Shellfin

History

The band formed in 2008 for the simple reason that founding members, Josh Bliesner from death metal/hardcore band Western Decay and James Geekie from death metal band Defamer were frustrated at the lack of stoner rock bands in Brisbane at the time. The band cites Kyuss, Monster Magnet and Electric Wizard as their main influences. The original plan for the band was to be a Live-Only project playing shows almost exclusively at local metal venues. Within 12 months, the band has developed a strong enough local following to earn the supports with Mondo Generator featuring ex-Kyuss member, Nick Oliveri and UK band Winnebago Deal.

The pressure from fans to release some of their original songs grew and the band finally relented and recorded their debut EP; Stay For Tea. For the EP launch, Shellfin supported Australian stoner rock legends, Rollerball at a dual-launch show for Rollerball's 3rd album "Submarine". Shellfin broke the venue record for most CDs sold at a launch with their EP. Stay For Tea eventually sold out within 6 months.

After the release of Stay For Tea EP, Shellfin immediately started work on their debut full-length; Secondhand Family. The success of the album landed Shellfin air time on Australian national radio station Triple J and supporting slots for High on Fire, Shihad, Church Of Misery and Unida featuring another ex-Kyuss member, John Garcia. The newfound success and workload took its toll on the band and what was originally supposed to be a fun, pub band turned into something a little more serious. Soon the commitment required for Shellfin was cutting into the personal lives which forced the founding members, Bliesner and Geekie to rebuild the band line-up.

In December 2012, Shellfin entered the home studio of the new lead singer, Douglas Bjur (Soupy LaRue) to start laying down tracks from their second album. With no new rhythm guitarist or bassist, Josh Bliesner performed all stringed instruments on the album. Amidst the recording process, audio engineering student and guitarist for Soupy LaRue (Bjur's main project) Daniel Pye joined the fray (Not The Fray, it is a colloquialism). Pye's perfectionism drove the band to new standards and although he did not perform guitar on the album (his designated role in Shellfin), his contribution was unprecedented. The album was completed in December 2014 and released digitally in February 2015.

During the mastering stage of Cities Without Names co-founding guitarist, and one of two remaining original members, Josh Bliesner, left the band citing health issues and lack of interest in performing in bands and music in general in October 2014. As a result the band performed their last live show, doubling as their Cities Without Names album launch, on 3 October 2015 in their hometown.

Discography

Current Line-up

James Geekie - Drums (2008 – 2015)
Doug Bjur - Vocals (2011 – 2015)
Daniel Pye - Live Guitars, Backing Vocals (2012 – 2015)
Alex Taubert - Bass (2013 – 2015)

Past members

Josh Bliesner - Guitars, Backing Vocals (2008 – 2014)
Catherine Andrews - Bass (2008 - 2013)
Dyob - Vocals (2009 - 2011)
Tim Dowdle - Live Guitars (2010 - 2012)
Anthony "Antz" Palmer - Vocals (2008)
Flan - Bass (2008)