Vio-lence

Infobox musical artist
Name = Vio-Lence


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Origin = San Francisco, United States
Genre = Thrash metal
Years_active = 1985–1993
2002–2005
Label = MCA/Mechanic Megaforce
Associated_acts = Machine Head, Forbidden
URL =
Current_members = Sean Killian
Phil Demmel
Dean Dell
Troy Fua
Perry Strickland
Past_members = Robb Flynn
Jerry Birr
Eddie Billy
Ray Vegas
Mark Hernandez

Vio-lence was a thrash metal band formed in 1985, that released a few demo tapes, one EP and 3 LPs between 1985 and 1993. Their most stable line-up was Phil Demmel and Robb Flynn on guitars, Dean Dell on bass, Perry Strickland on drums and Sean Killian on vocals.

1985 - 1991

After many line-ups, they established when Robb Flynn (former Forbidden guitarist at time) joined the band. With this line-up, they got a deal with Mechanic Records to released a demo tape in 1986 and a following album.

Soon after releasing their demo tape they entered the studio to record their debut album, called "Eternal Nightmare", a seven track album released in 1988. "Eternal Nightmare" suffered in lack of promotion despite being well accepted by the (thrash) audience and critics.

Together with the band Forbidden, they were labelled the new promises of bay area thrash and in 1989 they struck a deal with Megaforce Records to release their second album, titled "Oppressing the Masses". Around that time, Perry Strickland replaced Tom Hunting of Exodus, yet only for a few shows, denying the possibility of staying permanently.

Finally in 1990, "Oppressing The Masses" was launched on Megaforce Records with better distribution and marketing than their debut, "Eternal Nightmare". A video for the song "World in a World" was also filmed.

In 1991 they released an EP bearing the name "Torture Tactics", which included three studio songs (old songs from the demo era which were recorded during the "Oppressing The Masses" sessions) and one live track from the "Oppressing The Masses" tour.

Internal conflicts in 1992 resulted in Robb Flynn's departure from the band. He, along with Adam Duce, Logan Mader and Tony Constanza formed the seminal groove metal band Machine Head. "Vio-lence" started to record their third and last studio album aptly titled "Nothing to Gain", which was released in 1993 and was followed by Perry Strickland's departure, the result of the drummer's decision being the dissolution of the band.

Breakup

Phil Demmel, Dean Dell, Ray Vega and Mark Hernandez formed a half-thrash band called Torque which disbanded after releasing a studio album and playing several live shows. Demmel then went to form Technocracy.
Robb Flynn remains active in the metal community as the guitarist and singer of Machine Head.
Phil Demmel is now in Machine Head and has been since before the release of Through the Ashes of Empires and The Blackening, Machine Head's current album.

Reunion

Vio-lence has re-released its debut album "Eternal Nightmare" as a 2 disc set including rare tracks and a live concert.

Initially planning only a few shows as part of the tribute to Testament's Chuck Billy during the "Thrash of the Titans" benefit, the band decided to reunite with early guitarist Troy Fua replacing Robb Flynn.

In April 2003, the other guitarist Phil Demmel, joined Machine Head as a full-time member after previously serving as a temporary guitarist which ended the Vio-lence comeback trail.

In addition to their 2005 re-release of "Eternal Nightmare", the band released a 7 inch vinyl record containing two demo tracks from their original 1986 demo tape as well as one previously unreleased track. Only 1000 copies were produced and pressed by BoneCrusher Records. The 7 inch collectible was well marketed and advertised, but due to disagreements between the band and the BoneCrusher record producers, only Vio-lence was allowed to distribute and sell the 500 given to them by the producers. A deal was made to distribute a small quantity (about 100) through a Seattle record store, the only known store to stock the item for sale to the public.

A DVD entitled "Blood And Dirt" was produced by Tales From The Pit Productions and released on August 8th, 2006 through Megaforce Records.

Last lineup

* Sean Killian – Vocals
* Dean Dell – Bass
* Troy Fua – Guitar
* Perry Strickland – Drums
* Phil Demmel – Guitar

Former members

* Jerry Birr – Vocals
* Eddie Billy – Bass (brother of Testament vocalist, Chuck Billy)
* Robb Flynn – Guitar (previously in Forbidden Evil)
* Ray Vegas – Guitar (Attitude Adjustment)
* Mark Hernandez – Drums

Discography

Demos

*"Mechanic" (1986)

EP

*"Torture Tactics" (1991)

LP

*"Eternal Nightmare" (1988)
*"Oppressing the Masses" (1990)
*"Nothing to Gain" (1993)

DVDs

*"Blood and Dirt" (2006)

External links

* [http://www.vio-lence.com Official website]