Death Threat (band)

Infobox musical artist
Name = Death Threat


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Origin = Connecticut,

Genre = Hardcore punk
Years_active = 1997 – present
Label = Triple Crown Records

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URL = [http://www.triplecrownrecords.com/artist_death_threat.php]
Current_members = Aaron Butkus
Steve Teo
Wes Fortier
Jamie Riddle

Past_members = Bill Ross
Larry Dwyer Jr.
Jamie "Pushbutton"
C.J. Klemonski
Lou "Boulder" Richards
Sean Martin
Jesse Sutherland
Jose Segarra

Death Threat is an American hardcore punk band formed in Connecticut in 1997, originally intended to be a revamped lineup of the short-lived "Death Threat 89". With all new material and the only remaining links being a singer and name, Death Threat (without the "89") became a new band. Aaron Butkus, the lead vocalist, co-founded the band with guitarist CJ Klemonski, and the duo became the songwriting core of the band, until CJ's departure in early 2001.

History

After continuous touring, the band quickly established itself as a premier hardcore band in the northeast and the nation. Initially, the lineup was Aaron on vocals, Jamie Pushbutton on drums, Larry Dwyer, Jr. on bass, and CJ and Lou "Boulder" Richards both on guitar. Lou's tenure lasted only 3 or 4 shows, as well as involvement in the writing and recording of the 98 demo, due to the difficulty of playing in both Hatebreed and Death Threat simultaneously. Jamie shared the same burden, but eventually left Hatebreed first. After Jamie and Larry quit the band, Butkus found himself in need on replacing not only his time-keeper but also his bassist. Bill Ross would take over on drums and Steve Teo took over on bass. Shortly after the band did a full US tour with bands such as Ringworm, Godbelow and Hoods. Then again with Buried Alive which turned out to be the last tour they ever did. Under the strain of touring, CJ informed Butkus that he was parting ways. Sean Martin of Hatebreed helped out and filled in at this point so that they would not miss any shows. The future for Death Threat looked bleak, ironically just as they were achieving a high level of success. Wes Fortier,a long time friend of Steve's said he was interested in playing guitar. He learned the songs and joined the band. Soon after DT went over to Europe to support Agnostic Front and The Distillers on the Unity Tour. The new trio--Wes Fortier on guitar, Steve Teo on bass and Bill Ross on drums--represented members of a younger generation of Connecticut Hardcore (CTHC). Although young, the new members did not lack experience performing. Bill, for example, had previously played in Late Night Revenge, another band from CT. Wes and Steve had also previously played in bands together, such as Disowned. In the end, the new trio has generally worked out well; several years and two full-length albums later, the band has yet to have another line-up change.

As of 2007

Although they don't tour as often as they used to, Death Threat still play occasional shows--particularly ones in the northeast, and have toured in Europe as recently as October 2006. Aaron has moved on to play in Price of Pain, a hardcore band from Massachusetts. Wes now plays in the Connecticut hardcore band Crowns of Kings. CJ is a finance manager at a Toyota dealership in Connecticut. Larry Dwyer, Jr. is in a new band called IG! with members and former members of Hatebreed, 100 Demons, Forced Reality, Deathkiller and Palehorse. Jamie is the new drummer, former drummer of the band 1984, and current drummer of both Trust In Few, and Price of Pain. The band's line-up is as strong as it ever was, playing and headlining shows all over New England, mostly in Connecticut.

Bands Toured With

Much of Death Threat's acclaim was earned through touring with bigger acts such as Blood for Blood, Madball, [Living Hell [, [Terror [, Throwdown, Most Precious Blood, Over My Dead Body, Colin Of Arabia, Champion, American Nightmare, Striking Distance,Agnostic Front, Hatebreed,Six Ft. Under, Shadows Fall, Sworn Enemy, Ringworm, Godbelow, Hoods, Buried Alive and The Distillers.

Discography

Albums

*1998 - "Last Dayz"
*2000 - "Peace & Security"
*2002 - "For God and Government"
*2003 - "Death Threat/Over My Dead Body EP "
*2004 - "Now Here Fast!"

Compilations

*1998 - "A Call For Unity 2" ("Last Dayz", from demo sessions)
*1998 - "All Systems Go" ("Who You Know")
*1998 - "The Division Has Begun" ("Forgiveness" w/ Dave from Divided By Hate)
*2000 - "Only The Strong 1999 ("Disgrace", first recording)
*2000 - "Welcome To Triple Crown Records ("Dead At Birth")
*2000 - "Scene Report ("Mizery")
*2002 - "Worldwide Tribute to the Real Oi, Vol. 2" ("King Of The Jungle" & "Poseur")
*2006 - "Bridge 9 Singles Collection, Vol. 2" (DT/OMDB split 7" included)

Videos

Hellfest 2002Hellfest 2003