Deadguy “Fixation on a Coworker” CD

So, as mentioned, I had a handful of people suddenly request some Deadguy, and here's some Deadguy. Having never been terribly fascinated by the noisier and more caustic side of the metallic hardcore genre, I have to give credit where due and state that "Fixation on a Coworker", the band's first and only full-length, did pretty much light the spark for this entire genre in 1995. It's actually quite surprising how infrequently the band gets mentioned these days with regard to the sheer number of acts biting off from that basic framework—though it's just as well, because unlike Deadguy, most of those groups eat shit.

You probably know the drill: Members from the almighty Rorschach (classic), No Escape (who I really ought to be posting about, since their split 7" with Turning Point is essential), and Lifetime; members later went on to Kiss it Goodbye and Family Man (the latter of which has yet to properly release any material); etc. (Playing Enemy is also often billed as an ex-Deadguy outfit, but I believe they're simply ex-Kiss it Goodbye. Yes? No? Anyone?) But rather than the typical and generally hollow "crazy go nuts" approach that's so popular today, Deadguy was much more of a genuine article: Creating viciously intense material that harnessed far more emotion and feeling, not to mention diversity... and a hearty dose of hyped up Amphetamine Reptile influences. Strong lyrics, too!

Deadguy "Doom Patrol"
Deadguy "Riot Stairs"

I'm surprised people are having trouble finding this record, overseas or not, as it's still easily available. If you're interested in new copies, RevHQ has some sort of weird limited edition repress with screenprinted alternate artwork. (Say what?) But anyway, I'd also definitely recommend their first two EP's, which are damn solid and available on one handy CD (I still need to pick that fucker up myself, come to think of it). Screw that "Screamin' With the Deadguy Quintet" crap, though. Recorded sans the two most crucial founding members, it's simply not the same... and I never could get into it:

RevHQ.com
Amazon.com
@ Half.com

Kiss it Goodbye is actually back in action now, apparently planning scattered shows later this year, while Family Man is allegedly recording a handful of songs to be released this year as well. So... if you dig the tunes above, keep an eye out for all of that, too.