Unruh (band)

Unruh was a hardcore band from Arizona. They formed in 1995 out of the ashes of short-lived crust thrash band Uruk'Hai. Ryan Butler, who played guitar in Uruk'Hai as well as numerous other Arizona-based hardcore bands like Lyburnum and Wellington, helped start Unruh with Uruk'Hai founder and drummer Bill Fees. They took their name from notorious murderer Howard Unruh, who killed thirteen people in one day. The lineup was completed by bassist Mike Bjella and vocalist Mike Edwards.

The band played music that is hard to classify into hardcore's many sub-sub-genres, but would be best classified as death metal-influenced hardcore, along similar lines as their contemporaries in bands like Suicide Nation and the Tho Ko Losi.

They also appeared on several compilations, such as Cry Now, Cry Later and The Seven Deadly Sins 7 inch box set. However, the only Unruh records still in print are Setting Fire To Sinking Ships and the split with CIC.

Unruh broke up in 2000, following an arduous full European tour. Internal problems and conflicts had been present since the band's formation, and had finally come to a head. Ryan Butler and Bill Fees now have a new band called Structure of Lies who play what has been construed as "hardcore-influenced death metal" or "death metal played by punks, instead of hessians". They play regularly around the Phoenix area and have a split CD out with east-coast grinders Iranach.

Discography

*"burnedbeyondrecognition" demo (1995)
*"Friendly Fire" 7 inch (King of the Monsters, 1996)
*"Split EP" with Enewetak (Feast and Famine, 1996)
*"Misery Strengthened Faith" LP (King of the Monsters, 1997)
*"Setting Fire To Sinking Ships" LP/CD (Pessimiser, 1999)
*"Split 7 inch" with Creation is Crucifixion (Willowtip, 1999)