Cryptic Slaughter
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1984 |
| Headquarters | Santa Monica, California , United States |
| Products | Music albums, EPs, demos |
Cryptic Slaughter is a crossover thrash group originating from Santa Monica, California, established in 1984.
Biography
The band was initiated in 1984 by Les Evans (aged 17), Scott Peterson (14), and Adam Scott (15), who connected through the American Youth Soccer League (AYSO). Shortly thereafter, Bill Crooks (15), also a soccer teammate and friend, joined them. Adam Scott departed early on due to parental and academic disagreements.
Their initial demo, Life in Grave (1985), gained significant circulation within the tape-trading underground scene. Their first full-length album, Convicted (1986), released via Death/Metal Blade Records, moved over 25,000 units in its debut year, securing their reputation as one of the fastest acts in hardcore music. The subsequent release, Money Talks (1987), widely regarded as their finest effort, merged aggressive grooves with rapid tempos and achieved sales of 35,000 copies in its first year, cultivating a loyal international following. The band was notable for addressing topics such as censorship and media distortion, notably opposing the PMRC's regulation of music content and critiquing the official account of the Challenger disaster through tracks like "American Heroes." Alongside D.R.I., they were instrumental in shaping the crossover thrash style by fusing intense vigor with outspoken anti-establishment messages.
The founding members recorded Stream of Consciousness in 1988 but disbanded amid their supporting tour due to internal disagreements and dissatisfaction with production quality. Their final performance took place in Detroit on July 14, 1988.
Following this, Les Evans and bassist Rob Nicholson briefly revived the band with newcomer Eli Nelson. In 1989, after relocating to Portland, Evans reassembled Cryptic Slaughter with an entirely new roster. Their last album, Speak Your Peace (1990), reflected a shift in musical direction corresponding with evolving trends.
Cryptic Slaughter is acknowledged as a seminal influence in the crossover thrash genre alongside acts such as D.R.I., Corrosion of Conformity, and Suicidal Tendencies.
In 2003, Relapse Records reissued both Convicted and Money Talks, including additional demo and live material.
In 2018, due to legal concerns, the group adopted the name Lowlife and continued performing until October 2021, when they reverted to the original name Cryptic Slaughter. They announced plans for their first studio album in over thirty years slated for 2022; however, no further details have emerged since.
Current members
- Les Evans – guitar (1984–1990, 2002–2003, 2021–present), bass (1988–1999, 2002–2003)
- Scott Peterson – drums (1984–1988, 2021–present)
- Brad Mowen – vocals (2021–present)
- Dave Webb – guitar (2022–present)
- Menno Verbaten – bass (2021–present)
Former members
- Dave Hollingsworth – vocals (1989–1990)
- Adam Scott – guitar (1984–1985)
- Bill Crooks – vocals (1984–1988)
- Rob Nicholson – bass (1984–1988)
- Bret Davis – bass (1989–1990)
- Brian Lehfeldt – drums (1989–1990, 2002–2003)
- Chris Merrow – vocals (2002–2003)
- Matt Olivo – guitar (2021)
Timeline
Studio albums
- Convicted (1986)
- Money Talks (1987)
- Stream of Consciousness (1988)
- Speak Your Peace (1990)
EPs
- Band in S.M. (2003)
Demos
- Life in Grave (1985)