moved to Los Angeles. Since then...
of Prong. As Victor also worked at CBGB
CBGB
CBGB was a music club at 315 Bowery at Bleecker Street in the borough of Manhattan in New York City.Founded by Hilly Kristal in 1973, it was originally intended to feature its namesake musical styles, but became a forum for American punk and New Wave bands like Ramones, Misfits, Television, the...
, he was able to allow the band to record live at the famous bar in the morning and afternoon hours before shows were held. The record was released in Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
on Starving Missile Records, and later released stateside under the Blackout name. Just Can't Hate Enough quickly became one of the records that defined the new, heavier sound of hardcore that was emerging at the time, played by bands such as Biohazard
Biohazard (band)
Biohazard is a band originally based in Brooklyn, New York. They are acknowledged as one of the earliest bands to fuse hardcore punk and heavy metal with elements of hip hop. The original lineup consisted of Vocalist/Guitarist Billy Graziadei, bassist/vocalist Evan Seinfeld, guitarist Bobby Hambel,...
and Killing Time
Killing Time (band)
Killing Time is an influential New York Hardcore band. From their beginnings in 1988, under the name Raw Deal, they went on to record two full-length albums and several EPs, singles, and compilation tracks. The band went through three hiatus before formally disbanding in 1998. However, the band...
, among others. The guitar tone and riffs, in particular, display a large heavy metal influence, especially from Swiss
Switzerland
Switzerland name of one of the Swiss cantons. ; ; ; or ), in its full name the Swiss Confederation , is a federal republic consisting of 26 cantons, with Bern as the seat of the federal authorities. The country is situated in Western Europe,Or Central Europe depending on the definition....
speed metal
Speed metal
Speed metal is a sub-genre of heavy metal music that originated in the late 1970s from NWOBHM and hardcore punk roots. It is described by Allmusic as "extremely fast, abrasive, and technically demanding" music....
lers Celtic Frost
Celtic Frost
Celtic Frost was a metal band from Zürich, Switzerland. They are known for their heavy influence on the extreme metal genres. The group was first active from 1984 to 1993, and re-formed in 2001. Following Tom Gabriel Fischer's departure in 2008, Celtic Frost decided to break up again...
, who were allegedly one of Alan Blake's favorite bands. The band also became known for Bearer's no-nonsense stage personality, with some finding him offensive, and others enjoying his often blunt and obscenity filled humor.
Blake, however, exited the band soon after the record's release. He would later form Darkside, also known as Darkside NYC, which also featured a heavy Celtic Frost
Celtic Frost
Celtic Frost was a metal band from Zürich, Switzerland. They are known for their heavy influence on the extreme metal genres. The group was first active from 1984 to 1993, and re-formed in 2001. Following Tom Gabriel Fischer's departure in 2008, Celtic Frost decided to break up again...
influence.
Neuman took the opportunity to switch to guitar, and Mike "Chickie" Walter, a former member of the crossover
Crossover thrash
__FORCETOC__Crossover thrash, often abbreviated to crossover, is a form of thrash metal that contains more hardcore punk elements than standard thrash. The genre lies on a continuum between heavy metal and punk rock...
band Ludichrist
Ludichrist
Ludichrist was an American hardcore punk/speed metal band formed in the 1980s in New York. Their musical style broke from traditional New York hardcore roots by adding aspects of rock, heavy metal and jazz, like extended guitar solos and musical interludes...
, took over on bass duties, only to be replaced a year later by Keith "Zippy" McAdam. With the lineup of Bearer, Neuman, McAdam, and Martin, the band cut a new record in 1991 that was titled Ugly And Proud, and whose planned cover featured a bulldog belonging to Josh Silver
Josh Silver
Josh Silver was the keyboardist and producer for the band Type O Negative. He joined the band at Peter Steele's request...
of Type O Negative
Type O Negative
Type O Negative was a gothic metal band from Brooklyn, New York City. The band also incorporated elements of doom metal and thrash metal. Their dramatic lyrical emphasis on themes of romance, depression, and death resulted in the nickname "The Drab Four"...
. Seeing the success of Biohazard
Biohazard (band)
Biohazard is a band originally based in Brooklyn, New York. They are acknowledged as one of the earliest bands to fuse hardcore punk and heavy metal with elements of hip hop. The original lineup consisted of Vocalist/Guitarist Billy Graziadei, bassist/vocalist Evan Seinfeld, guitarist Bobby Hambel,...
's eponymous 1990 release, the band planned to release the LP under Maze Records. However, due to the amount of money and time spent on the Biohazard release, Maze was not in the position to release Ugly And Proud. The record was shelved by the label, much to the dismay of the band who could not convince the company to allow them to take the masters elsewhere.
In this time, the band experienced more member turnover, including the return of Chickie to bass duties, and an extended stint with a former glam metal
Glam metal
Glam metal is a subgenre of hard rock and heavy metal that arose in the late 1970s and early 1980s in the United States, particularly on the Los Angeles Sunset Strip music scene...
drummer named Dave Todd. Paul Bearer recounts in the liner notes of a later release about his disbelief that Dave, while the band was in Europe, asked him who "Anarchy" was, thinking the circle-A logo he saw spray painted on walls belonged to a band. The tension of having someone in the band who did not understand punk rock
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...
ultimately led to finding a new drummer in Pat Cronin.
To make up for the lack of an album, Sheer Terror re-recorded many of the songs from Ugly And Proud, releasing the result on Blackout as Thanks Fer Nuthin, a jab at the owner of Maze Records. According to Bearer, he originally wanted to call the record Canadian Scumbag. However, upon hearing of the band's new album, Maze Records quickly, and finally, released Ugly And Proud, leading to the band having two records on the market with mostly identical songs.
Some tours later, the Old, New, Borrowed, And Blue EP was released. Following the theme of the title, the tracklist included an old song, Walls, a new song, Broken, a cover ("borrowed") song, Everything's Fine by The Saints, and a slow ballad ("blue"), Goodbye, Farewell. It also included a short cover of Johnny Cash's "I Still Miss Someone
I Still Miss Someone
"I Still Miss Someone" is the title of a song written and originally recorded by American country music singer Johnny Cash. He first recorded it in 1958 as the b-side to "Don't Take Your Guns to Town".-History:...
". The cover depicted an old photograph of Bearer's parents' wedding. Both Bearer and Mark Neuman have commented that due to Josh Silver
Josh Silver
Josh Silver was the keyboardist and producer for the band Type O Negative. He joined the band at Peter Steele's request...
's production of the EP, it remains their favorite Sheer Terror release. The band even cut the only music video
Music video
A music video or song video is a short film integrating a song and imagery, produced for promotional or artistic purposes. Modern music videos are primarily made and used as a marketing device intended to promote the sale of music recordings...
of their career for Broken, which featured a live action depiction of the song's subject, a despondent, alcoholic circus clown
Clown
Clowns are comic performers stereotypically characterized by the grotesque image of the circus clown's colored wigs, stylistic makeup, outlandish costumes, unusually large footwear, and red nose, which evolved to project their actions to large audiences. Other less grotesque styles have also...
.
This, among other things, led to interest from MCA
Music Corporation of America
MCA, Inc. was an American talent agency. Initially starting in the music business, they would next become a dominant force in the film business, and later expanded into the television business...
, who signed the band for the recording of 1995's Love Songs for the Unloved. Produced by Tommy Victor, the record reflected a changing band, with slower songs and more clean, operatic singing from Bearer, rather than his usual growls. The upbeat track For Rudy The Kraut even featured an almost ska
Ska
Ska |Jamaican]] ) is a music genre that originated in Jamaica in the late 1950s, and was the precursor to rocksteady and reggae. Ska combined elements of Caribbean mento and calypso with American jazz and rhythm and blues...
-sounding horn section. Neuman was also not particularly satisfied with the overall sound of his guitar tracks, leading to the dismissal of Producer Victor, leaving production to be taken over by both Neuman and Walters. The record did not receive the expected attention from fans, and Sheer Terror was soon dropped from MCA, who Bearer later sarcastically referred to as "the Music Cemetery of America".
In the following years, Bearer's self admittedly "pig-headed" personality clashed with the other members of the band, leading to Cronin and Neuman's exit. Sheer Terror managed to press on with a lineup that included former Whiplash
Whiplash (band)
Whiplash is an American thrash metal/speed metal band. The band was founded in 1984 in Passaic, New Jersey by the three Tonys: Tony Portaro , Tony Scaglione and Tony Bono . Joe Cangelosi replaced Tony Scaglione in 1986 when he left for a small stint with Slayer...
drummer Tony Scaglione
Tony Scaglione
Tony Scaglione originally gained notoriety in the mid-eighties with his powerful drumming on Whiplash’s debut album, “Power and Pain". Throughout the years, Tony went on to perform and record with some of the most popular names in the metal and hardcore scenes while branching out into many other...
, and future Cause for Alarm guitarist Jay Banks. This lineup lasted through a U.S. tour with Napalm Death
Napalm Death
Napalm Death are a death metal band formed in Birmingham, England in 1981. While none of its original members remain in the group, the lineup of vocalist Mark "Barney" Greenway, bassist Shane Embury, guitarist Mitch Harris and drummer Danny Herrera has remained consistent for most of the band's ...
. Shortly after, the band broke up, only to be revived in 1997 featuring Ex-Mind over Matter/Neglect drummer John Lafata, and current Kill Your Idols
Kill Your Idols
Kill Your Idols was a hardcore punk band from Long Island/New York City, New York. The band was active from 1995 through 2007. They were signed to SideOneDummy Records....
guitarist Gary Bennett. John Lafata then went on to tour and record with Madball
Madball
Madball is a New York-based hardcore band that originated in the late 1980s, as a side-project of Agnostic Front .- History :Madball was founded in 1988 and featured most of Agnostic Front's members...
, and Tony Scaglione was brought in once again. But eventually, Sheer Terror ended their 13 year career in 1998, immediately following a mildly successful European tour. Most members did not speak to each other for many years following the break-up.
Reunion & Reformation
In mid-2004 it was announced that the lineup of Bearer, Neuman, Chickie, and Cronin were again rehearsing and planned on playing a show to serve both as a reunion and as the final farewell the band was never able to give. The reaction from fans led to the booking of another show the following night, and on October 9 and 10, the band played two sold out shows at CBGBCBGB
CBGB was a music club at 315 Bowery at Bleecker Street in the borough of Manhattan in New York City.Founded by Hilly Kristal in 1973, it was originally intended to feature its namesake musical styles, but became a forum for American punk and New Wave bands like Ramones, Misfits, Television, the...
, alongside opening bands such as Inhuman
Inhuman
Inhuman may refer to:*Inhuman, a member of the fictional Marvel Comics race, the Inhumans*Inhuman , an album by Desecration*Inhuman Games, a game companyIt may also refer to:*Inhuman Condition, an EP from the band Massacre...
and Subzero
Subzero
Subzero literally means "beneath zero." As such, it is usually used for negative numbers; the most common usage refers to negative temperature.Subzero can also refer to:-Fictional characters:...
. Footage from both nights, as well as an extensive documentary, was released as the Beaten By The Fists Of God DVD in 2005. Many high-profile members of the punk rock and hardcore community were featured praising the band in the documentary, including members of Dropkick Murphys
Dropkick Murphys
Dropkick Murphys are an Irish-American punk rock band formed in Quincy, Massachusetts in 1996. The band was initially signed to independent punk record label Hellcat Records, releasing five albums for the label, and making a name for themselves locally through constant playing and yearly St....
, Life of Agony
Life of Agony
-Formation and River Runs Red :The band was formed in the summer of 1989 by singer Keith Caputo, bassist Alan Robert and guitarist Joey Z. After playing with several drummers, they enlisted Type O Negative drummer Sal Abruscato before recording the debut album River Runs Red after they signed to...
, and Blood For Blood
Blood for Blood
Blood for Blood is a hardcore band from Boston, Massachusetts. Formed by Shane Flannery in 1994, motivated by the hardcore scene in Boston and New York City at the time. In 1997 they were signed to Victory Records...
. Many former members were interviewed as well.
A new lineup of the band featuring Bearer, Michael De Lorenzo (guitar), Jason Çarter (bass), and Anthony Corallo (drums) played again on August 13, 2010 at the Starlight Ballroom in Philadelphia, PA as part of the annual This is Hardcore festival. Paul announced at the show that the band may begin to write new songs if the band is happy with the new material. Since that first show, the band has played several other shows in major US markets, Japan, and Europe. According to a post by Paul on the band's Facebook page "Really looking forward to working with guys who not only know the music,but actually feel it...It's not a competition,but a full-on threat...Hooray,for me...!!! Yes,not a jibe nor a slight...a truth."
Albums
- Just Can't Hate Enough – Blackout RecordsBlackout RecordsBlackout! Records was an independent record label which specialized in the hardcore punk genre.It was formed in 1988 by Bill Wilson – now forever known as "Bill Blackout" – and, together with friend Jim Gibson, the label released its first record – a New York hardcore compilation...
, 1990 - I Need Lunch (split with Crawlpappy) – Blackout! Records, 1990
- Ugly and Proud – Maze Records, 1991
- Thanks Fer Nuthin – Blackout! Records, 1992
- Old, New Borrowed, and Blue – Blackout! Records, 1994
- Love Songs For The Unloved – MCA RecordsMCA RecordsMCA Records was an American-based record company owned by MCA Inc., which later gave way to the larger MCA Music Entertainment Group , of which MCA Records was still part. MCA Records was absorbed by Geffen Records in 2003...
, 1995 - No Grounds For PityNo Grounds for PityNo Grounds For Pity was a compilation album of early demo material by the New York hardcore band, Sheer Terror...
– Blackout! Records Europe, 1996 – compilation of demos 1985 – 1988 - Bulldog Edition (compilation of all Blackout! tracks) – Blackout! Records, 2001
- Spite, 2011
Demos
- No Grounds For PityNo Grounds for PityNo Grounds For Pity was a compilation album of early demo material by the New York hardcore band, Sheer Terror...
– self released demo cassette, 1986 - Fall From GraceNo Grounds for PityNo Grounds For Pity was a compilation album of early demo material by the New York hardcore band, Sheer Terror...
– self released demo cassette, 1987
Compilations
- One Big Crowd Compilation compilation – Big City Records, 1985
- Where the Wild Things Are compilation – Blackout! Records, 1989
- "Satisfaction Guaranteed"