Crisis (metal band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1993 in New York City, United States |
| Founder | Karyn Crisis, Afzaal Nasiruddeen, Gia Chuan Wang, Fred Waring III |
| Headquarters | New York City (original), later Los Angeles , United States |
| Products | Music albums |
Crisis was a heavy metal group originating from New York City in 1993, founded by vocalist Karyn Crisis, guitarist Afzaal Nasiruddeen, bassist Gia Chuan Wang, and drummer Fred Waring III. Throughout the band’s discography, Karyn, Nasiruddeen, and Wang remained constant members, while several drummers succeeded Waring after his departure in 1996. The final ensemble featured second guitarist Jwyanza Hobson, who joined in 1998, along with drummer Justin Arman, added in 2005. Renowned for intricate compositions that merged diverse musical influences, the band resisted straightforward genre classification.
Their initial release, 8 Convulsions, came out in 1993 and achieved sales exceeding 1,000 cassette units before Too Damn Hype Records reissued it on CD in 1994. In 1995, Crisis secured a three-album contract with Metal Blade Records, under which they released Deathshead Extermination (1996) and The Hollowing (1997). Due to insufficient label support, they parted ways with Metal Blade. After moving to Los Angeles, the group briefly changed their name to Skullsick Nation between 2001 and 2002, experimenting with a more mainstream sound. Returning to the name Crisis, they later signed with The End Records and released their last album, Like Sheep Led to Slaughter (2004). The band went on indefinite hiatus in May 2006.
Formation and 8 Convulsions (1993–1994)
In March 1993, Crisis was established in New York City by vocalist Karyn Crisis, guitarist Afzaal Nasiruddeen (also known as Afzaal Deen), bassist Gia Chuan Wang, and drummer Fred Waring III. Nasiruddeen and Waring had previously played together in Stalwart and aimed to create a heavy band fronted by a female singer capable of delivering emotionally intense performances—something they believed was uncommon at that time. Karyn Crisis joined after auditioning with her lyrics for "Drilling Me," shaping her vocal approach around this song. Her addition led to the replacement of original bassist Greg Mohr, who declined to continue playing with a female vocalist; Wang was recruited through an advertisement placed in a newspaper.
Initially facing difficulty booking gigs due to their atypical lineup, Crisis made their live debut at CBGB following an invitation from Virgil Moorefield, drummer of Swans. Within months of forming, the band recorded a three-track demo titled Home, followed by five additional songs that comprised their debut album 8 Convulsions. They toured along the U.S. East Coast for two years and sold over 1,000 cassette copies despite originally planning the release as merely a demo. In October 1994, Too Damn Hype Records reissued 8 Convulsions on CD. Shortly thereafter, Crisis signed a three-album deal with Metal Blade Records in June 1995.
Deathshead Extermination and The Hollowing (1995–1997)
Following an eighteen-month tour supporting 8 Convulsions, Crisis began crafting material for their sophomore album, Deathshead Extermination. The songwriting process evolved into a collaborative effort between Karyn and Nasiruddeen that expanded the band's sonic diversity. Recorded in October 1995, the album was released in March 1996. Around this period, Crisis embarked on a three-week preparatory tour alongside Pro-Pain. Prior to a subsequent nine-week U.S. tour with Pro-Pain and Voivod later that year, drummer Waring departed to focus on personal matters. Temporary drumming duties were handled by Roy Mayorga and then Scott Bates of Gorgon; however, Bates left due to creative disagreements.
With no permanent drummer secured, Karyn, Nasiruddeen, and Wang contemplated employing a drum machine or initiating a side project while continuing their search for a replacement. Ultimately maintaining themselves as a trio, they recorded their third album, The Hollowing, utilizing a "human drum machine" concept devised by Nasiruddeen. Multiple drummers—including Waring, Mayorga, Chris Hamilton, and Jason Bittner—contributed across various tracks allowing for stylistic experimentation. Karyn attributed this method with reinvigorating the band's creativity during a difficult phase. Guest musicians featured Norman Westberg of Swans and Sammy "Pierre" Duet from Acid Bath. After completing the album, Bittner became Crisis’s full-time drummer.
The Hollowing was launched in Europe on September 22, 1997, followed by its U.S. release on October 7. Subsequently, the band embarked on their inaugural European tour supporting the , then continued touring within the United States.
Transitional phase and Skullsick Nation era (1998–2002)
In 1998, Crisis ended their contract with Metal Blade Records, citing inadequate support from the label. That year, they produced a six-track demo with Keith Falgout and contributed the tracks "Methodology" and a rendition of Twisted Sister's "Captain Howdy" to Dee Snider's Strangeland (1998). By December 1998, guitarist Jwyanza Hobson joined the lineup, enabling Nasiruddeen to explore melodic ideas while retaining the band's heavy sound. According to Karyn, this addition allowed bassist Wang to focus on more conventional bass lines as the guitars emphasized atmosphere and rhythm. In 1999, Tony Costanza, formerly of Machine Head, was brought in as the drummer. After completing a farewell tour in late 1999, Crisis moved from New York City to Los Angeles early in 2000 due to insufficient label backing on the East Coast and with plans to potentially launch their own label. Karyn remarked that relocating to Los Angeles offered them the chance to "live more normal lives" and pursue interests beyond the band without external pressures.
Costanza expressed dissatisfaction with Los Angeles and departed in March 2001 to join Crowbar in New Orleans. Following his exit, Crisis utilized a drum machine for composing new material, which led to more streamlined and structured compositions. By March 2001, they had recruited a new drummer and composed four new songs. Karyn explained that drummers succeeding Waring—including Costanza—found it challenging to perform the complex rhythms characteristic of earlier tracks, prompting a shift in songwriting away from the original "Crisis" style. After dismissing both management and their drummer, Crisis entered a hiatus while searching for an appropriate replacement.
In December 2001, the band rebranded themselves as Skullsick Nation and added drummer Christopher Olivas. Karyn noted that this name change preserved the authenticity of their earlier music since they were no longer performing songs under the Crisis moniker. Skullsick Nation made their debut at Hollywood’s Troubadour on January 4, 2002, followed by several California shows through May. In July, both Karyn and Nasiruddeen contributed as session musicians on Debris Inc.'s debut album. By September 2002, Skullsick Nation had completed a three-song demo titled Dead to the World, produced by Roy Mayorga. Although Karyn later described these tracks as "more boring and unexplorative" compared to earlier Crisis material, she credited Skullsick Nation with reinvigorating her approach to songwriting. Nasiruddeen added that this period allowed them to delve into melodic aspects that were not feasible during their New York tenure.
Like Sheep Led to Slaughter period (2003–2005)
In December 2002, Crisis reinstated their original name and brought in drummer Marshall Kilpatric, formerly of Today is the Day. Plans were set in March 2003 to record a new album with producer Billy Anderson scheduled for June. However, Kilpatric missed key deadlines for undisclosed reasons and was subsequently replaced by Josh Florian in April 2003. By December 2003, Crisis secured a two-album contract with The End Records. Their fourth and final album, Like Sheep Led to Slaughter, was completed by January 2004 and released on May 25, 2004 through The End Records alongside their own Children of Rage Records imprint. Music videos for "Blood Burden" and "Waking the Dead" premiered on MTV2's Headbanger's Ball.
Following performances in New York during April, Crisis embarked on a U.S. tour supporting Soulfly and Ill Niño from July 30 through September 17, 2004. Subsequently, from late September until November, they joined Kittie and Otep on the Metal Movement Tour. Just two days before this tour commenced, Florian underwent emergency appendix surgery; despite his absence, the band continued performing. Original drummer Waring returned temporarily during this period while a permanent replacement was sought but was unable to master new material due to limited preparation time. In November 2004, Crisis announced plans for a DVD entitled Signatures of Survival, featuring early live shows and studio footage; however, its release was postponed from spring 2005 until 2006 by The End Records.
In January 2005, Australian drummer Ryan Ball joined but was dismissed after only three rehearsals because of immigration complications and personality conflicts. Two weeks following his departure, Ball was arrested related to an armed robbery incident in Pennsylvania. February saw Crisis canceling a scheduled tour with 3 Inches of Blood due to bassist Gia Chuan Wang’s daughter's birth. In March, they performed at Japan’s Independence-D festival and at SXSW in Austin with former Society 1 drummer Justin Arman filling in. By April 2005, Arman officially joined Crisis as they commenced work on their fifth album targeting an early 2006 release.
June 2005 featured Crisis opening for M.O.D. and Jacknife during the Killith Fair Tour across various U.S. cities. In September of that year, Wang departed citing family obligations; auditions for a new bassist were planned for November. From October through November 2005, Crisis toured North America alongside Exodus and 3 Inches of Blood with bassist Nick Weitzel filling in during this period.
Indefinite hiatus (2006–present)
At the close of 2005, Karyn Crisis departed from the group and moved away from Los Angeles. On May 2, 2006, she declared an indefinite pause for the band, attributing this decision to personal and artistic endeavors. This announcement left the fate of their fifth studio album, DVD release, and the Children of Rage label unclear. Karyn characterized the separation as friendly, with each member opting to pursue their own individual interests. She withdrew from the music scene for several years, citing fatigue caused by industry pressures and dissatisfaction with frequent comparisons to other female-led bands. During this period, she focused on painting and creating leather goods.
In 2007, Nasiruddeen and Hobson established The Angels Whispered Danger, collaborating with members from Eyes of Fire. Although initially hesitant, Karyn began work on a solo project in Italy in 2008 alongside Davide Tiso of Ephel Duath, whom she eventually married. She also launched the band Good God with Anderson, Aaron Gregory, Clay Powers, and Iain Deaderick. By 2011, Karyn had taken on vocal duties for Ephel Duath, and in 2014 she initiated the doom metal venture Karyn Crisis' Gospel of the Witches with Tiso. In 2024, Nasiruddeen and Waring formed Master's Ashes together with former members of Voivod, White Zombie, Crowbar, and Convalescence.
Musical style, influences and lyrics
Crisis has been categorized within genres such as avant-garde metal, death metal, and progressive metal. Both Karyn and Nasiruddeen described their musical approach as "experimental metal." Renowned for intricate compositions and multi-layered songwriting, Crisis fused elements from industrial music, hardcore punk, extreme metal subgenres like thrash and grindcore, avant-garde styles, and noise music.
Their album Deathshead Extermination leaned heavily into death metal territory; meanwhile, The Hollowing incorporated Middle Eastern motifs and was noted for a denser, more foreboding atmosphere. Under the name Skullsick Nation, the band adopted a style that was comparatively more accessible. Amy Sciarretto of CMJ New Music Report classified their Dead to the World demo as a blend of rock 'n' roll and stoner rock influences. The release Like Sheep to Slaughter demonstrated an experimental take on metalcore.
Karyn Crisis’s vocal delivery spans clean singing as well as intense screaming, growling, groaning, whispering, crooning, and high-pitched squeals. Her commanding stage presence earned her the affectionate fan-given title "Exorsister."
Influences
The members of Crisis drew inspiration from a wide array of musical sources. Nasiruddeen, originally hailing from Pakistan, was shaped by Sufi music traditions alongside British heavy metal pioneers such as Iron Maiden, Motörhead, and Diamond Head. After moving to Chicago in 1982, he embraced early industrial acts including Cabaret Voltaire and Swans, also gaining experience as a DJ specializing in industrial, post-punk, gothic rock, and new wave styles. Karyn highlighted Swans guitarist Norman Westberg, who contributed to both Deathshead Extermination and The Hollowing, as a major guitar influence for Nasiruddeen. Her own musical evolution transitioned from classical piano and violin training toward pop and industrial genres.
Karyn acknowledged artists like Björk, Cocteau Twins, Cranes, Diamanda Galás, Suzanne Vega, Sinéad O'Connor, the Sugarcubes, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Skinny Puppy, and Z'EV among her stylistic inspirations. In 1997 she named Dax Riggs of Acid Bath as her preferred vocalist. Founding drummer Fred Waring III—grandson of Fred Waring—infused jazz elements into Crisis’s sound through his tutelage under Steve Gadd. Trombonist Wang merged classical training with influences drawn from death metal bands like Ministry as well as composer Igor Stravinsky. Hobson cited groups such as Black Sabbath and the Melvins among his favorites while acknowledging Leeway as an inspiration.
The German experimental collective Einstürzende Neubauten played a pivotal role in shaping Crisis’s approach. Nasiruddeen credited them with influencing the band’s "organic" and freeform musical style. Karyn regarded their albums Halber Mensch (1985) and Fünf auf der nach oben offenen Richterskala (1987) as profoundly impactful works that inspired her dark artistic expression through vocalist Blixa Bargeld’s performances.
Lyrics
Joel McIver noted that Crisis distinguished themselves through lyrics that boldly confronted both personal and societal challenges. Andrew Sample from Metal Maniacs characterized the band's Metal Blade Records-era lyrics as "apocalyptic," addressing not only global catastrophes but also intimate and physical struggles. In contrast to their other works, 8 Convulsions does not follow a single overarching theme; Nasiruddeen explained the title reflects how "each track represents a distinct convulsion." Jesse Rutherford of Terrorizer described this album as a "burst of aggression." Karyn revealed in an interview with Lollipop Magazine that all songs on Deathshead Extermination explore themes of emotional decay, paranoia, or intense anger. The Hollowing draws from Karyn's own experiences, focusing on battling inner demons, either subduing or eliminating them before moving forward. The album Skullsick Nation delves into issues of diversity and social justice within the United States, while Like Sheep Led to Slaughter confronts topics such as warfare, authoritarian control, abuse of authority, fabricated histories, and sexual violence.
In a 2005 discussion with Peace Dog Man, Karyn described her lyric composition approach as highly intellectual, beginning with a single word or image and thoroughly investigating it through research. She stressed how selecting words with precision is crucial for effectively expressing emotions and ideas.
Band members
Final lineup
- Karyn Crisis – vocals (1993–2005)
- Afzaal Nasiruddeen – guitar (1993–2006)
- Jwyanza Hobson – guitar (1998–2006)
- Justin Arman – drums (2005–2006)
Touring/session musicians
- Roy Mayorga – drums (touring 1996; session 1997)
- Chris Hamilton – drums (session 1997)
- Nick Weitzel – bass (touring 2005)
Former members
- Gia Chuan Wang – bass (1993–2005)
- Fred Waring III – drums (1993–1996; session 1997; touring 2004)
- Scott Bates – drums (1996–1997)
- Jason Bittner – drums (1997–1999)
- Tony Costanza – drums (1999–2001; died 2020)
- Christopher Olivas – drums (2001–2002)
- Marshall Kilpatric – drums (2002–2003)
- Joshua Florian – drums (2003–2004)
Timeline
Studio albums
| Title | Details |
|---|---|
| 8 Convulsions |
|
| Deathshead Extermination |
|
| The Hollowing |
|
| Like Sheep Led to Slaughter |
|
Music videos
| Title | Year | Director | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Different Ways of Decay" | 1996 | Elana Columbo | Deathshead Extermination |
| "Blood Burden" | 2004 | Darren Doane | Like Sheep Led to Slaughter |
| "Waking the Dead" (version 1) | N/A | ||
| "Waking the Dead" (version 2) | 2005 | Nicole Phillips |
External links
- Crisis on Bandcamp
- Crisis via Metal Blade Records
- Musical groups originating from New York City
- Avant-garde metal bands
- Death metal bands
- Progressive metal bands
- Musical groups formed in 1993
- Musical groups disbanded in 2006
- Artists signed to Metal Blade Records
- Artists signed to The End Records
- Female-led musical groups
- Musical groups disestablished in 2006