Earth Crisis

Initial career (1989–1995)

The band originally formed in 1989, but its initial lineup was short-lived. Karl Buechner, originally their bassist, formed a new lineup of the band in 1991, switching to lead vocals in the process. Buechner was joined by guitarists Scott Crouse and Ben Read, bassist Ian "Bulldog" Edwards and drummer Michael Riccardi.

1992's three song EP All Out War marked their debut release and established the band in hardcore punk and metalcore circles. The next year, Riccardi was replaced by Dennis Merrick for Firestorm; Kris Wiechmann joined shortly thereafter to replace Read. Destroy the Machines, their first full-length record, was released in 1995. Later this year, the band's touring van was involved in an accident that injured all band members, most severely Merrick. During his recovery time, the other band members began the group Path of Resistance with Riccardi and other friends to remain occupied.

Destroy the Machines was a particularly influential album for the emerging metalcore genre. In guitarist Scott Crouse's words: It was a very mixed reaction. I'm often quoted as saying that Earth Crisis was the first hardcore band with a metal sound. Of course we weren't the first, but I think we definitely took it to another level. We heard a lot of, 'These guys are trying to be Pantera,' which we all took as a great compliment!

Subsequent years and breakup: (1996–2001)

1996's Gomorrah's Season Ends brought a more complex and developed form of metalcore. Their popularity grew, resulting in a deal with Roadrunner Records, and the band released Breed the Killers in 1998, the first with guitarist Erick Edwards (bassist Ian Edwards's brother) replacing Wiechmann. The album also featured a guest appearance by Machine Head vocalist and guitarist Robb Flynn. The band later returned to Victory Records, releasing 2000's Slither soon after. With clear and professional production, it surprised some listeners and introduced the band's music to a wider audience. Their final album before their breakup was 2001's Last of the Sane, which included cover versions of songs by The Rolling Stones, Slayer, Led Zeppelin, Cream and Dead Kennedys.

In 2001, Earth Crisis played the final show of their initial career at Hellfest in Syracuse. After the band's breakup in 2001, Buechner began singing for Freya, a band named for the Norse goddess of fertility.

Reformation (2007–2009)

On March 27, 2007, the reunited Earth Crisis played the Maryland Metal and Hardcore Festival. Although it was originally planned as a one-off concert, numerous American and European dates followed thereafter. Earth Crisis headlined the Firestorm Fest in early 2008.

On September 10, 2008 it was announced that they had signed a worldwide deal with Century Media. They entered the studio on October 16, 2008 to record a new record, and Tue Madsen was hired to mix the project. The finished album, To the Death, was released in Europe on April 20, 2009 and in North America on May 5, 2009.

In August and September 2009, Earth Crisis played America and Europe on the Hell on Earth Tour, alongside Sworn Enemy, Neaera, Waking the Cadaver, War of Ages, Thy Will Be Done and War from a Harlots Mouth.

Latest releases: (2010–present)

In March 2010, they announced that drummer Andy Hurley of Fall Out Boy and formerly Racetraitor would serve as a touring musician for a portion of the band's upcoming tour, as Merrick will only be available for certain dates.

In July 2011, Earth Crisis released their seventh studio album, Neutralize the Threat. The album was mixed and mastered by Zeuss. The tracks "Raise" and "Total War" were released online as an album teaser.

Earth Crisis released their eighth studio album Salvation of Innocents on March 4, 2014.

Members

Discography