Allegiance (Australian band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1990 in Perth, Western Australia, Australia |
| Defunct | 1997 |
| Headquarters | Perth , Australia |
| Products | Music albums, EPs |
Allegiance was a thrash metal band originating from Perth, Western Australia in 1990, which ceased activity in 1997. Their discography includes two full-length albums: D.e.s.t.i.t.u.t.i.o.n (1994) and Skinman (1996). According to Australian music historian Ian McFarlane, the group "achieved international recognition and attracted attention from prominent figures within the heavy metal community," combining the aggressive guitar work characteristic of San Francisco Bay Area thrash acts such as Metallica and Testament with influences reminiscent of Sepultura.
1990–94: Formation and initial EP releases
Established in Perth in 1990, Allegiance's original lineup consisted of Tony Campo (guitar), Dave Harrison (bass), Steve Hidden (guitar), Conrad Higson (drums), and John Mihos (vocals). Following Mihos's departure, Higson assumed vocal duties; Glenn Butcher replaced Dave Barry on drums, and Jason Stone took over guitar responsibilities from Hidden.
In 1991, the band independently produced and distributed a four-track cassette EP titled Make the Pledge, which sold approximately 2,000 units. That same year, they secured the Most Popular Band award at the West Australian Music Industry Awards (WAMI). February 1992 saw Allegiance perform at the Bindoon Rock festival before a crowd of 10,000. Their sophomore EP, Torn Between Two Worlds (March 1992), showcased enhanced production quality and songwriting prowess, selling 3,500 copies and earning recognition as the most popular WA cassette by local industry standards. This release garnered favorable reviews internationally across markets such as Japan, Argentina, Poland, Germany, Canada, and the United States.
In July 1992, Allegiance won the state-level Yamaha Rock competition and received an Encouragement Award during the nationally televised final on MTV. The following month, they recorded five live studio tracks that were issued as their third EP, Studio Live, limited to 500 copies which sold out rapidly.
September of that year included performances at Sydney's Hordern Pavilion during Australian Metalfest, where they were hailed as one of the country’s most compelling live acts. Their songs appeared on Def Records' compilations Australia Metal and The Western Front. Readers of Hot Metal Magazine ranked them ninth among Australian bands and fifth among emerging artists; additionally, they repeated their Most Popular Band win at WAMI.
Throughout 1993, Allegiance expanded their touring schedule with a second appearance at Bindoon Rock and participation in the national Big Day Out festival before an audience of 15,000. They also supported international bands such as Kreator and Fear Factory. Their material featured on Roadrunner Records' Australasian compilation RedRum, Studio 52's While My Guitar Gently Kills Your Mother, and a Polygram promotional cassette. International endorsement came from former Judas Priest vocalist Rob Halford, whose management company EMAS aided in elevating their global profile.
1994–97: From D.e.s.t.i.t.u.t.i.o.n through Skinman
In March 1994, Allegiance joined Halford's band Fight on a national tour and achieved placements in ten categories within the HM Magazine readers' poll, including ranking tenth among all-time best bands. The following month they secured a contract with ID Phonogram. Their debut album, D.e.s.t.i.t.u.t.i.o.n, was recorded domestically under American producer Dave Pinsky—whom they encountered while supporting the Beastie Boys—and mastered by Attie Bauw in the Netherlands, noted for his work with Fight and Judas Priest.
Released in May 1994, D.e.s.t.i.t.u.t.i.o.n debuted at number one on Western Australia's mainstream ARIA chart and remained within the top five for three consecutive weeks despite lacking mainstream radio or video promotion. The band headlined their own Destitution Tour across major state capitals while also touring nationally with Australian hard rock outfit The Poor. The album dominated local metal charts and became one of Australia's most successful hard music releases by a domestic act.
Allegiance graced the cover of HM magazine in July that year. The album received strong international critical acclaim including a KKKK rating from UK’s Kerrang!. Two music videos were produced and broadcast across multiple programs. In November 1994, they recorded Time To React – Live! live at ABC's JJJ studios before an audience; this performance was captured without overdubs to emphasize their authentic live intensity.
The year 1995 featured the release of Time To React – Live! alongside tours supporting prominent bands such as Slayer, Biohazard, Machine Head, and Channel Zero. Their appearances at both Australian and New Zealand editions of the Big Day Out festivals further cemented their position as Australia's premier metal act.
Work commenced in 1996 on their sophomore studio album Skinman, named in tribute to a late road crew member nicknamed "Skinman". Produced by John Villani—who also contributed to their debut—and recorded digitally in Western Australia, this release demonstrated musical evolution while preserving their characteristic raw energy. Distributed through Mercury Records in November, it entered the ARIA charts at number eleven.
By 1997, Allegiance continued performing alongside international artists; however internal conflicts intensified. During production of the "Give Yourself" video from Skinman, bassist Dave Harrison exited the group. Shortly thereafter, Allegiance disbanded. Harrison went on to establish traditional/power metal band Black Steel and founded Heavy Metal Merchant, an online music merchandise enterprise where he serves as CEO.
In 2016, EVP Recordings reissued D.e.s.t.i.t.u.t.i.o.n. across streaming services along with deluxe CD/DVD editions and limited vinyl pressings.
Post-breakup activities
Although Allegiance dissolved as a band, its influence persisted. A significant reunion concert took place in Perth in November 2000, reflecting enduring fan interest. Subsequent reunions occurred in 2003 for the 'NYE Kikstart' event—coinciding with their induction into the Western Australian Music Hall of Fame—and again in 2004 when they performed alongside KISS at the WACA. The group reunited once more in 2021.
Studio albums
| Title | Album information | Highest chart position |
|---|---|---|
| AUS | ||
| D.e.s.t.i.t.u.t.i.o.n |
|
87 |
| Skinman |
|
- |
Live albums
| Title | Album information | Highest chart position |
|---|---|---|
| AUS | ||
| Time to React – Live! |
|
- |
Extended plays
- Make the Pledge (October 1991) independent
- Torn Between Two Worlds (March 1992) independent
- Studio Live (October 1992) independent