Hardcore History Lesson
In the 1980's, it was often difficult for a
hardcore band to record and release their music. Few record labels were
willing to release a hardcore record, and the ones that were willing to (SST,
Dischord, Alternative Tentacles, etc.) were limited financially and could only
release a select few bands. Since many hardcore bands in the 1980's were not
from wealthy backgrounds, in most cases the bands didn't have the financial
resources to release their own records. Distributors were not interested in
hardcore and many record stores wouldn't stock hardcore records, causing great
difficulties for bands that wanted to get their music heard.
Due to the difficulties many bands of that era faced, many bands were "lost"
forever. Bands who were very good, but only recorded a demo or only appeared
on a compilation are often forgotten by everyone, despite being as good or
sometimes better than their better known contemporaries who were lucky enough
to have the opportunity to release records
The PSYCHOS were unquestionably one of the best bands of their era.
Their classic old school New York hardcore sound was heavily BAD BRAINS
influenced and would appeal to those who like early AGNOSTIC FRONT, CAUSE FOR
ALARM, URBAN WASTE, and other bands that play the classic early 80's style.
However, due to their lack of recorded output they have been forgotten buy
nearly everyone.
Plagued throughout their history by frequent lineup changes, the PSYCHOS
missed out on the opportunities many other bands received. Based around
guitarist Stu and drummer Billy Psycho, the PSYCHOS changed vocalists
and bassists on a regular basis. Obviously, this prevented the PSYCHOS
from playing live as frequently as other bands. Their frequent lineup changes,
combined with lack of finances or label interest prevented them from recording
much material. The PSYCHOS unstable nature also caused many members to
leave and join other bands.
Roger Miret, an early member of the PSYCHOS left to become vocalist for
Agnostic Front. At the time, the PSYCHOS were a better and more popular
band than AGNOSTIC FRONT, so it was a risky move for MIRET to leave a better
band to join a still-developing band. Miret took two PSYCHOS songs he
had written, "Discriminate Me" and "Fight," and brought them with him to
AGNOSTIC FRONT. Both songs ended up on AGNOSTIC FRONT's classic debut 7", "United
Blood."
NYC speed metallers ANTHRAX were such huge fans of the PSYCHOS that
when guitarist Scott Ian was looking for a vocalist for a side-project, he got
the PSYCHOS' Billy Milano to fill the role. The band, STORMTROOPERS OF
DEATH (S.O.D.) became one of the most popular (and controversial) crossover
bands ever because of their classic record, "Speak English or Die" and the
controversy surrounding it's extremely politically incorrect lyrics. Milano's
subsequent, band, METHOD OF DESTRUCTION (M.O.D.) continued on in a similar
vein.
The PSYCHOS formed in the early 80's and their only recording was their
1984 demo. The six-song demo included songs attacking narrow mindedness ("Barriers"),
prejudice ("Blind Ignorance"), and even video games ("Pac Man"). The demo's
high point is the oi influenced unity anthem, "One Voice," one of the all-time
classics of New York hardcore.
The only vinyl appearance by the PSYCHOS was on the 1985 "One Big Crowd"
compilation on Javi Savage's Big City Records label, which included hardcore
bands from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. "Before" by the PSYCHOS
is arguably the best song on the record, which is notable for including many
other "lost" NYHC bands like ARMED CITIZENS, ULTRAVIOLENCE, SHOK, and KRIEG
KOPF. Other bands on the record were SHEER TERROR (their vinyl debut), VIOLENT
CHILDREN (featuring a pre-YOUTH OF TODAY Ray Cappo on drums), VATICAN
COMMANDOS (MOBY's old band), ADRENALIN O.D., and many others.
The PSYCHOS ever-changing lineup reached the point of ridiculousness in
1985, sometimes having a different lineup at every show, with Stu and Billy
Psycho the only constant members. In early 1985, the PSYCHOS added new
vocalist Carl (briefly a member of AGNOSTIC FRONT) and then broke up after one
show with him at Danceteria. At the end of the summer, the PSYCHOS
reunited with a new bassist, Sean. After only one show with that lineup, Carl
left (and later formed his own band THE ICEMEN) and was replaced by Tommy "Rat
Poison" DeRosa, who debuted at a show several weeks later, the bands third
lineup in three consecutive shows.
Tommy had been involved in the New York hardcore scene since the early 80's.
His first band, RAT POISON, formed in 1983 with the original lineup of Tommy
on vocals, guitarist Tito, bassist Adam Mucci (original member of MURPHY'S LAW,
who also played on the first AGNOSTIC FRONT 7"), and ex-AGNOSTIC FRONT drummer
Ray "Raybeez" Barbieri. Adam left shortly before the band's first show and was
replaced by Roger Miret. Roger left a short time later and a new lineup was
formed, along with a name change to WARZONE. The band remained together until
1985, when Tommy left to join the PSYCHOS. A recording of the original
band was made, but like many recordings of it's time, never had the
opportunity to be released. Raybeez, who had been singing in his side project
SKINHEAD YOUTH, with Todd Youth and occasionally Billy Psycho, took over
WARZONE's vocals and ex-ULTRAVIOLENCE drummer Charlie Rage took over Ray's
spot as drummer.
Although Tommy seemed like a perfect fit for the PSYCHOS, the
PSYCHOS broke up for good in 1986.
Although they are long gone and very few of their recordings are available
anymore, the PSYCHOS are of the most influential New York hardcore
bands ever.
The bands the PSYCHOS influenced, such as AGNOSTIC FRONT and SICK OF IT
ALL went on to influence several generations of hardcore bands. Although
forgotten by most, their influence lives on.
Hardcore History Lesson written by: Brian D. Satan
