Red Decibel Records

Last Crack

LAST CRACK is an unusual, almost schizophrenic metal band that came into being (1989) in Madison, Wisconsin, before dissolving in 1992 with the exception of a few reunion concerts thus far. Featuring a unique, highly emotional and charismatic vocalist as well as some superb musicianship, they were signed to Roadrunner Records and released two full length albums, ''Sinister Funkhouse #17'' and ''Burning Time'' during their existence.

The music merged accessible forms of metal with numerous other influences ranging from psychedelia, funk and blues to progressive rock. A difficult band to pigeonhole characteristically, they emerged at an interesting era for metal, when certain bands eschewed the 'stadium rock' antics of the mainstream acts while avoiding the limited range of melodicism of the developing extreme styles of metal. A close reference point would be bands such as FAITH NO MORE, KING'S X and JANE'S ADDICTION, although LAST CRACK possessed a heavier tone and were much more metallic in the rhythm department while simultaneously being more experimental. The band themselves cite acts ranging from RUSH to FEAR as influences on their sound.

As the glam-era of metal ended and the band were emerging as a critically acclaimed act with potential to become successful popularity-wise, the combination of a music label that did not know how to manage such an act, sending the band on tour with metal acts far-removed from LAST CRACK's sound and fan-base, and growing tension and inter-fighting due to bi-lateral management between the singer and the musicians, the group broke up only a few months after their highly praised ''Burning Time'' album was released.

In 1994, the band briefly reunited with a different vocalist, Shawn BROWN, releasing a little heard album entitled ''Runheadstartscreaming'', and in 2002 the original band members came together for a reunion show, followed by another reunion gig in 2009. Currently the band is in indefinite hiatus while the members continue to pursue other projects.

The band currently is defined as BUDDO on vocals, Paul SCHLUTER and Don BAKKEN on guitars, Todd WINGER on bass and Cris HAVEY on drums, who had played with them during their early pre-signed years. Phil BUERSTATTE, who played drums during the bands 'golden' years, passed away in 2013.

Biography by Prog Sothoth at Progarchives.com